A Fresh Wash

Pregnant clouds, cool breezes, the pitter-patter of rain, a newly washed sky and an abundance of greenery! Monsoon is truly a magical time. The sky may be dreary and grey, it’s true, but the sombre mood doesn’t need to cast a cloud over your home and hearth. If the wardrobe gets a change with the season, why shouldn’t home decor get one to drive away monsoon blues?

Colour me bright. Colour affects a person’s mood, emotions and health. Each colour permeates an energy all its own and —by stimulating the pituitary and pineal glands—can influence thoughts, behaviour and the endeavour to work. So bye-bye dull colours that make a room damp and drab. And hello deep red, sunny yellow, sea green, aqua blue, hot pink and tangerine orange. Since big-ticket jobs such as painting and wallpapering are best put off till after the monsoon, consider adding streaks of colour across the house—perhaps a change of curtains, a zippy new rug, some cushions to perk up the sofa set? Drape bright fabric across your sofa or get your neighbourhood tailor to sew vivid slipcovers. You’ll see that the addition of colour to any room can transform the atmosphere.


To get your living room rain -ready, clean and put away heavy carpets, and bring out light rugs and durries. A moisturising clean-up may be a good idea to keep your leather furniture supple and safe.

Bring out the accessories. Colour doesn’t have to be in big patches only; small spots, courtesy accessories, work well too. Think vases, pots, paintings, photo frames, candles and so on. Bring out the metalware—brass and copper tend to add a spot of shine and cheer to a room. Put away the blues and blacks when it comes to bed linen; opt for bright bedspreads in a variety of hues, designs and textures. Floral prints in bold colours create a spring-like feel despite the rainy weather. Heavy draperies and curtains can be put away in favour of sheers and lace. Ensure that the lighting creates a warm atmosphere—soft yellow lights create a mellow ambience that goes with the pitter-patter of rain. Don’t forget colourful flowers—in vases, glasses, mugs and tureens—to create a happy atmosphere.


The moisture-laden air tends to make wooden floors warp. Give them a thorough cleaning, followed by a coat of wax.

Green the verandah. The monsoon is the perfect time to transform your balcony into a green haven. Pick up the right planters—clay, terracotta, concrete, ceramic or plastic. The pots should be large and should have drainage holes at the bottom. Choose a general-purpose potting soil at your local nursery and seek the gardener’s help when choosing plants. The decision depends on the amount of sunlight and shade the balcony gets, the height each plant will reach, the amount of space, and how green-thumbed you are! Don’t miss planting herbs such as basil, mint, coriander, lemongrass, curry leaf and aloe vera. Consider a water feature such as a fountain, bird bath or flowing water sculpture. We list a few important fixes that you should consider to get your house rain-ready:

    Begin with the most important thing before the rains—waterproofing of the roof. In case exterior walls are showing signs of seepage, get them repaired. Don’t miss tile joints in bathrooms and kitchen.
    Wooden floors tend to warp owing to the moisture-laden air. Give them a thorough cleaning, followed by a coat of wax, before the monsoon sets in.
    Roll up rugs in polythene and store them away until the rains are gone. This will protect from water and insects.
    The best way to protect upholstery, rugs and soft furnishing, from the damp is to give them a good airing in the sun before the monsoon sets in.
    Carpets need extra care if you aren’t putting them away—you need to tackle dirt and the moisture that finds its way into the fibres. Invest in a good quality cleaner.
    The rainy season tends to bring out termites in droves. Check the house for signs of an infestation; if you spot one, get it tackled professionally.
    Ventilation is essential during monsoon to keep your home free of humidity and the feeling of dampness. Ensure there’s enough cross-ventilation, fresh air and sunlight coming in.
    Keep mildew away by ensuring areas (specially bathrooms and kitchens) are clean and dry. Keep doors open to ensure the rooms dry out thoroughly.
    If you have a huge collection of books, keep the space spotlessly clean to keep away silverfish, cockroaches and book lice. Controlling moisture and dust discourages the growth of fungus, mould and mildew.
    Clean up the windows to ensure a great view. Put away the heavy curtains, bring out the lace and sheers, and fancy tiebacks (ribbons, strings of shells, beads and brooches) to let in the light.
    Perhaps it’s time to invest in a tumble dryer to ensure that your home doesn’t get damp and musty, thanks to the numerous clothes that need drying space.
    To avoid a musty closet, store camphor (it soaks moisture) amid your clothes. Neem leaves keep silverfish at bay.
    Create scented sachets for your closets—the mix of herbs, dried flowers, essential oils and spices lightly scent your clothing and take care of the stale smell. A quick do-it-yourself recipe: fill small muslin/cloth bags with cloves, dried orange peels, dried flowers, herbs, and spritz with a dab of essential oil!
    Create a nautical corner in an open area —put together a water body, some sea shells, a model sailboat and some sea salts. Add some aromatherapy candles.
    Put up a couple of rain chains, a beautiful outdoor home accent, in your verandah or terrace. The water flowing through decorative cups and links is gorgeous as is the melodious sound they produce.

A few checks and you’ll be all set to enjoy steaming hot cups of chai and pakoras by the window seat. Let the showers come down, but don’t let the monsoon rain on your parade!