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The onset of monsoons also brings the concerns for your home interiors. Leakages, cracks, moisture is common in most houses of Indian families. Designers who deal with such concerns of their clients share that a proper care, prevention and planning in advance can actually prevent most of the spaces remain safe throughout the rainy days.
To start with it, choosing a right paint is a necessity. Getting a fresh coat of paint - choosing waterproof paint is a good strategy to prevent damage to your walls before the monsoon arrives. Paints with thick finish is the best to keep water off the walls. This is a smart idea of course for prevention before mon- soons, at the same time it will also keep the home appear clean and fresh. However, it is crucial to finish the painting in advance before the monsoon arrives.
To go ahead with prevention, other things that needs to be taken care are walls decors, windows, furniture, curtains, outdoor space, light. For rugs, upholstery, curtains, and cushions, choosing materials that are water resistant (such as vegan leather) or choosing fabrics that are washable or dry-cleanable will keep the home interior fresh even in damp rainy weather.
According to the interior designers, one crucial practice for homeowners is proofing the interior and exterior spaces much ahead of the rainy days. Rashi Bothra, Founder- Interior designer at Azure Interiors said, “To ensure your space is monsoon-proof, there are some effective measures that can be adapted like using waterproof coatings and seal- ants for walls and roofs. The most affected areas in monsoons are walls. Consider adding wall cladding with moisture-resistant materials like PVC or vinyl. The use anti-mildew or waterproof paint for walls and ceilings helps in preventing mould growth. Weather stripping around windows and doors prevents water from entering. While opting for upholstery material one should go for synthetic fabrics or treated upholstery that resists moisture.
“In monsoons, carpets tend to trap moisture and become mouldy. For moisture-resistant flooring con- sider using tiles, vitrified tiles, or laminate flooring that is less affected by moisture. By implementing these monsoon-proofing ideas, you can ensure your home remains comfort- able, dry, and safe throughout the rainy season,” said Ruchi Gehani, Founder - Interior Designers at Azure Interiors
“In my approach to mon- soon-proofing interiors, I merge timeless design principles with practical solutions to ensure spac- es are resilient and aesthetically compelling. The utilization of ro- bust, organic materials—like stone and solid wood—chosen for their resilience to moisture is essential to this approach. These materials offer a strong basis for long-lasting design in addition to giving spaces a feeling of timeless appeal,” shared Meera Pyarelal, Founder & Interior Designer- Temple Town.
Blend Of Practicality & Aesthetics
While proofing your interiors it is also important to ensure the appeal of the space is not lost. Designers have cited several such measures which will keep your space.
“Monsoon-proofing a luxury home involves a blend of practical measures and aesthetic considerations to ensure the home remains both beautiful and protected from heavy rains and high humidity. There are several practices that can be adopted to safeguard your home in the rainy season. Homeowners can place dehumidifiers in areas that are prone to high humidity to prevent mould and mildew growth,” said Rishabh Kapoor, Founder – Interior Designer at Design Deconstruct.
Monica Chadha, Founder Interior Designer at Design Deconstruct said, “Aesthetic and functional enhancements like integrating stylish awnings and overhangs to protect windows and doors from direct rain impact while adding to the home’s aesthetic appeal. Using decorative rain chains instead of traditional downspouts to direct rainwater from the roof to the ground in an aesthetically pleasing way is a great solution for storing rainwater as well. Landscaping plays an essential role in monsoons.”
“Plant lovers should choose native plants that are adapted to local rainfall patterns and require less maintenance during the monsoon. It’s the idle time to create rain gar- dens with water-tolerant plants to manage runoff and enhance the landscape. By combining these structural, interior, and landscaping measures, luxury homes can be well-prepared to withstand the monsoon season while maintaining their elegance and functionality,” added Monica Chadda
Maintaining Cheerful Vibes
A positive vibe from your interior makes a lot of difference to your mood. During monsoon it is not just about to keep the interior prevented, however also about lighting up the mood with the décor, its colour element. There are lot of ideas that can be adopted for this as per the designers.
Shagun Singh – Lead Interior Designer – Homework Interior Studio says, “During rainy days, regular décor may not be as appealing and one may want a change to brighten up the mood. Bringing in colourful cushion covers, curtains, bedsheets etc. add a contrast to the gloomy weather outside. Colours like or- ange, pink, and bright yellow help in giving the space a more open look. Plants are an eco-friendly way to add positive interiors which include ferns, lilies, or snake plants to help bring outdoor nature into the house. Adding scented candles also helps in keeping the house fresh and vibrant. To compliment the home décor, moisture resistant fabrics such as leather, cotton blends, polyester, and nylon are recommended. One can also invest in vinyl or PVC fabrics for their waterproof properties.” According to her, during rainy season, soft and warm lighting can provide cozy surroundings. Warm- toned light bulbs or dimmable lighting fixtures that allow to adjust brightness are an innovative and eco-friendly way to enhance the atmosphere; additionally lighting up the corners can help create a comfortable space."
“When choosing fabrics, I give equal weight to aesthetics and utility. Breathability and moisture resistance are key features of fabrics like mixes of cotton and linen, which provide comfort even in humid environments. Earthy colour schemes that effectively hide any moisture stains while fostering a cozy and welcoming ambiance go well with these selections. The over-all aesthetic appeal is enhanced by rich accents in jewel tones, which provide depth and visual interest,” said Meera Pyarela.
“Mix textures like wool, cotton, and velvet for throws and cushions to create a warm and inviting space. Heavy, moisture-resistant fabrics for curtains keep dampness out and add luxury. Layer smaller, plush rugs on larger, moisture-resistant ones for added comfort and style. Use cozy flannel sheets and quilted bedspreads for a snuggly retreat,” said Shabbir H. Lilamwala added Founder, Principal Architect at Homework Design.
Decor Tips To Brighten Up Your Homes This Monsoon
- Bring out all your vases and empty bottles and fill them up with the colours of the monsoon. Fill them up with flowers that will keep the room fresh.
- Leave a sleek vase or basket at your front door, so your friends and family don’t leave a water trail when they enter your home.
- Changing your cushion covers is the easiest way to keep your de- cor fresh and preppy. Swap your greys, blues and dark hues for bright
- shades of tangerine, citrus, turquoise and pinks.
- Get rid of your heavy draperies and invest in sheer fabrics. Sheer or lace curtains allow even thin sunlight to stream in, keeping your space bright and airy.
- Place scented candles along with accent pieces on a stylish tray.
- Leave an all-weather proof door- mat at your front door so guests can wipe their boots, thus ensuring your floors don’t suffer.
- Hang windchimes by the window and let the chimes soothe your mood.
Furniture Care
Furniture protection is an important part of monsoon proofing as wood tends to inflate and cause a shape change in furniture. Choosing a furniture right way will help a lot. It is crucial to consider all the weathers while opting for a furniture, especially the monsoons.
“Choose furniture with higher legs to avoid water damage from wet floors. Opt for modular furniture that can be easily rearranged to create cozy spaces. Use treated wood or metal furniture to resist moisture and maintain longevity. Invest in multifunctional furniture like storage ottomans to keep spaces tidy during the monsoon season,” said Shabbir H. Lilamwala.
“The best way to prevent the wood from changing shape is by oiling your furniture or using spray-on wax, and keeping some kind of moisture absorber, such as silica gel packets and camphor near furniture. A coat of lacquer can be applied to fill the minute pores but make sure to never clean wooden surfaces with a damp cloth. Furniture pieces should be kept away from the walls because damp walls can be harmful for wooden furniture. However, if your furniture somehow comes into contact with water, it is best to keep it outside in the sun for a few hours,” said Shagun Singh.
Many designers advise that as Wood is an organic material and can swell up with increased moisture in the air, water-resistant coatings on laminated or Polyurethane coat- ings is a good option. These coatings prevent water from entering into the wooden substrates as well as allow for quick wiping of any moisture or dirt.
Sustainable Choices
Designers recommend sustainable choices for interiors to ensure our homes are health and planet friendly. "Choose furniture and decor made from recycled or upcycled materials. Opt for organic cotton, bamboo, and jute for textiles and decor items. Add humidity-friendly plants like ferns and peace lilies to improve air quality and aesthetics. Use low or no-VOC paints for walls and furniture to ensure a healthier indoor environment,” says Murtaza Lilamwala, Principal Architect, Homework Design.
“As we move into a sustainable world, it is important to use eco-friendly practices. Sustainable lighting ideas include LEDs, bamboo lighting, dimmable lights and recyclable bulbs. LED and CFL light bulbs use less energy to produce the same amount of light as incandescent bulbs. Furniture can be made from sustainable materials and using items made from natural materials, such as bamboo, or recyclable materials like glass, ceramics, and metal. Choose paints and stains with low VOCs (volatile organic compound) and natural materials like cotton for blankets, bedsheets etc. These practices promote sus- tainability and monsoon proof your house while making it aesthetically pleasing,” said Shagun Singh.
Stylish Solutions
Even when taking care of the interiors the style quotient is something that everyone wants to maintain when it comes to home interiors. Murtaza Lilamwala says, “Use resin wicker, treated wood, or metal furniture to withstand moisture. Water-resistant cushions add comfort and style. Opt for outdoor rugs resistant to mold and mildew, adding color and pattern while being easy to clean. Incorporate stylish storage for umbrellas, raincoats, and wet shoes near entryways, such as chic baskets, durable mats, and attractive coat racks. High-quality, moisture-resistant paint or water-proof wall panels are ideal for areas prone to dampness.”
“LED candles create a warm ambiance without fire hazards, with remote controls and timers for convenience. Waterproof fairy lights around windows and doors adds a whimsical touch. Dimmable floor and table lamps with warm-toned bulbs create a cozy environment. Use smart lighting systems to adjust brightness and color temperature, enhancing mood during gloomy weather,” he added.
Meera Pyarelal added, "Whether using modern accents or traditional craftsmanship, accessories and decor pieces are carefully chosen to improve the overall design ap- peal. This all-encompassing strategy guarantees that the interiors not only meet functional requirements but also showcase a unified design language that speaks to colonial and traditional influences, creating spaces that are warm and inviting all year round."
Window Caring
When it comes to rainwater, window is one such spot that invites all the odds. At the same time, if managed well windows can play a huge role in enhancing the look of a room“Make sure to install mesh in your window design in order to keep the insects out. Additionally, installing a toughened glass and soundproofing the window helps keep the sounds of heavy rains, and storms out of the house. Monsoon blinds are a solution specifically designed to resist heavy rains and strong winds. They can be used as window coverings both in windows and in balconies as they help prevent dampness, mold, and mildew,” said Shagun Singh
“The right windows and airflow-friendly architecture can provide effective ventilation that helps control the humidity levels within buildings. Modern sealants and coatings provide complete wa- terproofing to withstand seasonal rains on roofs, walls, and particularly delicate places like balconies,” said Meera Pyarelal
“Double-glazed windows keep interiors dry and insulated against cold and noise. Install stylish aw- nings or canopies to protect win- dows from heavy rain. Louvered windows allow ventilation while keeping out rain, ideal for tropical monsoon climates. Modern sliding windows with effective sealing prevent leaks and drafts,” said Shabbir Lilamwala.
To live in a home of your choice is a dream, to get the perfect interior is what you choose and implement. So, choosing wisely, implementing it and then maintaining is very vital when it comes to home interiors. As suggested by designers, if all the aspects are taken care well in advance, the chances of your interiors living a long life is more. It’s always better to prevent than cure, is the idea.
To live in a home of your choice is a dream, to get the perfect interior is what you choose and implement. So, choosing wisely, implementing it and then maintaining is vital when it comes to home interiors. As suggested by designers, if all the aspects are taken care well in advance, The chances of your interiors living a long life is more.
Handy Tips For Windows
- Check for Leaks
- Maintain Seals and Weather- stripping:
- Lubricate Moving Parts
- Clear Drainage Holes
- Consider Awnings
