7 Most Inspirational interior design bloggers in India

The best thing about inspiration is that you can find it anywhere. It triggers your imagination and makes you want to create something better – a piece of art that you can call your own. Designing the interior of your home is like creating an intimate space that embodies your personality. It is nothing less than a work of art that needs a lot of creativity, planning and all the inspiration you can lay your eyes on! And when it comes to inspiration, top interior design bloggers know it all. Let your mind wander and get inspired with our carefully-curated list of interior design bloggers in India. 

Esha Gupta

Esha Gupta is the founder and editor of Design Pataki, an interior design studio based out of Mumbai. She has an eminent name in the design and architecture industry with a strong presence in the most recognised international design shows. Design Pataki aims at spreading the knowledge and creativity of designing through well-crafted blogs. Fabric wallpapers, innovative prints, colourful patterns and bold designs are her signature style. If you are looking for luxe interior designs, modern art and contemporary architectural styles, then Esha Gupta has instant ideas for you.

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Rohina Kheera

Rohina Kheera is the owner of AA Living in Mumbai. She is passionate about textile, arts, painting and writing. She won the prestigious Asian Paints Indian Decor Influencer award in the year 2016. If you are intrigued by textiles and would love to add a touch of it in your home, Rohina Kheera has the best innovative interior décor ideas. Designing with fabrics, colours, quotes and lights is her USP. From bohemian fringe rugs that take you to a modern mythical era to tribal prints and portrait cushions, get inspired by the quirky designs of AA Living. 

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Shalini Ganguli

Shalini Ganguli is one of the best interior design bloggers in India because she understands that each home exudes an aura of its own. She offers customised designs that reflect your personality. Surfing through her designs will instantly trigger your creativity, pushing you to think out of the box. From earthy and modest tones to vibrant and fluidic patterns, she transforms your abode into a mood board that resonates with you.  Log on to Shalini Gurung Interiors and Styling for minimalist and classy interior designs that are timeless.

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Pavitra Mohan

If you are a travel aficionado who finds inspiration in little pieces of décor that depict the various cultures of the world, Pavitra Mohan’s Masala Chai Life should be on the favourite tab of your browser. She loves designing spaces from scratch and shares keen insights on the designing process – from sourcing her furniture to the clever use of wall mirrors to create an illusion of space. She also shares a travel diary on the jaw-dropping places she visits in search of inspiration and awe. Soak up all the inspiration you need with magnificent chandeliers, bold wallpapers, fresh pops of colour and extraordinary pieces of art that will transform your home into a stunning masterpiece. 

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Disha Mishra Dubey

Disha Mishra Dubey is known for her easy-to-implement décor ideas that are light on the pocket, making her one of the best interior design bloggers to take inspiration from. Her décor is very relatable with strong Indian accents. A typical pin board of designs from Disha Mishra Dubey will include kitchen gardens, artistic mirrors, wall art, warm lighting and summery light curtains that personifies modern India. You can also indulge in her DIY projects and personalise your interiors as per your taste and style. Choose from budget makeovers you cannot resist at Design Décor and Disha and upgrade your space. 

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Bhavna Bhatnagar

Bhavna Bhatnagar is one of the best interior design bloggers in India who shares visually-rich stories on design, travel and interiors through An Indian Summer. Her minimalist designs offer a sensorial experience and inspire you to use conventional décor in unconventional ways. She also has an inspiration board where she shares interior décor designs that are inspired from random images taken from around the globe. She plays with colours, patterns, fabrics and lights to create places that are high on style and sophistication.

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Rajee Sood

Rajee Sood started Home Art Accents as a personal space to channel out her love for design, art and interiors. You can find inspiration in her creative designs where the devil lies in the small details. She also has a label of carefully curated pieces of art that are handmade by the skilled artisans of rural India. Rajee Sood also shares her experience working with these craftsmen and the process of designing exquisite pieces of décor that uplift any space. This makes her one of the best interior design bloggers in India to take notes from.

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Designing your home is an intimate process that cannot be done overnight. It takes time, patience, style, innovation and a lot of inspiration to make a good home a great home. However, when it comes to beautifully designed spaces, the quality of the building also matters. Head out to Assetz Property Group for stunning homes that pose as the perfect canvas for your artistic décor ideas.

5 things to consider before buying second home in 2022

Buying a second home is twice as special. First, because you are investing the second time around, proving that your first investment was a good decision. Second, because you will now be the proud owner of two properties, with a steady income and long-term financial security. However, even though you have gone through the home buying process once, you will need all the guidance to make the right decision. Is buying a second home a good investment? Will you get enough ROI? Here are a few factors you need to consider before diving into the real estate market and buying a second home. 

1. How much is your home budget?

Before you invest in your second home, you need to assess your financial stability and decide if you have the means to make the purchase. Just like your first home, you will incur acquisition costs like the mortgage payments, taxes, maintenance and insurance expenses. It is a good idea to set a budget and shortlist homes that are well within your home budget. 

You will also need to factor in the risk of natural calamities such as fires and tsunamis which can increase the insurance costs for the home. Typically, insurance for rental homes is much higher than homeowner’s insurance. Hence, before you buy a second home, make a list of all the potential costs you may incur and budget for them accordingly.  

2. The Home Location

Location is one of the most crucial factors when it comes to real estate investment. If you are buying your second home as a source of income, a great location with access to numerous facilities and avenues for entertainment can increase the demand for your home. The property location can also help you evaluate the property’s appreciation potential. 

You may also buy your second home as a vacation or retirement home and in this case, a villa or a row house in a peaceful, quiet area would be optimal. But, the home still needs to be accessible to hospitals and convenience stores. You have an endless number of choices when it comes to buying your second home so, make sure the location of the property ties into your use and need for the home. 

3. The return on investment

When buying a second home, one of the most important factors you need to consider is the potential return on investment from the home. There are many factors that come into play such as the location of the home, the demand for rental properties in the area and social infrastructure like the road and rail connectivity to neighbouring cities. Traditionally, homes in commercial spaces provide a higher ROI than homes in secluded areas. Investing in a home with a high return on investment will consequently provide higher long-term returns. Keeping this in mind, it is a good idea to invest in fast-appreciating localities where the investment is not as high as the well-established neighbourhoods. Additionally, there is more scope for appreciation over the years.

4. Evaluate your long-term goals

Your lifestyle and long-term goals play a huge role in when you purchase your next home. You need to be realistic about your goals in acquiring the property. It can be a vacation home or an investment to increase the value of your portfolio. This factor not only impacts the type of home you buy but also its budget, location and use. A home that is purchased as an investment, needs to be located in a residential area so it can generate high revenue in the form of rent. However, if it is a vacation or retirement home, you need to check the property’s access to entertainment and health facilities.

5. Funding your second home

Financing your home is one of the most crucial factors when it comes to buying another property. You could either pay from your savings or choose to apply for a home loan. Choosing a home loan is a wise option as you can also avail tax benefits on it. According to the Income-tax Act, you can enjoy tax benefits which is capped at Rs. 2,00,000 for a self-occupied or rented property. Additionally, you are also exempt from wealth tax if your home is a let out one. 
Investing in your next property is an incredibly exciting and huge milestone in your life. Whether the home is a vacation property or an investment, the demand for real estate properties is on the rise. Many individuals find real estate to be a safer investment than stocks and bonds as it provides a greater long-term return. Although buying another home comes with its own costs and maintenance requirements, the pleasures from owning a second home are far more significant. Looking for a second home that will suit you? Head out to Assetz Property today and find your dream home!

5 unique kitchen garden ideas for your home

As the saying goes – There are no gardening mistakes, only experiments. Maintaining a kitchen garden at home is not only a great way to de-stress after a long day, but also a healthy alternative to buying packaged foods from the store. To add to that, it is cost-effective and provides you with the option of fresh produce at just the stretch of a hand. However, when it comes to kitchen garden ideas, there is no one-size-fits-all. All you need is a small space, basic gardening skills and a pinch of imagination. Here are a few kitchen garden ideas to get you started.

Many plants one pot

Using one big pot to plant multiple plants is one of the best kitchen garden ideas, especially if you are planting in a small space. Use a large pot like a big tub or barrel to plant a set of crops that are compatible with each other. Not only will this help you save space, but also pose as a great home décor tip to transform your abode. You can opt for compatible plants like corn and beans, tomatoes and cabbage or spinach and radish. The best aspect of growing compatible plants is that you can grow vegetables and flowering plants together, making your garden both productive and attractive. However, do not forget to drill holes at the bottom of the pot to air the soil and drain out excessive water.

Reuse reduce recycle

A kitchen garden is where you can put all your recycling talent to play. Do not bother investing in elaborate pots and fancy-looking jars. Instead, scan your home for items that can be reused in a quirky manner. For example, you can use old plastic bottles as pots and paint them in appealing colours and designs to add some drama to your kitchen garden. Think out of the box and find literally anything that can hold soil for herbs to grow – from coffee cups and teapots to used tin containers. Feeling adventurous to go the extra mile? Indulge in a DIY-project of making plant holders by fixing mason jars on an old wooden cutting board. Needless to say, the sky is the limit to how creative you can get!

Think vertical

Space is no longer a constraint in urban kitchen gardens. Walls, railings and room dividers can be used as space for plantation too. Let your imagination soar while thinking of vertical kitchen garden ideas that complement your interior design style. You can opt for an herb wall by putting an old canvas shoe organizer to use. You can also remodel an old bookshelf by placing vibrant pots or herbs and flowers in it, along with offbeat showpieces that compliment your plants.  When it comes to vertical gardening, even your choice of plants makes a huge difference. Opt for vines and creepers that can use your balcony railings as support and create a lush and sophisticated effect.

Elevated square-foot garden

One of the best kitchen garden ideas for beginners is to opt for a tabletop gardening method with each square foot assigned to one crop. This will help in keeping a close watch on your produce while eliminating the need to bend down every time you water your plants or look for weeds. You can take things up a notch by placing labels of the crops grown in each square foot. Elevated gardening is also a great way to help the elderly or those with a back injury. Additionally, with an elevated garden, you can place a few potted plants below the tabletop as well. This ensures the plants underneath are safe from direct sunlight and also adds a new-age charm to your garden.

Keep calm and compost

Making your own compost at home is one of the best kitchen garden ideas for nutrient-rich soil. It also plays a huge role in reducing the amount of garbage generated at home, which in turn helps in nurturing the environment. All you need is a sunny spot where you can place your compost bin. Some of the household items that can be composted include egg shells, grounded coffee, tea bags, toothpicks and newspapers, to name a few. You can also use vegetable and fruit waste. Give the compost pile a good two weeks to turn the trash into rich soil that can be used in your kitchen garden as a natural fertilizer. These kitchen garden ideas are guaranteed to help you grow your crops with much-needed love and care. They will also play a huge role in improving the aesthetics of your space. However, a charming kitchen garden can only be complemented with an impeccable home that is designed for happy memories. Looking for your haven in bustling city life? Head out to Assetz Property Group today and find your dream home in the best residential areas of Bangalore

Best tech parks in Bangalore to work

Aptly termed as the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore has emerged as the hub of all things IT. This tech boom has fuelled the metamorphosis of the city from a pleasant town to an urban dream. Today, Bangalore is one of the most-preferred cities to live in with top-notch social infrastructure, picture-perfect roadways, impeccable educational institutes and all the components needed for a thriving lifestyle. 

The City Uplift

With global giants like Intel, Cisco Systems and Microsoft setting up their offices in Bangalore for advanced research and development, the city has witnessed an overnight transformation. An army of tech-savvy professionals have moved in for job opportunities and uplifted the local community to a very vibrant and prolific one – giving rise to modern Bengaluru. 

New-age Bengaluru is now synonymous with a thriving social culture and a pool of young and energetic working professionals who mean business. State-of-the-art buildings with cutting-edge architecture form the basis of the city’s landscape adding a whole new definition to buzzing city life. 

Real Estate Boom

Bangalore’s IT explosion has caused a ripple effect of boosting the growth of many other sectors from healthcare to recreation – and one such sector which cannot go unnoticed is real estate. The incoming bulk of IT professionals has catalyzed the expansion of the city into the outskirts – where most of the IT parks are located. This has created a huge demand of homes in and around the region with gated communities and apartments selling like hot cake. 

Apart from the boost in real estate, these regions have also witnessed enhanced social infrastructure with high-end malls, reputed educational institutes and well-equipped hospitals. 

Global Tech Park Bangalore

One such IT park that has uplifted the neighbourhood and, in turn, played a vital role in transforming the city is Global Tech Park Bangalore. Located in Marathahalli Outer Ring Road, this development lives up to its name of being a global benchmark. This commercial development offers just the right amount of versatility needed by new-age businesses to chase their dreams. It offers unmatched connectivity to all major hubs of the city like Whitefield and Sarjapur. It is also developed with sustainable features and amenities. Furthermore, it is surrounded by other reputed multinational corporations making it a top-notch destination for IT/ITES firms. 

Embassy Techvillage Bangalore

Situated right at the middle of Bangalore’s IT corridor, Embassy Techvillage (formerly known as Vrindavan Tech Park) is yet another stellar IT park that checks all the boxes needed in a commercial space. It is located on the Outer Ring Road, in Bellandur, in close proximity to the residential areas of Sarjapur and Whitefield. The top brands who have set up the tent in Embassy Techvillage Bangalore include Xiaomi, Cisco, Sony, Flipkart and LG, to name a few. Apart from being an architectural marvel with the top amenities and commercial facilities, this tech park also has a campus community group that organizes cultural and sporting events to empower the workforce. 

Global Tech Park Bangalore and Embassy Techvillage (India’s first LEED Platinum certified SEZ business park) are developed by the renowned Assetz Property Group and are considered to be priced jewels in the most sought-after business and IT district of the nation. With these award-winning commercial projects in hand, Assetz has now progressed to residential real estate, with the same quench for innovation and stellar design.  

Things NRIs should know while investing in real estate

Investing in the real estate market in India has never seemed so attractive to Non-Resident Indians.  With the move by the Indian government to regulate the real estate sector, bringing in more transparency and accountability through RERA, there has been a greater resurgence of NRI interest in the Indian realty market. Investing in Indian real estate can give NRIs the benefit of a high return on their investment and a lower initial capital investment. To ensure that there are no sudden obstacles in your investment journey, there are certain rules and regulations for NRI investments that you need to keep in mind. 

If you are an NRI, and are interested in investing in India, you need to be aware of the following.

Foreign exchange regulations and tax benefits

Ensure that you abide by the Foreign Exchange Management Act of India (FEMA) regulations. NRIs holding an Indian passport need no approval from the RBI to invest in the Indian realty sector. All loans applied for in India are to be repaid in Indian rupees, and Indian laws and taxation norms are to be followed during investing in real estate. It is of vital importance to get familiar with tax benefits allowed under the Income Tax Act as they can be used to avoid double taxation and reduce your tax burden.

Investing in quality markets

Investing in a property that has high appreciation potential is vital for a good return on investment.  The South Indian market, for instance, has seen a huge surge in e-commerce and IT-related businesses, with cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai offering very good returns on investment. To stay updated on real estate trends in India and the best upcoming localities to invest in, you can consider enlisting the services of a realty advisor. These advisors can also ensure that you avail property management services in all respects for both better safety and peace of mind.

Eligibility

NRIs are eligible to invest only in residential or commercial properties. They are not eligible to invest in any sort of agricultural farmlands or farmhouses. However, they are entitled to inherit these properties or get them in the form of gifts. In some rare cases, the court in your jurisdiction can approve a request to invest in these restricted properties, but these are only judged on a case-by-case basis.

Power of Attorney

A POA or Power of Attorney is a letter or document which allows a person to act and make decisions on behalf of another person, in this instance the NRI. If an NRI is unable to visit the country in order to participate in property transactions, he or she must ensure that Power of Attorney is delegated to a suitable person or organization to transact on his/her behalf, and that the document is duly registered to avoid fraud or disputes thereon. Your POA will be able to sign documents, inspect the property and act in your best interests in case you are not able to be physically present.

Choosing a reputed builder 

If you are an NRI, it is extremely important to choose a builder who is backed by a very good reputation in the real estate industry. Since you may not be physically present to check upon the status or the quality of the building, you need to be able to trust the builder you choose to invest in. A good builder will also have all the adequate clearances and certificates needed, which can help accelerate the process of buying your home.

Investing in commercial properties

If you are investing in a property for the sake of good returns, zero in on commercial properties which are in demand by blue-chip companies. This will ensure consistent returns and good capital appreciation. A well-located commercial property tenanted by a blue-chip company can fetch anywhere between 6-10% returns on invested capital, almost double that of the returns on residential property.

Investing in the Indian realty market can be very rewarding if you do your homework well. Seek out the right advice and ensure that you follow all the rules and regulations carefully before investing in real estate in India. As the economy develops and property values continue to soar, investing early can help you reap high returns in the future. If you are an NRI and aren’t sure about which property to invest in, head over to Assetz Property Group. Our exclusive range of luxury homes located in some of the best areas in Bangalore can help you find the perfect real estate investment!

Review on benefits of sustainable living

In recent times, or in ‘the millennial age’, topics such as global warming and sustainability are of great concern. With commercial and technological developments occurring everywhere, not many think of the consequences that could take place if one does not choose to be eco-friendly. The CEO of Assetz Property Group, Mr. Ben Salmon, wrote an insightful article about Sustainability and Real Estate that was recently published in the May 2019 edition of CIO review.

About the article

Salmon highlights the prospective changes that could be done with regard to the scenario around us. Population changes, environmental degradation and energy consumption have resulted in several things being impacted – and one of them is the real estate sector.

The real estate sector, according to Salmon, will have to begin changing their ideals and head towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach. It is the role of every individual to work towards a sustainable future that will allow the future generations to live in peace. With urbanisation and an increase in population, green buildings are considered to be one of the wisest options to invest in. In order to be more environmentally responsible and protect precious resources for when they are actually needed, green buildings are built to be more efficient and eco-friendly. This works for both the consumer and the builder.

Green buildings and resource efficiency

According to Salmon, “Green buildings are structures that use less water, optimise energy efficiency and promote the conservation of other available natural resources.” Thus, from the first to the last stage of the building, resource efficiency is key. This means that natural light and waste recycling methods are greatly considered. Sometimes, these small changes can go a long way. For instance, although a building may take up a large amount of space risking the environment, efforts to protect the environment will still take place.

With talks about global warming and climate change on the rise, Salmon addresses some of the most relevant issues concerning energy and water conservation. He highlights the prospective growth of green energy, if conscious efforts are taken by every individual globally. Salmon also mentions the initial construction cost that people will have to keep in mind. While they may be relatively higher, he specifies the greater benefits that can be reaped by living sensibly in the long run.

The future matters. And this is what the CEO of Assetz group stressed upon the most in his article. Assetz Property Group not only regards the needs of the consumer, but also the needs of the environment we live in. You can read the full article about green buildings and the future of conservation here.