Bollywood Boudoir... On A Budget

"Bollywood" is the next really big thing in interior decor. You can transform your bedroom really easily into a Bollywood boudoir with some very simple touches:

First you have to go shopping. Yay! No, seriously, find your nearest sari shop and buy some sari silks. All cities and most big towns have one - have a look in the phone book if you don't know where to find yours, and don't be nervous if this is the first time you've been to one. Sari "silks" are lengths of fabric - normally about 4m long - and come in a huge range of colours, weaves and designs. They range in price (in London at least) from about £10 to well into the hundreds, and you don't need to buy a pure silk one to get the look right.

Choose your colour scheme and buy two or three lightweight saris, ideally at least one of them should have a strong design on one end of the silk. Go for rich purples, reds, dark blue, with gold or silver woven in. These will make fantastic throws for your bed, cushions, even a tent drape (really easy and very eye catching).

- paint your walls a funky, boudoir colour - hot pink, raspberry red, even purple, and highlight the details in liquid gold or silver leaf (you can buy this from any good art and craft shop). While you're at it, paint your mirror frames to match, even your bedside lamp if it has a wooden base. A good trick is to paint two or three of your walls in a lighter shade, so that the room doesn't become too dark.

Then go to your nearest shop that sells goods from India and stock up on incense sticks and anything else you see that will add an Indian accent to your room. A couple of authentic Bollywood posters, or even images of the Hindu gods would be a good start.

Then apply henna and bindis, get some funky Indian music on the stereo, lie back and dream of love affairs in the hot sun...

Emma Cooper Tarry is the founder and owner of I-Candi Designs (I-Candi Designs), which specialises in unique ideas and handmade goods from the UK. I-Candi supplies clients all over the world with unusual interior design pieces, hand-painted furniture, event decoration advice and bespoke products, as well as a wide range of bespoke silk items, from silk kimonos to evening wraps. You can find out more at http://www.i-candi.co.uk or by calling +44 (0)1227 860886 or emailing emma@i-candi-designs.co.uk.

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