Indian Antique decor spreads far and wide around us, easy to see if we look with intention and hard when we are unaware of what lies behind closed doors. One such door is that of Viji Sankaran, an ardent home decor enthusiast, lover of all things vintage and antique, and a proud collector. Residing in the city of Alpharetta, she makes sure that her beautifully styled home catches all of the south-east sunshine in Georgia state.
As far as home tours are concerned, there always seems to be a prior understanding between the host and the guest, where expectations are set by each party involved, and elements of surprise are nowhere to be found. This particular home, however, has blown our minds, dragged the carpet from underneath our feet and left us speechless and in awe!
Radiant Entryways
It all starts at the very beginning of her home— the entryway. While most entryways these days conform to contemporary and minimalist styles, Viji’s is far from it! With stunning kuthu vilakkus, brass vases and figurines, the console in the entry creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is sure to put any guest at ease.
Paavai Vilakkus
Viji Sankaran has a stunning collection of Paavai Vilakkus. The most notable being a little over 4 ft tall! This paavai in particular is dressed in sarees of different shades with child-like enthusiasm!
“Collect the things that you love, they are your very own and your house becomes a well loved story!”, she says.
Zen Spaces and Subtlety in Gold
Viji Sankaran’s garden is truly something to behold! With elements that calm, inspire, and sometimes ponder along with you, it seems like you have walked into a secret nook where the universe speaks, and is almost always heard…
The Garden is dotted with stunning Buddhas and Lord Ganesha figurines, adding a touch of the divine to the lush space!
Zen That is Brought Home
Viji is also the proud owner of a large collection of Buddhas, and takes turns displaying them amidst the existing Indian Antique decor at her home!
“I love lighting lamps and dhoop for all my deities whether Hindu or Buddhist!”, she says and we cannot agree more, for it really makes everything that much more special.
Statues Galore
Viji Sankaran’s home is decorated with a myriad of statues and figurines and her collection is ever expanding! Here’s a peek into a few stunning pieces that have become statement pieces themed around Indian antique decor!
A Fireplace that Exudes Warmth without Embers
Viji Sankaran’s home tour wouldn’t be complete without a peek into her fireplace and mantle decor! With a myriad of figurines, stunning lamps and beautiful panels, this gorgeous space exudes so much warmth, quintessential to Indian antique decor!
A living room where Indian antique decor comes to life
Viji Sankaran’s living room is decorated with not just heirlooms but collections and souvenirs from her travels! According to her, the key to achieving a decluttered, but well decorated space is to ensure that things are put away where they belong.
She also turns away from eclectic mish-mashes and stays true to her individual and collection’s theme and style. In addition to expressing correctly, she also suggests buying original antiques and refraining from making impulse purchases no matter how cheap, or even if they come free.
A Well Stocked Kitchen
“New stuff just doesn’t do it, I adore the patina and the history that comes with these antiques. Nostalgic Décor is a significant part of my home. Many belong to my amma and grandmas and I am so blessed to have these hand me downs, hopefully my son would think of these the same way. May mean nothing to some, but the world to me……in love” she says.
A majority of her collection is used for day-to-day cooking and is conveniently displayed within reach.
Decorated with wooden Burmese acrobatics, dwarapalas and stunning accents scattered about, Viji Sankaran’s dining room is a beautiful compilation of all good things!
Lamps and Dhoop
She also gravitates towards the traditional appeal of lamps and extensively uses them around the home!
“Nothing compares to the warm glow and smell that exudes from lamps and dhoop, lit with sesame oil and wicks.
Candles just don’t compare anyways near!”, she says.
Dabbling in DIY Projects
This may come as a bit of a surprise to many because of her vast collection but Viji Sankaran regularly dabbles in DIY projects. She has tried her hand at gilding wooden statues, painting and has achieved beautiful results. She also experiments with recreating old aesthetics with metallic paints, inserts and bells!
A Bonus Peek!
Decor
Pooja
Kitchen
Statue
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