The Parrot & Lily Blog

Just like the finest pearls come from the deepest heart of the ocean, some of finest treasures of Italy come surprisingly from it's very unassuming and almost unfrequented heart - Urbino. Italy, like India is one of those countries that keeps calling you back for more. Like India, it's rich culture, art, heritage, nostalgia and the warmth of the people beckons you with the promise that there is so much more for you to see, experience, taste and learn.  And as it might be obvious, we are obnoxiously obsessed with art, architecture, details, decor and yes - Furniture, we couldn't...

  There is nothing more inspiring than meeting people who follow their passion and make a path of their own. Very recently, I ran into Nina's instagram feed. There are a million food blogs, but for me the ones that stand out are the ones that keep honest cooking at the center of their values. And of course, it transpires.  I asked her to teach me one of her non-fried favourite recipes. So she shared Fada Tikki - it's a low fat vegetable tikki using broken wheat, which you can choose to even bake. 'Ingredients:100 gms finely chopped Carrots,100 gms finely...

Probably the least considered and thought about piece of furniture until you own one is the Commode. If I just ask you to think of people or places where you've spotted it, I'd expect you to go blank. I hope you're not mixing commode with console tables, because they are two very different pieces, although stunning in their own right.  Commodes could be described as chests of drawers, or consoles with storage that have been made beautiful, but that's as curt as saying that diamond is a beautiful stone.  Although antiquated mostly because of the high value of making one, these...

I know this has absolutely nothing to do with design or interiors, but my daughter just completed her nursery and I realised how fast did this one year go. I still remember her first day at school, which is when this picture was taken. We all were very happy, except for little Mr. Butters, the poodle. He protested by not coming inside the kitchen.  I know a lot of moms who are starting this new phase of sending their kids to school for the first time, and I thought that sharing some easy and fun lunchbox ideas would be nice. ...

For most of us, good home decor means a clean canvas. We value more clean visual lines and space, and meticulously placed brilliant pieces with their own spotlight. And that is how classic decor is. But like in every art, there are those who break the rules while redefining them. There are those who clutter with uncanny brilliance. That's what planned clutter is all about.  Aesthetes have usually gone for this style for their own personal apartments or homes. It takes a lot of time and in depth understanding to achieve this look. Curating the right things that will go...