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Exploring the Sustainable Design Philosophy of Samhita Venkatesh

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  Ela Green Buildings & Infrastructure Consultants In the evolving landscape of Indian architecture and building practices, Samhita Venkatesh emerges as a dedicated proponent of green building and energy efficiency. As the founder and Managing Director of Ela Green Buildings & Infrastructure Consulting Pvt. Ltd., she brings over 15 years of experience in sustainable design and implementation. A Certified ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code) Master Trainer and IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) Accredited Professional, Venkatesh focuses on creating structures that minimize environmental impact while adhering to national and international sustainability standards. Core Principles: Energy Efficiency and Green Certification Venkatesh's approach centers on resource conservation and compliance with green building codes . She specializes in guiding projects through certifications like IGBC, GRIHA, and ECBC, ensuring buildings optimize energy use, water management, and mater...

Sustainable Architectural Vision of Ashok B Lall

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Architectural Vision of Ashok B Lall In the realm of contemporary architecture, few figures embody the fusion of environmental stewardship and social equity as profoundly as Ashok B Lall . A pioneering Indian architect born in Delhi in 1948, Lall studied architecture and fine arts at the University of Cambridge and further honed his skills at the Architectural Association in London. Establishing his firm in 1981, he has since become a leading advocate for designs that prioritize sustainability, resource efficiency, and harmony with the natural world, principles that continue to influence urban and building practices today. Ashok B Lall Core Principles: Sustainability and Social Responsibility Ashok B Lall's philosophy is grounded in environmental sustainability and social responsibility , viewing architecture not just as construction but as a tool for addressing climate change, cultural inequities, and resource depletion. He emphasizes a holistic approach where human needs are bala...

Exploring the Sustainable Architectural Philosophy of G. Shankar

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  Sustainable Architecture by G. Shankar In an era where modern construction often prioritizes speed and scale over environmental harmony, the work of renowned Kerala-based architect G. Shankar stands out as a beacon of thoughtful, eco-conscious design. Known as the "People's Architect" and a Padma Shri recipient, G. Shankar has dedicated decades to championing architecture that respects nature, utilizes local resources, and remains accessible to all. G. Shankar Core Principles: Sustainability and Local Materials At the heart of G. Shankar's approach is a deep commitment to sustainable building practices . He advocates for the use of locally available materials — such as mud, bamboo, and lime — to minimize environmental impact and reduce costs. This philosophy draws inspiration from traditional building techniques while addressing contemporary challenges like climate change and resource depletion. His projects emphasize energy efficiency , natural ventilation, and i...

Modern Interior Design Trends That Break Away from Early '90s Styles

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  As we step into 2026, interior design is embracing warmth, sustainability, and personal expression in ways that feel fresh and forward-thinking. The early 1990s were defined by bold experimentation—think sponge-painted walls, heavy floral chintz patterns, neon accents, ornate canopy beds, and eclectic mixes of geometric prints with faux finishes. Homes often felt playful but cluttered, with a focus on decorative excess like wallpaper borders and saturated primary colors. Today's trends couldn't be more different: they're grounded in nature, intentional layering, and eco-conscious choices, prioritizing calm, authenticity, and longevity over fleeting fads. Here are the top 10 modern design trends shaping homes in 2026, each a deliberate departure from the '90s aesthetic. 1. Biophilic Design with Organic Integration Bringing the outdoors in through living walls, large indoor plants, natural light maximization, and organic shapes. Unlike the artificial faux finishes of t...

Why Choose Laminate Over Acrylic for Your Home Interiors?

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Acrylic vs Laminate | Livininteriors When planning modular kitchens, wardrobes, or TV units, one of the biggest decisions is the finish: acrylic or laminate . Both offer sleek, modern looks, but laminate stands out as the smarter, more practical choice for most Indian homes. Here's why laminate consistently wins for durability, maintenance, cost, and everyday usability. Side-by-Side Comparison: Acrylic vs Laminate Here are two identical kitchen layouts to show the visual difference clearly: Left side: Acrylic Finish – High-gloss, mirror-like shine that reflects light beautifully but shows every fingerprint and scratch. Right side: Laminate Finish – Subtle, sophisticated matte with natural wood-grain texture. 1. Superior Durability and Scratch Resistance Acrylic’s soft surface scratches easily from daily use like utensils, keys, or even cleaning. Laminate, with its tougher protective layer, resists scratches, dents, and wear much better, perfect for busy kitchens and wardrobes....

New Year Decor Ideas 2026: Fresh Starts with Elegant, Intentional Touches

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  Livin Interiors Blog | December 30, 2025 As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, we do not merely turn a calendar page; we step into a realm of possibility, and at Livin Interiors, we believe your home should mirror that profound sense of renewal. This transition calls for spaces that embody a clean slate, renewed intention, and a quiet celebration of the year ahead, moving away from loud party streamers or lingering holiday reds toward calm, sophisticated environments that feel like a deep, restorative breath after the intensity of 2025. The palette for 2026 whispers optimism through crisp ivory and warm whites that evoke a blank canvas, soft sage and pale eucalyptus tones symbolizing growth and serenity, matte black and charcoal for grounding sophistication, and subtle accents of brushed gold, champagne, and silver to mark quiet celebration, with hints of pale blush or amber adding warmth without overwhelming the senses. Begin the year with an intentional entryway ritua...

Baroque Minimalism 2025: Blending Ornate and Simple in Home Design

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  Baroque Minimalism | Livin Interiors In the final weeks of 2025, one trend has quietly taken over the most sophisticated homes we’ve designed this year: Baroque Minimalism . It’s the perfect marriage of two seemingly opposite worlds the grand, theatrical drama of 17th-century Baroque opulence and the serene restraint of modern minimalism. The result? Spaces that feel rich without ever feeling cluttered. Dramatic without being overwhelming. Luxurious without shouting. At Livin Interiors, we’ve been weaving this aesthetic into our Prestige City Sarjapur projects all year, and the feedback has been unanimous: “It feels like a palace but one I can actually breathe in.” Why Baroque Minimalism Became The 2025 Trend After years of stark Scandi minimalism and then the cozy maximalism wave post-pandemic, homeowners craved something new: emotional depth with discipline. They wanted curves, gilding, and history but not the dust-collecting excess of traditional Baroque. They wanted clean li...