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Designs for your dream home
By Esther Williams
Planning a home makeover? Recently opened, Dwellings on Green Path, Colombo 3 has some delightful ideas to bring your home or even one special room to life. Versatile, practical and contemporary, the handpicked items from Pakistan, China, India and local artisans can help you update your rooms to suit your design style.

Proprietors of the store Renuza Jaleel and Naqeeb Hussain explained that their primary focus was on linen as they felt the need for such an outlet. "There is no place in town for linen," Renuza says.

But with the young dynamic entrepreneurs having personally selected all the items-they assure you to make decorating fun and affordable-Dwellings offers something for every room. In their vibrant showroom - the ambience is one of homeliness and warmth. You can spend a pleasant hour or two browsing to find the right item for your home whilst listening to some scintillating music.

On offer are a wide variety of Pakistani made sheets of quality cotton fabric that come plain, printed, lace-edged or embroidered. Either as coordinated sets or single pieces, their quality is unrivalled. Exquisitely embroidered towels, duvets, pillow cases, mattress protectors in both pastel and bright shades can add some vibrant colour to a room.

As for a bathroom, try adding some cheer with rugs, bath mats, ceramic bath sets and an assortment of candles. The kiddies section illustrates that the sky is the limit when decorating kids rooms or any fun filled nook in your home. Kids' living space can be made into fun areas with train shaped couches, gaily coloured wooden tables and chairs and linen with prints of adorable cartoon characters. Wooden toys, chests, beach mats, carpets, books and games provide a playful touch.

Dwellings also offers a wide selection of tableware. Among them unique artist designed tea sets with a combination of steel and ceramic that would enhance a table, breadbaskets and tablemats.

The stainless steel model pantry needs special mention. "It can be customised to suit clients' requirements," Naqeeb says, adding that it comes with a fridge and a cooking range.

Airtight ceramic jars and breadbaskets give an attractive finish. It is in this area that the store plans to have cooking demos and other such events in future.

The store houses some fascinating contemporary lamps that reflect the artistry and skill of local artisans. Made with stone bases and wrought iron and jute shades, they present an exotic accent to your home.

For festive home décor accessories, there are ethnic tapestries, quilts and cushion covers in brilliant tones. The mosaic table and mirrors, the onyx figurines and Matik vases (two toned and chequered) are individually crafted. Mask spoon sets, salt and pepper shakers, fruit trays, photo frames and crystal ware make great gift ideas.

The selection of furniture is small but classy, suitable for either a traditional or modern interior. There are futons, lazy recliners and sofas that double up into beds. A few choice pieces of furniture made of old jak wood are attractively displayed. Exquisitely carved with brass or plastic inlay work, the nest of tables and stools are interesting items to have around.

Home decorating isn't just about adding a coat of paint to a room. A home can be made unique by using some simple accessories. "We strive to keep our prices reasonable," explains Renuza adding that one needn't necessarily have to spend a small fortune on decorating. They would also take orders of items with slight variations as all items are made to order of the Dwellings' proprietors.

"We have trained our staff to assist customers with selecting items that suit their colour scheme," explains Naqeeb. After sales service is an area they are keen on developing. Plans are apparently on to expand their selection further. "We are still getting the feel of the place and hence welcome suggestions to make it complete," he adds.

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