Tuesday 21 April 2015

Fabulous doors in Varanasi on the Ganges ….

Hi all - I hope you are enjoying the posts about India? Are you a fan of doors?

We are so used to seeing uniform, modern double glazed doors which are all similar - functional without necessarily being beautiful or unique.

Mine is such a door at home …



My door is like many others in the UK. However,  it is a real joy to see doors which are truly individual & lovely too.

We were with our guide, exploring the off-the-tourist-route streets above the Ganges in Veranasi, when I realised that I was taking lots of door photos because they were all so lovely.

I had a day out with a friend in Shropshire last year when we just took door photos & this reminded me of how much I had enjoyed it. Our Shropshire doors are blogged here ….




I love these details …


This door just invites you in with its beautiful painting …


I love the details on this set …


The details are simply lovely - this door reminds us of ages past …


The faded paint colours are so 'in vogue' in an Annie Sloan way …


Who would not want to use a door like that?


Doors with bars, hinting at life behind it …


Doors & shutters to his world & shop …


The yellow just lifts this opening …


Such beautiful colours & details ….


The carved details on the doors remind me of the sunburst images of Art Decor buildings


The details are really lovely - the frame the door perfectly & creating an imposing entrance …



Beautiful fan like details on the semi circle …


How lovely are these details with the colours & raised images?


Stunning paint work & pattern; yes, I do rather like deer too so was drawn to this  ….


A glimpse through the doors …


Functional, natural worn wooden door that is definitely solid ….


Lovely to get the odd glimpse of what is behind the doors …


A temple with its bright contrasts  & lovely door details …


The Swastika is a sign of peace - not what it was hijacked to represent & it is still seen all over India.


A purple door that I was photographing, then a glimpse beyond ….


… to some friendly faces who greeted with smiles … great karma


Painted details make this door special & individualistic …


Did I mention that I love the paint work? :)


Look at those corbels & details on the side with the details picked out in paint? Stunning ….


Fab-u-lous ….


 Beyond the door lies interesting lives …



Distressed complimentary colours looking worn & homely; the details are lovely.


This door has some age & it has seen some life pass through it …


Interesting details picked out in red on this temple … doors within doors


Ornate gates - I wonder what is behind it …


I love the carved details on the doors & surround - it has an elegance to it …


Beautiful carved details above the door frame; the colour is a favourite of mine too …


The faded charm speaks of a long history associated with this entrance …


A door within a door ….


A very elegant & ornate entrance on the Ganges …


These were just a few of the many beautiful & very individualistic gates seen in the back streets of Varanasi. I love the bold use of colour & the very decorative details. I hope you have enjoyed these with me. They make our uniform doors seem very boring …

Thanks for stopping by,
Dee ~♥~

Sunday 19 April 2015

Vintage paint inspiration in India

I hope you are enjoying my Indian photos & that it will inspire you to visit the country.

I am a great Annie Sloan  chalk paint fan & have painted several pieces of furniture at home in the faded vintage style & am always on the look out for inspiration.

I had not expected to find it in India … the faded colours so reminiscent of chalk paint use just made me want to reach for a paint brush & some Annie Sloan paints. I am a great fan of mouldings & details & the carved wood work in India just gladdened my heart - why go plain when you can really do something quite lovely & unique …





How dramatic is this combination?


Earthy brown perfectly teamed with blue & green


Gorgeous paint work on this entrance …


Perfect colours, the image having just the right shade of blue / green to lift the scene …


Blue paintwork with an earthy brown just look homely & inviting …


Rich cream with a faded red & green which highlights the mouldings - a really lovely entrance


 Painted details enhance this entrance …


Lovely colours seen at a temple courtyard


Carved details / mouldings make this door eye catching ….


The lovely Judges Court in Pragpur with its traditional colours & details which look just right in a 300 year old building.



The use of these traditional colours add a timeless quality to the Judges Court while highlighting the lovely architectural details …


The faded charm of these worn colours make it all seem homely & timeless …

Faded details that give a timeless quality to the building …


 Popular colour choices again of cream, white & red give this building in Shimla a timeless quality


This train like building in Shimla once again uses the traditional colours & methods to enhance the features … it certainly adds interest to the building ….


Lovely colour contrasts in Shimla …


The Gaiety Theatre in Shimla has not shied away from colour - deep blue,  green & gold just make the theatre shimmer - a really beautiful space.


Have you spotted some similar Annie Sloan colours amongst the inspirations? Are you a fan of the faded colours? Thanks for stopping by & taking the time to comment & leave your link …

Dee ~♥~