Increased styling, comfort, space optimisation: How contemporary Indian Homes are styled

With the intention of serving multiple roles that of a workplace, retreat and social space, changes in styling homes in India focused on lighting and wall decor. Wall décor adoption rises 64%, storage and organisation grows 270%, and ambient lighting increases 70% as Indian households shift toward intentional home styling. 

According to a recent report offering a data-led view of how Indian homes are evolving through everyday styling, comfort, and space optimisation choices. Built on aggregated insights from over 500,000 customers, spanning 100,000+ products, 48 home categories, and 50 million browsing sessions, the report captures behavioural shifts shaping modern Indian living.

Rather than large-scale renovations, the findings reveal a growing preference for incremental, intentional upgrades, as homes increasingly serve multiple roles — workplace, retreat, and social space.

Key Findings from the Vaaree Home Index 2025-

Wall décor adoption grew 64%, emerging as the most common entry point into home styling.

Home Storage & Organisation recorded 270% year-on-year growth, signalling a shift from hidden utility to visible design.

Adoption of lamps and ambient lighting rose 70%, reflecting a move toward mood-led living environments.

Rugs and carpets saw over 102% growth in GMV, alongside a 42% increase in average selling price of cushion covers, indicating rising investment in comfort-led upgrades.

Browsing curated “Looks” delivered 580% higher conversion compared to product-led discovery.

Indian Homes Move Toward Coordinated Styling

The report highlights a structural shift in consumer behaviour. Instead of upgrading homes product by product, households are increasingly styling spaces through coordinated, cross-category combinations that balance aesthetics with functionality.

Walls have emerged as a primary surface for expression, with art styles such as Pichwai, Madhubani, macrame, and Jharokha-inspired décor gaining prominence alongside symbolic motifs like the Lotus, Evil Eye, and Tree of Life.

Storage solutions — including racks, shelves, and organisers — are increasingly treated as visible elements within living spaces rather than purely functional additions.

Lighting adoption reflects a similar evolution, with households using lamps and ambient lighting to define zones for work, relaxation, and hosting. 

Regional Trends Reveal Emerging Design Confidence

While trends were visible nationally, the report identified strong regional variations:

Mumbai ranked highest across Style, Comfort, and Space-Saver indices.

Jaipur emerged as India’s second most stylish city, climbing four positions year-on-year.

Bangalore led adoption of space-saving and functional solutions.

Emerging cities including Indore, Lucknow, and Nagpur recorded some of the fastest growth in styling adoption.

These shifts suggest rising experimentation and design confidence beyond metro markets. 

“Indian homes today are evolving through everyday decisions rather than large renovations,” said Garima Luthra, Co-founder of Vaaree. “What we’re seeing is a move toward intentional living, where comfort, organisation, and personal expression are becoming equally important. The Home Index is our attempt to decode how people are actually shaping their spaces, based on behaviour rather than trends,” says Varun Vohra, Co-founder of Vaaree, further adding, “The data shows that Indian consumers are no longer buying décor in isolation. They are building coordinated environments. This shift has implications not just for retail, but for how the entire home industry thinks about discovery, design, and consumption.” 

Looking Ahead

The report identifies early signals likely to shape future home evolution:

Storage solutions balancing function and aesthetics becoming baseline expectations.

Modular, corner-led updates replacing full-room makeovers.

Comfort evolving into a sensory experience combining lighting, texture, and visual calm.

Tier-2 cities playing a larger role in defining home styling trends.

 

When the Bansuri Met the Blogosphere: A First-of-Its-Kind Interaction with Ronu Majumdar

Mumbai | 17 February 2026: 

In a landmark cultural evening that beautifully bridged classical heritage with contemporary digital voices, Padma Shri awardee and globally acclaimed Bansuri maestro Ronu Majumdar engaged in an exclusive, first-of-its-kind blogger interaction in Mumbai. 

Over 20 prominent bloggers from Mumbai gathered for the intimate session, making it a pioneering initiative where a classical music legend connected directly with the digital creator community through one-on-one conversations. The event marked a significant step toward bringing Indian classical music into deeper dialogue with new-age media platforms.

The evening commenced with a formal introduction highlighting Majumdar’s illustrious journey spanning over four decades. A disciple of the Maihar gharana tradition and a torchbearer of Hindustani classical music, he has performed across prestigious global stages and collaborated extensively with legendary composer R. D. Burman. His cinematic contributions include iconic films such as 1942: A Love Story, while his global compositional work for large-scale productions like Mystic India further underscores his international acclaim.

Following the introduction, Ronu Sir presented a short live flute recital, instantly immersing the room in the meditative and soulful resonance of the bansuri. The performance set the tone for what unfolded as an evening of depth, nostalgia, and heartfelt storytelling.

During the interaction, Majumdar candidly shared anecdotes from the golden era of Indian music, reminiscing about his creative journey alongside stalwarts such as R.D. Burman and the legendary Kishore Kumar. He offered rare insights into studio recordings, improvisational processes, and the discipline behind sustaining classical purity within cinematic frameworks.

A highlight of the evening was the discussion around his recently released single, You & Me. The composition, intimate and deeply evocative, reflects a soulful dialogue between artist and listener. Drawing inspiration from Kishore Kumar’s lullaby in the film Kanwara Baap, the piece carries emotional warmth while maintaining classical integrity. Through this project, Majumdar once again demonstrates his ability to blend tradition with contemporary sensibilities, ensuring the bansuri remains relevant across generations.

The session concluded with individual blogger interactions, allowing attendees to capture exclusive insights and engage in meaningful conversations. Ronu Sir’s warmth, humility, and openness left a lasting impression, transforming the gathering into more than just a media event — it became a celebration of music, memory, and mentorship.

This historic interaction not only reinforced Ronu Majumdar’s stature as a cultural icon but also highlighted the growing importance of digital creators in shaping conversations around classical arts in modern India.

About AR Rahman, Bansuri maestro Ronu Majumdar said - When AR Rahman came into picture lot of people lost their job because Dil Hai Chotasa like melodies were recorded on keyboard. But when you listen to the flute Rahman is using original flute. His original name was Dilip. It's sad that recently he gave very nasty interview. I don't agree with you, Dilip. You are not Rahman for me. You are still Dilip for me. You played under Illayaraja and we both were beginners at that time. So don't do all these things be careful what you say. It's my advice to you Dilip.

Kayana Monga of India Named Asia-Pacific Winner of the IB’s First Community Inspiration Award

Mumbai, 17 February 2026 – The International Baccalaureate (IB) is delighted to announce Kayana Monga, a Diploma Programme (DP) student at Shiv Nadar School Noida in India, as the Asia-Pacific recipient of its first-ever IB Community Inspiration Award. This global award recognises members of the IB community who have made extraordinary contributions to advancing the IB’s mission and values in their local communities.

Representing the Asia-Pacific region, Monga was recognised for founding Project Muskan, a rural mental health initiative that has reached more than 500 children in and around Delhi and identified over 40 cases of suicidal ideation, connecting them to timely care. She has worked closely with psychologists and local partners to design structured interventions for children who might otherwise have limited access to professional mental health support.

Her work has helped bring conversations about children’s mental health into administrative and policy discussions in India, including recognition from the Delhi Health Ministry and the Chief Minister, underscoring the urgency of expanding access to care beyond urban centres. Beyond mental health, Monga has contributed to UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children report and led initiatives in sustainability, Model United Nations and community service, demonstrating outstanding youth-led leadership with measurable impact.

Commenting on receiving the IB Community Inspiration Award, Monga said:

“To receive this award is to be reminded that awareness carries obligation, and that meaningful change begins when care deepens into responsibility. For me, Project Muskan grew from my own experiences with anxiety into a way of ensuring that children in rural India are seen, heard, and supported without stigma or financial barriers. I hope this recognition encourages more young people to trust that their questions, compassion, and courage can drive real change in their communities.”

“Kayana embodies the very best of what an IB education aims to nurture: compassionate, reflective individuals who care deeply about their communities and apply their learning to create solutions that address broader societal challenges. Her work with Project Muskan shows remarkable leadership, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility," said Mahesh Balakrishnan, Business Development Senior Manager, India and Nepal at the IB. 

Kayana Monga will be honoured at the upcoming Asia-Pacific IB Global Conference, which will take place in Mumbai in March 2026. For more information about the IB Community Inspiration Award and the inaugural winners, please visit here.

 

The IB was founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate (IB) pioneered a movement of international education and now offers four high-quality, challenging educational programmes to students aged 3-19. The IB gives students distinct advantages by providing strong foundations, critical thinking skills, and proficiency for solving complex problems while encouraging multiculturalism, curiosity, and a healthy appetite for learning and excellence. In a world where asking the right questions is as important as discovering answers, the IB champions critical thinking and flexibility in study by crossing disciplinary, cultural, and national boundaries. Supported by world-class educators and coordinators, the IB currently engages with more than two million students in over 6,000 schools across more than 160 countries. To find out more, please visit www.ibo.org/. 

Bengaluru Buzzes with Happpy AiR Parade Celebrating Joy and Mental Well-Being

Bengaluru recently came alive as Happpy AiR and Bengaluru Traffic Police joined forces for the Happpy AiR Parade — a vibrant public movement spreading smiles, joy and awareness about conscious happiness.

What started as a simple idea—to remind people to be happpy—soon blossomed into a joyful movement that touched thousands. As the parade wound through the city, smiles spread, laughter reverberated, and ordinary moments became unexpected bursts of joy.

The parade commenced around noon at Kemp Fort Mall on Old Airport Road, where energetic flash mobs, spirited dance performances, music, and cheerful interactions set the tone. Thousands of smiley balls, happpiness caps, happpiness bands, umbrellas, soft toys, and posters were distributed to passers-by. Shoppers paused, motorists slowed down, and commuters smiled back — some even joined in, embracing a rare moment of lightness amid the rush of daily life.

Nearly 100 enthusiastic volunteers, along with Bengaluru-based influencers, participated wholeheartedly, adding warmth and momentum to the initiative. Their collective energy helped carry the message of happpiness far beyond the streets the parade travelled.

From Old Airport Road, the Happpy AiR Parade moved through some of Bengaluru’s busiest and most iconic areas — Indiranagar, Koramangala, Brigade Road, Commercial Street, and MG Road. At every stop, the message remained simple and relatable: happpiness is a choice, and joy is truly contagious.

A mixed bag of films at the Bengaluru International Film Festival 2025

The parade reflected this philosophy in action. Happpy AiR — an awakened Soul, Global Happpiness Ambassador, author, and philanthropist — encouraged people to choose to be happpy, make the best of every moment, and live each day as a new life. Sharing his thoughts with gentle humour, he said, “If we choose to be sad when we can be glad, aren’t we mad?”

Incidentally, Happpy AiR spells happpiness with three ‘p’s, as he believes true happpiness is a combination of pleasure, peace, and purpose — the three keys to a fulfilled life.

The Bengaluru Traffic Police played an active role throughout the event, ensuring smooth movement and safety across all locations through careful planning, clear routes, and seamless coordination.

What made the initiative especially meaningful was its presence in everyday public spaces — markets and busy roads where stress and impatience often dominate. The flash mobs became joyful interruptions, inviting people to pause, smile, and reflect, even if only for a moment.

By early evening, the parade drew to a close, leaving behind more than memories of dance and celebration. It left a quiet inspiration — a reminder to make conscious choices to be happpy.

In a city known for its pace and pressure, the Happpy AiR Parade gently reinforced a powerful truth: happpiness need not be complicated. It doesn’t require grand gestures or extraordinary efforts. Sometimes, it simply begins with a smile — and the realization that joy is always within reach.

Bengaluru Airport launches "Care by BLR" — personalised premium assistance

Offering a full range of premium assistance across Terminals 1 and 2, Bengaluru Airport introduces a personalised passenger-service brand transforming the airport experience

Bengaluru, January 28, 2026: Airports today are far more than transit points, they have evolved into vibrant destinations and social spaces that shape how people meet, work, shop and unwind. At Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport), we remain committed to crafting delightful journeys and elevating customer experience by offering services and experiences that blend ease and efficiency with warmth and thoughtful human connection.

Building on this commitment, we are happy to introduce Care by BLR, a personalised passenger service brand of BLR Airport. Designed to meet the evolving needs of modern travellers, this platform offers a comprehensive suite of assistance and premium support services that enhance comfort and ease airport navigation. From seamless guidance to end‑to‑end support, these services are available across both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

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The Care by BLR portfolio includes Meet & Assist, Porter and Luggage Service, Valet Parking, Luxury Limousine, Arrival Lounge access, Flower Services and more, available across departures, arrivals, and transit. These offerings are designed to support passengers at every touchpoint, making travel through BLR Airport more seamless, convenient, and experiential.

These service are available across Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, supporting both domestic and international travel. The services operate round‑the‑clock in alignment with flight schedules and can be booked via the Pulse App, the official BLR Airport website (www.bengaluruairport.com/carebyblr), or at designated Care by BLR counters located in both terminals. Each counter is manned by trained Customer Service professionals who provide personalised, on‑ground support throughout the airport journey.

Commenting on the initiative, Kenneth R. Guldbjerg, Chief Commercial Officer, Bangalore International Airport Limited, added, “Passengers today seek more than just point to point travel – they want to feel cared for and supported from the moment they arrive at the airport. At BLR Airport, the travel experience is shaped across multiple touchpoints, and Care by BLR brings essential services to these touchpoints under a unified, airport led platform that is simple to access and dependable to use. As passenger expectations continue to evolve, this approach allows us to deliver consistent, high quality experiences while giving passengers the flexibility to choose how they travel through BLR Airport.”

Delhi Literature Festival 2026 to Celebrate “Sahitya, Sanskriti aur Samriddhi” at IGNCA

New Delhi, January 28, 2026: The 14th edition of the annual Delhi Literature Festival (DLF) returns with renewed purpose and intellectual vibrancy, reaffirming its position as one of India’s most inclusive and dynamic platforms for ideas, dialogue, and cultural exchange. To be held from 6–8 February 2026 at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Janpath, the festival will bring together some of the most influential voices from literature, culture, public life, and the arts. The festival will be inaugurated on Friday, 6 February 2026 at 6:00 PM by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister for Culture & Tourism as the Chief Guest.

Rooted in the theme “Sahitya, Sanskriti aur Samriddhi”, the festival celebrates the enduring power of literature to shape culture and contribute meaningfully to societal progress. Bringing together eminent authors, thinkers, poets, policymakers, artists, and young voices from across India and the world, the Delhi Literature Festival seeks to foster thoughtful conversations that bridge tradition and modernity. Through engaging sessions, discussions, readings, and performances, the festival aims to inspire critical thinking, nurture creativity, and highlight the vital role of literature and culture in building a more informed, empathetic, and prosperous society.

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Over three days, the festival will host authors, poets, jurists, policymakers, diplomats, artists, and young thought leaders from India and abroad, offering a rich confluence of conversations, readings, performances, and reflections that explore the intersection of literature, culture, and societal progress. The theme underscores the belief that literature (Sahitya) and culture (Sanskriti) together form the bedrock of holistic prosperity (Samriddhi) - one that extends beyond material wealth to include intellectual depth, social harmony, and creative abundance.

The 2026 edition also coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Spain, being commemorated as the India–Spain Dual Year of Culture, Tourism, and Artificial Intelligence, adding a significant global dimension to the festival’s cultural dialogue.

Guests of Honour include Smt. Rekha Gupta, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi; Shri Kapil Mishra, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister for Culture & Tourism, Delhi; Sushri Bansuri Swaraj, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha); and Dr. Meenakshi Jain, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha).

Keynote addresses will be delivered by Shri Keshav Chandra, Hon’ble Chairman, NDMC; Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary and Executive & Academic Head, IGNCA; and Shri K. Satish Nambudiripad, Director General, Doordarshan. A special address will be delivered by Mr. Tim Curtis, Director and Representative, UNESCO India.

The festival will culminate in the Delhi Literature Festival Author Awards 2026, recognising outstanding contributions to literature and thought leadership.

The speaker lineup for Delhi Literature Festival 2026 comprises some of the most revered voices of our time, such as Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, former Chief Justice of India; Vinod Kumar Shukla; Acharya Prashant; Rahul Pandita; Shalini Passi; Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri; Rahul Bhattacharya; Dr. Mani Rao; Nilotpal Mrinal; and Shambhu Shikhar, among others - representing a powerful amalgamation of literature, law, spirituality, journalism, art, and social thought.

With its expansive vision, distinguished speakers, and strong cultural ethos, the Delhi Literature Festival & Author Awards 2026 promises to be a landmark celebration of ideas, one that reinforces the enduring relevance of literature and culture in building a more endearing, thoughtful, compassionate and thriving society.

Plant based Exosomes show promise for human hair regeneration, as per study published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology

The breakthrough can redefine hair loss treatment for more than half of males and females worldwide

Plant-based exosomes—tiny cellular messengers derived from sources such as ginger, grapefruit and blueberries—could represent the next frontier in human hair regeneration, according to a new scientific review. The study examines how a combination of plant-derived exosomes and biomimetic polypeptides supports hair restoration more effectively than existing non-surgical options.

The study – published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology – suggests that combining plant-derived exosomes with biomimetic polypeptides yields more consistent, biologically robust hair restoration responses, unlike earlier treatments that rely on a single mechanism. By working across multiple regenerative pathways rather than targeting one signal in isolation, the approach is increasingly being viewed as a breakthrough in the evolving field of hair regeneration.

Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri – movie review

“For years, hair loss treatments have offered limited results or come with compromises,” said Dr. Raji Patil, Head of Medical Affairs at QR678®. “What this research reinforces is that hair loss is not caused by dead follicles, but by disrupted molecular signalling. By addressing multiple regenerative pathways together, we move closer to restoring the biology of hair growth rather than only mitigating the visible signs of hair loss. The QR678® research and development platform remains at the cutting edge of scientific research.”

Conducted by Indian QR678® researchers in collaboration with international experts, the review uses evidence from published preclinical research, early clinical studies and mechanistic data to explain how plant-based exosomes and biomimetic polypeptides pair up to achieve better hair regeneration. The first acts as carriers of cellular instructions that aid tissue repair and signaling, while the latter mimics essential growth factors that activate hair follicles and support the active growth phase of hair.

Importantly, the paper situates this combination approach within a broader pathway-based understanding of hair loss, highlighting how future regenerative therapies are increasingly being designed to modulate interconnected signalling systems—rather than relying on single-target treatments. This pathway-focused direction also underpins the next phase of innovation for QR678®, with several advanced regenerative products currently in development.

Renowned U.S. dermatologist and clinical researcher Dr. Michael Gold said, “We are now looking at hair loss through a systems-biology lens. Once you understand that multiple signaling pathways control whether a follicle grows, rests or regresses, it becomes clear why single-mechanism treatments often fall short. The work coming out of the QR678® platform reflects a shift toward translational science that can meaningfully change how hair loss is treated in the real world.”

The review also addresses safety and regulatory considerations in the rapidly expanding exosome space. It notes that the US Food and Drug Administration currently restricts many injectable exosome therapies derived from human or animal sources, while plant-derived exosomes are emerging as a safer alternative due to their high biocompatibility and low immunogenic risk.

With additional QR678® products currently under regulatory review in multiple countries globally and approvals anticipated in the near future, the study serves as a scientific foundation for a new generation of pathway-driven regenerative therapies—positioning India and QR678® at the forefront of responsible, science-backed progress in hair regeneration.