Home A'fair / Homeafair

What, no gold bathtubs?! That's the first thought that came to mind when I walked into the store. The first items to greet you are glass counters that have the bathroom sink moulded right into them. Okay, be blas and say, "What's the big deal?", but if you're anything like me, you're always dropping things in the sink, and that includes the hairdryer. So at Rs. 17,500 for the counter I saw, "Oops, it was an accident," just won't cut it. I felt a little relieved when I saw the mirrors. They were very, very smart, and starting at Rs. 1,400 apiece, seemed almost cheap in comparison.

Home 'a' Fair has a very nice collection of tiles from Spain and Taiwan, with lovely borders in relief work, but I was really surprised to know that they were priced the same. What happened to the concept of China Bazaar? Taiwanese tiles at Rs. 125 per square foot? If you say so. Let's be serious for a moment. The tiles were actually very attractive, finished in an anti-skid surface that makes it safe for wet areas, and came in a lot of designs and colors. Apart from these high-end or designer tiles as they are called, there are also the regular glazed varieties that are more suited to the average budget. But let's say you want to give it your all - the hand-made border tiles are extremely covetable!

The upper floor has imported basins and WCs. I am still trying to decide whether I like the type of basin that sits on top of the counter. If you have already concluded that you like them, there's a lot to choose from here - and in many designs and colors.

One more floor up, and you're in kitchen heaven with hobs, chimneys and cabinet accessories, all of the mouthwatering variety. These are imported from Europe and are made mostly in stainless steel. The comfort and efficacy that it will lend to your kitchen-functions is in no doubt, and it is a lucky person who can afford to power his/her kitchen this way.

On the same floor are the jacuzzis and shower panels. Enjoy the gentle motion of the water as you lie back against the leather headrest and listen to the built-in FM radio. At Rs. 1,80,000 for the one I liked, if I were an Arab sheikh or at least married to one, I would. The shower panels seemed less decadent. They are vertical panels that you fix on the wall of your shower stall, and have a hand shower that you can place overhead when required, four or more nozzles that spray jets of water at different levels of the body to facilitate an intense massage, a small shelf for bath products, and even a little seat for when your poor legs are tired.

Hardware like faucets and showers etc. is also available in the brands of Jaquar and Grohe.

Well, don't let my jealous barbs keep you from coming here. It's always good to know what is available for the rooms we spend most of our time in, and if you can afford to do up your home with these fittings, more power to you!