Radio Netherlands Worldwide

Traditionally, Indians prefer white. White is a sign of purity and gives a look of vastness to small rooms. Until few decades, whitewash/lime wash was the only option and that too annually before the festival of Diwali. It had a scientific reason too as the houses collected dampness, dust and grime after the monsoons, so it was mandatory to clean the house before the approaching winters and the festival. Moreover,lime has antimicrobial properties that provide hygienic and sanitary benefits as well. Then came the plastic paints in various colours. Heavy advertising in the print and tv media, made the people opt for it, though the trend is reversing again. Plastic coloured paints are toxic and cause respiratory problems and the cost is higher. The subject of the article above relates the economics-mood to the colour preference, which might be true, but I feel, it is not the mood but the buying capacity that determines the colour of the house. Personally, I prefer white though I too experimented with colours but found that the rooms looked smaller and less bright! White reflects light and the rooms can be brightened up with colourful curtains and furniture. I got my home whitewashed just few weeks before after two decades of plastic paints. It cost less and we: the rooms and the family, are breathing easier!