When she saw me walking into her home in Assam’s Barpeta district, Amina Begum attempted valiantly to get up from the bed. Her body shook as the 68-year-old tried – and failed – to raise herself. When I had visited Begum in June last year, she was not this infirm. She was walking
Violence erupts as ED raids for Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s housesDuring the raids, top CPI(M) leaders and hundreds of party workers protested outside the homes of Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur. Updated on: May 28, 2026 7:33 AM IST By Vishnu Varma Share via Copy link The Directorate
Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express cut flights as fuel costs surgeOfficials also said Air India Express would reduce some domestic frequencies, though the impact would remain below 10%. Updated on: May 28, 2026 7:43 AM IST By HT Correspondent Share via Copy link Major Indian carriers
The two factions of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Wednesday withdrew disqualification petitions against each other’s MLAs, and reached a truce two weeks after the rift surfaced, the Hindustan Times reported. The rift had taken place after 25 AIADMK MLAs led by former ministers
Delhi employee stunned after boss gifts him a brand-new SUV for his appraisal: ‘I was shocked’Speaking to Hindustantimes.com, a Delhi employee shared his shock at receiving a brand-new MG Hector SUV as a surprise appraisal gift. Published on: May 28
Guests arriving on short notice? Quick decor hacks to transform your space fast
Guests arriving on short notice? Quick decor hacks to elevate your space in minutes
Guests arriving on short notice? Quick decor hacks to elevate your space in minutes
Transform your home into a welcoming space. With these hacks, lower your last-minute hosting stress when guests arrive out of blue.
Published on: Mar 04, 2026 7:52 PM IST By Adrija Dey Share via Copy link Preparing your living room before guests arrive is natural, and everyone wants their home to look presentable, welcoming and put-together. But what happens when guests arrive at short notice, and you do not have time for any major cleaning or redecorating? This is where strategy matters.ALSO READ: Tired of city noise? 5 decor and design hacks to make your home calm and cosy Find out how to spruce up your decor before guests arrive. Instead of panicking, a few thoughtful tweaks and rearrangements can help change how a room looks and feels, becoming more refreshing. Whether it is straightening cushions or switching to warmer lighting, the changes are subtle, but the room comes together really well.
HT Lifestyle connected with Rhea Truptesh Sawant, founder of Tinge and designer Bhumit Shah, founder of 18 Studiioz, who shared some easy tips that ease last-minute panic. With their quick-fix tips, you can wrap up your decor rearrangements in a jiffy and shift your focus to what really matters: being a relaxed and present host.
1. Clear the visible clutter
First, take a quick look at your space and pause. It is not the big furniture, like a sofa or artwork, that you need to move around. It is usually the scattered little things. Clearing visual clutter tidies up the space. Rhea recommended rearranging what already exists. “Stack two or three coffee table books, place a small object on top, and create a quick vignette. Remove random items like remotes or chargers and keep only three intentional objects," she said. Bhumit Shah also reiterated the value of clearing visible surfaces. “A clutter-free surface instantly signals an organised and well-styled home,” he explained. "Keep one or two statement pieces and let the rest breathe.”2. Doorway scan
Next, the experts touched upon soft furnishings, believing they are most overlooked, but they have an immediate impact. This means you need to fluff your cushions, fold throws neatly, smooth curtains and straighten rugs. Bhumit reasoned, “This hack is one of the fastest ways to make a space feel freshly styled within seconds.” While Rhea recommended doing a ‘doorway scan’. “Stand at the entrance and view the room from a guest’s perspective. Move anything distracting out of sight. That quick shift in viewpoint often reveals exactly what needs attention,” she noted.3. Switch to warm lighting
Switch on your warm lights. (Picture credit: Freepik) Lighting is the quickest mood transformer. Bhumit suggested, “Turn off harsh white lights and switch to warm lamps or diffused lighting. Even lighting a single candle can soften the atmosphere.”4. Add one living element
Add flower vase. (Picture credit: Freepik) Consider adding natural elements to your space, which helps to invigorate the interiors more. Rhea recommended, “Go for any: a planter, a bowl of fruit, or a fresh flower stem in a simple glass.” She further emphasised that dining areas, in particular, benefit from this quick update. Along with this, also straighten chairs and align placemats.5. Scent and sound
Styling isn’t just visual. “One underrated hack is sound,” Bhumit remarked. He urged homeowners to play soft background music. This way, even the otherwise simple decor feels elevated and warm. Likewise, fragrance also makes the space feel better. He suggested that opening windows for fresh air or using a mild home scent can make a space feel clean and welcoming.6. One focal shift
Focusing on a single focal point is very important as it creates a visual order. Rhea mentioned that a carefully styled centre table or dining table acts as an anchor. This way, the entire space feels curated, even if your corners or the rest of the room are less polished. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Adrija Dey Adrija Dey’s proclivity for observation fuels her storytelling instinct. As a lifestyle journalist, she crafts compelling, relatable narratives across diverse touchpoints of the human experience, including wellness, mental health, relationships, interior design, home decor, food, travel, and fashion that gently nudge readers toward living a little better. For her, stories exist in flesh and bones, carried by human vessels and shaped through everyday endeavours. It is the small stories we live and share that make us human. After all, humans and their lores are the most natural and raw repositories of stories, and uncovering them, for her, is akin to peeling an orange under a winter afternoon sun. Always up for a chat, she believes the best stories come from unfiltered yapping, where "too much information" is kind of the point. A graduate of Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi, and an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi, Adrija spends her idle hours cocooned with herbal tea and a gripping thriller, scribbling inner monologues she loosely calls poetic pieces, often with her succulents in attendance. On lazier days, she can be found binge-watching, for the nth time, one from her comfort-show holy trinity: The Office (US), Brooklyn Nine-Nine, or Modern Family. Dancing by herself to her peppy playlists, however, is an everyday ritual she swears by religiously.Read More Decor Home Decor Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs. News / Lifestyle / Art Culture / Guests Arriving On Short Notice? Quick Decor Hacks To Elevate Your Space In Minutes See LessPreparing your living room before guests arrive is natural, and everyone wants their home to look presentable, welcoming and put-together. But what happens when guests arrive at short notice, and you do not have time for any major cleaning or redecorating? This is where strategy matters.
ALSO READ: Tired of city noise? 5 decor and design hacks to make your home calm and cosy
Instead of panicking, a few thoughtful tweaks and rearrangements can help change how a room looks and feels, becoming more refreshing. Whether it is straightening cushions or switching to warmer lighting, the changes are subtle, but the room comes together really well.
HT Lifestyle connected with Rhea Truptesh Sawant, founder of Tinge and designer Bhumit Shah, founder of 18 Studiioz, who shared some easy tips that ease last-minute panic. With their quick-fix tips, you can wrap up your decor rearrangements in a jiffy and shift your focus to what really matters: being a relaxed and present host.
Rhea recommended rearranging what already exists. “Stack two or three coffee table books, place a small object on top, and create a quick vignette. Remove random items like remotes or chargers and keep only three intentional objects," she said.
Bhumit Shah also reiterated the value of clearing visible surfaces. “A clutter-free surface instantly signals an organised and well-styled home,” he explained. "Keep one or two statement pieces and let the rest breathe.”
Bhumit reasoned, “This hack is one of the fastest ways to make a space feel freshly styled within seconds.”
While Rhea recommended doing a ‘doorway scan’. “Stand at the entrance and view the room from a guest’s perspective. Move anything distracting out of sight. That quick shift in viewpoint often reveals exactly what needs attention,” she noted.
Lighting is the quickest mood transformer. Bhumit suggested, “Turn off harsh white lights and switch to warm lamps or diffused lighting. Even lighting a single candle can soften the atmosphere.”
Consider adding natural elements to your space, which helps to invigorate the interiors more. Rhea recommended, “Go for any: a planter, a bowl of fruit, or a fresh flower stem in a simple glass.” She further emphasised that dining areas, in particular, benefit from this quick update. Along with this, also straighten chairs and align placemats.
Likewise, fragrance also makes the space feel better. He suggested that opening windows for fresh air or using a mild home scent can make a space feel clean and welcoming.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: CBSE Class 11 Explained Looking For An Education Loan YouTube Now Offers AI-Powered Search Feature For More Users But Not In India Sheikh Hasina's In Absentia Trial Bank Of Maharashtra Is Hiring For 500 Generalist Officer Posts How The New Income Tax Bill 2025 Impact Your Finances Siri’s Big Upgrade Independence Day 2025 3-Month CAT 2025 Preparation Plan
Haier’s new Desert Rose AC comes with many tall claims like supersonic cooling, AI-driven energy savings and the ability to maintain performance even at 60°C ambient temperatures. The real question, however, is whether these features genuinely improve the day-to-day experience for everyday users
2 hours ago
The live-in personal assistant to Friends star Matthew Perry has been sentenced to 41 months in prison, capping a multi-year legal saga surrounding the actor's death. Kenneth Iwamasa, 60, who injected Perry with ketamine, worked with two doctors to provide the actor with more than $50
2 hours ago
TikTok appears to be experiencing a widespread outage with hundreds of users flagging issues with openig the popular social media app. According to outage tracking website Downdetector, reports of issues with TikTok spiked sharply around 6 AM ET in the United States on May 28
2 hours ago
Global carmakers are facing a reckoning as US, European and Japanese brands lose ground to Chinese rivals setting the pace not only in electric vehicles, but also in batteries, design and software. The BBC visited factory floors in Beijing and Hefei on the sidelines of Auto China 2026 - the world's
2 hours ago
Micah Parsons injury update: Adam Schefter gives devastating news on LB's return; ‘Will miss…’Micah Parsons is expected to miss the “first few weeks” of the upcoming season for Packers as his ACL recovers, Adam Schefter said. Updated on: May 28
2 hours ago
Laid-off Webflow employee calls out CEO: ‘Locked out of laptop, didn’t get email’A Webflow employee has called out the company’s CEO over the way in which she handled layoffs, claiming he did not receive an email about his termination Updated on: May 28
2 hours ago
Indian scientists have found strong evidence of subsurface ice near the Moon's south pole. Data from Chandrayaan-2's radar instrument revealed ice in craters. This discovery adds to growing evidence of water resources on the Moon. These findings will help shape future lunar missions
3 hours ago
Gujarat Titans bowlers set new IPL records. Kagiso Rabada took the most powerplay wickets in a season. The team also achieved a historically balanced bowling performance with five bowlers taking 15 or more wickets. Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted a record playoff total
2 hours ago
The complaint alleged that Mamata Banerjee’s remarks insulted the sentiments of followers of Sanatan Dharma and promoted communal disharmony. An FIR was registered on Tuesday against TMC Chief and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over her alleged derogatory remarks about Sanatan
2 hours ago
Pradosh Vrat happens to be one of the most sacred fasts dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This vrat is observed during the auspicious period on the Trayodashi tithi which starts after sunset. The time window after sunset, when Trayodashi Tithi and Pradosha time overlap
2 hours ago
Several labour unions have demanded, in writing, that India’s labour codes be reformed to include more explicit provisions for working in extreme heat. Record-breaking heat in recent years has moved government bodies to issue advisories urging employers to reschedule working hours and make
2 hours ago
When Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish first met Oliver Glasner in late 2023, he had no idea it would be a meeting that would change the course of the club's history. It was then sporting director, Dougie Freedman, who had set up the get-together in south London
2 hours ago
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is reportedly set to resign Thursday following Congress high command directives, paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to assume the top post. Celebrations erupted in Shivakumar's camp amid speculation
2 hours ago
Feeling bloated after meals? Gastroenterologist shares the benefits of post-meal ‘fart walks’ to ease discomfortGoing for a short walk after meals – popularised as “fart walks” on social media – is a simple way to get your digestive tract moving and ease bloating. Published on: May 27
1 days ago
From Spielberg's epic alien drama to J-Lo in an office romcom and the return of Toy Story, these are the films to watch at the cinema and stream at home this month. "By the power of Grayskull! I – have – the power!" Readers of a certain age may remember that booming battle cry: it rang out
1 days ago
IIT Madras graduate rejected ₹10 LPA job for UPSC, later found success through trading: 'Never give up'An X post detailed the man’s 12-year struggle through UPSC preparation, failed career shifts, heartbreak and unemployment before finding success through trading Published on: May 27
1 days ago
said it has turned across all its established businesses in FY26, marking a key profitability milestone for one of India's largest platforms, as it accelerates expansion across pharmacy, and speciality care.The company said its diagnostics business crossed an annualised revenue run rate of more
1 days ago
Penpa Tsering sworn in for second term as head of Tibet’s 'government-in-exile' in DharamshalaTsering said that "Middle Way Policy" which seeks a resolution to the Sino-Tibet conflict through non-violence, dialogue and mutual benefit would be lasting. Updated on: May 27
1 days ago
As innovation becomes more open and collaborative, thanks to an AI-Driven economy, companies are rethinking how visibility is built. This article explores why presence in innovation ecosystems matters, how long-term technical credibility is earned, and why platforms such as ET AI Hackathon 2
1 days ago
Man serves lemon juice as prashad in office prank, colleagues’ reactions go viralA light-hearted office moment captured on Instagram shows lemon juice being served as prashad. Published on: May 27, 2026 4:47 PM IST By Vaishali Kapila Share via Copy link Office life can feel repetitive at times
1 days ago
The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the government’s retrospective imposition of 28% Goods and Service Tax (GST) on companies, backing tax demands on past transactions in a ruling that could have major financial implications for the sector
1 days ago
India opens ₹15,000 crore race to build AMCA stealth fighterThe shortlisted bidders are: Tata Advanced Systems Limited; Larsen and Toubro plus Bharat Electronics Limited, and Bharat Forge plus Bharat Earth Movers Limited Updated on: May 27, 2026 4:56 PM IST By Shishir Gupta Share via Copy link
1 days ago
A Chinese dissident who fled his country on a rubber boat has been detained in South Korea after spending 30 hours at sea. Dong Guangping, a former police officer and human rights activist, was found in Korean waters on Monday night. South Korea's coast guard told the BBC that Dong is under
1 days ago
Ugandan woman, suspected of Ebola infection, tests negative in KarnatakaKarnataka minister says health department continues to closely monitor the situation and remains fully prepared to take all necessary measures Updated on: May 27, 2026 4:40 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link A 28-year-old woman
1 days ago
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla asked the international community for urgent help to prevent disaster in his country, which is under a U.S. energy blockade, in a speech to the UN Security Council on Tuesdayc(May 26, 2026). “I call on the international community to mobilize to
1 days ago
Noida International Airport: Paresh Maity’s art takes flight of fancyIndian artist Paresh Maity’s two public art installations will be part of the Noida International Airport that is expected to be operational from June 2026. These include six huge panels and a bell installation represent
1 days ago
The Assam Assembly on Wednesday passed the Uniform Civil Code bill seeking to ban polygamy and make the registration of live-in relationships compulsory, even as the Opposition demanded that it should be sent to a select committee for scrutiny
1 days ago
