Delightful Delhi

Burnt reds, a hint of gold, the lush green of the jungle, the pale pink of a gentle sunset over the Ganges, the orange tones of a garland of marigolds, the crystal blue of sapphire - the colours of India capture the imagination of everyone who's been there.

Katie McCarthy spent three years in New Delhi exploring the streets, trawling the markets and visiting workshops where colourful textiles are woven, returning periodically to Johannesburg newly inspired each time, with suitcases of beautiful accessories for the home. Her list of requests from friends and family for objects from India grew longer and longer.

It made sense to start a small import company, which she called Bizous.

''I've wanted to start Bizous for a long time," she says.

''It was originally conceived to be an open-plan

boudoir. A decor boutique flanked by an ice cream parlour and an orchid florist - my three major passions."

When McCarthy moved to New Delhi she reconsidered.

''My original concept didn't quite fit so I thought I'd use all the inspiration I'd stored up travelling, exploring and enjoying wonderful sights and pour it into discovering, sourcing, designing and delighting in pretty, colourful and amusing objects that combine nature, styles and design."

Now living back home in a sunbathed suburb of Johannesburg, McCarthy has turned her home into a magnificent showcase of special Indian finds and classic Indian fabric.

Gold-framed vintage Bollywood posters hang on the wall in one room, neon-coloured papier-mache elephant-head masks hang on another, and another wall becomes a still life of traditional Indian headgear.

Beautiful wooden furniture is flecked with the bright colours of paint peeling, and she's updated plain white sofas and chairs with traditional Ikat fabrics. Kantha quilts in an array of colours brighten up the bedrooms.

McCarthy has turned one large room of her house into a showroom where decorators and clients can come to get a taste of India.

Her reams of Ikat fabric, masterfully arranged according to colour, are mouthwateringly delicious - and she has upholstered a range of furniture to show buyers how it can be used.

The showroom is also full of trinkets, exoticallyembroidered slippers, and candle and tealight holders perfect for celebrating Diwali on October 26 - a festival of colour, light and the triumph of good over evil.

• Find Bizous at www.bizous.co.za, or call McCarthy on 082-927-0401