Meet Hélène, an expert in the art of colorimetry

nuancier

Experience life in color

Saffron yellow, Jaipur pink, the blue of the god Krishna. Colors play a central role in Indian culture, from spices and traditions to clothing, jewelry, and decorations. In 2025, explore the magic of color with us in the heart of Rajasthan, in collaboration with our friend Hélène, expert in the art of colorimetry.

March 05-06: One night in Delhi

Arrival in Delhi. Departure for Bikaner the following day.

March 06-08: 2 nights in Bikaner

Explore the history and symbolism of colors with Hélène, and be dazzled by the frescoes of the Bikaner fort in the company of Usha. Enjoy a masterclass on the history and symbolism of colors, in collaboration with Nos Renaissances and Jamini. Exclusive visit to the workshop of Shiv Swami, renowned master of miniature painting, where you'll discover the complex and colorful art of Indian miniatures.

March 08-10: 2 nights in Mandawa

Learn about colors and their multiple dimensions, then put your knowledge into practice through painting. Take part in a color theory masterclass with Hélène to explore colorful nuances and harmonies.

Discover the Shekhawati region, with its magnificently decorated havelis, real palaces adorned with colorful frescoes, contrasting with the semi-desert landscape. The artistic rivalry of the region's former lords has turned Shekhawati into an open-air art gallery. Practical color chart painting workshop guided by Hélène.

March 10-13: 3 nights in Jaipur

Identify the colors that suit you best and learn how they are used in Indian handicrafts. Each participant will benefit from a personalized colorimetric test, based on the four seasons, with a printed color chart created by Hélène.

Visit a traditional block print workshop, and discover the steps involved in creating a Jamini collection with Usha. Also explore a jewelry workshop where Usha will reveal the symbolism of precious stones. Finally, enjoy Jaipur's magnificent palaces, colorful bazaars, and flower market.

March 13-15: 2 nights in Delhi

Celebrate Holi, the festival of colors, with Usha and her family. A shopping spree will round off your stay in style.

For more information and bookings, please contact us at: jamini.paris@gmail.com

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Hélène Baudrand

Why does color play such an important role in our collections? Color is a unifying element in India, a country of diverse landscapes, beliefs, and peoples. Color brings people together with emotions that outweigh all differences.

Shiny gold threads intermingled with rainbow-colored saris, deep shades of green on every blade of grass reacting to the lush Assam monsoon, the rising mist adding mystery to every sunrise, shifting islands of the Brahmaputra, India's second-largest river: these colors and contrasts form the DNA of our collections.

Parisian color expert Hélène's work fascinates and inspires us. Expert in the art of colorimetry, Hélène brings color into people's lives. Discover her journey and her passion below:

Hélène, tell us about your background

I'm an expert in color and colorimetry. I help people find the colors that suit them. I work with companies as a color consultant by creating color palettes, training teams in colorimetry, team-building, and hosting masterclasses.

Prior to setting up my freelance activity, I worked for 20 years in Parisian advertising agencies, helping major luxury brands with their communications. I also spent two years as Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Please magazine, a fashion magazine with ultra-colorful art direction.

Instagram account

@nos.renaissances

How did color come into your life?

There were a few artists in my family. But pictorial art seemed inaccessible to me. And like many women, I made a lot of mistakes with colors. For years, I gave myself golden-blonde highlights without realizing it made me look pale. I spent 15 years thinking I lacked radiance until I discovered I was a Winter type in colorimetry. I stopped bleaching, returned to my ash brown, and regained a fresh complexion.

How do you determine a person's colorimetry?

Colors are energies: when we wear colors in harmony with our facial tones, we reinforce our energy. I start with the person's natural colors—skin, hair, eyes, lips—and build an initial palette. I then complement it using the draping technique, placing fabrics near the face to observe positive or negative effects. It’s a collaborative process where I guide and advise without imposing.

How important is color in interior design?

It's essential. If you consider your home an extension of yourself, it must feel right and reflect who you are. No one (with rare exceptions) can live happily in a completely monochrome space. Nature itself is full of color, and we have a vital need for it. So, it's not a question of whether color is important, but which colors you want to live with harmoniously over time.

How do you imagine the color of a room?

The less interesting a room, the more it needs color to add personality—like entryways, stairwells, or hallways. A good balance between warm and cool tones keeps a space lively and harmonious. Even as a Winter person who prefers cool, dark shades, I warm things up with honey-toned floors, wooden furniture, or ochre textiles.

How do you match room colors with textiles?

I look for harmony. Complementary harmonies (like pink and green) add vibrancy; analogous harmonies (like beige, brown, rust) create elegance. Textiles are a fun, effective way to introduce color, and it's much easier to change cushions or tablecloths than to repaint a room.

What's the first rule for decorating with color?

Everything starts with you. If you thrive in bright, cheerful colors, a home dominated by black, dark tones, or stark contrasts won't suit you. Having a clear, personal color direction and a coherent palette that flows naturally between rooms is key. This creates harmony, enlarges space, and adds sophistication.

seasonal palette

@nos.renaissances

Your favorite Jamini color? Why?

I have two: forest green (dark and cool) and intense cool pink. I bought a tea towel and an Indian miniature in these shades, and when I got home, I realized how beautifully they paired together. That's the beauty of knowing your colors: everything harmonizes, even in décor. Jamini's colors are rich, bold, and full of personality. I admire Usha's talent and design sense: her handmade pieces are chic and contemporary.

More inspiration about our handmade products on our website.

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