Want to know more about rich and vibrant Indian decor style? Read my blog and fall in love with it!
This time of the year, in India, we are celebrating the festive season of Diwali. Diwali is the most significant festival for us Hindus. Isn’t it especially significant this year when we are struggling to come to terms with the Covid era? We all need something that strengthens the idea of hope and light in these times of suffering and despair. These festivals are also the right occasions that reinforce the idea of the rich cultural heritage of our country.
I am feeling so inspired and thrilled to write about a design style that portrays my country – the rich Indian decor style.
Incredible India!
The Indian decor style is typically very intricate, bold, and eclectic in its expression. India has seen such a wide array of influences in its culture, heritage, and history. Our style has evolved with the imprint of a variety of languages, rulers, regions, and religions. And we all love this diversity of our decor style. As designers, we have so much to play with.
Today, with a strong inclination and trend towards minimalism and modernism, sadly the Indian style seems to have taken a back seat and we have forgotten the masterpieces of our skilled craftsmen. As if there is a layer of dust, waiting to be removed to unveil and rediscover those timeless and rich decor elements which will root our spaces back into our rich history.
Do you find the style a bit heavy, traditional or conservative for your taste? Here is the trick- Indian decor elements can especially look stunning in a modern set up adding that much-needed contrast and intimacy to a stark and frigid space. On the other hand, just a little touch of this Indian vibe keeps it from appearing stuffy or overboard in today’s context.
Let’s explore ways to incorporate and establish a reconnect with these lost wonders and see how to judiciously add a little Indian, ethnic touch to our urban and modern spaces.
Indian Decor Furniture :
Hand-carved furniture has been a part of our interiors for ages. Sheesham (Indian rosewood) furniture is still very popular. We can see intricately carved beds and other furniture pieces in Havelis and forts of Rajasthan. Low height dewans (day beds) with bolsters were very popular once. They add a relaxed vibe to any space. Armoires with recessed arches, antique Indian doors, furniture with inlay patterns, cane furniture all our part of our decor style.
Jhoola or swing :
Think of a jhoola and a picture of a queen sitting and enjoying immediately pops up in mind, isn’t it? A jhoola can help add a fun vibe and a place for an informal conversation to any seating area. Jhoolas can be placed on terraces, verandahs, or can even be a part of the living room seating. A simple wooden plank hanging with brass hookers is a ticket to a total Indian mood.
Courtyards and verandahs :
A well-landscaped courtyard is so Indian in its origin and feel. It is not only a visual treat but also keeps the house cool in summers and offers a place for sunning in winter. Verandahs are another traditional Indian elements which provide a transition point from indoors to outdoors.
Jaalis or screens with cut patterns have been displayed in our architecture since time immemorial. They are a very common design element both in interiors as well as facades. These screens provide visual division without obstructing the view and natural elements like sunlight, breeze, etc. They cast interesting shadow patterns adding visual interest. Screens with modern patterns are a more contemporary take on these traditional Indian design elements.
Patterns in Indian stone :
Traditionally intricate inlay patterns were made out of common indigenous stones like yellow Jaisalmer, Udaipur green, makrana white, etc. Beautiful patterned flooring in these Indian varieties adds an ethnic vibe instantly just like a rangoli pattern on the floor.
Puja room – an essential for Indian decor :
As Indians, we all know how a puja room or even a console is a part of almost every household. A nicely designed puja room adds so much to space apart from connecting us to the divine presence.
Indian art & accessories :
Indian art forms are inherently very colorful and expressive. In our folk paintings flora and fauna, gods and goddesses, deities, humans, geometric forms, daily life activities, epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana all participate to tell a story. Some popular folk painting forms which have stood the test of time include Madhubani, Mughal miniature paintings, Phad, Warli, Gond, Kalamkari, and Tanjore. They were traditionally made on cloth or pattas with colors extracted from local natural materials.
Our handicrafts are also so rich and vibrant. Include Jharokha style mirrors, stone statues of gods, boxes of carved wood or inlay stone or soapstone, brass trays, brass oil lamps, wall hangings with elephants or camels, papier-mache boxes or coasters, paper, and leather lamps, essential oil burners, brass tealights, clay pottery, oh my God I can go on and on! the list is endless!
And of course do not forget the jute, woolen carpets, durries, patchwork wall hangings, door torans, cotton table covers, and runners. Do include our rich handicrafts for that nostalgic, vintage Indian vibe.
Indian fabrics & prints :
Most of the prints of our country are inspired by nature, religious motifs, animal figures, architectural details of temples, forts, abstract forms, floral and foliage patterns, Mughal designs, geometric designs, etc. Our fabrics are vibrant and diverse in terms of patterns and there is an influence from diverse regions and cultures.
Batik, kalamkari, dabu, Bagru, Ikat, bagh, paisley, ajrak, patchwork, mirror work are some of the most popular and elegant Indian blocks or hand made prints or dyeing techniques, which showcase the craftsmanship and skill of our people. Rich Indian fabrics include linen, cotton, khadi, tussar silk, pashmina, etc.
Go ahead and include these native fabrics and prints as wallpapers, upholstery, drapery, cushions, and throw pillows for that ethnic, Indian vibe.
Colors for Indian decor :
Indians have always been smitten with the multitude of colors, which are quintessential in our rich heritage. Colors carry so much symbology in our country. From art to architecture to religious renditions to festivals and celebrations to regional inheritance to spices. We cannot imagine anything without a drench of brilliant colors. Lively, joyous hues have to be a part of our lifestyle on every occasion.
We relate so well with the deep bridal reds, saffron or ocher of marigolds & turmeric, the deep blue of Lord Krishna, nature’s greens, terracotta of clay pots, the khaki of dry mud, and so on. Traditionally the colors used in India were all organic and derived from plants and animals and other natural sources. That explains the earthiness of our colors. Indian colors are very bold and earthen in their tonal quality.
Bottom line is that colors have to be an important ingredient in any Indian interior design recipe. Indians love colors – Brilliant hues of festivals and celebrations like weddings. They can be subtle and pastels or vibrant jewel tones. Our inclination for these delightful colors is in stark contrast to the monochromatic monotony and minimalism of the west.
Indian Materials :
Indian materials are typically very earthen and exude a down to earth vibe. From exposed bricks, exposed concrete, bold colors, IPC flooring Indian material palette is so tactile and true to its nature. They give an easy-going, handmade, natural feel. Not that perfect machine-made, polished appearance.
I feel so proud and fortunate to be a part of Indian cultural heritage. As designers, we have a treasure to explore and include in our design stories. We need to focus on and reinvent our lost pride. So now you know why I love this warm, welcoming, vibrant, and cheerful style which adds that much-needed spark to our interiors.
I hope my blog inspires you to consider this style for your design projects!