5 Divine Mandir Designs for Contemporary Homes

Prayer rooms or mandirs are an integral part of Indian homes. But when it comes to revamping the decor of the house, they are often neglected. People fail to smoothly transition from traditional mandir designs to something more modern. This makes it an eyesore as it clashes with the rest of the house.

Our pristine collection of mandir designs, brimming with fresh, contemporary appeal, is just what your house needs.

 1. Lighting Splendor

Traditionally, mandirs are lit with diyas and candles. But now mandir designs are opting for safer and cleaner alternatives like fairy lights or cove lights in and around the area to give it a vibrant glow. Pick soft colors and lights that can be dimmed according to the setting.

In this setup, the laser cut back panel is lit-up from behind thus highlighting the beauty of the intricate details. With its ethereal glow, it perfectly frames the idols and religious paraphernalia.

Ornate floor or hanging lamps can also brighten up the space. The beautiful beaded chandelier in this room casts a resplendent glow without taking away the focus from the idol.

Carefully choose your lighting style according to your room’s orientation, size and theme.

 2. Niche Novelty

Niches and redundant corners of your home can easily be transformed into a prayer area. It is a good idea to make use of light colors for the platforms and vibrant hues for the walls to draw the eyes towards the mandir design.

Also, make sure that the space is not overcrowded with idols. Keep it simple and elegant.

Alternatively, you can add shelves within the slim niche if you want to accommodate more idols.

3. Small and Stylish

If you are not a fan of huge mandir rooms or just don’t have the space for it, mandir designs like these are perfect as that easily blend with the general decor of the room.

Borrowing hues from its surrounding, this simple, open setup features an idol, focus lighting, a shelf and a sideboard neatly placed within a beautiful laser-cut paneled arc.

But if you prefer privacy, opt for mandir designs such as this. The see-through cabinet doors gives the blocky structure a light, airy feel.

 4. Artistic Focus

The best mandir designs can be a fusion of a traditional setting and modern, edgy decor. An artistic rendition of a shloka, or a chic background ornament with an exquisite metallic finish can be a real game-changer. It will surely add aesthetic appeal to your home and be the cynosure of all eyes.

 5. Magical Mix Up

Last but not the least, if you are have a dedicated prayer room, go all the way. You have plenty of space to mix up the above design elements and style it with floating-flower bowls, cushions, floor mats etc.

Now that you have these tips in hand, you can easily customize or choose from these mandir designs that blend in with your home’s theme and offer a quiet spot for prayer and contemplation.

Unique Affordable Flooring Ideas

Affordable flooring ideas are quite different yet these alternatives are worth the consideration when you need an alternative to exclusive high end flooring as they are cost effective and with good appearance.

In addition, each and every cheap flooring option has its advantages. We shall have a look at the top 6 cheap flooring options, their pros and cons so you can choose the one that is most suitable for you.

 Affordable Flooring Ideas – Laminate Flooring

One of the most popular affordable flooring ideas is to use laminate planks or laminate flooring. Modern laminate floor planks offer exceptionally high quality for a reasonable price and their performance is very close to the one of hardwood floors. It became popular as a cheap alternative of parquet flooring but with development of technology laminate is no longer “for the poor” and has become a floor covering with its own advantages. It provides endless opportunities for interior decoration as nowadays, manufacturers offer a vast variety of color options, wood finishes and textures.

Advantages of laminate Flooring:  

Durability, easy installation, wide variety of colors, versatility – laminate can be installed in any room of the home, including bathroom. Laminate flooring can be installed over an existing floor which saves money and labor. Laminate floors are resistant to the growth of mold and bacteria. The protective top layer protects the laminate floors from stains and the floors require low maintenance.

Disadvantages of laminate Flooring: 

Laminate floors cannot be sanded or refinished. Laminate floors imitate wood successfully but do not have the same feeling when walking barefoot. They can be damaged by water, susceptible to scratching and denting, and could be quite hard.

Engineered Wood Flooring – Pros and Cons

Very often engineered wood is confused with laminate but these are two different types of wood flooring, manufactured in a different way and have different properties. Engineered wood floors are the closest to hardwood flooring but cost significantly less. One of the most popular affordable flooring ideas, engineered wood floors have many advantages to offer.

 

Advantages of engineered wood flooring:

 Resistant to moisture and humidity, cost-efficient alternative to hardwood floors, environmentally friendly, easy installation and repair. Engineered wood floors are offered in many colors and wood grain finishes and can be used anywhere in the house. They are solid, stable, comfortable and pleasant to walk barefoot. Depending on the thickness of the veneer, engineered wood flooring can be sanded or refinished.

Disadvantages of engineered wood flooring:

Thin veneers do not allow sanding and decreases the lifespan of the floor. Engineered wood floors are more expensive than laminate, tile and carpet.

Affordable Flooring Ideas – Pros and Cons of Cork Flooring

 

Being a natural and renewable material, cork is one of the best affordable flooring ideas. Cork floors offer a soft feel and a beautiful appearance. Cork is an excellent flooring option for families with young children and due to the natural softness prevents accidental injuries in case someone falls or trips.

Advantages of cork flooring: 

Exceptional durability, resistance to cracking and abrasion. Cork flooring is impermeable to gas and liquid. Cork floors are resistant to mold, mildew and termites and with proper maintenance have a lifespan of about 40 years. Cork flooring is fire resistant and anti-microbial. Cork has exceptional insulating properties – both thermal and acoustic – and keeps the rooms warm and quiet. Cork floor tiles are offered in various sizes, colors and styles and work with many interior design concepts.

Disadvantages of cork flooring:

 It is more expensive than other cheap flooring options and usually requires a professional installation. Extensive exposure to sunlight may cause discoloration. Cork is susceptible to scratches and is not a suitable option for homes with pets.

Vinyl Flooring – Cost Efficient Flooring Option

 Vinyl flooring has been a widely popular cheap flooring option for decades and is offered in either tile or sheet form. It offers a great value and is available in a wide range of colors, designs and styles.

Advantages of vinyl flooring: 

easy to cut and install and an excellent DIY project as the installation does not require special tools and skills. There are vinyl floor tiles with self-adhesive backing which makes installation even easier. Vinyl floors can be installed over an existing flooring (vinyl or linoleum), they are soft and flexible, very durable, with a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Vinyl floors are resistant to dirt and water and maintenance is practically zero. Except for regular sweeping and mopping to keep the floor clean, no further maintenance is required.

Disadvantages of vinyl flooring: 

Vinyl floors need an even sub-floor otherwise there may be bumps and lumps. The sub-floor has to be perfectly clean, especially when installing peel and stick vinyl floor tiles, otherwise they will loosen. Sharp objects can damage vinyl flooring and when moving furniture, the floor can be scratched. Furniture pads on the feet of all furniture are a must. The use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in the manufacturing process is the biggest con of vinyl flooring as it emits volatile organic compounds when new.

Carpet and Carpet Tiles – Cheap Flooring Ideas

 

The market offers a number of opportunities – you can buy a wall-to-wall roll carpet or carpet tiles which are much easier to install and an excellent DIY project, saving you installation fees. Wall to wall carpeting is offered in so many styles, textures, designs that you will easily find the best option to complement your home style and design.

Advantages of wall-to-wall carpet and carpet tile flooring:

Carpet flooring adds coziness and warmth to the home. It is versatile and can be used on stairs, in living rooms, family rooms, bedrooms. Carpet flooring offers very good insulation properties and exceptional coziness and warmth. It feels pleasant to bare feet and does not allow chills and drafts seep through the floor. In addition, the noise insulation properties of carpet floors make it perfect for bedrooms as it reduces the sounds and noises inside the home. Once installed and with proper maintenance and regular cleaning, the carpet will retain its beautiful look for many years. Carpet tiles are an ideal choice for tricky floors and provide an option to create a unique flooring for your home combining colors, shapes and patterns. They can be easily installed and easily replaced, if needed.

Disadvantages of wall-to-wall carpet and carpet tile flooring:

Carpet flooring, whether wall-to-wall carpet or carpet tiles, absorbs moisture and are susceptible to staining, and mildew growth. This is one of the main reasons why carpet flooring is not a good choice for bathrooms. Once damaged by mold and mildew, the carpet flooring should be removed immediately. Sometimes carpet flooring may cause allergies or respiratory problems as fibers collect dust, dirt, bugs, and bacteria. Carpets stain easily and retain odors, which is why they are not a good alternative for families with pets. In such cases it is better to consider other affordable flooring options.

Linoleum Flooring – Cost Efficient Flooring Option

 

Like we mentioned earlier, linoleum is not vinyl. Real linoleum is a type of flooring, made of linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, tree resins, ground limestone and pigments. The components are mixed and pressed onto a jute backing. Real linoleum flooring is non-toxic, biodegradable and does not contain formaldehyde, does not emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

Advantages of linoleum Flooring:

 Incredibly durability, easy installation and very low maintenance are some of the major pros. When properly maintained, linoleum flooring can have a lifespan up to 40 years. Linoleum flooring is very comfortable underfoot as it is a soft material. In addition, linoleum floors are naturally anti-static and anti-microbial. In terms of appearance, linoleum is versatile with the many color and pattern options. Linoleum is easily cut and allows you to create unique patterns. Due to the fact that dye is infused through linoleum flooring, it does not fade and your floor will retain its color for many years. Installation is very DIY friendly and does not require special skills. You can choose linoleum floor tiles or sheets, whichever suits your taste and the floor that needs to be covered.

Disadvantages of linoleum Flooring:

 Linoleum is soft, which is an advantage, but at the same time can be a disadvantage as it can be easily torn or scratched. Right after installation, linoleum flooring emits linseed fumes. Those are harmless and will disappear in a week or so. Linoleum flooring needs to be sealed and requires periodic polishing to retain the good look.

Other affordable flooring ideas include rubber flooring, ceramic tile flooring, concrete flooring, vinyl composite tiles, plywood floors. As you can see – there are many cheap flooring options and each homeowner can choose the one that is best for his home and budget.

8 Essential Elements for Traditional Indian Interior Designs

Indian style interior design is among the most exotic, interesting and complex decor styles to work with. Due to the differences in the culture, history and art across the country, Indian interior design has many variants. Nonetheless, here are 8 elements that capture the essence of this enchanting style.

1. Vibrant Colors

Bright and varied colors are the hallmark of Indian interior design. While it’s hugely tempting to go crazy with such a vast palette, too much color can create visual chaos. Opt for earthy tones – ochre yellows, rich browns and burnt oranges for your walls and floors. Yellows and pinks on the fluorescent side of the spectrum and startling blues and greens can be used for smaller elements such as pillowcases or chairs. You can also opt for a safe, bicolour theme – using a neutral shade as a base colour and bursts of a peppy primary color for accents.

2. Solid wood furniture

Solid wood furniture is an important element in Indian interior design. For an authentic look, make the most of stunning Indian craftsmanship and choose traditional pieces with curved armrests and legs, carvings and inlay work in metal or ivory. Get one or two ornate centre pieces and complement them with other more understated furniture. There’s a vast variety of distinctively Indian pieces to choose from such as wooden chests, footstools, jharokas and bird cages.

3. Traditional decorative cabinets

Like many elements of Indian interior design, traditional Indian cabinets are a great combination of functionality and aesthetics. Brightly painted and embellished with inlay work using mirrors, stones, ivory, or metal, they serve as storage units in your living room, bedroom, or kitchen. Use them as accents alongside solid wood pieces to lighten the mood of your spaces.

4. Informal “people” spaces

Indian home design centres around versatile, informal spaces that allow relaxed interaction. Create different levels of seating using high chairs, sofas, diwans and footstools. Rugs and floor cushions lend warmth and comfort to decor and can be used liberally. Traditional Indian pieces such as the swing, or jhoola, can bring a playful and decadent vibe to your spaces.

5. Curios and knick knacks

Since India has a large and exciting variety of handicrafts, there are a ton of decorative artefacts to choose from to decorate your home. Popular choices include masks, clay pottery, diyas, leather puppets, crockery, decorative boxes in sandalwood, metal or marble. Pieces such as brass lamps and pots can be used as functional metallic accents.

6. Handspun Fabrics

India is historically famous for its beautifully made fabrics. Fabrics can be used in a number of creative ways in our homes: long, flowing drapes for windows, a quaint canopy above a bed or simple sheets thrown over a divan can create a homey, fluid feel to any space. Fabrics are also a great way to introduce a hierarchy to your furniture pieces. Use fine fabrics like silk or ikat for upholstering your centrepieces or for your cushions. Cotton and khadi can be used for side chairs while simpler fabrics like jute can be used for smaller foot stools.

7. Intricate patterns and motifs      

Patterns and motifs are a vital part of Indian interior design. These include the Indianized version of the paisley pattern, intricate mandala motifs and nature-inspired themes with flowers, birds, animals. Several of these have deep religious and cultural symbolism. Add these complex motifs to your interiors through decorative tapestries, inlaid tables, patchwork quilts and patterned mosaic flooring.

8. Statuary and paintings

From the gold-leafed paintings of Tanjore and the painstaking detail of the Rajasthani miniature paintings to the ever popular Madhubani paintings, India has a wonderful variety of artistic styles. Large paintings can serve as center pieces. If you have a number of smaller pieces, you can create a gallery wall. Indian home design is also incomplete without the use of statues. While the most common pieces are religious idols of Ganesha or Buddha statues, elephants, camels and turtles are other popular choices. Terracotta, stone and metal figurines can be used as living room or foyer accents.

Indian interior design offers so many exciting possibilities and richness of decorative choices. Choose colours and furnishings that are practical and reflect your personality.