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.