A perfect injection of colour and culture into your home.
Interior decorating is a way of expressing yourself within your home. For those looking for stylish ideas to an Indian theme to their home interior, there are a number of ways you can accent your home.
Some people love photographs, others prefer art, some like to have ornaments while others prefer a minimalist approach. The key here is to have your own individual signature to your style.
Interestingly, within Desi homes there used to be a lot of cultural art or ornaments which would signal the homeowner’s heritage.
As time and society have progressed this is less and less the case. Which truly is a shame, because Indian culture offers many wonderful crafts and pieces which could add to the charm of any home.
So, to help you choose, here are 10 easy and tasteful ways to add and introduce an Indian theme to your home interior.
Wallpaper Print
Now, this may seem a bit eccentric but South Asian prints are exceptionally beautiful.
A lot of big homeware stores have been known to commercialise the quintessential Indian print and style to give an injection of life into homes.
This is ideal to give a bold and eye-catching Indian accent to your walls.
There are varied ways of wallpaper print you can use to embody your Indian theme. Some people have used a bold block print as a focal wall in a bedroom, living room or study. While others choose a more colourful wallpaper as a statement wall.
A print such as the mandala could be very striking as well as a calming visual within the home. For such a print we would recommend only one wall to be wallpapered.
While this is a striking and unique print you don’t want to overpower the room. Use neutral colours on the remaining walls for a chic and minimalist feel, with the addition of a Desi touch.
Real Paintings
Paintings are an exquisite way to add some Indian themed decor to your home.
India has a very rich and authentic heritage in art and paintings.
There are many different styles originating from the different regions of India.
You can import paintings directly from India, and in addition, you can commission from artists too, to paint original and unique pieces for you.
Artists offer contemporary as well as vintage and traditional art. From portraits to scenes, you can choose what suits your taste and specific home decor needs.
Costs will not be as high as local artists in the UK but there are sought after artists who do sell for very large sums at auctions.
Sculptures and Ornaments
Indian sculptures and ornaments are a quick and easy way of adding an Indian accent to your home interior.
It is a popular way of introducing South Asian arts and crafts into your home.
From grand sculptures to fill large areas of the home to ornaments places on the mantlepiece, there are a plethora of different works of art available.
Many are made out of brass, wood and marble like materials.
You can buy them directly from India via online shops or visit Indian ornament and gift shops in places like Southall, Handsworth (Birmingham) and Belgrave in Leicester.
Many of these stores will stock many ornaments and sculptures of Indian origin. In addition, they have catalogues for you to order from.
Animal sculptures like elephants are very popular along with authentic ornaments for fireplaces and tables.
Wall Hangings
Never underestimate the power of the Peacock. Wall hangings or wall art have really picked up in popularity over the last decade or so.
People select large pieces of tapestry or wooden carved art pieces to hang on their walls.
While this may seem heavy-duty, these pieces can be very eye-catching and can really tie a room together.
One piece we sourced which we thought was an excellent example of an Indian take on this homeware, is a wooden carving of a Peacock.
The blue and gold tones are very regal and warm. This would look great against a grey, white or cream wall so to juxtapose the colours.
A perfect injection of colour and culture into your home.
Coasters
Being Indian, tea or as we say, chai is a steadfast partner throughout life.
Whether you love it or loathe it, it will be served in your home. If not for yourself then for guests.
So, what better way infuse some of that Indian feeling into your home than with Desi inspired ceramic coasters?
Ceramic is the best option, as they are durable, strong and have a sleek look to them. They are also easier to clean when compared to the wooden alternatives.
This is a perfect accessory to dress up any table be it dining, coffee or end.
Pick a bright colour and a bold print, it will be guaranteed to become a talking point with guests. As well as a feature point on the coffee table.
Decorative Jewellery Pots & Tissue Boxes
For women, there really can never be enough shoes, makeup or jewellery. Gaining these goods isn’t the issue, storing them is.
A clever way to conceal your shopping habits is with decorative jewellery pots.
They serve a dual purpose, one as a bedside table, or vanity table accessory as well as being a useful storage solution.
You can get all kinds of jewellery pots on the market.
Ones that embody an Indian-like quality are the beaded mini pots with mirror-work on them.
Decorative tissue boxes are an attractive and handy way to include an Indian theme in your interior design for your home. As well as being a sneaky storage solution.
There are very stylish and ethnically inspired tissue boxes available. Indian inspired designs with a contemporary look are a great look for the home to add a touch of ethnic class.
Elephants on a tissue being a kind, sensitive and loved creature in India. A tissue box with an Elephant print will go down a treat.
It’s sure to have guests, friends and relatives alike asking where you purchased this charming household accessory.
Table Runners
A focal feature for any dining room, table runners have always been a unique way to lift the room with a print, colour and fabric choice.
Most select a simple linen table runner to offset their dining room tables, there as a daily decoration or as a festive treat.
With such a variety of fabrics available today, there’s no reason why you can’t have a Desi twist on this timeless homeware piece.
The Banarasi silk fabric is a well known and a much-beloved material of India.
Used typically for sarees, it has it’s own natural sheen which makes colours pop like no other fabric.
Table runners are now available with this fabric and they are certain to spruce up any table with their lively appearance.
An ideal addition for festival dinners or family get-togethers, this is a great nod to Indian culture within the home.
Tapestries
A fine art in itself, weaving is a cultivated Indian skill for which South Asia was famous for in the British colonial times.
This art is still alive but not as appreciated as it should be.
A wonderful way of celebrating the rich Indian heritage and showing appreciation to this art-form; would be to showcase a tapestry in your home.
Weavers can create any type of art or image within these tapestries. However, most depict a tale or scene.
An incredibly decadent household accessory, it is truly something to marvel at.
If you have a fine eye for art this would be an incredible way to celebrate the heritage and Indian culture. As well as boasting your art knowledge.
Such tapestries are mesmerising and in a room of neutral tones could be very attractive and thought-provoking.
A must-have which will surely pick up in trend.
Prints
A new homeware trend that’s really picked up has been having framed prints within the home.
With artists such as ‘Hatecopy’ and ‘Babbu the Painter’ capitalising on this trend itself.
Indian artwork is very in vogue at the moment.
Modern prints which poke fun at stereotypes are available for the more eccentric and bold.
However, there are also more understated and muted pieces which depict vintage South Asia, landscapes of busy bazaars.
With bustling people and animals in the road; a familiar setting for many.
These prints are also available, with their earthy colours and gentle brush-strokes, they are certain to fit well in any room.
Rugs
Never underestimate the power of an impressive and ornate rug.
Rugs have been used to add personality to rooms for decades. A very retro device which was at its peak in the 70s but is now making a comeback.
In a room of soft carpet, having a colourful rug beneath a coffee table can give the room a more homely and personable feeling.
Or in a more practical way for women, place a rug in front of your mirror where you put your makeup on.
Then if you have any foundation drops or eyeshadow fallout you won’t need to panic.
You can simply wash the rug and your carpet will be stain-free.
Practical and pretty, rugs are multi-purpose.
We do recommend if you use a rug in a makeup room opt for a small and circular size so it can wash with ease.
Many rugs are available with South Asian regional embroidery work, such as Kashmiri border work. They in themselves are craftsmanship at it’s best and another way to add an Indian accent to your home.
There it is, ten, practical, stylish and sleek ways to add an Indian theme to your home decor.
Be it through furnishings like rugs and table runners. Or through art-work like tapestries, paintings, sculptures and prints, there are so many unique and stylish ways to give your home a Desi finish to it.