“They are tremendously important in gardens"
Decor elevates every part of the home and that includes the garden.
While decor is a way to make your home look elegant and more inviting, you should not ignore the garden.
A garden is a place where one can escape their busy lifestyle but it also provides another setting when socialising with visitors.
Therefore, adding some decor to your outdoor space provides uniqueness and allows you to express yourself.
It also spruces up the area, making it a part of the house where you and your friends want to be when socialising.
When it comes to Indian decor, there is a lot to check out because India is a place filled with a rich culture.
The country offers many wonderful crafts and pieces which will add to the charm of any garden.
So, here are seven Indian-inspired decor ideas that will give your garden an exotic feel.
Water Fountain
A water fountain is one of the easiest ways to decorate the garden. It also offers a calming aura.
Garden historian Eugenia Herbert says:
“They are tremendously important in gardens for obvious reasons: for the cooling effect in a hot climate.
“If you strolled in a garden in the evening, there would be a wonderful sound of water from the fountains and highly scented shrubs, and moonlight on the flowers.
“It’s a magical effect.”
To create a more Indian look, make a little pond around it that is made of stone with intricate carvings.
When deciding on a water fountain, choose one that suits the size of your garden.
Garden Sculptures
Ornaments and sculptures are the easiest way to add some life into a house, but they can also enhance a garden’s appearance.
Given that Indian culture is rich in artistry and handicrafts, it is no surprise that there are a range of Indian-inspired garden ornaments.
Most are made of stone but others are made of other materials like bronze and marble.
Animal sculptures, like elephants, tend to be the most popular as they are seen as authentic.
This type of decor can be quite subtle but it will make a statement.
Other options include buddha statues and deities.
Colourful Accessories
Colourful accessories will provide an Indian twist to any garden.
Items such as pinwheels, bunting and pompoms are typically used for special occasions like weddings but they can spruce up the outdoor area.
They come in all sorts of colours to suit your preferences and are cheap, meaning decorating the garden will not break the bank.
They are also versatile as they can be hung up wherever you like.
Other colourful accessories to consider include cushions and parasols.
It may be a simple idea but it is one that will inject some life into the outdoor space.
Swings
An outdoor swing is an integral part when it comes to Indian decor ideas for the garden.
They are a great addition when it comes to relaxing outdoors and come in different varieties.
Simple ones with one seat are available while others can seat multiple people and feature detailed carvings.
One example is a traditional jhula swing that can be used indoors as well as outdoors.
It features a rooftop canopy that is supported by two upright columns along with four ornately carved figures.
Four chains support the swinging bench, which is suitable for up to three people.
With so many designs available, there is bound to be something for everyone. But no matter the option, an Indian swing will spruce up your outdoor area.
Dhokra Lamps
Dhokra lamps are a welcome addition to the home but they can also add a traditional feel to the garden.
Dhokra is non-ferrous metal casting using the lost-wax casting technique. This type of metal casting has been used in India for over 4,000 years and is still prominent today.
There are two main processes of lost wax casting: solid casting and hollow casting.
Solid casting uses a solid piece of wax to create the mould while hollow casting is more traditional and uses a clay core.
Since Dhokra Damar tribes are the main traditional metalsmiths of West Bengal and Odisha, their technique is named after them, hence Dhokra metal casting.
As it is an old tribal tradition, the Dhokra-inspired decor is bound to add an authentic touch.
Dhokra lamps can be hung around the garden, lighting up the outdoors on dark nights.
Vines
Boundary walls or fences that are covered in vines or greenery add an Indian feel to the garden.
Not only does it enhance your outdoor space but it also acts as a privacy boundary.
Henna shrubs, madhumalti (Rangoon creeper), and flame vine are some of the classic options for an Indian-inspired garden.
On the tradition of boundary walls, Herbert says:
“The tradition goes back to very, very distant times in Persia. The Mughal gardens were always walled.
“There were portions of the garden that were only for women, and the rule of thumb was that the walls had to be high enough so that nobody sitting on an elephant could see over.”
Adding vines to your boundary walls provide some colour and life to a boring fence or wall.
Colourful Shading
This is more suitable for the sunny weather but another Indian-inspired decor option is a shady area filled with colour.
The colour will naturally brighten up the garden while protecting you from the sun’s rays.
It will make a garden more hospitable, especially during the hot weather when people want to socialise outside but do not want to get overheated.
It is also a simple addition to have.
Simply place colourful fabric drapes along some wooden supports in a cooler part of the garden.
Add some garden chairs and a table to create an elegant outdoor sitting area.
Although the garden is not always thought about, it is a place that can enhance the entire home if the right decor is added.
These Indian-inspired ideas will add an Indian theme to your garden while remaining practical and sleek.
Whether it is something simple like draping or something more noticeable like a swing, there are many unique ways to add an Indian touch to your outdoor space.