Elegant Home Decor Ideas from India

A home is what you make it and the decor inside is a way of expressing yourself.

If you are trying to give it an Indian-inspired look, there are a number of ways which will make your home look elegant and inviting.

While some people like photographs, others prefer art. From minimalistic to having ornaments, people like to implement their own style.

India is a place filled with a rich culture and there is a lot of decor which highlights that. However, as time has gone on, this is not the case as much.

Nevertheless, India offers many wonderful crafts and pieces which will add to the charm of any home.

So, here are some elegant home decor ideas from India which will give your home an exotic feel.

Madhubani Paintings

For those who love art, you cannot go wrong with an authentic Madhubani painting in the house.

Madhubani art or Mithila painting originated in the Madhubani district of Bihar around 2,500 years ago. Traditionally, they were created by the women of various communities in the area.

It is a style which is done with a variety of tools, including fingers, twigs, brushes and matchsticks. Colours tend to be derived from natural sources, typically plants.

Paintings were traditionally done on mud walls and floors but they are now seen on cloth and canvas.

Though this painting style has lasted for centuries, the type of designs largely remains the same. Most paintings depict people and natural objects in an eye-catching geometric design.

Normally, Madhubani paintings are created to mark a special day but they will also be an appealing piece of decor in the home.

Since no white space is left in a painting, a framed Madhubani artwork in the living room will inject some colour into the space.

Henna Artwork

Henna is typically known for its body art capabilities but it can also be used to decorate the home.

This famous Indian tradition has made its way into mainstream fashion and has even become a decor idea, thanks to imaginative households.

It is an ancient art form which involves paisley designs and floral work.

A great way to give your home an Indian theme is to have henna mural art in the centre of a plain wall, giving it an instant lift.

It can be a framed piece of art or it can even be directly printed onto the wall.

For those who prefer a printed henna design, some use a bold block print as a focal wall in a bedroom or living room while others prefer to make a statement by using a more colourful wallpaper.

It will definitely be noticed but you do not want to overpower the room.

For a minimalist feel, use neutral colours. It will be a sophisticated look with a Desi touch.

Kolam Designs

Kolam is a traditional Indian form of drawing which can be a great decor idea.

It is popular in India’s southern regions and is said to bring prosperity to one’s home.

Using rice flour or chalk, it is a geometrical line drawing composed of curved loops, drawn around a grid pattern of dots.

Typically, women in India draw kolam designs on the ground. Throughout the day, the drawings get walked on, washed away by the rain or blown in the wind. New ones are made the next day.

Some patterns are drawn in white while others are filled with colour.

It may be a popular form of art but it could inspire contemporary decor ideas.

A modern home can have a Desi touch by having kolam designs on coasters or floormats.

Block Print Table Cloth

Printing designs onto fabric may have originated in China but India took it to the next level.

Block print art reached its highest visual expression as Indians were experts in utilising natural plant dyes.

Block print art is usually done on fabric which makes for a plethora of Indian-inspired home decor ideas.

Ajrak, calico and syahi-begar are just some of the names when it comes to block print art.

Some designs are more subtle than others but all of them are created in all sorts of colours. India is known for that as they have a long history of dyeing fabrics.

A tablecloth or napkins are perfect for having a block print design. They add uniqueness to the house and will make the dining table look exquisite.

Handicraft Bed Covers

When it comes to handicraft, India has a long history which is extensive and diverse.

Artisans reflect the rich culture with their creations, whether it be woodwork or pottery.

The same can be said for fabrics, many of which are ideal for home interior. This is why Indian handicrafts are respected by everyone.

In many cases, they are created by rural people, adding to the authenticity of the pieces.

Different states will have contrasting designs but one thing is for sure, they will brighten up the home.

Bed covers, tablecloths and mattresses are colourful, hand-stitched and have a patchwork design. They will liven up the area and add an Indian folk touch.

Temple Architecture Framework

One thing India is known for is their centuries-old temples. More specifically, the intricate designs are what most people notice.

As they are unique marvels, many people have adapted the stunning carvings into all sorts of things and that includes decor.

Home interior ideas to consider include wall-hangings, clocks and mirrors.

Many temple-inspired decorations are framed in sculpted wood and finished with regal colours like gold and silver.

Having such decorations is bound to be one of the first things that visitors notice and they are certain to make your home a little more Indian.

Terracotta

Terracotta has been a part of Indian history since 3,000 BC and many items made from it have been used to decorate homes.

It is a clay-based unglazed or glazed ceramic where the fired body is permeable.

The term terracotta also refers to the natural brownish-orange colour.

The clay is formed to the desired shape and then dried. After it has dried, it is placed in a kiln or on top of combustible material in a pit and fired.

When it comes to uses in India, figures are usually created, sometimes life-size. However, that is not possible in most households.

Terracotta items like pots and figurines are perfect for the home interior.

A figurine as a tabletop centrepiece or even a wall-hanging will channel an Indian vibe. They can be found in Indian ornament shops or online.

Dhokra Lamp

A dhokra lamp will add a traditional feel to the home if you are looking for decor which is inspired by India.

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.

A dhokra lamp is fascinating but a wall-hanging decoration or tabletop plate is something to go for if you prefer.

Sculptures & Ornaments

The easiest way to add some life into a house is to have sculptures and ornaments.

Thankfully, there is a range of Indian-inspired ones which are an ideal decor addition to your home interior.

It is a popular way of introducing South Asian arts and crafts into your home.

From grand sculptures which fill large areas of the home to ornaments which are placed on the mantlepiece, there are a plethora of different works of art available.

Many are made out of brass, wood and marble-like materials.

They are easy to find. You can go online and purchase them directly from India or you can visit Indian ornament shops.

Animal sculptures tend to be the most popular as they are seen as authentic. This type of decor can be quite subtle but they will make the home more inviting.

These Indian-inspired ideas will add an Indian theme to your home while remaining practical and sleek.

Whether it is something small like an ornament or something more noticeable like artwork, there are many unique ways to add a Desi touch to your home.