Decorating Guides
Motifs: Magical Makeover for Your Home
Bored of the status quo of your home's decor? Read how motifs can bring new highs into your interiors
A motif is a component of an image, often used to create a recurring pattern. The elements of a motif can be abstract shapes, curved or straight lines that form designs, or simple compositions that suggest an idea or theme. The theme, or motif, made of a composition of artistic elements, is repeated in different forms, creating a sense of rhythm and movement in the space. Sounds good? Read on.
There are some wonderful motifs and patterns available in tiles, cladding boards, panels, etc. that are great ways to accent spaces. The kitchen backsplash, the wall behind consoles, and headboards, all stand out when embellished with motifs, transformed from utilitarian surfaces to aesthetic statements. See how the chequered black, grey and white backsplash in this kitchen is a bold and stylish eye-catcher in an otherwise bland white setting? The motif is emphasised by the rectangular black column near the backsplash.
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Motifs can bestow a sense of serenity and order. This very feature makes them ideal for puja rooms. This one by Shahen Mistry Architects uses a quiet regular design in the lattice work that frames the puja space. Check out the white wall panel at the back, with a matching pattern in delicate relief, and how it perfectly balances the dark, heavy jaali frame.
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Any patterned tile or marble is a motif too. Depending upon the shape and tone of your room, arrange the repetitions of a motif in marble inlay work or cut tiles or stone.
A very distinctive geometric patterned floor has been fashioned by Aamir and Hameeda Associates for a shabby-chic styled balcony in Hyderabad. I love the colour palette that goes so well with the exposed concrete wall surfaces.
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A very distinctive geometric patterned floor has been fashioned by Aamir and Hameeda Associates for a shabby-chic styled balcony in Hyderabad. I love the colour palette that goes so well with the exposed concrete wall surfaces.
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This ceiling by The Orange Lane is a wonderful example of how classical Indian motifs can be used, which give point to the traditional Indian art on the wall. If you prefer, you can go for abstracts, geometrical shapes or simple recurring curves, instead. Introduce harmonious cornices or mouldings on the perimeter of the ceiling so that every element of the room satisfies the eye.
Transform an ordinary room into an appealing living space with a distinctive vintage ambience: get furniture with traditional motifs etched or carved on them. The Raj Company modelled this bed and ottoman to create a regal Indian look. The rich carpeting and floaty fabric draped casually over the four-poster bed add to the whole atmosphere of opulence.
Tip: From drapery to upholstery, soft furnishings adorned with bold, colourful motifs are a quick and easy way to make eclectic style statements.
Read more:
The Pros and Cons of Bringing in Wallpaper
How to Infuse Traditional Indian Elements to Your Contemporary Home
Tell us:
In which way do you think motifs work best? Share in Comments below.
Tip: From drapery to upholstery, soft furnishings adorned with bold, colourful motifs are a quick and easy way to make eclectic style statements.
Read more:
The Pros and Cons of Bringing in Wallpaper
How to Infuse Traditional Indian Elements to Your Contemporary Home
Tell us:
In which way do you think motifs work best? Share in Comments below.
Go a step further and give your wall a little depth and texture by installing a pattern of repetitive relief motifs over its plain surface. They will also harmonise a space, drawing its elements together, when discreet little touches of the motif are repeated elsewhere. The Ashleys pasted raised, silver-coated motifs on a pale, smooth wall, creating a luxurious ambience in this dining area, matched by the chandelier. Don’t miss how the motif is echoed in the dining table legs and the chair highlighters.