Indian Arts & Crafts Light Up 12 Modern Spaces
Patriotic gets a chic new edge when you combine indigenous arts and crafts, motifs and materials with a modern setting
If accessories make an outfit, then art can make the home. It adds character and flair to any space. Most of us love and admire the beauty and workmanship of Indian arts and crafts but sometimes might be unsure about mixing them with our modern decor. Here’s a look at homes that have found a way to merge the old and the new to create spaces that radiate beauty and charm.
2. In another home, the firm shows how classical Indian motifs can be used as decorative art on the ceiling, cornices or mouldings. The intricate work influences the entire vibe of the room, giving it a palatial feel.
3. The impressive Mughal painting in this living room immediately catches the eye. See how the majestic work of art influences the entire vibe of the room – its brown hues find resonance in the woodwork panelling and complement the cream and grey sofas and armchairs.
4. Indian art isn’t limited to just paintings and sculptures; consider adding a dose of tradition through wallpapers, as seen in this image. This one depicts a royal parade of maharajas on majestic elephants. It’s interesting that imagery like this finds pride of place in a nursery – here, it is evocative of tales and legends and a catalyst to the imagination. The toy elephant lends another dimension to the wallpaper.
5. Nude shades with contrasting details make up this living room, designed by ZZ Architects. Beige sofas, a white ottoman and a low, square centre table create a neutral background for an unusual version of ‘The Last Supper’, rendered with south-Indian Kathakali performers as the subjects.
See more images of this elegant home
See more images of this elegant home
6. This house by Khosla Associates has a double-height living room with furniture in bright colours. Two vivid Indian paintings by Bangalore-based contemporary artists Shivkumar and Suresh Kumar balance the colours in the seating area – they also add depth to a voluminous space.
7. A Kashmiri carpet or dhurrie, a classic example of Indian crafts, can be framed or pinned up on a wall, as is done with a modern version of the dhurrie in this dining room by The Hidden Gallery – a quick and easy way to seamlessly introduce a traditional element into a modish room.
8. For this home by Spaces Architects@ka, an intricate, ethnic-style leaf pattern etched in metal (above) is specially created and installed along the staircase to add a traditional tone to the home.
9. On the terrace of the same house (left), a Madhubani artist has painted a colourful full-length mural on the wall. The floor, cast in black kadappa stone in a checkered pattern, is decorated with a leaf design in stone at the centre.
Take a quick Houzz tour of this Delhi home
9. On the terrace of the same house (left), a Madhubani artist has painted a colourful full-length mural on the wall. The floor, cast in black kadappa stone in a checkered pattern, is decorated with a leaf design in stone at the centre.
Take a quick Houzz tour of this Delhi home
10. Indian paintings don’t necessarily have to be traditional and old school. In this room, a contemporary artwork brings an vibrant touch to the elegant muted space. Notice how the picture is hung off centre, leaving a space on one side of the wall, giving the arrangement a sense of movement and making the living room area look larger.
11. Paintings, tapestries and motifs apart, traditional sculptures carry an atmosphere of the exotic with them. See how the Buddha sculpture kept atop a cane stool and surrounded by plants and other accessories brings a magnetic, rich look to the landing area.
12. Here, a black Shiva bust, patchwork cushions and abstract wall art that is anchored by a carved wooden console create a contemporary, minimal yet traditional niche.
Read more:
How to Infuse Traditional Indian Elements Into Your Modern Home
Design Musts for an Urban Indian Apartment
Tell us:
Have you used Indian art in your modern home? Show us pictures and tell us how in Comments below.
Read more:
How to Infuse Traditional Indian Elements Into Your Modern Home
Design Musts for an Urban Indian Apartment
Tell us:
Have you used Indian art in your modern home? Show us pictures and tell us how in Comments below.
Take a tour of Irrfan Khan’s beautiful home