10 Ways to Add Jalis to a Contemporary Home

In metal mesh or intricately carved on wood, find out how latticed surfaces can change your home

Pooja Khanna Tyagi 26 April 2017

Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner, and love Writing Poetry and Creative Stories on Building Design. Have been practicing since the year 2000 with specialization in the field of Corporate Interiors with projects extensively published in journals of national repute. Recently honoured with the reputed A3 Foundation award for Journalism for the year 2016. Currently practicing and residing in Delhi. Website: www.khannaenterprise.com, Email: poojakhanna224@gmail.com, M:9891993392

Houzz India Contributor. An Architect , Interior Designer, Valuer, a Marathon Runner,... More

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We all know how crucial jalis (lattice walls and screens) have been to Indian architecture historically. These were used everywhere, in mosques, palaces, forts and in homes around the country. The natural stone jali designs have been elaborately used as an embellishment in the form of perforations, carvings, symmetric geometry and calligraphy. Why not regain some of this lost grandeur and introduce it back into our spaces?

See how jalis and its modern avatars can be used in modern homes. Read on.

MK Design Architects And Interior Consultants

1. There is so much you can do with jalis. Like in this space, you can use a traditional pattern to make a backdrop and continue it all the way to the ceiling, as a tray light. This way the dramatic play of light in the ceiling also makes patterns of lighted voids.

The Interior Place (S) Pte Ltd

Vidal Design Collaborative

2. Here is a classic example where the perforated wall acts as a divider between the entrance, foyer and the home. To build on the look, the same idea is further continued onto the facades of the cabinets. Partitions are a great way to demarcate areas that need to be semi private. There is a plethora of options available in terms of designs and in terms of the materials they use, such as wood or metal.

Studio An-V-Thot Architects Pvt. Ltd.

3. Don’t hold back in making the dining room a testament to your taste and style. If you so desire, make the backrest of the chairs in jali work, and experiment with colours. Choose a shade that highlights them. Paint them such that they are able to provide a contrast to the rest of the space.

ALTUS Architecture + Design

4. If you have a standalone staircase in your villa or duplex, think of it as a piece of art installation around which the design of your home should revolve. The risers can be designed with ornate perforated mesh while the balusters can be comparatively lighter to create a sense of balance.

Mediterranean Powder Room Mediterranean Powder Room

5. Perforated lights are effective options if you want to instil that exotic vibe in a space. The key to lattice work is the play of light when it passes through the surface. These lights cast beautiful shadows and create stunning patterns which layer up the dimension of the room.

innovation

6. Make good first impressions by introducing jali work is in the exteriors of your home through balcony railings. This design addition never really goes wrong and infuses a sense of finesse and style to the facade.

Sonali shah

7. If you don’t wish to deviate too much from the contemporary tone of your interiors, then consider using a metal mesh in modern patterns to create a visual demarcation in a space.

Architectural Direction

8. Punctured panels can be used to break the monotony of a solid corner, a boundary or parapet walls of the terrace. Be sure these panels open up the space by offering fairly unobstructed views of the surroundings. These will cordon off your space yet at the same time allow you to take in the neighbouring views.

The Raj Company

9. Look for antique and vintage pieces with lattice work to add to your home. This rustic find in good-weathered wood is marked with intricate carvings. Here the old, traditional balcony is restored and converted into a unique seating space which is a perfect example of how to use something old with the new.

SHAHEN MISTRY ARCHITECTS

10. The temple area is one space in an Indian home that is perfect for ornate, lattice work. The soft play of light can lend a serene character to any prayer or meditation space. Going by the nature of the space, try to keep traditionally patterned jali work in this space to heighten the ambience.

See how this Ahmedabad home uses exquisite jalis

Read more:
How to Infuse Traditional Indian Elements Into Your Modern Home
How to Add a Jhoola (Swing) in Your Home

Tell us:
Tell of more innovative ways where jaalis can be used? Write your comments below.