15 Modern Spaces That Celebrate Indian Handicrafts
These urban spaces of today are an ode to the skillful legacy of craftsmanship and artisanship of India
It wasn’t until I joined architecture school that I started noticing and distinguishing art and craft based on their origin, practice, materiality and overall significance. The more I read about them in detail, the more intriguing it got. From the use of natural dyes in Pattachitra paintings to rudimentary practices for seasoning bamboo, from the lost wax technique of Dhokra metal art to hand-weaving approaches in making patterned fabric, each craft has its definite journey of evolution and sustenance.
In architecture, Indian handicrafts hold significant potential in establishing artistic comprehension and expression, even more so when applied to interiors. Below is a list of 15 modern home spaces that glorify various art and craft forms of India without making the theme feel too traditionalist.
Remember, you can click on each photo to know more about the project and the design professional’s work.
In architecture, Indian handicrafts hold significant potential in establishing artistic comprehension and expression, even more so when applied to interiors. Below is a list of 15 modern home spaces that glorify various art and craft forms of India without making the theme feel too traditionalist.
Remember, you can click on each photo to know more about the project and the design professional’s work.
2. In the same home, the other bedroom’s walls flaunt a tala-pattachitra (palm-leaf etching) behind the bed and a set of four hand-painted Madhubani paintings on the right. The paintings get their due attention thanks to the white walls and minimal ornamentation elsewhere.
Take a tour of this Dehradun house
Take a tour of this Dehradun house
3. In this room designed by Manish Kumat Design Cell, the designer went beyond framed art and dressed up the entire wall behind the bed with Madhubani illustrations. Result? An artful feature wall.
Here are ways to strike a perfect balance between heritage and contemporary Indian decor
Here are ways to strike a perfect balance between heritage and contemporary Indian decor
4. Block printing is a versatile craft that can be translated in interiors through various ways – wallpaper, upholstery, tapestry and painting being some of the easiest means. The block-printed wall panelling in the space by Ariyona Interior acts as a distinct backdrop for the table, effectively accentuating the painting and Buddha statue.
These spaces are a lesson in how to bring traditional Indian prints to modern homes
These spaces are a lesson in how to bring traditional Indian prints to modern homes
6. Blue pottery plates (produced by painting plates, vases and other items with cobalt) adorn the wall and find perfect companions in the blue glass vases to pull the colour scheme together in this niche in the space by Imago, The Design Studio.
13 Fresh, Head-Turning Ways to Decorate Walls
13 Fresh, Head-Turning Ways to Decorate Walls
7. This contemporary sitting area by Baaya Design is graced with an elaborate wrought-iron tribal art wall piece. A decorative element like this one could make for a standout addition in tricky spaces like staircases and hallways, too.
8. In this master bedroom corner designed by Aangan Architects, the red chair upholstered in traditional hand-woven fabric leaps out and makes a statement. One can try other Indian handloom fabrics such as ikat, bandhni, brocade, kalamkari, block prints, phulkari, silks and so on, too.
Here you can take a tour of this house
Here you can take a tour of this house
9. Handloom fabrics can be used not only on furniture but for curtains, wall hangings and headboards as well. Traditional ikat prints on this bed headboard in the space by Unit 93
give a modern outlook when paired with a chic pendant light of the same colour scheme.
Past & Present: Ikat Patterns Reimagined for Modern Interiors
give a modern outlook when paired with a chic pendant light of the same colour scheme.
Past & Present: Ikat Patterns Reimagined for Modern Interiors
10. In In this space designed by Khosla Associates, the black Lord Shiva bust and the solid red sofa are beautifully set off by multicoloured patchwork cushions. Although true Indian patchwork involved recycling of fabrics and sewing pieces together by hand, modern patchwork reinterprets the technique to create finer designs and patterns.
6 Ways to Use Leftover Fabric
6 Ways to Use Leftover Fabric
11. Relatively conceptual-looking terracotta statues add style and oomph to this area under the staircase. Designed by Aakruti Architects, this clean-lined contemporary volume is finished with exposed cement, wood and metal. Terracotta brings the right amount of dynamism and artistic appeal.
Are you in love with the earthy charm of terracotta? Then why not introduce these stylish tiles into your home
Are you in love with the earthy charm of terracotta? Then why not introduce these stylish tiles into your home
12. Here, papier mache animal sculptures, painted with geometric-verging-on-abstract decorations, make the child’s bathroom designed Courtney B. Smith Design even more imaginative and lively. Although they give off folk vibes, papier mache wall hangings, masks and figurines can rightly dial up creativity in modern spaces.
13. This home’s foyer is a lively gallery-like space, accentuated with numerous metal craft elements. Sculptures, matkas (water-pots), urns and figurines turn this contemporary hallway into an inviting and memorable space.
14. Statement carved wood furniture and decorative pieces are perfect for spaces that need a touch of artistic heritage in a modern or transitional setting. See how the mirror frame, columns and the console table pretty much define and govern the overall decor of the space designed by DESIGN CRAFT.
15. Notice the elephant sculptures on the bottom right? Made from marble, the figures are embellished with colourful meenakari work (painted enamelwork). I love how it brings character and individuality to the narrow balcony by Lisa Borgnes Giramonti.
Read more:
Love Indian Traditional Decor? Bring in Heritage Accents
14 Inspiring Hand-Painted Designs You Would Love to Take Home
Tell us:
How have you decorated your home with handicrafts? Show us pictures in Comments.
Read more:
Love Indian Traditional Decor? Bring in Heritage Accents
14 Inspiring Hand-Painted Designs You Would Love to Take Home
Tell us:
How have you decorated your home with handicrafts? Show us pictures in Comments.
Need help in finding the right decor pieces? You can look for a decorator here