Decorating Guides
Love Indian Traditional Decor? Bring in Heritage Accents
Add charm and character to your home decor with antique archways, stone pillars, engraved bed frames and more
Indian heritage handicrafts have a storied past, most salvaged from historic homes and palaces of bygone eras. Unlike their modern machine-made counterparts, they bring a remarkably warm quality to contemporary homes. Repurposed archways, ornate pillars, heirloom trunks and regal bed frames are just some of the heritage handcrafted gems that can make rustic additions to home decor. Explore these elements of India’s artisanal legacy in these modern old-world spaces.
Palatial doorway
Antique doors can be a welcome break from a typical modern decor scheme, and can fit perfectly inside a contemporary shell. By keeping the palette consistent, you can seamlessly integrate diverse pieces.
Warm and earthy, this double-door entrance offers a sample of this home’s homespun, intimate vibe. And yet, it stands out as a piece possibly acquired from a palatial residence in Rajasthan.
Antique doors can be a welcome break from a typical modern decor scheme, and can fit perfectly inside a contemporary shell. By keeping the palette consistent, you can seamlessly integrate diverse pieces.
Warm and earthy, this double-door entrance offers a sample of this home’s homespun, intimate vibe. And yet, it stands out as a piece possibly acquired from a palatial residence in Rajasthan.
Ornamental wall panels
This Goa home by The Orange Lane offers a window into the past. A pair of miniature antique jharokha-style (traditional enclosed stone balcony) wall panels are anchored by a weathered reclaimed chest. The classical wall column performs an offbeat jugalbandi (a duet of two equally accomplished solo musicians) of old-world and new-world sensibilities with the contemporary seating layout in front of it.
Take a tour of this eclectic Goa vacation home
This Goa home by The Orange Lane offers a window into the past. A pair of miniature antique jharokha-style (traditional enclosed stone balcony) wall panels are anchored by a weathered reclaimed chest. The classical wall column performs an offbeat jugalbandi (a duet of two equally accomplished solo musicians) of old-world and new-world sensibilities with the contemporary seating layout in front of it.
Take a tour of this eclectic Goa vacation home
Venerable stone pillars
From Hampi to Ellora to Mahabalipuram, stone pillars have left a universal imprint on India’s ancient temple architecture.
Here, casual chic meets medieval mystique in this sun-kissed patio. The space displays an intriguing dichotomy that brings two epochs together: a sleek, new-world wood ceiling represents today and intricately carved stone pillars reminiscent of centuries-old temples stand for the days of yore.
From Hampi to Ellora to Mahabalipuram, stone pillars have left a universal imprint on India’s ancient temple architecture.
Here, casual chic meets medieval mystique in this sun-kissed patio. The space displays an intriguing dichotomy that brings two epochs together: a sleek, new-world wood ceiling represents today and intricately carved stone pillars reminiscent of centuries-old temples stand for the days of yore.
Piquant jharokha wall
Recreated heritage accents often draw touches of inspiration from modish influences, allowing you to view time-honoured pieces through a modern lens.
The Raj Company has given the original jharokha a Spanish-colonial twist in this beach home in Alibaug. An azure wall frames a faux traditional window with a folksy rooster inside it. The space is an arresting mix of architectural styles.
Recreated heritage accents often draw touches of inspiration from modish influences, allowing you to view time-honoured pieces through a modern lens.
The Raj Company has given the original jharokha a Spanish-colonial twist in this beach home in Alibaug. An azure wall frames a faux traditional window with a folksy rooster inside it. The space is an arresting mix of architectural styles.
Antique jharokha
Mounted on an exposed brick wall in the same Alibaug retreat, The Raj Company has kept this vintage piece true to its original form. Look closely to spot shadows of original colours within each pane and on the frame. A scrollwork balcony adds rustic opulence to the wall.
Mounted on an exposed brick wall in the same Alibaug retreat, The Raj Company has kept this vintage piece true to its original form. Look closely to spot shadows of original colours within each pane and on the frame. A scrollwork balcony adds rustic opulence to the wall.
Handcrafted shutters and doors
Turn your attention to these exquisite window grilles, which have been repurposed from an Indian screen panel, halved down the middle. Sunlight works as a dazzling backlight, accentuating every detail in the floral design.
Turn your attention to these exquisite window grilles, which have been repurposed from an Indian screen panel, halved down the middle. Sunlight works as a dazzling backlight, accentuating every detail in the floral design.
Sweeping sliding doors, inspired by traditional bas-reliefs in wood, lend detail and drama to this otherwise simple space. Each door features a grand medallion, carved vines and reams of contemporary latticework. The doors are elaborate visual statements, serving as the focal point of this room.
Quaint archway accent
Layers of period pieces steep this room in a range of epochs and influences. A freestanding archway that could have belonged in a stately haveli rests against the wall. Notice its detailing: strikingly elaborate, yet naturally time-worn. An old pilaster, a mirror frame and salvaged stone-cut ornaments exude a medieval flair.
Layers of period pieces steep this room in a range of epochs and influences. A freestanding archway that could have belonged in a stately haveli rests against the wall. Notice its detailing: strikingly elaborate, yet naturally time-worn. An old pilaster, a mirror frame and salvaged stone-cut ornaments exude a medieval flair.
Ornate stone gazebo
Scalloped arches are a signature elements of Indo-Islamic architecture, adorning notable monuments such as the Red Fort, Taj Mahal and Amber Fort.
In a modern interpretation of a Mughal garden gazebo, Sikandra Stonecraft creates a relaxing retreat in stone at a Delhi golf course. Ridged stone pillars rise to meet multifoil arches engraved with an array of floral motifs. A gazebo like this one could make for a wonderful sit-out in a home garden.
Scalloped arches are a signature elements of Indo-Islamic architecture, adorning notable monuments such as the Red Fort, Taj Mahal and Amber Fort.
In a modern interpretation of a Mughal garden gazebo, Sikandra Stonecraft creates a relaxing retreat in stone at a Delhi golf course. Ridged stone pillars rise to meet multifoil arches engraved with an array of floral motifs. A gazebo like this one could make for a wonderful sit-out in a home garden.
Trad potpourri
Here, a tarnished blue cabinet, a striking chest and a hexagonal wooden side table are a colourful reimagination of traditional handcrafted designs. Observe how each piece reflects a unique aesthetic, yet all come together effortlessly to present a cohesive transitional decor scheme.
Here, a tarnished blue cabinet, a striking chest and a hexagonal wooden side table are a colourful reimagination of traditional handcrafted designs. Observe how each piece reflects a unique aesthetic, yet all come together effortlessly to present a cohesive transitional decor scheme.
Period bathroom
Traditional handicrafts can be displayed as they are or moulded for a custom application such as window shutters, mirror frames or doorways.
Filled with rare collector’s items, this luxurious bathroom could be a salute to Mughal artisanship. The glass garden door has been overlaid with an antique archway, while the main swing door has been crafted from wood panels with relief carving. The wooden pilasters form a compelling design statement.
Read more:
How to Infuse Your Living Room With Ethnic, Heritage Elements
Ideas to Steal: 6 Chettinad Elements From Heritage Mansions
Tell us:
Which heritage hand-carved accent would look best in your home? Tell us in Comments below.
Traditional handicrafts can be displayed as they are or moulded for a custom application such as window shutters, mirror frames or doorways.
Filled with rare collector’s items, this luxurious bathroom could be a salute to Mughal artisanship. The glass garden door has been overlaid with an antique archway, while the main swing door has been crafted from wood panels with relief carving. The wooden pilasters form a compelling design statement.
Read more:
How to Infuse Your Living Room With Ethnic, Heritage Elements
Ideas to Steal: 6 Chettinad Elements From Heritage Mansions
Tell us:
Which heritage hand-carved accent would look best in your home? Tell us in Comments below.
This room acquires a raw, organic tone with a foliated headboard featuring perforated sequences of jali (Indian lattice screen) work. A modern, matte-finish nightstand and a transitional lacquered bench subtly balance the antiquity of the headboard. The space is a gentle collision of classical allure and contemporary edge.
Browse through gorgeous headboard designs