Mughal-Inspired Spaces That Are Worthy of Your Envy
Revisit Mughal gems with these contemporary spaces
Within the exquisite walls of the Taj Mahal lie untold secrets buried deep in the veiled layers of time; secrets of architectural styles that continue to enrapture the world. It is believed that the Taj was a tribute of undying love from Shah Jahan to his wife; Mumtaz Mahal, his imagination of her home in paradise. But not only did the Taj go on to immortalise his love for his favourite wife, it kindled an architectural legacy that lives on today. Its elements are seen in modern homes such as these.
Jharokha patio
Jharokhas (enclosed stone windows capped by multifoil arches) were staple elements of medieval Indian monuments. They were celebrated in Mughal architecture, so much so that, over time, they went from being sources of ventilation and light to enclosing icons of divinity.
This airy Mumbai sit-out by Planet 3 Studios Architecture Pvt. Ltd. serves as a lavish reception waiting area. Every wall panel features a cut-out jharokha bordered by intricate jali. Notice how the sandstone-finish sofa set mirrors an identical jali pattern, courtesy a made-to-order stencil design.
Wondering how you can add jalis to your contemporary home?
Jharokhas (enclosed stone windows capped by multifoil arches) were staple elements of medieval Indian monuments. They were celebrated in Mughal architecture, so much so that, over time, they went from being sources of ventilation and light to enclosing icons of divinity.
This airy Mumbai sit-out by Planet 3 Studios Architecture Pvt. Ltd. serves as a lavish reception waiting area. Every wall panel features a cut-out jharokha bordered by intricate jali. Notice how the sandstone-finish sofa set mirrors an identical jali pattern, courtesy a made-to-order stencil design.
Wondering how you can add jalis to your contemporary home?
In another corner of the same space lies a glass conference room encaged in a Mughal-inspired indoor pavilion. Slim wall-mounted jharokhas add a touch of magic by overarching the display.
Nursery parade
Mughal paintings took form as a confluence of Mughal and indigenous Indian art styles, and sheathed many a court wall through different generations of the dynasty. More recently, such paintings have become inclusions in contemporary home decor.
A lesson in history comes early to this room’s Lilliputian resident, courtesy the custom wall painting covering the farthest wall. A ceramic baby elephant, placed just beside the crib, looks like it could have stepped out of the wall-painted parade. Unlike traditional vibrant Mughal paintings, this one is painted in a subtle grey, lending the nursery a mellow, restful vibe.
Mughal paintings took form as a confluence of Mughal and indigenous Indian art styles, and sheathed many a court wall through different generations of the dynasty. More recently, such paintings have become inclusions in contemporary home decor.
A lesson in history comes early to this room’s Lilliputian resident, courtesy the custom wall painting covering the farthest wall. A ceramic baby elephant, placed just beside the crib, looks like it could have stepped out of the wall-painted parade. Unlike traditional vibrant Mughal paintings, this one is painted in a subtle grey, lending the nursery a mellow, restful vibe.
Magic carpet
The Mughal courts of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were seedbeds of magnificent handwoven designs. A plethora of patterns emerged: landscapes, animal chases, elaborate jali depictions, floral motifs and Persian-style imagery.
This Chicago living room is a perfect modern escape. A turquoise Mughal-themed carpet that runs the length of the seating area is the only ethnic element in a sea of contemporary decor and yet, it effortlessly steals the limelight.
The Mughal courts of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were seedbeds of magnificent handwoven designs. A plethora of patterns emerged: landscapes, animal chases, elaborate jali depictions, floral motifs and Persian-style imagery.
This Chicago living room is a perfect modern escape. A turquoise Mughal-themed carpet that runs the length of the seating area is the only ethnic element in a sea of contemporary decor and yet, it effortlessly steals the limelight.
Saratoga mahal
It is no secret that the Mughals prized foliated designs. From staircases to ceilings, carpets to arches, floral depictions were hallmarks of Mughal art.
This home reflects the aesthetic of many Mughal structures. The jharokhas, carved pillars and jali banister play well with the contemporary flooring and recessed lighting. Floral patterns serve as a key theme.
It is no secret that the Mughals prized foliated designs. From staircases to ceilings, carpets to arches, floral depictions were hallmarks of Mughal art.
This home reflects the aesthetic of many Mughal structures. The jharokhas, carved pillars and jali banister play well with the contemporary flooring and recessed lighting. Floral patterns serve as a key theme.
The ground floor of the same property offers this look at the foyer. The floral floor inlay is complemented by moss-hued arch-shaped wall niches.
Majestic foyer
Designed by The Orange Lane, this Pune bungalow is the perfect mix of old-world grandeur and contemporary elegance.
Walk in through the door, and prepare to be enveloped in golden light and timeless Mughal decor. The foyer, pictured here, reimagines arches in various shapes and forms. From a jharokha-shaped, jali-covered door to a lifesize arch-embossed wall, the space gives time-honoured Mughal design a modern spin.
Designed by The Orange Lane, this Pune bungalow is the perfect mix of old-world grandeur and contemporary elegance.
Walk in through the door, and prepare to be enveloped in golden light and timeless Mughal decor. The foyer, pictured here, reimagines arches in various shapes and forms. From a jharokha-shaped, jali-covered door to a lifesize arch-embossed wall, the space gives time-honoured Mughal design a modern spin.
Queenly nook
Continue on through the same home, and you’ll chance upon an inviting seating area decorated in royal hues.
Clad in rani pink (a deep pink between fuchsia and magenta), this nook could have been the perfect place for a Mughal queen to repose after a long day in the mahal. Amaranthine throw cushions add opulence to the regal setting and Mughal pendant lamps glimmer with stories of centuries past. See how the flooring and stately door keep with the classic theme.
Want to take a tour of this palatial abode?
Continue on through the same home, and you’ll chance upon an inviting seating area decorated in royal hues.
Clad in rani pink (a deep pink between fuchsia and magenta), this nook could have been the perfect place for a Mughal queen to repose after a long day in the mahal. Amaranthine throw cushions add opulence to the regal setting and Mughal pendant lamps glimmer with stories of centuries past. See how the flooring and stately door keep with the classic theme.
Want to take a tour of this palatial abode?
Moon garden
Legend has it that when Babur arrived in sweltering Hindustan, he was disappointed at the lack of stylised Arcadian gardens. The only way he knew to tame his homesick heart was by creating peaceful moonlit gardens that he could visit every day after the fiery Agra heat had abated.
Susanna Pagan Landscape Design has taken a leaf out of Babur’s book in designing this al fresco sit-out inspired by Van Gogh’s painting, Starry Night. The space is a star-spangled hideaway filled with blossoming white plants, dazzling succulents and silver shrubs designed to reflect the moonlight.
Create your own moon garden with this thoughtful guide
Legend has it that when Babur arrived in sweltering Hindustan, he was disappointed at the lack of stylised Arcadian gardens. The only way he knew to tame his homesick heart was by creating peaceful moonlit gardens that he could visit every day after the fiery Agra heat had abated.
Susanna Pagan Landscape Design has taken a leaf out of Babur’s book in designing this al fresco sit-out inspired by Van Gogh’s painting, Starry Night. The space is a star-spangled hideaway filled with blossoming white plants, dazzling succulents and silver shrubs designed to reflect the moonlight.
Create your own moon garden with this thoughtful guide
Magnificent banquet room
Crystal chandeliers, gilded floral chairs, fuchsia panelling and a marble tabletop form a luxurious setting fit for modern-day Mughals.
This space, designed by Altus - Luxury Living, is part of a plush Chattarpur farmhouse that embraces palatial decor.
Escape into the rest of this royal haven here
Crystal chandeliers, gilded floral chairs, fuchsia panelling and a marble tabletop form a luxurious setting fit for modern-day Mughals.
This space, designed by Altus - Luxury Living, is part of a plush Chattarpur farmhouse that embraces palatial decor.
Escape into the rest of this royal haven here
Boutique hotel
From marvellously detailed doorways to intricate motifs and candle wall sconces, every room of this boutique Moradabad lodge is an enchanting world waiting to be unfolded.
Notice how the design aesthetic of these rooms is a polyglot mix of Mughal motifs, colonial stained glass windows and Kashmiri carpets, lending to an eclectic ‘old world meets new world’ appeal.
Want to explore the rest of this jaw-dropping lodge?
From marvellously detailed doorways to intricate motifs and candle wall sconces, every room of this boutique Moradabad lodge is an enchanting world waiting to be unfolded.
Notice how the design aesthetic of these rooms is a polyglot mix of Mughal motifs, colonial stained glass windows and Kashmiri carpets, lending to an eclectic ‘old world meets new world’ appeal.
Want to explore the rest of this jaw-dropping lodge?
Read more:
8 Indian Homes That Wow With Arches
6 Reasons to Bring Jalis Into Your Home
Tell us:
Which of these spaces do you see yourself recreating? Tell us in Comments below.
8 Indian Homes That Wow With Arches
6 Reasons to Bring Jalis Into Your Home
Tell us:
Which of these spaces do you see yourself recreating? Tell us in Comments below.
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Hammams were majestic Oriental bath houses steeped in steam and fitted with sitting rooms, capacious bathtubs and a well-planned copper central heating system. They were fragrant, indulgent retreats for emperors to wind down after a hard day.
This royal blue Delhi dressing room is a salaam to traditional hammams. It features jewel-encrusted mirrors, mazarine motifs and signature arches that allude to a bygone Mughal era. Look ahead, and see a marble shower cubicle embellished with indigo birds and topped with a pure white jharokha.