India inspired decor

India inspired

This New Year, use prints and motifs from the Indian heritage to embellish your home decor, says Shilpa Sachdev

Art and craft from India has enamoured people from all across the globe. India is home to a diverse range of prints and motifs too. Peculiar to the Indian heritage and history, these can be used to add a distinct touch to the home decor. As we enter the New Year, take this opportunity to choose from the rich palette of India inspired designs.

According to Shilpa Gupta of Mozaic, Indian motifs add a luxurious backdrop to any setting. She says, "Be it contemporary or classical, it is almost like a mental association with Royalty - the life and era of the maharajahs, palaces, castles and so on. The pop art versions of the Indian motifs or even Indian themes in items such as cushions and coasters - provide a younger, more trendy and fun touch to any room."

India Circus has launched a range of products that have drawn inspiration from the Indian designs. Designer Krsna Mehta says, "All our designs are inspired by India. Signature elements you will see in my designs are Peacocks and Lotus Flowers. I love using them as part of my designs." They have also launched four new collections namely Neo Nawab, Jalebi, Tamara and Kuheli, each highlighting a different and unique genre of Indian heritage.

Neo-Nawab resurrects India's golden dynasty- the Mughals, to bring to you an enigmatic collection replete with strong Indian motifs. The Jalebi Collection features various icons of the Indian cityscape, from bicycles and rickshaws, to grandiose monuments of bygone dynasties. Tamara references India's extremely rich and diverse visual treasure of flora and foliage. Inspired by nature, the collection offers a bright and contemporary take on the Indian landscape. Kuheli pays homage to various traditional Indian arts and crafts. The designs feature graceful peacocks from the forest, as well mesmerizingly abstract visuals.

Sharing some tips on using these prints and motifs as a part of the home decor, Mehta suggests, "One should take a classic base solid colour for the backdrop and place on them bright and contrasting coloured accessories. For example, take a white couch and place bright cushions on them. If the base is dark, select a contrasting design. The same applies for wall colour and wall art, and similarly for rugs etc."

Indian motifs can be used in art, inlays, sculpture and even on wardrobes. Interestingly, the ethnic textile furnishings of India are immensely popular. The raw earthy feel of traditional Indian designs which predominantly include paisley leaves, flowers and creepers design, geometrical shapes render a soothing artistic effect to the entire interior setting. Designer Mitali Bajaj of Dr Art and Design says, "A blend of fabrics can also be used and then beautified using different tools and motifs, like batik prints, hand block prints, tie and dye, embossing, leheria and so on. Cushion covers or pillow being one of the most common or rather an essential coverlet can play a vital role in developing a specific taste for a given space. Ethnic cushion covers add an earthy appeal to the whole setting. Team them up with hand embroidered sofa covers and bed covers and watch your soft furnishings bloom up your interiors in the most exotic manner. To enhance the overall look and appeal of the house one would need a schematic combination of hard furnishings and soft furnishings. Thus, both of these play an important part in decking up the house."

However, Bajaj also maintains that while selecting and matching up Indian elements one must ensure that the colour co-ordination is such that it looks symmetric and soothing to the eyes. Apart from being pretty, the fabric materials used in furnishings should be soft and easy to use. Furnishings not only include the furniture items but also the lighting accessories. Hence, the placement of lights and light effects should be planned aesthetically.

published in Times Property on Jan 5, 2013