Easy home decor tips: How to infuse Indian aesthetics in modern homes with mindful creativity, simple ad-ons

By blending traditional Indian elements with modern design principles, you can create a home that is not only stylish but also deeply connected to your heritage (Image: Essentia Home)

There is a misconception that the Indian theme has to be all about maximal design. However, even with minimal design, you can play around with subtle Indian elements like traditional motifs on fabrics or bed linen and table linen, artworks depicting Indian mythology or traditional forms such Gond, Mythili, pattachitra, etc. A touch of ornamentation in your modern furniture piece can bring in the Indian flavour discreetly.

The best way to infuse Indian aesthetics into your modern home is to personalise it. Whether it’s a family heirloom, a piece of art you’ve collected on your travels, or textiles passed down through generations, incorporating personal elements that hold cultural significance will make your home uniquely yours.

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Ideas galore:

By blending traditional Indian elements with modern design principles, you can create a home that is not only stylish but also deeply connected to your heritage. This fusion of old and new results in a space that is both timeless and contemporary reflecting the desi aesthetics in an elegant modern setup. Says Hridik Chawla, co-founder of décor brand Essentia Home, “Textiles, teak wood, marbles and other locally available natural stones, and the age-old brass are some of the materials that are being used currently in interiors to infuse them with Indian décor aesthetics. And, of course Indian carpets are world famous and they come in many designs from classic to contemporary and everything in between. A carpet that brightens up a space with its typical Indian colours and patterns, wallpapers showcasing a traditional theme, can also be used to achieve what you have in mind. There are also many wallpaper designs that come in handy to impart Indian touch to interiors. Currently, the crafted look is in vogue in interiors, so use the rich textiles for your cushions, upholstery, etc. Carved wooden objects / sculptures bring in the quintessential Indian touch. You can use them for the bases of consoles, dining tables, etc. And brass can be a good accent material and can be used in the form of lights, lamps, candle-holders, sculptures, etc.”

Stay true to your sensibilities, and decide whether you want to fully embrace an Indian aesthetic or take a more calibrated approach. It’s important to determine beforehand whether you prefer a traditional Indian theme or a blend of Indian and contemporary styles. This decision will guide you in achieving the desired look, recommends Chawla. He says, “Many contemporary homes successfully merge different styles, integrating Indian elements through décor accessories, artworks, and motifs. Pairing these with natural light and lush plants can enhance the ambiance, rooting the interiors in a local context while creating a balanced, harmonious space that feels both modern and culturally rich. The Indian theme doesn’t have to be only about bright colours and intricate ornamentation. If you don’t favour surrounding yourself with too much colour and contrast, you can go for a neutral backdrop or even pastels, and choose rich Indian colours as accents.”