When looking to introduce traditional Indian interior design styles to your home, you may be looking for some authentic inspiration from around India itself. But don’t just look at what’s around you – pick and choose the perfect themes from all around the country by delving deeper into the specific trademark styles of each Indian city.
While a vacation tour across India may not be realistic, you can use the internet to gain a deeper insight into Indian decor. To get you started, we’ve selected a few different cities from around India so you can learn about their architectural and interior design styles. Let’s take a look!
Mumbai
As the largest city in India by population and the capital of Maharashtra, Mumbai is full of varying styles and even cultures. With so much going on, it’s easy to be inspired by its sights.Interior design is prevalent in the area, with many big names setting up their businesses in the city. The result is very on trend and stylish, but still paying homage to Indian tradition.
Kolkata
Kolkata is known by several nicknames – one of them being the ‘City of Palaces’. This is down to the fact that many of India’s ornate palaces and mansions are located here. It’s also known for its artistic community, so use of colour and creativity are always encouraged – which is also a great thing to reflect on your home!
Delhi
Delhi was originally the city from which the Mughal emperors ruled all of India, so it has a rich history full of Indian traditions. Looking around, you’ll see a healthy mix of old and new – ancient Indian architecture and traditional styles and colours, combined with more modern, contemporary trends.
Chennai
As the leading commercial centre of South India, Chennai is heavily focused on all things new – including services, automobile, software and manufacturing. It’s also a cultural hub known for music, dance, crafts and sculptures.The result is a style that’s very forward thinking, with attention being paid to modern trends. Once again, it encompasses both traditional Indian staples (such as colour and prints) and today’s interior styles.
Bangalore
Bangalore is known as the ‘Garden City’ of India and is home to Lal Bagh and Cubbon Park – two of India’s most prominent botanical gardens.To capture this natural, peaceful essence in your own home, be sure to use calming, nature-inspired colours such as green, combined with colourful pops to represent the vibrant flowers and of course Indian culture that the area is known for.
Hyderabad
Hyderabad is an excellent example of old and new combined. It is sometimes known as the Hi-Tech City due to the prevalence of tech companies in the area. However, it is also home to old Indian monuments, such as Charminar – a 400-year-old Mosque.Take inspiration from this by mixing antique, vintage or retro pieces with new contemporary finds.
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is a metropolis known for being an economic and industrial hub. Modern buildings are common within the city, with many sought after architects being commissioned to design them – including Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Kahn. Continue the city’s trend for contemporary style by choosing modern, on-trend looks that wouldn’t look out of place in a design magazine.
Pune
Pune is rich in Maharashtrian culture, yet has also developed over time as an industrial metropolis. A simple way of taking inspiration from this mix is to base your interior on an industrial, contemporary style, before adding depth and richness through textiles and furniture in traditional Indian styles.
Surat
The city of Surat is especially famous for its textile production such as silk, earning it the name of the Silk City of India.This one is easy – to create an interior inspired by Surat, simply make the most of sumptuous Indian fabrics and textiles in traditional colours and prints.
Kanpur
Another city that’s focused on industrialism is Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Recreating an industrial vibe in your own home is easy. Go for classic yet minimalistic styles and a ‘back to basics’ approach to materials such as using bare metal and wood.
Jaipur
Jaipur is rich in historical architecture, as well as being one of the most famous spots for Indian textiles. It’s also known as the ‘Pink City’ due to the commonplace rose-tinted walls.Capture this romantic vibe with soft pink hues as well as plenty of Indian fabrics. If you visit the Floma online store, you’ll find we have a variety of Jaipuri bed sheets and quilt cover sets that perfectly emulate the look.
Lucknow
Many of Lucknow’s most iconic buildings were built during the British and Mughal eras, giving the whole city a historical look and feel.If this is your style of choice, try to fill your home with beautiful pieces from the past. You can find some great items at vintage and antique stores – especially if they come from the specific area you’ve chosen!
Nagpur
Nagpur is perhaps most famous for its Nagpur oranges, so your first thought may be a theme involving colourful orange decor! This can easily be incorporated as an accent wall or selection of textiles.
Patna
Patna is one of the oldest inhabited places in the world, with a history spanning over three millennia. This gives the area an immense amount of history, covering a vast number of eras and styles. This is an incredible theme to use when putting together your interior, as you can integrate unique finds inspired by any point in history, from thousands of years ago, right up to the present day.
Have you found inspiration in any of these cities – either online or by visiting in person? If so, why not share your experiences in the comments section below? We’d love to hear all about the adventures you’ve had, as well as how they’ve influenced the interior design of you home!
