The world today is not what it was a few decades ago. Even though we have always been constantly evolving, the advent of the World Wide Web changed everything. We gained the power to access information from any corner of the world in the palm of our hands. And like any new invention, it came with its pros and cons. It has brought the world significantly closer to us and has also opened us to be influenced by a wide range of global cultures. Architecture and interior design have always been one of the three needs of mankind – food, water and shelter. And just like India is now home to multiple global cuisines, it also has varying global interior design styles.
Traditional or old Indian homes have a few trademark interior design styles – the pitched roof, mosaic flooring, ornate wooden pillars and furniture. Over time, we have either moved on from these styles or incorporated them in a much more contemporary style. In today’s world of the concrete jungle with high-rise apartments in metro cities of India, interior design is largely gentrified with a few exceptions.
Impact of Globalization
Globalisation has played a key role in the interior design styles of Indian architecture. Global companies such as Amazon, Google, etc. have corporate offices in India. The interior design of such corporate offices is designed by keeping in mind their global counterparts. Open office plans with multipurpose spaces have become the trademark of corporate offices in India. The advent of globalisation also saw a rise in various contemporary interior styles. Concepts such as minimalism, Bauhaus, rustic, boho, industrial, etc. have become household names in interior design. Using clean and minimal decor with neutral tones has become the new normal.
Even though globalisation may sometimes make one feel monotonous, there are path breakers who have gained influence from global concepts and put their spin on them. Many Indian interior designers have incorporated concepts such as Victorian, Scandinavian, Mediterranean, Hygge, and Japandi with Indian roots to produce beautifully blended contemporary interiors. Due to globalisation, users are exposed to a vast array of styles and concepts in interior design and are interested in experimenting and staying atop trends.
Indian Take on Contemporary Interiors
India has always been a beacon of rich history and culture and its deep roots in traditional ideologies. Nature and history have always been a source of inspiration for Indians. The vast and mixed culture of India has led to many regional interior design styles. These interior design styles are modified and adapted to suit the context of its regional users. Globalisation has inspired a few trailblazing Indian interior designers who are bringing about new and contemporary ideas for urban interior design. It is a blend of global design ideologies along with Indian culture and context.
Architects like Vinita Chaitanya, Vinu Daniel, and Shabnam Gupta create contemporary interior designs which are rooted in the Indian cultural context. Vinita Chaitanya is known for designing “contemporary classic” spaces drenched in the culmination of modern architecture and Indian culture. Her designs explore various patterns, textures and layers to bring about a sense of luxury to the space.
Vinu Daniels’ firm Wallmakers, focuses on sustainable practises and minimalistic concepts. The spaces designed by Vinu Daniels are responsive to the context of its site conditions and environmental impact. This research-based practise has created an interior design style of its own using innovative and sustainable designs.
The Orange Lane by Shabnam Gupta is another interior design practice that creates unique spaces that are cohesive and user-oriented. Shabnam’s designs are eclectic and every design of hers narrates a story. She believes that people are the core of the design and her design ideologies stem from them.
Indian interior design has evolved over the years and has adapted to the ever-changing demographic of Indians. Globalisation has given birth to a unique blend of design ideologies and concepts in terms of interior design and architecture. Designers these days have to constantly upskill, upgrade and flow with the times to stay relevant in the field. Various trends keep emerging from time to time and the way one owns up to it makes it their own is essential in this fast-moving world.
Globalisation is all about being a part of the whole and yet standing out. That is exactly the impact of globalisation on Indian interior design styles. Even though we have incorporated various concepts and styles from around the world, the uniqueness of Indian interiors comes through in these spaces. Interior designers need to be on the lookout for new global trends as it gives them a new and fresh perspective to help them create unique designs. We need to move along with the pace of the world and yet not forget our roots. As the field of architecture is constantly evolving with new technology and innovation, it is of utmost importance to be open to learning and unlearning various concepts to stay relevant.
