Indian Modernism is a design style that weaves together traditional and contemporary elements to create an atmosphere that suits today’s evolving decorating scenarios. Combining simple, linear spaces with the intentional use of bright colors and patterns through textiles, ornaments, and crafts makes it embracing. When it comes to infusing this form of design into any area, it gives the space an ambiance that is rooted in Indian culture but with a contemporary charm. It’s a fascinating area to try out. Discover how to use Indian-themed wallpaper and place fancy sconces to further decorate your walls for the ultimate look.

The term “Indian Modern” or Indian Modernism is used to describe a particular style of interior design. For leading interior designers and architects the spirit of design means different them and how it can be easily incorporated into our homes. Aditi Vora Nair, Founder of AVN Interiors puts it succinctly: “In India, Modernism began in the early 20th century, strongly influenced by Bauhaus and Art Deco. Today, we are heavily influenced by Western concepts of minimalism and maximalism, but somehow we feel that we have forgotten the great native styles and architecture. The intricacies of Mughal and Rajput palace and temple art While ugliness cannot be brought back, Indian modernism is a way to fill that gap and introduce smaller elements and patterns, charm, and elegance into a new wave of design. ”.

International Outlook

Indian modernity has its roots in India but has a global focus. It is a wonderful fusion of material influences and materials. Rooted in Indian craftsmanship traditions and incorporating external stylistic influences. The result is a unique design that fits easily into any home in the world. Indian modernism has an international appeal.

Fusion of Modern Design and Traditional Elements

The emphasis is on combining ancient Indian elements with contemporary design. Bridging the gap between the vibrant colors of India and the ‘less is more concept that informs designs and aesthetics has been both exciting and challenging. 

Recreating Indian Modernism at Home

There are three main ways to recreate Indian modernism at home. Blending the old with the new, using art, antiques, and colors, incorporating traditional layouts and native materials.

Art, Antiques, and Colour

Adding vibrant upholstery, artwork, and antiques is one of the easiest ways to bring Indian modernism into your home. However, these elements need to be added in moderation to achieve this design aesthetic. Using an accent piece or two helps your work stand out and speak rather than overemphasize it. 

This look is easy to create with wicker cane furniture and furniture with solid, colorful accents. Adding Indian prints and patterns to various items such as cushions and rugs will add This appearance is enhanced. Accessories and artifacts also play a big role in achieving this look. For example, a brass urli on the center table can be used to instantly add an Indian flair to a modern interior. It is a great piece of art with a ‘modern’ look

Blending the Old with the New

Indian modernism is characterized by a fine balance between the old and the new. “Wooden or wicker wallcoverings, vintage-inspired elements, or Art Deco elements such as furniture, lighting, and accessories allow you to incorporate Indian modernism into your space. This design aesthetic has a contemporary twist. It showcases traditional materials with added touches, such as rich printed fabrics used to decorate furniture such as cabinets and bedside tables and brass accessories with clean shapes, works that evoke a modernist feel with a fresh dimension.

Traditional Layout and Indigenous Materials

Another way to bring Indian modernism into your home is by incorporating traditional Indian decor elements and native materials. When designing spaces for a new home, you can draw inspiration from many factors, such as the climate and history of the place. A great advocate of landscape planning, modern interpretations of these aspects of traditional Indian homes across the country never compromise elegant, self-contained home design. Rather, it enhances well-being.

Reflection on your Lifestyle and Culture

Designing spaces according to users’ lifestyles, needs, and functional requirements as well as those that reflect their beliefs, culture, and values ​​is a key aspect of Indian modernism. is about matching the aesthetics to the user’s lifestyle and reflecting the Indians in the form of functional yet detailed customization specifically tailored to the user.

Here are some examples of modern Indian interiors

1. Vibrant Indian interior Color palette

 Indian interiors are characterized by the use of vibrant color palettes. A change of colors evokes a sense of vibrancy and fulfillment. Color is the most important feature of traditional Indian interior design. Rich, dark, and vibrant colors, or deep burnt hues used against strong and bold backgrounds, define his palette perfectly. 

10 Examples of Modern indian interiors - Sheet1
use of vibrant colours_©blucap

2. Furniture

Solid wood furniture is another element of Indian interiors. Indian furniture is characterized by carvings, parquet, and curved edges. Solid wood is carved into intricate pieces inspired by Indian architecture and history. Large carved wooden chests, center tables, short stools, and jalokas are some of the common types of furniture.

10 Examples of Modern indian interiors - Sheet2
furniture_©blucap

3. Flooring

 Floor coverings play an important role in Indian interior design. India is a tropical country and warm. Therefore, the floor was created with the idea of ​​keeping the house cool. All of these floor coverings are easy to care for and will give your interior a nice finish.

10 Examples of Modern indian interiors - Sheet3
flooring pattern_©khosla associates

4. Hand Woven Fabrics

India is known for its exquisite processing of textiles. Woven fabrics, embroidery, and block prints are commonly found on curtains, pillowcases, bedspreads, and other upholstery. Cotton, jute, linen, and Khadi fabrics are mainly used to decorate armrests and side tables. Indian-style home decor is rich in all these elements.

10 Examples of Modern indian interiors - Sheet4
hand woven fabrics_©blucap

5. Intricate patterns

Intricate patterns such as paisleys, flowers, birds, and mandalas form an important part of Indian-inspired interior decoration. These patterns and motifs create deep connections between cultures and religions. Mosaic floors, patchwork quilts, and elegant tapestries reflect Indian culture.

10 Examples of Modern indian interiors - Sheet5
patterns and motifs_©blucap

6. Intricate works of art

Intricate works of art such as Rajasthani paintings, Madhubani paintings depicting Lord Krishna, and Tanjore paintings demonstrate the diversity of Indian artworks used to beautify interiors. Statues of animals such as elephants, deer, horses, and camels made of terracotta and other metals are part of Indian interior decoration. They appear as the centerpiece of a typical Indian living room.

10 Examples of Modern indian interiors - Sheet6
indian artwork_©shabnam gupta

7. A refreshing 5000-square-foot design

An 11th-floor apartment in Bangalore’s luxury residential tower features modernist influences, rich colors, and materials. Geometric shapes are underscored by quirky floral motifs and uninterrupted panoramic views of the city. The entrance elevator foyer is steeped in the warmth of textured wood, contrasting with a seamless white marble base. One of the walls is in elegant fluted teak and the vertical walls are clad in exotic mahogany veneer. A few carefully selected elements are highlighted, such as Art Deco consoles and his 19th-century chair.

10 Examples of Modern indian interiors - Sheet7
apartment at skygardens_©khoslaassociates

8. Use of bright colors

Take a look at the simple, rustic chairs that are common in old Indian homes. If you go to the countryside, you can still find some of these under trees with mirrors hanging from their branches. Here these have been reused by coloring them in bright colors which makes them pop.

The image and description for the point does not match. Kindly revise description as image talks about use of bright colours. 

10 Examples of Modern indian interiors - Sheet8
use of bright colours_©kumar moorthy and associates

9. Use of Indian elements 

The space is dotted with Indian elements – from the Kalash used to store water, to the charupai (seats made of braided rope) typical of Dhaba (small highway restaurants) and village houses. A four-legged bench with a bench) tells the French farmer. Feel good thanks to the nude color scheme and light pastel tones. Color is the game changer in this Indian setting. If you don’t want to bring in new or contemporary furniture, this is a great way to create a modern Indian room.

10 Examples of Modern indian interiors - Sheet9
use of indian elements_©shabnam gupta

10. Antique four post bed 

Antique Indian beds often had a frame supported by four posts on which a mosquito net was hung. With the advancement of technology, the coolest things were mosquito nets and air conditioners, but those kinds are gone. Bring back the charm of a four-poster bed to your modern surroundings, decked out with ruffles, curtains, and linens.

four post bed_©Dipen gada and associates

Indian modernism has come a long way. It is a universal approach that respects local conditions, meets the needs of the population, and considers the environment. It’s about materials, their function, and design that stays true to its principles. It reflects an individual’s personality and experience. In terms of objects, Indian Modernism is a work that creates nostalgia for India’s iconic memory but revitalizes it in a whole new contemporary light with new techniques, new functions, and new approaches.

Bibliography

Mehra, P. (2020) Home decor: What is Indian modernism?: Architectural digest, Architectural Digest India. Architectural Digest India. Available at: https://www.architecturaldigest.in/content/home-decor-what-is-indian-modernism-interior-design-expert-tips/ (Accessed: October 15, 2022). 

Paine, R.P. (2019) Six essential components of modern Indian interior design: Homify, homify.in. homify. Available at: https://www.homify.in/ideabooks/713402/six-essential-components-of-modern-indian-interior-design (Accessed: October 15, 2022). 

Desai, S. (2020) Trend alert: Indian modernism in home decor – times of India, The Times of India. The Times of India. Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/home-garden/trend-alert-indian-modernism-in-home-decor/articleshow/77931685.cms (Accessed: October 15, 2022). 

Indian interior design style (no date) Best Interior Designers in Bangalore – Blucap Interiors. Available at: https://www.blucap.in/index.php/knowledge-store/blucap-trends-blog/indian-interior-design-style (Accessed: October 15, 2022). 

Apartment at skygardens: Khosla Associates – Architecture + Interiors (no date) khosla Associates. Available at: https://www.khoslaassociates.com/project/apartment-at-skygardens/?cat=true (Accessed: October 15, 2022). 

How to design a modern Indian home – houzz (no date). Available at: https://www.houzz.in/magazine/how-to-design-a-modern-indian-home-stsetivw-vs~83596127 (Accessed: October 16, 2022). 

Author

Abha has completed her architecture from mumbai. She is passionate about designing and has a creative mind. She also fond of binging series and movies.