The Indian motif or pattern is just not strictly confined to traditional artifacts but crossing over into items of our daily use. Priyanka Joshi tries some mix and match
If the 80s were about ethnic clutter and boom and the 90s were about global minimalism and smart Western functionality, we are finally comfortable in our skin and have coopted the world in our scheme of things rather than the other way around.
Glocalism, if we would call it that, means giving our heritage and identity markers a global acceptability that would make it part of the universal design rhetoric.
Usually, ethnicity is mostly rooted in natural elements, which makes it easy to be the larger canvas in which cultural accents can be added. The key is to strike the right balance that can be compressed in our lifestyles.
“To adapt ethnicity to modernity, you need to know the pillars. Not only that but also blending colours, textures and connecting them to the focal point of your home requires a lot of imagination. The mixture of cultural elements can create the magic. However, to create a balance in design and colour that goes in unison with the trend of ethnic decor, incubated over the centuries, we have to learn the art of cultivating beauty. Basically, the two key elements of Indian design are texture and colour. If you like a more minimalistic approach to ethnic décor, a wooden swing incorporated with modernistic furniture works. Right now people also like solids combined with ikkat weaves or kilim like patterns,” says interior designer Poonam Kalra.
ARCHITECTURAl DESIGN: Our ancestors had the luxury of space that resulted in sprawling havelis, wads and napukeetu. But the courtyard home has gradually given way to smaller apartments, bowing to urban necessities and population growth. However, it has now scripted a comeback in a thoroughly modern format.
Inspiring architects across the region, the courtyard has been reinterpreted to fit into varied contexts. Sunita Bisht brought a new house where she has a series of semi-outdoor spaces distributed at different levels throughout the house. She said, “I remember my grandfather’s house. Then I thought why not incorporate the spaces using the courtyard logicIJ I made my house like that only. Basically, this concept was dictated by the tropical climate, allowing for cross ventilation, insulation from extreme weather patterns and lighting up the space from within. It also gives you natural feeling in every season. The best part of this you don’t have to depend on an AC in summer and heater or blower in winter.”
MY WOODS: If the 90s were dominated by a dark Tuscan-brown trend, we are comfortable with the lighter colour of our native species today. One of the most ethnic innovations is to embed a Roman-style clock or even watch in a Saharanpur frame, usually intricately carved or shaped in the form of a sun or an animal head. Or the ethnic woodmaker crafting European dressing room accessories and furniture.
BREAKING STEREOTYPES: Pramod Nagpal, Managing Director, Central Cottage Industries, says how the Jaipur blue pottery, a hot pick at Cottage Emporium as a collectible and an artifact — jars, vases and bowls — is now being incorporated as accents and embedded panels in furniture instead of the traditional crockery.
Similarly, dhokra and warli are being used in combination with wood for wall panels and furniture while block prints like ajrak or syahi-begar have graduated from furnishings to feature in bags and everyday utility items like jars and even cupboard panels.
FlUID FORMS: Basically, the traditional look is all about balance, from architecture to furniture placement. The innovation lies, therefore, in not keeping to its periodicity but making it both cozy and comfortable in tune with the casual living statements of the times. Sameer Pal Srow, MD, Haryana Tourism, has seen the best innovation come out of the Surajkund fair held every year. “We’re seeing old aesthetics come back in an entirely different shape. Craftsmen are incorporating contemporary design philosophies with a zeal and improvising their skills,” says he.
Samita Chohan, a regular buyer at Surajkund, says, “I pick up vintage items and pair them with fresh and calming neutral colours. This time I have picked up the basic bamboo basket which I hope to use in my drawing room corner with a few cushions thrown in or as wall art.”
Fabrics are now used in a number of creative ways in our homes: long, flowing drapes for windows, a quaint canopy above a bed or simple sheets thrown over a divan can create a homey, fluid feel to any space. Kalra says, “Fabrics are a great way to introduce a hierarchy to your furniture pieces. Use fine fabrics like silk or ikkat for upholstering your centrepieces or your cushions. Cotton and khadi can be used for side chairs while simpler fabrics like jute can be used for smaller footstools.”
Contemporary global trends focus on decorating in unique and different ways, by mixing and matching designs and colours. Indian textiles are available in a variety of woven patterns, designs, colours and styles, representing the diverse cultures of India. Not only that its patterns and motifs are now a vital part of interior design. These include the paisley, intricate mandala motifs and nature-inspired themes with flowers, birds and animals. Several of these have deep religious and cultural symbolism. Add these complex motifs to your interiors through decorative tapestries, inlaid tables, patchwork quilts and patterned mosaic flooring. “India has so many regions. That’s why we have so many exciting possibilities and richness of decorative choices. Always choose colours and furnishings that are practical and reflect your personality.” Kalra added.
NOSTAlGIA PICKS: You can decorate your house with old goodies and heirlooms. These make the best layabout pieces because they are not only vintage, they have a personal story and meaning to you.
Interior designer Adetee Sawhaney says, “You can use an old cookie jar in your bathroom as a soap holder. Similarly, vintage wooden toolboxes or trunks make for great centerpieces. Also, you can use old books, wrap them up in twine, burlap or just stack them up to great effect. And thread yourself to your past, literally. You can’t go wrong with old books.”