Indian Style Design Ideas
1. Get The Exotic Style Of India (Image 1 of 12)
Want to create a warm, rich decorating scheme for your home? Be inspired by what’s on offer in the high street – and the exuberant colours and intricate patterns of the homes of vibrant India.
2. Be Bold With Pattern (Image 2 of 12)
Strong colours all around the room are a must - think spice shades and primary colours, and don't be afraid to mix jewel tones such as red, orange, yellow and purple in one space, adding accents of gold, bronze or silver to make the room glimmer.
,3. Add Splashes Of Colour (Image 3 of 12)
If you want something more toned down, use warm, soft naturals, such as sandy yellow, paprika red and terracotta, and add just a hint of colour with a splash of turquoise, lime or lipstick pink in accessories.
4. Mix And Match (Image 4 of 12)
Don't be afraid to combine patterns and colours - it's all about the clash rather than co-ordination. To make the scheme successful, limit the palette to shades of three different colours.
5. Work Your Architecture (Image 5 of 12)
If you're tackling the structures of your house - putting in new doorways or openings, look at creating faux ornate arches within the house. This can be done by a good builder or skilled DIYer, but make sure the basic structure meets building regulation requirements.
6. Dress Your Floors (Image 6 of 12)
For flooring, choose a hard, practical surface, such as a dark wood or terracotta tiles, but add warmth, comfort and still more pattern with woven rugs in warm colours that echo those on the walls and in the room's fabrics.
7. Find Authentic Fabric & Lighting (Image 7 of 12)
The best place to find classic Indian fabrics is in shops that sell sari fabric. Hang saris in swathes at windows, drape them over your bed, and have them made into cushion covers. Or, hit the high street for brightly coloured silks that you can decorate with trimmings and sequins. When it comes to lighting, choose pieces that
8. Adorn Your Walls (Image 8 of 12)Don't be afraid to use pattern around the whole room - geometrics, swirls and paisley are all ideal for your walls and upholstery fabrics - and you can layer the patterns by putting up wall hangings, too.
glimmer when lit.
9. Look For Fretwork (Image 9 of 12)
Combine wall hangings with fretwork and detailing in woodwork, on the edge of shelves, in furniture and on shutters at your windows. Or, opt for something you can take with you when you move, such as a carved screen.
,10. Shop For Solid Furniture (Image 10 of 12)
As for furniture, the more ornate the better, but it needn't be in prime condition. Junk yard finds, distressed pieces and solid, rustic buys will do - just stick to dark woods, or stain or paint it to suit the scheme - you can even bring more primary colours into the room this way. Look for the odd piece that's delicately carved or inlaid with mock ivory to add as a contrast to the chunky furniture, too. Or, hit the high street for pieces that will fit in with the rest of your Indian style scheme.
11. Accessorise With Imagery & Colour (Image 11 of 12)
Accessories that reflect Indian style are easy to find on the high street, too - look for ornate silver pieces, statues of elephants or Indian gods, lights with glass around them and pictures with religious imagery in
i12. Throw In Some Kitsch (Image 12 of 12)Find pieces that are a little kitsch, such as this Indian figurine. They will add life, colour and a little humour to your scheme. Look for them in traditional Indian areas or, better still, visit India and find them in one of the many markets..ntricately detailed silver or gold frames. ,,
