The Silk Road: Indulgent Indian Designs

By Ana Zuravliova

Trend Specialist at Blinds Direct

Mon 28 Mar 2022

Following our stop in Mongolia, we’re passing back through China, crossing the Himalayas, and entering India. India is a country known for its rich colours, intricate patterns, and elaborate embroideries; and their interiors embody vibrance, warmth and character! The use of wood is also predominant in carvings and furniture, and today we will be looking at reimagining the intricate details of Indian design.

Indian interior design

Indian interior design is one of the most exotic, intricate styles we could implement into our homes. The use of vibrant colours, such as oranges and jewel blues, swirling embroideries, block prints and a combination of fabrics brings a sense of richness and luxury into the home.

With compliments to nature, Indian design makes significant use of solid wood furniture. The use of wooden chests and traditional cabinets, Jhulas – wooden swing seats and footstools – are all delicate elements within Indian design, bringing their deep connection to nature into everyday life.

Indian homes are primarily made up of informal spaces. These spaces are essential to traditional Indian design, as they are designed for relaxing and socialising. The use of low seating and relaxed cushions bring in a playful, reclined vibe to the space. Rugs and floor cushions are seen throughout informal spaces as they allow for extra seating and bring texture and colour to the flooring.

How to add Indian design styles to your décor

Vibrant colours

India is a country known for its vibrant colours; from the rich oranges we see in the spices, to the deep jewel toned blues in the surrounding Indian ocean.

A popular colour palette seen across Indian interiors includes shades of brown, yellows, and oranges. The warming tones create an inviting space, ideal for hosting and relaxing. These colourways will also work wonderfully in the UK climate, with the warming undertones helping the space feel snug yet bright.

Contrasting the warmer tones with deep jewel tone blues will create a space of depth and elegance. With orange and blue sitting across from one another on the colour wheel, it is a colour palette that is popular with many. Paring rich orange curtains with a deep blue roller blind will add both texture and vibrance to your décor.

Playful patterns

Indian homes don’t shy away from bold patterns! The most commonly known Indian patterns are Paisley’s and Ikats. The strong prints can be seen throughout Indian décor along with floral prints and occasional animal prints.

Floral prints

A great building block for adding the essence of India into our homes, the use of floral prints is seen throughout many Indian homes. Portraying the different stages of a flower’s life cycle; from buds, to full blooms, to winding branches, India interior design captivates and celebrates all forms of life.

Roman Blinds are a great place to start for injecting Indian design into the home. The soft fabric folds add a relaxed, informal touch to the room and will showcase the floral print of choice in the most elegant of ways.

Animal prints

When we think of India, the Bengal tiger is one of the first animals that springs to mind! Their orange and black stripes are a renowned design and loved by many and adds a fierce look to interiors. Our Bengal Tiger collection is one for those who want to embrace their inner wild cat.

Elephants are another popular animal found in India. Their gentle, yet dominating presence is a great element to twist into your interior décor. These powerful creatures are an exquisite animal to look at, so what better way than to inject them into our interiors than with soft furnishings. The flowing fabrics will create an illusion of the gentle giants strolling around the room. Our Elephant collection comes in a variety of colourways and furnishings.

The element of wood

Many Indians have a strong connection to trees and the natural life. In Hindu belief, the Kalpavriksha is a wish granting tree. In Buddhism, Buddha himself sat under a Bodhi tree when he attained enlightenment.

Trees have a large symbolic meaning throughout the different religions in India and they have been incorporated into Indian décor through patterns and wooden furniture. Capture the essence of Indian design and their deep-rooted connection to trees with implementing shutters and wooden venetian blinds.

From exploring the subcontinent of India with its intricate connection to nature and use of bold colours, we will be venturing into Afghanistan and seeing what interior gems we can uncover there!

Shop some of our products inspired by Indian interior design: