India has a rich culture that boasts of beautiful textiles from different states of the country. Indian fabrics can enliven any home décor. They can be used for upholstery, bed covers, cushions, curtains, table linen, lamp shades and to accentuate walls, as well.
Of late, there has been a rise in the demand for Indian crafts and weaves. “There is increased awareness about textiles that are indigenous to India and an increasing number of designers are creating home décor products using these textiles,” asserts Monica Gupta, co-founder of Craftsvilla.com. “Consumers have also become sensitive to the conditions of the artisans, who spend hours creating these handmade/handloom products. The involvement of the government, in making handloom products more popular, has also boosted the demand for these products,” adds Gupta.
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, points out Sujata Mehta, director – design services, Zeba Home. One can consciously put together different fabrics, to create a different look that is also aesthetic. “Even today, Indian textiles retain much of the traditional charm and originality, which can be used to reflect different moods, no matter in which environment it is used,” says Mehta.
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Options galore, for home owners
Warli designs on textiles from Maharashtra, Bandhini leheriya from Gujarat and Rajasthan, Madhubani from Bihar, Patachitra from West Bengal, yarn-dyed hand-woven Ikats and hand-printed fine cottons, are all now used in contemporary home décor. Embroidery like Kantha, Kasuthi, Kutchi, Phulkari and Zardosi, typical to the different states of India, can lend a delightful touch to your home.
Shreya Bansal, a home-maker from Delhi, used fancy rich silks for the upholstery and curtains in her living room. “Cushions in various hues, made from rich Benarasi brocades and Zardosi, add glamour to the subtle beige room. For the bed, I prefer to use comfortable Ikat or applique work bedcovers from Rajasthan,” Bansal explains.
Getting the right combination
Indian fabrics, with rich hues and vibrant accents, can look beautiful in a neutral setting. One can use similar colour palettes and designs, in different scales. For example, if you opt for a paisley motif, use a big motif for the curtains, a medium-sized one for the bed spread and the smallest for the cushion covers. However, do not go overboard, by using paisley motifs all over. You can also merge traditional elements with modern ones and use Indian fabrics in right combination, to add elegance to your home.
Some of the places, where one can buy ethnic soft furnishings, are craftsvilla.com, Zebaworld.com, Fabindia.com, Indiacircus.com and Saritahanda.com.
“Indian weaves are now sought after, by consumers in India and abroad. Whether it is intricate Kutch embroidered cushion covers or exquisite hand-painted Warli curtains, there are numerous such creations that can be used, to enhance one’s home décor,” adds Gupta.
Tips to use ethnic fabrics
- Use embroidered Phulkari, Kashida or Kutchi work on bed covers or block printed fabrics from Rajasthan.
- A large piece of Madhubani or Kalamkari work or intricate Zardosi tapestry, can be framed and hung on a wall. If the room is small, opt for a collage of small frames.
- For the bedroom, hang a valance from the ceiling, behind your bed. The canopy fabric can be a mix of Ikat and Bandhini patchwork.
- Use Kanjeevaram or Patola silks in different colours/patterns for wall panels, or to design a colourful headrest for the bed.
- Add distinctive touch to your dining table, with Chanderi or Mangalgiri table linen.
- Indian carpets, dhuries and kilims, can add warmth and luxury to your home.
- Fabrics with large, bold patterns are ideal for big rooms, while small motifs are apt for small rooms.
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Purnima Goswami Sharma is a freelance writer based in Mumbai, who has been contributing to various newspapers, magazines and portals for the last two decades. Besides being a research writer for various TV shows, she has been a visiting faculty at SNDT for Communication Skills. She hold a master’s degree in English Literature from Mumbai University and a diploma in Communications and Journalism. She writes on diverse subjects like real estate, interiors, education, lifestyle, health, entertainment and environment.
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