Embracing the rustic trends

We have spoken about modern décor design ideas and several other aspects and ideas related to it. However, today we will discuss how to create an Indian traditional or rustic home décor finish. Some of these ideas need to be incorporated in the design phase or renovation phase whereas some are just accents and can be done without much trouble.

Using the right fabric, colours and prints is easily half the job done. Printed cotton, silks or block printed fabric used as upholstery covers are a great idea to bring the theme into the room smoothly. Low seating wooden furniture upholstered with neutral tones of beige, soft gold or Khadi paired with colourful accent pillows are another way to create such an ambience of the sort, in case the desired prints are not readily available. Using the same for drapes also give a great airy look that can help tie into the theme of the room.

Other elements that bring in the traditional theme are spiritual elements like idols of gods, elephants, mirrors with carved wooden frames etc. Buying them straight at the store might be heavy on the budget. Choose from local thrift store or old dilapidated houses. Such elements when put beside softer antique lanterns or coloured glass artefacts bring out the desired look. Placements of stained glass pieces strategically to trap sunlight can also help achieve captivating colour tones.  Elements like glass/ceramic doorknobs with traditional prints can help bring in the Indian touch. Speaking of solid doors, intricate woodcarvings on exotic solid wood are a perfect traditional rustic element. These doors and windows can be easily converted into corner tables if overlaid with glass.

Quit the stereotypical vitrified tiles in the restroom walls and replace them with stone finishes. This accented with non-traditional brass stoned sinks or concrete sinks bring in a very different tone. Nothing can beat the red/ black oxide finish for flooring if you are going for a rustic feel. Handmade Karaikudi tiles are a great way to marry in the flooring into your theme.

An excellent way to deck up the walls is by adding a suitable centrepiece or artwork such as a Tanjavur painting. The typical wooden swing tied up with brass links is definitely a great centrepiece in an open verandah. These play of colours works best when backdropped by a soft tone wall coat such as light yellow or off-white or hues of such tones that compliment the bright colours used.

The writer is an architect who is passionate about the spaces she designs as well as dances in