Indian crafts are not only a rich source of cultural heritage, but also a way to create unique and captivating spaces in your home. Whether it is a door, a wall, or a furniture piece, you can infuse some traditional art and design into your modern interior with these tips from Ridhi Khosla Jalan, an interior designer and design influencer.
Doors that Tell Tales
Instead of a plain wooden door, why not choose one that is etched with captivating Madhubani or Gond art? These designs are not just embellishments; they serve as the gateway to a home where the past and present harmoniously coexist. Madhubani and Gond art are forms of painting that originate from Bihar and Madhya Pradesh respectively. They depict scenes from nature, mythology, and everyday life in vibrant colours and patterns.
Functional Art
Bar units or dining tables can transcend their mundane existence by integrating designs like the Warli painting. These elements invigorate life and colour into what would otherwise be ordinary pieces of furniture. Warli painting is a tribal art form from Maharashtra that uses geometric shapes and symbols to represent human and animal figures, rituals, festivals, and social events.
Wall Accents
Traditional crafts can be transformed into framed wall art instead of the usual paintings or generic prints. This not only gives them a chic edge but preserves their timeless essence. You can choose from a variety of crafts such as Pattachitra from Odisha, Kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh, Phad from Rajasthan, or Thangka from Tibet. These crafts use natural colours and fabrics to create intricate and detailed paintings of gods, goddesses, epics, legends, and folktales.
Benefits of Using Indian Crafts
According to Ridhi Khosla Jalan, using Indian crafts in interior design has many benefits. First, it celebrates our heritage and supports the artisans who bring vitality and depth into these crafts. Second, it creates spaces that are rooted in a strong sense of place and identity. Third, it is environmentally friendly and sustainable as these crafts use locally available materials with low carbon footprint and energy consumption.
She says, “It is high time we celebrate our heritage, not by isolating it to museums or confining it to festivals, but by integrating it into our daily lives. This not only supports and sustains the artisans who bring vitality and depth into these crafts but also enriches our living spaces. The beauty of design lies in evolution. By blending the rich traditions of Indian craftsmanship with contemporary design principles, we are not just preserving, but giving it a new lease of life.”
