Britain governed India for almost two centuries. In India’s principal cities and hill stations, the British built public structures and private mansions.

British colonial style was shaped by Indian materials and surroundings. Public buildings, particularly the spectacular palaces of the wealthiest lords, aimed to integrate Western and Eastern architectural and interior traditions, injecting some of the local aristocracy’s pleasures, while typical residences and bungalows were simpler but constructed to provide pleasant homes in most of India’s normally arid environment.

Here’s a 5-step approach to give your home a colonial makeover with Indian aesthetics

1) Rattan furniture- Colonial architecture is unparalleled in its use of wood. Rattan is largely responsible for popularizing the tropical colonial design. Lamps and fans made of rattan can be used as home décor. The natives of India built their homes, furniture, and storage spaces out of rattan because it met their basic needs while being simple and lovely. You can offer your home a fusion of Western and Indian aesthetics by incorporating this material, which was later adopted into colonial design.

2) Placing planters at corners- Sacred plants like Tulsi are kept and adored in Indian homes, whereas vases of ferns, pine, and other plants are used to create a calming and revitalizing atmosphere in colonial homes. This means you can make the area look more luxurious and lovely by placing plants at the corners.

3) Exotic Beddings- Bedding with exotic designs, a hallmark of the British colonial era, is something you’d find in many British cantonments, shelters, and villas. Add to the colonial allure of your home by draping colorful flower designs or abstractly patterned cushion covers or linens made from Jaipur fabric over your bedspreads, couches, and wooden furniture.

4) Indian art as wall pictures- Paintings are an essential aspect of Colonial designs, and you can choose to add warli art or Madhubani paintings to your walls to give your home an Indian touch while still maintaining a Colonial aesthetic.

5) The Elegance of Solid Wood Furniture- Furniture made from solid wood is a staple of Indian interior design, evoking a sense of colonial nostalgia. Choosing classic pieces with curved armrests and legs, carvings, and inlay work in metal or ivory can give your space an authentic feel and show off the fine craftsmanship of Indian artisans. 

Many of us would like to decorate our homes in a way that fuses colonial and Indian styles, but we have no idea where to begin. With the above-mentioned 5 approaches, you can easily give your spaces an appearance that melds colonial and Indian influences.

 J&S Interiors provides expert and proficient interior design services, providing you with the best solutions for your home renovation. Call us now to learn more about our interior design services for your home in Kolkata.