The idea of Indianness is rooted in the concept of diamonds and drama. Naturally, our love of the dramatic is reflected in Indian dwellings. Our houses might not be the pinnacle of minimalist interior design as a result. However, in the globalised world we live in, we cannot avoid being impacted by a popular lifestyle trend like minimalism. So, how can we balance a minimalist aesthetic with the inherent vibrancy of Indian culture? The answer lies in creating a fusion of styles, which results in designs that rise above the conventional. From the touch of Wabi-Sabi to the essence of bold colours, minimalism can be altered with Indian aesthetics. This Independence Day, immerse yourself in cultural roots with Ar. Vardha Aggarwal, Founder and Principal Architect at Sculpt Design Studio.
Colours as a Focal Point
Colour is typically an unavoidable design element for Indian homes. Therefore, the secret is to detail your minimalist house design with minimal colours, ideally from the same colour family. One characteristic of minimalist home interiors is the use of solid hues to create monochromatic patterns or focal points on walls. For example, a room can be elevated with a touch of beige and brown, making brown as an accent wall. This showcases the allure of Indianness with a touch of minimalism.
Simple Forms and Loose Furniture
Indian architecture has long depended on the majesty that comes from large buildings. However, contemporary minimalist interior design is a trend that involves reducing a design to its most basic form. For example, we frequently see wall-to-wall windows, straight staircases, and small foyers these days. Further, in traditional settings, the furniture was appropriately large yet still associated with status. Following this, minimalist designs are creating nooks with traditional furniture that lend an Indian touch, yet are grounded in a refined sense.
Bare Walls and Indian Prints
To guarantee that the room’s focal point receives all the attention, there is a gradual but continuous push towards clean walls. As a result, walls can be adorned with a large painting on one wall and nothing else. During India’s independence movement, creating and donning our textiles was a sign of patriotism. Being basic at home may be achieved in a really stylish way by using such sustainable and natural textiles.
Art and Handcrafted Elements
India has an array of crafts and artefacts that have guided spaces over time. Incorporating handcrafted items like pottery, textiles, and metalwork adds a unique, personal touch and supports local artisans. Instead of filling walls with random decor, choose a few impactful pieces of traditional Indian art like Madhubani or Patachitra paintings, framed simply for a modern touch.
In essence, modern Indian minimalism is about finding a balance between the simplicity of minimalism and the richness of Indian culture, creating spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and deeply meaningful.
