Decor Pieces to Give Your Space the Edge it needs

Article of the Month - Jun 2022

This article by Manisha Sarade

(Viewed 1396 times since Jun 2022)


1. Wall Tapestry

Wall tapestry gives a textural detail to the walls and add a rustic touch to the space. Tapestries are one of the easiest yet innovative ways to decorate a bare wall in a fashion that instantly arrests attention. While we aren’t suggesting that you turn your living room or your bedroom into a museum of tapestries, but textile arts, vintage fabrics, and even colourful textiles are perfect for hanging over the sofa or behind the bed. It adds colour, volume, and pattern to a space.

Textiles are important for sofas, floors, window treatments — and walls. In fact, tapestries are the ideal artwork, depicting an engaging scene like a painting, but with the added element of soft texture. Many of these rooms from our archives feature tapestries hailing from the 17th and 18th centuries that are just as stylish today, but your wall hanging doesn’t need to be traditional. There are also spaces here boasting tapestries woven with abstract designs, a fresh modern twist on this classic creation. If one massive, eye-catching tapestry isn’t in the cards, consider a pair of smaller ones or draping the textiles over a piece of furniture. If history is any indication, it’s worth the investment.


Flamboyant Multicolor Elephant Embroidered Kantha Patchwork Wall Tapestry From Gujarat

Looking for a stylish wall hanging or wall tapestry? We all know that throwing something up on the wall can have a transformative effect on your space; making it feel homelier, cosier and more personalised to you. You've probably got a mirror, a framed photo or a piece of artwork proudly displayed already, but if you want to favour a more bohemian look or introduce some more texture to your space, investing in a fabric wall hanging is a good idea. From retro tasselled numbers to more minimal-leaning options, wall hangings and tapestries can soften a room and add a pop of colour and additional interest. Plus, they're a bit more unusual than your standard framed poster. 

2. Tanjore and Mysore Art

Even as abstract art is making its rounds in contemporary life, there still is a sizeable majority vouching for old-world charm for the antique or ethnic feel.

Take the Tanjore and Mysore forms of painting, for instance. What are the outstanding features of this art that belonged more to the regal era? What are the intricacies involved in these creations? The turbulent Middle Ages saw an exodus of artists and poets to the South. Visually alluring paintings were particularly encouraged by the discerning royal eye, and gradually over the years, three distinct schools of art developed — Deccani, Mysore and Tanjore. Stylised modelling of characters chosen from mythology mainly formed the subject matter. Encompassed in numerous epic tales, Lord Krishna has always remained every Tanjore and Mysore artist’s delight apart from other deities.


Lord Krishna Dancing on Serpent Kaliya Tanjore Painting | Traditional Colors With 24K Gold | Teakwood Frame | Gold & Wood | Handmade | Made In India

Avoiding any kind of mixtures, Tanjore paintings, basically made on cloth, are clamped on to a wooden piece and are characterised by the use of primary colours. A special adhesive (Arabian gum and flour) that is used in raised levels for shading to suit the images of jewels, drapery and architectural elements like pillars and canopies, add special effect to the subject. This is then embedded with semi-precious Jaipur stones and occasionally pearls too, and covered with 24-carat gold leaf. This is then etched out to expose the right aspects of embellishment and other details. It is this extra ornamental feature that gives the Tanjore style an edge over the Mysore style that differentiates itself with exclusive free-hand detailing and colouring.

3. Wood Home Decor

Have you been considering a decor upgrade for the new decade? If you’re not sure which direction to take your home interior, consider investing in wooden furniture and decor pieces. Especially if you’re not interested in spending a lot of time planning your theme, wood decor can be a chic and versatile option for your home. Solid wood retains its appearance, achieving a lovely patina as it ages.


16" Wooden Pair of Decorative Elephant

Any damage that occurs can be easily repaired and the furniture restored to its original appearance. Environmentally, solid wood furniture is much more eco-friendly. Wood decor has many benefits, from being durable and versatile to cost efficient and environmentally friendly.

Wood introduces a sense of warmth and character into a scheme and works equally well in modern and traditional homes Eco-friendly and entirely natural, wood is a flexible element to work with, whether you are incorporating it into an interior, using it as an exterior façade or refreshing original wooden features. Rustic, beautiful and incredibly versatile, wood is one of the most common materials used in the home. When used on a whole wall or as a headboard in bedrooms, wood can add warmth and drama to rooms. There is a huge variety of choices available, so explore the options. Vertical or horizontal boards can be used to achieve a traditional or contemporary effect, while shingles can be beautiful and very striking. Or take advantage of natural light by using thin, light oak to create a warm and modern yet rustic look. Well, wood on wood can be tricky at times and not everyone is a pro at it. But if you still want to try your hand at this trend - A buffer, like a rug, between your wooden furniture and flooring, can break the monotony. You can play around with the finishes for the floor and the furniture.

4. Metal Art

Metal is the type of neutral decorative accent that runs the gamut in terms of finish possibilities. Whether you gravitate toward gold, silver, copper, chrome, or brass (or more than just one), the effect always adds polish.


18" The Bodhi Tree Wall Hanging | Handmade | Home Décor | Decorative Object / Accents | Brass | Made In India

Using metal wall art items can help you in achieving your dream outdoor or indoor design. In addition, metal wall art plays a significant role in the interior design of your home. Here's why metal wart art matters most in home décor. When it comes to basic principles of interior design, each room must have a central point.  An area that will immediately attract the viewer's attention on what to expect. A good piece of metal wall art can change how an entire place looks. However, it is important to note that it's good to consider the size before choosing a wall art for your space. Small artwork will get outshined by the nearby furniture. On the other hand, extremely big artwork will look as if it is falling over. Consider taking measurements of the wall space are available. This will give you a heads up on how much room you will be working with. Durability: One of the most durable home interior design items is metal wall art. If you are thinking of cost-cutting on décor items, then consider getting metal wall arts. These items require little maintenance, are strong, and can rarely be damaged. Metal wall arts are long-lasting and can be passed down to generations.

Plus, it is Cost-effective. Most people assume that metal wall art is expensive; hence, they prefer using other forms of art to decorate their homes. The truth is, metal wall art is cheaper compared to other wall art decors. Surprisingly, the raw materials used to design metal wall art are affordable. However, in the future, the cost might increase. So why not make the hay while the sun shines. Consider buying as many beautiful pieces of metal wall art for a lower price. Additionally, It gives your room a nice finished look. Using the right metal wall art can make a room appear complete. Wall art is a finishing element that can give your room a great interior design look. The key to achieving that great look is to pick a piece of art that goes with the decorating style in your room. Please note that it's important to choose a décor that you like and will be contented seeing it on your wall.

5. Brass and Bronze Sculpture

As mentioned earlier, Metals have always been a part of home decor in India. Gold, silver, copper, brass and steel are commonly used in décor accessories. Beaten metal (matthar kaam), bidri (silver engraving), metal enamel work and cut work on sheet metals, are various forms of popular metallic crafts. Among all the metals, brass, which is an alloy of zinc and copper, is the most adaptable metal for making handcrafted objects and has been used for ages. Brass has a beautiful gold-like colour. It is easily available and can be used to design objects with interesting finishes.


13" Deepalakshmi on an Elephant with Wheels | Handmade | Madhuchista Vidhana (Lost-Wax) | Panchaloha Bronze from Swamimalai

Starting with the first smelting of metals, bronze sculpture has been part of humankind's attempt to create artistic images of the world around it. This art form had a very turbulent history. The art of bronze sculpture was nearly forgotten and then "rediscovered" on two occasions - once during the Renaissance period and then during the Industrial Revolution in the mid-19th century. From a historical perspective, bronze is the most popular material for cast metal sculptures. It can be used for statues, singly or in groups, reliefs, small statuettes and figurines, as well as bronze elements to be fitted to other objects such as furniture. The widespread personification of bronze in sculptures means it is often best known for existing in these particular forms. Additionally, this material reached its definite peak both technically and creatively through bronze statues and various sculpture types in history.


44" Large Brass Deep Lakshmi With Inlay Work | Handmade

So, what is bronze exactly? Typically, modern bronze is 88% copper and 12% tin. However, historically speaking, bronze material was highly variable in composition, as most metalworkers probably used whatever scrap they could get their hands on. This commonly led to varying mixtures that saw bronze get combined with materials such as copper, zinc, tin, lead, nickel, iron, antimony, etc. Nowadays, brass is not just used in traditional items like puja accessories and utensils, but also in fancy accessories in urban homes. Brass creations, like lamps, vases, baskets, wall clocks, statues, tableware, etc., from various states of India are well-known. Brass is also increasingly being used in fixtures, as accents in furniture and even as frames for photographs.

13" Bronze Peacock Wicks Lamp | Handmade | Hoysala Art

The great civilizations of the old world worked in bronze for art's sake ever since the introduction of the alloy for tools and edged weapons. Dancing Girl from Mohenjodaro belonging to the Harappan civilization dates back to 2500 BCE and is the oldest bronze statue still in existence. Egyptian small lost-wax bronze sculpture of figurines was made in large numbers, but the true marvels of bronze casting were made on the other side of the Mediterranean Sea. Although they were not the first ones to use the materials, the Greeks were the first to scale the bronze statues up to life size. Unfortunately, only a few examples still exist in good condition - the best known is the seawater-preserved bronze sculpture Victorious Youth that required painstaking restoration efforts to bring it to its present state.


48" Large Dancing rati and Kamadeva (God and Goddess of Love) | Handmade | Madhuchista Vidhana (Lost-Wax) | Panchaloha Bronze from Swamimalai

Luckily, Roman sculptures made in bronze had a much better time surviving the test of time. Both Romans and Greeks had a long history of making statuary in bronze and thousands of images of gods and heroes, victorious athletes, statesmen and philosophers filled the ancient temples and sanctuaries. These civilizations perfected the bronze casting technique to such a degree that their craftily influence on large-scale statuary continues to the present day. The ancient Chinese should also be mentioned as they too knew both lost-wax and section mold casting techniques. During the Shang dynasty, a large number of Chinese ritual bronze statues were created, most of which was covered with complex decoration. Sets of up to 200 pieces of these sculptures were buried in the tombs of royalty and the nobility.

For its maintenance, use a few drops of coconut oil soaked in a cotton ball and wipe it over your brass figurines (after they have been polished), every two or three weeks. This helps the item to retain its sheen and reduces tarnishing. One can use brass polishing agents that are easily available in hardware or paint stores. Avoid keeping brass pieces in areas where there is humidity.

6. Toran

The main door (entrance) in a Hindu home is of great significance. It is decorated with toran and other religious auspicious things. It is symbolically the boundary between the inner and the outer world. The inside is pure and all the negative forces outside are stopped at the main door. Only auspicious things are allowed to enter through the door.


Multicolor Floral Tassels Door Decor Toran With Beads And Wooden Parrot

Toran is the name of a sacred gateway in Buddhist architecture. The Toran is a typical form of a projecting cross-piece that rests on two uprights. It is made of wood or stone. The projecting cross-piece is generally of three bars that are placed one above the other. Both the cross-piece and the uprights are usually beautifully sculptured. Though nowadays we have different types of Torans before these beautifully designed Torans of today were created there was a range of natural Toran's that were used. You would often witness mango leaves used in Southern India while marigold flowers used in Northern India as part of the Torans. The earliest archaeological evidence of Torana dates back to the time when Sanchi stupa was built by the Mauryan Empire in the 3rd century BCE. The Sanchi Torana is the imitation of brick and timber construction in stone. Even in Kalinga architecture, we can witness the Toran in many temples like Jagannath Temple, Mukteswar Temple and Rajarani Temple.

Goddess Lakshmi is welcomed through the front door with Purna Kumbha, toran, mango leaves, rice plant, sugarcane, rangoli, painting of feet etc. Similarly, Alakshmi, the goddess of misfortune, is kept outside and stopped at the main door by offering lemon and green chilli. She eats the sour and pungent food and goes away from the house. Just like how we are careful not to let anything bad, negative and inauspicious into the house, we should block all negative forces from entering into our mind and intellect. It should be kept pure just like the house. We should be well aware of what we read, hear and listen. Our thoughts should be purified before they are given a place in our mind. In some regions, children and other family members are advised not to sit it on entrance door (doorway). This is because Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu had annihilated demon Hiranyakashipu on the doorway. One of the boons that Hiranyakashipu had got from Brahma was that he will not be killed inside or outside any type of residence.

The usual colours include:

Saffron: Saffron colour is considered highly auspicious by the Hindus. This colour holds significant importance in all the holy gatherings in Hinduism. You can even witness priests wearing this colour as it signifies purity. This colour symbolises generosity and therefore, hanging a bandhanwar of this colour at your door will reflect purity and good vibes in your house.

Yellow : The yellow colour signifies growth, concentration and harmony. Knowledge and wisdom are also associated with yellow colour. The yellow colour also represents the vibrancy of the spring season. Therefore, having a bandhanwar of this colour at your door will reflect peace and vibrancy in your house. 

Green : The green colour reflects happiness, calmness and peace. This colour stabilizes the mind and calms the emotional imbalances of an individual. It represents the mother nature and thus, calms the mind and soul. Therefore, the green colour would be a vital choice to have while choosing a Toran colour for your house. 

Red : Red colour is a symbol of power. It is one of the most auspicious and significant colours in the Hindu Dharma. During any special occasion, this colour is worn. Therefore, you can even choose a red colour Toran for hanging at the door of your house. 

White : White colour signifies calmness, purity, cleanliness, and peace. What's better than a white colour as it is the mixture of all the basic seven colours. Therefore, using a white colour Toran would be a fantastic fit for placing at the door of your house. 

7. Uruli or Urli

Handicrafts make India’s ancient culture timeless. Crafting things by hand is less of a job and more of artisans’ expression of their vibrant traditions and lifestyles. These are pieces of utility as well as beauty, faith and whimsy. One such Indian handicraft is Uruli – It is a traditional cookware extensively used in South India.


46" Lakshmi-Ganesha-Sarasvati Urli With Dangling Lamps | Handmade

It is also pronounced as Urli and commonly made of clay, copper and bronze. It was generally used for cooking and for preparing medicines but with time it has turned into decorative objects that impart a royal glow to an otherwise simple, bland setting. Urlis made from terracotta, stone and metals are filled with water and vibrantly coloured flowers afloat on top. This makes a perfect centrepiece down the hallway, elegant, soothing and welcoming. Today enormous Urlis have found place in home, and posh resorts around the world for the perfect reason that Urli reflect unique beauty and richness to the surrounding. Placing a Urli with water and flowers is generally considered very auspicious as water denotes wealth, and according to Hinduism placing an urli with flowers at home brings in good energy to the house and creates a serene environment.

8. Candles and Candle Holders

Candles were once only used for illumination and religious celebrations. Nowadays, they've become the norm in our home decor. Not only can adding a candle to your space bring a peaceful and charming glow, but it can also enhance its overall design.


51" Large Brass Tree with Candle Holder | Handmade

It's not just pretty to look at, it's a mood-setter, it makes the space feel warm and cozy, and it can make the room smell fresh and fragrant as it gives off the scent of your choice. Candles can be therapeutic, too! Some people even use it as a means to unwind after a long and stressful day and to cleanse their aura as well as the energy in their surroundings. There are so many different ways to put them on display — you can keep them plain, put them on a candle stand/holder, or put them in a statement vessel.


10" Brass Buddha Candle Stand | Handmade

Candle holders bring a coastal vibe to your space. Find a few larger vessels in the same design to be used as vases for floral arrangements. You can also amplify the experience of getting lost in the pages of your favourite books by having a lovely display of candles and other decorative or edible elements in your reading nook.

9. Vase

The perfect use of a vase, whether ornately painted or clear glass, can give a room the wow factor you're after. Although what you do with the vase matters, where you place it is also important. Large vases in corners or on tables in areas with a high ceiling can be dramatic, whether left empty or filled. Smaller vases can be used to decorate any type of shelving, as a centre piece on a dining table or to add height when coupled with smaller figurines and photos.


12" Naples Flower Vase with Dorge Design

Fill the vase with fresh flowers or high-quality fakes to add colour and brightness to a room. Use it to house seasonal flora or fauna as part of a larger decorative theme: long branches in a floor vase in the fall, sprigs of holly and pine in the winter, and lilies in the spring are all good ways to update your decor each season. A vase with a wide opening can also be used as a pot for live house plants; just be careful when watering, as there won’t be a drain for the soil at the bottom. A vase that is decorative in its own right doesn’t need to be filled with anything, so place it center-stage somewhere in your home. Use coloured glass, painted ceramic vases, and metallic pieces on a fireplace mantel, side table or on a deep window sill for a unique twist on the knickknacks often used to decorate these types of spaces. Place various heights and shapes of plain glass or white ceramic vases somewhere where they’ll catch the light, like on a table in front of a bay window.


36" Large Marble Flower Vase

Fill a see-through vase, either clear or colored, with decorative elements such as sand or small or large pine cones and place it somewhere prominent. To find the most suitable vase-filler for your space, look around at the rest of your decor and think of small items that are easily found in bulk which tie into the other things you have going on in the room. Some good ideas include sea shells, star fish, sea glass, decorative pebbles or marbles, various coloured holiday ornaments or waxed fruit. Use a single item or a collection, layering them in the vase, for a distinctive look. Use a wide-top vase to house candles, either plain wax or scented. The vase will help to enhance the light from the flame and the higher sides will protect the surrounding walls from damage due to heat. This works best with clear vases, although a few tea lights lit inside a brightly coloured vase can look beautiful.

10. Jaali(s)

A jaali is the vernacular for a latticed screen or perforated stone that can be used to break up an open floor plan or as a decorative accent. Contemporary jail designs are now in vogue, offering a touch of grandeur and panache to any space. With different types of jali in the market there’s always a unique design for your home. Technological advancements also mean that there are several materials to choose from for a jali partition. Each material has its own pros and cons, relying on factors such as thickness, size, durability, and pattern.


48" Vintage Lattice Wooden Window | Handmade

Traditional Indian architecture developed in response to local contexts such as the climate. Wind towers, deep overhangs, courtyards and jalis (lattices) and other structures were used to bring cool relief to homes when temperatures soared. A jali is a commonly used element of architecture to combat a hot climate even today. It is a sheet or surface with small or large perforations. The 16th century Mughals used intricately carved marble and other types of stone to create jalis – the Taj Mahal’s arched screens are a very fine example. They used jalis as railings, skylights and partitions, too. Over time, wood, metal, brick and reinforced concrete evolved as alternatives to stone for making jalis. The arrival of laser-cutting machines and 3D printers made jali fabrication much easier, paving the way for extreme customisation.
This multi-functional design element has many benefits, particularly suited to Indian 
homes. 


Vintage Wood with Brass Lattice Window

Jali partition makes for an interesting addition to your house. They introduce a sense of ornamentation and elegance. Lattice patterns abound and can complement both traditional and contemporary decor. The perforations cast dappled shadows and light on the indoor walls and floors that dance and move with changing angles of the sun look wonderful. Here are a few pointers on how to use jali work and add the perfect finish for your home: Jali as an ornamental fireplace panel illuminates the walls with intricate (and surreal) patterns; Introduce Jali as part of your wall decor for a touch of elegance. Also, you can create innovative partitions for kitchen and pooja rooms. Jali concepts look outstanding on windows and staircases, if planned and implemented well. You can further introduce latticed screens in the elevation of your buildings for structural and decorative purposes.

Key Takeaways

  • Decor items can make a big impact on the overall aesthetic of a space, and choosing unique pieces can help to create a distinctive look and feel.

  • Traditional Indian handicrafts such as brassware, wood carvings, and textiles can add a touch of cultural authenticity to your home decor.

  • Sculptures and figurines can make a bold statement in any room, and can be used to highlight a particular theme or style.

  • Mirrors and wall art can be used to create a focal point in a room, drawing the eye and adding visual interest.

  • Soft furnishings such as cushions, throws, and rugs can add color and texture to a space, and can be easily updated to reflect changing trends and seasons.

  • Lighting can play an important role in setting the mood of a room, and the use of unique lamps or lanterns can add a touch of personality to your decor.

Add a review

Your email address will not be published *