The living room is not just a room – it’s a reflection of your personality, a physical manifestation of your inner self.
Why not breathe life into this space, making even the inanimate objects feel alive? They can become conversation starters, shifting discussions away from the usual topics like weather and politics, and towards a blend of tradition and modernity.
So let’s delve into the rich amalgamation of Indian art, of how the walls, the elements and the materials used tell a story about the family.
Feature walls: Wall murals
The living room is a place that echoes with stories of love and laughter. So, why not have something associated with love among family members in the form of a whole wall that depicts this emotion? Something that would fit perfectly would be a Pichwai wall mural. Originating from Rajasthan, India, Pichwai is a vibrant expression of devotion and love.
A Pichwai mural adorned with lotus flowers can symbolise the deep, enduring love within a family. The lotus, representing purity and divine love, blooms in harmony, reflecting the growth and strength of familial bonds. This mural embodies love and enhances the living room’s design by establishing a calming colour scheme.
Lighting: Creating task lighting from Tholu Lamps
Lighting is essential in shaping the mood and functionality of a living room. A well-lit space feels open and welcoming, and the type of lighting used significantly impacts the mind and mood of its occupants.
If you’re tired of conventional lamps, Tholu lamps offer a unique alternative. Derived from the traditional Indian art form of leatherwork from Andhra Pradesh, Tholu lamps provide a soothing and visually appealing glow with their intricate patterns. These lamps not only enhance the room’s ambiance but also serve as the perfect accent piece, elevating your decor with their distinct charm.
Using Art as Focal Points
In a living room, often considered the heart of the home, a painting can serve as a visual reminder of the happiness and harmony that family and friends bring into our lives.
The Tree of Life painting, with its vivid colors and detailed imagery, can significantly enhance the interior design of a living room. It can be used as a striking focal point on an accent wall, it serves as a visual centerpiece drawing attention and setting the secondary colour tone for the room’s aesthetic.
It adds depth and interest to the space. Its large scale and intricate design create a dramatic impact, making the wall stand out and elevating the overall room design.
Texture walls
Terracotta and Lippan
The use of terracotta and Lippan plates on the walls of the living room can beautifully reinforce this sense of warmth and emotional connection.
With their natural clay composition, terracotta plates bring an earthy warmth that grounds the space, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. The rich, warm tones of terracotta evoke a sense of security and stability, making the living room feel nurturing and comforting.
Lippan plates, with their intricate patterns and reflective mirror work, add a layer of cultural richness and visual texture. The mirrors catch and reflect light, creating a dynamic interplay that brightens the room and adds a touch of rustic elegance. The tactile quality of both terracotta and Lippan plates invites interaction, making the space more engaging and visually interesting.
Handmade decor plates
The living room, a central hub of family life, is inherently associated with a range of emotions- comfort, joy, relaxation, and connection. To reflect these varied emotional experiences, consider designing a wall that vividly captures different aspects of your family’s identity through a curated selection of wall plates.
Each plate can represent a unique facet of each family member- their favorite colour, their favorite design, their favorite texture or their favorite artform- creating a visually captivating and deeply personal gallery.
From Pichwai plates embodying love, to brass plates showcasing boldness, and Jaipur pottery plates adding a splash of vibrant colours, each type of wall plate brings its unique emotional essence to the living room.
Decorating living room through contemporary renditions of traditional art
Customised family portraits
The living room is the heart of the home, where memories are made and bonds are strengthened. Incorporating art into this space can enhance its warmth and significance, turning it into a visual narrative of the family’s journey.
A Kalighat painting, known for its vibrant and expressive style, is a perfect example of “art speaking words.” Imagine a customised Kalighat family portrait, which reflects the unique personalities, likes, and dislikes of each family member.
Such a painting not only adds cultural richness to the living room but also serves as a conversation starter, inviting guests to learn more about the family through the stories depicted in the artwork.
This art piece doesn’t just decorate the space. It tells the story of the people who live there, making the living room a place where the essence of family is celebrated.
Cityscapes
People often choose to adorn their living rooms with paintings that resonate with them on a personal level- artwork that is not just randomly placed but carries a deeper meaning and emotional connection.
For instance, many opt for paintings of cities or countries they have visited or dream of visiting, transforming the room into a gallery of cherished memories or future adventures.
Take, for example, the painting Ahmedabad city in Mata ni Pachedi, which represents the city of Ahmedabad in the traditional Mata ni Pachedi style. This artwork is not just a visual representation of the city but also highlights the significant roles women play across the city, adding layers of cultural and social meaning to the piece.
By applying some of these interior design principles, you can create a living room that is not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful. The space will reflect your personality, cater to your lifestyle needs, and offer a welcoming atmosphere for both family and guests.
This story first appeared on MeMeraki.
Kirti Bhardwaj is an architectural designer at MeMeraki, where she works on various projects related to art installations and Indian crafts.
The lead image on top depicts a customised family portrait in Kalighat made by Uttam Chitrakar. (Photo courtesy MeMeraki)
MeMeraki is India’s first culture tech platform, using technology to empower and accelerate the artisan creator economy. Their mission is to digitise every heritage art and craft of India to ultimately create sustainable livelihoods for artisans.
