The bright and vibrant state of Gujarat leaves an impressionable impact on those who visit it. Gujarat is a state from where one can take inspiration from its style, relics, and heritage, and secure a part of it in the form of its beautiful motifs and décor.
Traditional Gujarati decoration is rustic, inspired by nature, and delves deeply into bright shades of red, orange, and yellow (primarily).
Topological factors also play a significant role in determining the type of interiors and décor. Since Gujarat is more of an arid region, a typical Gujarati home is big on optimising light and ventilation, while keeping the heat out without compromising on the utility of the space and its colours.
Now that we have an idea of the basics of a typical Gujarati, home let’s explore the traditional décor and design that you can implement in your space.
Motifs and Patterns
An atypical Gujarati home is adorned with artistic expressions and motifs that seamlessly blend with the utility of the space. The motifs and design are not only observable in the form of wood carving or stone carvings, but they have a special place in the furnishing and upholstery as well.
The design and pattern of these motifs is a beautiful and elegant coalescence of the Hindu and Muslim culture that is so prevalent in the state.
While this is just one example, numerous intricate designs can be observed on the Gujarati home walls, ceilings, and screens, to name a few. You can optimise your space to incorporate these designs, maybe to your columns or brackets so that you have a hint of these ethnic splashes but without the overwhelming effect.
Gujarati Home and Space Design
If you visit a Gujarati home, you will be introduced to specific traditional terminologies and vernacular terms which also give a great insight into the ethnic home décor and design.
Let’s create a mental picture.
As soon as you enter the home, you are greeted by the entrance, set on a plinth adorned by colourful stairs, traditionally called otta or otla. The otta is a spectacular entrance that serves as a congregation during social gatherings or the evenings when family members get together.
Next comes the baithak, which acts as a reception for guests. These baithaks are adorned with beautiful wooden handicrafts.
While you may lack a proper baithak in your home, you can use your living room to incorporate the Gujarati touch. Explore the Gujarati handiwork and woodwork to select a beautifully carved traditional sofa set. If you have space, you can also add the Gujarati jhoola to bring in the Indianness.
On the other hand, if you have an open wall, you can always incorporate the ever-famous glass paints. These vibrant synthetic colours against the glassy backdrop give a rustic yet elegant feel to your space. You can also go for reverse glass painting where the engravings, when laid at the rear side of the glass, provide a three-dimensional sense.
One must also not forget the eclectic Gujarati pottery. In existence since the Indus Valley Civilization, this pottery is a great idea if you wish to include something earthen and feel more connected to your space. You can place these pots in a corner or on a singular side stand. It is ideal to place them near the windows, as the natural light adds a natural sheen to these pots, which radiate across the room beautifully.
The Ethnic Décor and Special Features
Most Gujarati homes, especially those from the Bohrwad heritage, have a considerable affinity to handicrafts and carved wooden frontages. Since the region has a lot of sunlight to offer, the symmetry of the home along with the perpetual integration of jaali work in the most traditional homes optimises the natural light in the space but bars the hot winds during summers.
If you too are a resident of a hot Indian state, these jaali screens can do wonders for the aesthetic appeal, as well as cool down the temperature. The screen can also be perforated with the patterns of your choice, using calligraphy to keep the airflow going but blocking the heat out.
The Gujarati Fabric Charm and Design
A genuine blue Gujarati interior is incomplete without the traditional handloom and needlework. Home to the most extensive embroidery and handloom industry, the Gujarati textile, furnishing and upholstery are intricate and unique.
A brilliant example of this is the Kutch embroidery which deploys assorted hues of purple, saffron, yellow, red, blue, green, white and black threads made of cotton, wool or silk along with ‘abhala’ or little mirrors in strategic geometric positions that personifies colour and celebration in the barren lands of Kutch.
You can bring the element of Kutch in the form of cushion covers, or beddings to subtly integrate the ethnic character into your home.
In addition to the Kutch embroidery, you can also go for the bandhani drapes for the upholstery. The best part about these drapes is their lush and bright colours that brighten up the room, minus the loud reflection. Moreover, they also keep the heat out, so your drapes are functional, as well as aesthetic.
Gujarati art is now a world-famous concept that is adding colour and pure ethnicity around the world. If you are keen on implementing such décor and appraise your space, HomeLane can help you do just that!
Our team of experts undertake a scientific method blended with an artistic bend to assess what may or may not work for your space. Our idea is to create beautiful homes which resonate with your thoughts and ideas.
