How To Decorate Your Home In Traditional South Indian Style

India is known to be a melting pot of cultures, with each state brimming with its own unique traditions and native festivals. Though North and South India have a common unifying heritage, design styles and art patterns vary greatly. Each part of our country comes with its own distinct identity—and if you are looking to decorate your home in traditional South Indian style, there are some elements that must find their way into your interior design!

South Indian Rangolis

Heavily Ornamental Doors

Typical South Indian entrance doors are intricately carved and embellished with metal. You can give your guests a taste of what is in store by replacing your mundane entrance door with one that is perhaps rescued from an old house and restored to its original glory. South Indian craftsmen are well known for being adept at painstakingly carving out a kaleidoscope of historic images from age-old myths and folktales.

Brass Idols

For centuries gone by, metal statues have found pride of place in palaces, temples and homes in the South. Metal sculptures, in particular brass or bronze figurines, are common décor artifact in South Indian homes. Idols of Ganesha (the roly-poly, elephant-headed God), Buddha and Nataraja are particularly popular choices amongst South Indians. Artwork that has metal accents, such as Tanjore paintings which use real gold leaf, can be added for a rich look in the pooja and living room walls.

Lighting The Lamp

Lamps hold a special significance in religious rituals in the South, and lighting the lamp is a well-preserved tradition. The glow of the lamp is said to dispel the darkness in all its forms. Many traditional families choose to keep a tall brass lamp or an ornately carved brass hanging lamp at the verandah or entrance to their homes, and this lamp is duly lit every morning and evening to usher in positive energies into the home.

Brass Uruli

Filled with water, flowers and floating candles, the ancient bell metal uruli has reinvented itself as a lovely decor accessory that is popular in South Indian interior design. Placed in your foyer as a centrepiece with a rangoli around it, this uruli is said to purify the environment and welcome guests to a home.

Beautifully carved pieces of furniture, usually in rosewood and teak wood, are a hallmark of South Indian décor. Very often this furniture is embellished with metallic accessories, like a hanging oonjal or swing that is a must-have in a South Indian living or family room. Sofas are not usually upholstered but are simple pieces with a lot of wood on display, often consisting of intricately woven seats in rattan or jute with carved wooden legs.

South Indian Fabrics

South Indian handicrafts and handloom fabrics are spectacularly rich and meticulously woven. Ikats and Pochampally fabrics from Andhra, Kanchipuram weaves from Tamil Nadu.Mysore silks and the elegant white and gold Mundus from Kerala can be re-purposed in the form of innovative window drapes, upholstery and cushion cover to give your home décor a very authentic flavour.

Natural Elements in The Flooring

Terracotta and Athangudi tiles used in the flooring can transform your home interior in a stunning manner. These richly patterned tiles gain added polish and look more beautiful with age. These tiles are traditionally used in South Indian village homes in combination with traditional elaborately carved pillars, doors and windows.

Earthen Colors, Patterns and Textures

The South Indian colour palette typically leans towards earthen shades. They are subtle and blend in well with the rest of the décor. Shades of terracotta, brown, tan, beige, creams and yellows are much preferred over brighter tones. They bring out the beauty of the ornamental wooden furniture and ethnic fabrics.

We hope we’ve been able to give you some unique interior design ideas to recreate your home in true South Indian style. The true spirit of the South lies in following the ‘less is more’ philosophy. The emphasis on openness and an abundance of natural elements and colours bring out the deep cultural heritage of the four Southern states.

FAQs

1. How can I decorate my home in South Indian style?

To decorate your home in South Indian style, include elements like carved wooden furniture, brass lamps, rangolis, and traditional fabrics. Add natural flooring such as terracotta tiles and use earthy colour tones like beige, brown, and cream for an authentic touch.

2. What are the key features of traditional South Indian home décor?

The main features of South Indian home decoration ideas include intricate wooden doors, brass idols, urulis with floating flowers, and ornate swings. Fabrics like Kanchipuram silk and Ikat add cultural depth, while earthy tones and natural textures complete the look.

3. What type of furniture suits South Indian-style home décor?

Choose carved rosewood or teak furniture with rattan or jute weaves. Traditional swings (oonjal), low wooden tables, and antique chests are signature pieces that define South Indian home decoration ideas.

4. Why is lighting important in South Indian home decoration?

Lighting plays a sacred and aesthetic role in South Indian home decoration ideas. Traditional brass lamps, especially hanging or standing ones, are lit every morning and evening to welcome positive energy. The warm glow of these lamps also enhances the natural wood tones and earthy décor, creating a peaceful atmosphere in your home.

5. What are some simple home decoration ideas inspired by South India?

Simple home decoration ideas include placing a small brass uruli in the living room, using earthy wall colours, adding cane furniture, and displaying Tanjore paintings or temple-style lamps to capture the charm of South Indian tradition.