Intriguing Indian Interiors

For as long as we can remember, my partner and I have always wanted a family. After many discussions and looking into several options, we decided to go with a surrogacy program located in New Delhi, India. In August of this past year, things started to get serious, and we are now well on our way to fatherhood! We are very excited, and we hope and pray for the best! Along with planning for a baby, we also have to plan for two trips to India. The closer we get to our travel dates, the more I’ve found myself looking at Indian design, cuisine, and culture. It’s so very different from the mainstream western world, and almost immediately identifiable.

How exotic is this?!  The clean, crisp white walls and decorative tiled floor make the perfect backdrop for bold Indian color and pattern.

This room is full of so much life and excitement!  All that pink is enough to make Lisa Vanderpump proud!  Ever since I was little, I’ve always been a fan of bold colors.  Rich hues are in no shortage when it comes to Indian design aesthetic.  It’s almost as if the rule is this: The more color you can put in a room the better!  It’s amazing how these spaces can look so energizing, and yet so calm and restful at the same time. Classic Indian interiors are known for their extremely intricate, ornate, and busy patterns.  Over the past month or so, I’ve ran across a few fabrics that I might use somehow in our new nursery.  We’re working to create a fun space, that has touches of some of our future child’s heritage.  Here are a few of my favorites so far.  The colors and patters are so exciting and playful!

Exotic Travels by Kravet

Kravet Couture

Parade by Lulu DK at Schumacher

Leonora by Pindler & Pindler

One of my favorite ways to design is to incorporate different design aesthetics from different cultures.  I’ve always been a little obsessed with travel, and all the exotic places outside of the U.S. borders.  Here’s a few examples of some “western world” spaces with an Indian twist:

This beautiful room in white tones, forgoes the bold colors typically used in Indian decor.  However, the patterns and shapes of the headboard and canopy are beautiful and distinctly Indian.

This beautiful room is so rich in composition.  It’s colonial flair speaks of the European influence sometimes found in Indian design.  The use of gilt crystal electrified candelabras as bedside lamps is so posh!

This space is a great example of how adding a few brightly colored fabrics as upholstery, throw pillows, can transform a room with beige furniture into something a little more special.

Loving this living area with it’s deep jewel toned pillows against the bright robins egg blue walls.

Lounging areas with tons of uniquely decorative throw pillows are a staple in a well dressed Indian inspired space.

The use of the Indian inspired textiles and patterned wall paper make an interesting textural composition.

Check out the bold apple green wall color in this space!  It’s so energizing!  I love the use of the antique rugs with the fresh paint color and clean white trim details.

Loving this bedroom!  It leans a little to the masculine side, but it’s  slate blue and antiqued reds mixed with cream and neutrals is gorgeous!

This gorgeous and ornately detailed tapestry adds to the richness of the room, and creates a fantastic focal point.  Using textiles as art for wall decor is one of my favorites!

Acclaimed interior designer Martyn Lawrence-Bullard designed this space for Cher.  This living area looks so cozy and relaxing!  The deep-set sofas with their large over stuffed bolsters would make and maharajah feel right at home.  I adore how the fuchsia orchids bring life to this neutral color pallet.

Martyn Lawrence-Bullard also designed this bedroom for Cher. The performer told Martyn that she wanted a design that was fit for the first wife of a maharajah.  If you ask me, I think she got what she asked for!

I absolutely adore the re-purposing of the large door into a swing.  I would love to have a room like this in my home!  With it’s calm and clean color palette, I could lounge on that swing reading a book all day!  I really like how the most ornate adornments are the moldings, and architectural details.