6 #ExpertTips On How To Give Your Home A Kerala Inspired Vintage & Earthy Vibe

When you live so close to the nature, sustainability is right on top of your mind. So use local materials and native crafts in order to keep the home cozily nestled in its natural surroundings. Go for reclaimed, repurposed and upcycled materials in your interiors, be gentle with the resources you use. We recommend restraint in the choice of materials and colours. Also, retain some of the old and antique pieces you may possess, refurbish them and decorate your home with them.

Pro-Tip: If you're looking to infuse rattan or cane in your home, head here.

It's not a Kerala home if there isn’t a courtyard but that has more to do with the architecture of your home, and, understandably, not many have the option to rebuild. We recommend harnessing its essence, which is to allow for easy interaction among family members. It offers an outdoor space that can either be enjoyed privately or for spending time together. It's supposed to be relaxing and easy on the eyes. In your home, try to create these spaces around windows (so you can enjoy the breeze), and add a sturdy wooden chair, a rattan one would look spectacular. For people who live in an apartment, this could mean utilising the living area smartly, possibly with a room divider for added privacy, and if you have a bungalow, you can look at a corner near your staircase; however, you'll have to choose this carefully as you don't want it to be very disturbing.

Kerala homes are synonymous with extensive use of wood. So make sure to hero the material in your home. From solid wood doors, frames, accents and wall panels in rich tones or dark finish to wooden flooring and ceiling, or just beams and rafters in the ceiling, there are many ways you can introduce the material. Of course, vintage wooden furniture is a must, and if you can you must add a wooden swing held up by brass chain or plantation chair with its relaxed vibe and the four-poster bed with its classic elegance.

Shades of brown, beige, white, grey and the likes are most suited for a traditional Kerala home as they are easy on the eyes and serve as a soothing balm in the hot and humid weather. They also allow for a pared back use of elements to create understated luxury. Use of natural material palette of wood, bamboo, cane and rattan, and cotton and linen highlight the subtle design detail beautifully.

Pro-Tip: If you're looking to add ways to add zen and calm to your home, here's everything you need to know.

Today, no interior space is complete without a smattering of potted plants. More so, a Kerala-style home should remind you of the lush tropical environment it is usually set in. Decorate your home with diverse houseplants—some sculptural, others ornamental—to add a fresh and exuberant vibe. If you have the luxury of a courtyard or a patio, you can then have a manicured lawn and a few large trees, climbers and plants.

Pro-Tip: We've made this even easier with this guide. 

You can simply hand-pick the accessories to evoke a typical Kerala-style environment. Native materials are the surefire way to do that. Think decor items made of brass, ceramic, terracotta and wood (of course). Opt for intricately carved wooden panels or wall art, candle stands, brass lamps, urlis, platters and ceramic articles, such as pickle jars of different sizes, to get that vintage vibe. Traditional artwork like the Kerala temple paintings, Tanjore paintings, Ravi Varma paintings or similar prints are the way to go. Cotton dhurries and curtains are an easy pick when it comes to soft furnishings. 

If you want to create a Mumbai-style home aka make the best use of a small space, check out these expert tips.