How To Style Your Home To Exude Desi Vibes

Practised by one of the largest adivasi tribes in Madhya Pradesh, Gond art is all about bright colours, and hand-drawn motifs of local flora and fauna. This beautiful painting of a herd of deer from Stonewashed Studio will liven up your living space with the richness of Indian culture. 

Rattan has always been a favourite in desi homes. Long before it became a rage in home decor that is. Like that wood and wicker chair that has been passed down from generations to generations as an antique piece of furniture. We found a light-weight, handcrafted rattan tray table from Amoli Concepts that has a modern desi appeal to it.

The low wooden stool with a fabric cushioned top was a must in old desi homes. These stools served as chairs (when eating meals on the floor), side tables, leg rests and more. Amoli Concepts has a bunch of cool options in them. Like this mango wood stool with a brightly-coloured velvet top.

Desi need not be boring. In fact there is so much quirk and personality in Indianess that we barely have to look elsewhere. Take for instance this vibrant and fun tabla vadak cushion cover from the Chungi Store. A couple of more like this and your lounge area will be the talk of the party!

A jharokha style wall panel in your entry foyer to welcome your guests into your humble desi abode is a great idea. After all, nothing says exotic desi like a typical Rajasthani jharokha design. We spotted a perfect jharokha wooden wall panel from Yatha. It’s handcrafted and affordable.

How can we not talk about Bollywood in this list. Add some Bollywood tadka to your desi decor dish with three unforgettable hindi film dialogue posters. This framed wall art from Custde will make for a great conversation starter too. Want some more options in vintage Bollywood posters? Check out the Indian Hippie and thank me later!

Patchwork art is a desi concept. We have all seen our grandmothers repurpose tattered bed sheets, clothes that the children have outgrown, and old saris, and transform them into patchwork quilts and shawls. Include this colourful desi decor element in your bedroom with this upcycled patchwork Bunko Junko bed spread.

There’s something about the warm rusty orange of terracotta that is so welcoming. A combination of four of the five vital elements (air, earth, fire and water), terracotta has been around for centuries in Indian homes. These earthen tribal cups from Aakriti Art Creations will add beauty to your everyday life.

Brass is another material that is used widely in Indian homes. If you are setting up your home the desi way, be sure to include brass lamps and pots as functional metallic accents. We love this antique brass finish wall lamp from FOS Lighting.

Indian fabrics have an inherent charm that can really spruce up any space, no matter how drab it is. Choose fabrics that have traditional motifs and patterns — think Worli prints, bandhni, block prints or chikan work. Ambiya has ethnic table covers in a variety of prints and colours you must check out.

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