Diwali 2017: Here's how to use Indian art to decorate your home

New Delhi: Home is your haven, your refuge, and your safe place. It is more than that though; this is the place you come to after a long day of work. It is where you belong. It is a wonderful feeling to come home to a place that is relaxing, comforting, and aesthetically pleasing.

Indian traditional culture and value system has an inherent respect for the environment and nature. Indian art is characterised by the same underlying values.

Buying Indian art this Diwali will not only help you make the house look festive but also ensure that an artist is encouraged to pursue this precarious profession.

Here are some tips by Masooma, MD and Creative Head, Belita Design Solutions, for you to keep in mind when you bring Indian art home.-

Indian art is usually a medley of colours, patterns, and textures which makes it suitable to be juxtaposed with any decor theme and scheme. Floral or geometric textures in pastel palettes are a great addition to any home.

Whether your home decor is contemporary or traditional, there is always a space for a burst of colour that would give it a festive feel. However, if you have a contemporary space then well chosen colours and patterns can enrich and bring out the clean lines of the space. For example, in contemporary spaces, pastel and subdued colours add class whereas bursts of loud & bright colours add spunk.

India and Indian decor is synonymous with colours. Colours, especially the bright palettes, are a big part of our festivities. While deciding the colours to do up a space this Diwali with Indian art, it is a good idea to use a neutral shade as a palette and then use a primary warm colour for a few well placed accents. For example, using a pastel green as a base and a beautiful rustic orange as an accent will add that extra zing to the place.

No matter what kind of space it may be, too many elements have the potential to make the space look confusing and scattered. So, de-clutter your space and rearrange it to keep similar elements clubbed together.

An exotic piece of art in a vivid colour palette and intricate patterns can liven up a drab or blank wall. You can add a beautiful tapestry of intricate mandala patterns or a stunning Warli pattern.

A well chosen piece of art can be used to bring alive the whole home by promoting health and happiness. The festival of lights - Diwali is all about prosperity and abundance. Placing carved statues of Lord Budhha or Lord Krishna in wood with a lovely natural texture or natural mineral can brighten up the space and generate a feeling of wellbeing.

Traditional Indian figurines made of terracotta, stone, or metal look beautiful and add an ethnic charm to any space when placed strategically. Some ideas include book shelves, sideboards, television stands, or even in your drawing room.

 The entrance to your home creates the first impression on visitors and hence has immense importance. A beautifully designed floral arrangement on the centre table can create magic. The arrangement is best suited to a space if the colours of the flowers complement the colours in your room. Usually, orange, yellow and white arrangements go well with most spaces and colours.

Candlesticks and hanging lights or lanterns give the entrance a festive and cheerful look. Hanging bronze lanterns are a beautiful assent to any house entrance. You can put electric diyas in your lanterns to give the space a warm glow. Tea light candles can be put into a bowl of water and flower petals.

An antique piece of wood even with an imperfection, a knotted rug, traditional Indian side boards with inlay or carvings can prove to be a great combination of utility with aesthetics.- An ornate centrepiece in furniture like wooden dowry chests & footstools or wall decor with jharokas and mirror panels can add glamour to a dull and uninspiring decor.

Traditional Indian art pieces like gold-leafed paintings from Tanjore, Madhubani paintings, Rajasthani art pieces, or Pahari miniature paintings can be great to add colour to the walls while reviving old Indian art forms.