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Design tips that help blend the simplicity of minimal design with the warmth of Indian décor for that perfect Indian minimal living room you will fall in love with
Minimalism, as a design philosophy, celebrates simplicity. Monochromatic, uncluttered and almost reductive, minimalist interiors can sometimes feel at odds with more popular Indian design sensibilities. Traditionally, Indian design is all about colour, opulence and ornamentation. As such, minimalist design can feel somewhat stark and cold in comparison. However, when these two opposing visual styles intersect and interact, ‘Indian minimalism’ is a thing of beauty.
Minimalism has gone far beyond a design philosophy or a visual style; it is a way of life. The most fundamental principle of minimal design is to strip away all the excess, focusing on only the essential elements. Achieving the look is deliberate and sometimes quite complex. While aiming for simplicity, you want to avoid a cold and sparse room. Less is more when carried out in a visually pleasing and elegant way. With a focus on functionality, clean lines and neutral colour palettes, minimal interiors are brought to life with well-chosen materials, a soothing accent colour, open-pan layouts and the optimal use of natural light.
When you fuse both design sensibilities, minimalist interior design in India has taken on a much warmer tone. The monochromatic colour scheme is infused with a layering of earthy colours. Natural materials and fabrics add textural layers to the pared-back décor which is peppered with metallic accents. Read on for tips on how to blend the two styles to create a minimalist living room for Indian homes.
You don’t have to completely do away with colour. Indian interiors are colourful and vibrant. For a minimal version of that, use colour as an accent – a bold artwork, a coloured accent wall, vibrant cushions, traditional patterns can all work as accent pieces to you muted colour scheme.
Bring in a contemporary version of traditional prints and patterns into your cozy minimalist interior design living room. Try elements like traditional artwork or one sleek, wood armchair with upholstery covered Indian motifs. In this home, a neutral colour palette is accentuated by burnt orange sofas for a pop of colour. Yet the focal point is the striking wall art that effortlessly pulls colours from the earthy palette.
Swap visually bulky, intricately carved pieces of furniture for those that display simple forms. Clean-cut, contemporary lines, streamlined design, with little to no ornamentation works well. Lift the visual bulk of the furniture off the floor – go in visually lighter pieces with legs. Instead of a heavy chandelier or ornamental ceiling light, try a clean yet sculptural pendant light like the one used in the image.
While minimal interiors rely heavily on a white colour palette, minimalism in India takes on a warmer tone with earthy and muted shades. Neutral colours like shades of beige and grey work well as a base palette. Layer the palette with earthy colours like soft browns, burnt orange, grey-blues, moss and olive greens to uplift the minimalist living room.
A great way to blend the two styles is to bring in visually light, metallic accents into the Indian style living room design. Brass is a common feature in Indian interiors. However, when pared-back to fit the minimal design sensibility, it can be equally striking. For instance, instead of heavy, brass artifacts and curios, try sleek brass detailing on furniture or living room lights.
Stone, wood, bamboo, cane, rattan, jute, linen, khadi, silk, etc. – when it comes to natural materials and fabrics, the list is quite exciting. Take cane and wood furniture. It is not new to Indian design but blended with the contemporary lines of minimal design and it fits perfectly into ‘Indian minimalism’. Look at jute, cotton, linen and silk in solid colours for your soft furnishings and upholstery. They add a layer of visual texture without overpowering the minimal décor for your Indian living room.
Getting rid of excess is a lot easier said than done and is actually one of the most complex parts of minimal design. Minimalist interior design favours functionality. The idea is to bring in only the essential elements. Keep your walls bare – instead of a gallery wall, go in for one large artwork. The same concept goes for the floors – consider neutral rugs rather than large, patterned carpets. Or better yet, no floor covering at all. Do away with the heavy display case and try in-built shelving units. The idea is to simplify the visual.
So, while the two styles might be fundamentally opposing, there exists a sweet spot where the two seamlessly blend. The idea is to pare-back the opulence of Indian décor and infuse warmth and texture into minimalist design. If you are inspired by these home décor ideas, Beautiful Homes can help build the minimal living room that fits right into Indian homes. Try the Beautiful Homes Service by Asian Paints for the latest in designing the perfect minimal living room that Indians will fall in love with. You will get the benefit of a panel of expert designers along with a dedicated project manager to work out each step of the way. You can also peruse the Beautiful Homes online shop or retails stores for furniture, lighting and décor perfect for your Indian minimal living room.
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DEC 2023
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17 Oct 23, 03.00PM - 04.00PM