Rajasthan is a land of rich history and amazing cultures. Having been inhabited for several centuries, the land of the Thar Desert has acquired a uniqueness of its own, be it in terms of language, food, dress or architecture. Rajasthan homes are a delight to step into. They remind you of the lives of the Maharajas and the Maharanis and how fashionable life was in the havelis.
They are a conglomerate of elements of their traditional handicraft and beautiful decor and can be rightfully said to be artful and glamorous. Let us have a sneak peek into what constitutes a traditional Rajasthani home and get some inspiration to add a touch of the same to our house decor.
A Royal Touch
When we ask you to close your eyes and imagine whatever comes to your mind when you think about Rajasthan, what would it be? Long stretches of sand, silhouettes of camels and elephants and their turbaned riders, and large grand mansions or havelis – isn’t that so?
The architecture as well as the interior design of the place is as much about grandeur and beauty as are its surroundings.
Regal Colours
When we ask you to close your eyes and imagine whatever comes to your mind when you think about Rajasthan, what would it be? Long stretches of sand, silhouettes of camels and elephants and their turbaned riders, and large grand mansions or havelis – isn’t that so?
The architecture as well as the interior design of the place is as much about grandeur and beauty as are its surroundings
If you pay a visit to the cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, you will realise how colours are a very integral part of the Rajasthani lifestyle. This same colourful canvas is brought to lif in a traditional Rajasthani house, which has splashes of vibrant and royal colours on almost every element of the interiors. Oranges and pinks are the predominant colours, while emerald greens and peacock blues are a regal affair. Bright yellows and sky blue are also crucial for the interiors.
Furnishing your room with elements draped in these colours such as through wall paints, wall hangings, furnishings and home decor, will lend a special Rajasthani touch to your home. Brick red colour is an option that can be explored in as many ways as possible – in different shades and tones and on different elements.
The Rajasthani Style Furniture
You must have had this notion about traditional Rajasthani furniture, which involved more of mattresses and low bedding for seating. Besides, taking a cue from the havelis of the maharajas, one could even add regal looking chairs and tables with ornate stands of wood.
Other element of beauty would be swings and armchairs, be it of metal or wood, but they all should be very intricately embellished in traditional motifs and patterns.
You must have had this notion about traditional Rajasthani furniture, which involved more of mattresses and low bedding for seating. Besides, taking a cue from the havelis of the maharajas, one could even add regal looking chairs and tables with ornate stands of wood.
Other element of beauty would be swings and armchairs, be it of metal or wood, but they all should be very intricately embellished in traditional motifs and patterns.
Beds must have lofty backrests, each ornately carved in wood planks. Add divans with beautiful cushions and patterned covers for a perfect Rajasthani setting.
We recommend going for beautiful chests of drawers for your ooms, which have almost vanished from modern interiors. Also, you could revive the magical effect of chests and baskets for keeping your belongings and placing them in your rooms on low racks or tables.
Stone Work in Floor and Walls
Rajasthan is known for the treasure trove of the several kinds of stones available here. Be it gorgeous white marbles or beautifully coloured sandstone, the incomparable beauty of the many mansions and palaces owe their beauty to these stunning stones.
You could inculcate some of these stones within your interiors, for the purpose of flooring or as wall cladding.
Johdpur Sandstone
Jodhpur Sandstone, considered to be the youngest of the quartz-based stone, is an exclusivity of Jodhpur in Rajasthan.
Available in red, pink, greenish, yellow, grey and brown colours, go for the Pink variation for one of the prettiest interior decors.
Besides being a favourite for wall cladding and flooring in the semi private areas of your home, like the living and the dining, these stones are also perfect for garden sculptures and handcrafted artwork
Kota Stone
Kota Stone is a quite popular stone type which, as its name suggests, is native to Kota in Rajasthan. Kota stone provides for beautiful flooring chiefly in greys and browns.
Kota stone is extensively used in kitchens for the countertops as well as for the flooring due to several reasons. For one, it is a hard, non porous and durable material. Besides, it is economical and easily available.
It doesn’t absorb any water and provides a non-slippery surface and hence emerges out to be one of the safest options for kitchens.
Jaisalmer Sand Stone
Jaisalmer sandstone is another quite popular and gives a highly polished and gorgeous finish. It has several types of which the yellow variety is more commonly known.
It is suitable for external and internal wall cladding, as well as to some extent is a considerable option for flooring. The pink variety is recommended only for wall claddings to achieve a superior and dazzling finish.
Rajasthani Styled Fabrics and Furnishings
Rajasthani fabrics are a treasure trove in the literal sense. The Bandhej and the Leheriya fabrics are quite famous in particular. These fabrics, which vary tremendously in colours and patterns, are used in home furnishings and clothes too. There are indigenous ways in which these fabrics can be handloomed to give them a special touch.
Be it sheets for your beds or runners for your tables; be it curtains for the living room or covers for cushions and pillows – a touch of Rajasthan in terms of beautiful and flowing fabrics is all you need to accentuate the beauty of your interiors.
Rajasthani Courtyards
One essential feature of Rajasthani homes are their courtyards. The sprawling havelis had large open to air courtyards between two parts of the building and the courtyard spoke of a very soft and delightful ambience with fountains for birds, with spices and dried food laid out in the sun, and women at their chores while humming local tunes.
The essence of the Rajashthani courtyard can be relived in your own house by having a space for informal gatherings.
Block Prints in Home Decor
Another element of royalty can be added to your home decor with the help of the very trendy and beautifully ethnic block printing. The traditional and colourful ingredients to a perfectly Rajsthani style home can be used almost anywhere in the house, but with careful attention to details and overall appearance.
They can be used on curtains and cushion covers, carpets and runners. Block prints can be used on walls to narrate beautiful scenes and stories. Block printing is a traditional handicraft of Rajasthan and these beautiful pieces are bought by people from all over the world to add an enticing touch of the place of the Maharajas to their homes.
– Sakshi Singh
