Rajasthan evokes opulent palaces, colourful art and craft, and elegant interiors that are intrinsic to the Rajasthani culture. With a strong, royal past that continues to ooze its essence into modern times, Rajasthan is a new homeowner’s and an interior decorator’s delight.
Even a short amble through its warren of markets spread across the prominent cities of Udaipur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur will leave you with pinwheels of colour in your head and multiple shopping bags bursting at their seams.
Here are our top five Rajasthani interior decoration tips for your home that is bound to transform your home, giving it a chic and aristocratic feel.
Miniature paintings
Art is an essential part of a handsome home. Not only does it add a splash of colour to your walls but also functions as a pictorial story.
Rajasthan has been traditionally famous for miniature paintings that depict the lives of the Rajputs. Originally brought to India by the Mughals in the 16th century, miniature paintings became an art form indigenous to Rajasthan and were divided into Mewar, Marwar, Hadoti, and Dhundar schools.
While obtaining these original art works might be financially out of reach for most of us, there are equally stunning replicas that can bring a touch of class to your home.
Pick them up online or directly from Hathi Pol market in Udaipur, which is less touristy and available for reasonable rates.
Low seating
Bring a little bit of the royal life into your home through some low seating, which was a prerequisite of the Rajput lifestyle and a fixture in all palaces.
A low seating area in your house adds a touch of grandeur and resplendence if themed well. Put a two-person bed with cushions or bolsters sporting intricately embroidered Rajasthani quilts and covers.
Create a focal point by adding a low-hanging swing or a table with cushioned chairs made of wood that is painted with pretty motifs.
Bring in a blend of sober mustards, soft maroons, mellow greens, and eye-popping pinks.
Puppets and mirrors
Known as kathputhli in the local language, puppetry is traditional entertainment that goes back over a thousand years. Kath means wood and puthli means doll and these figures, bedecked in golds, reds, and yellows, are a fixture in Rajasthani homes and markets even today.
Get a set of puppets and arrange them in a scene from the Mahabharata or Ramayana. Or get a mix of puppets and small triangle or square shaped mirrors hung on a thread and hang a set of these across your doorways.
Pick up your puppets from the rich range in Sadar bazaar in Pushkar.
Textiles
Apart from its handicrafts, Rajasthan is also known for its textiles. Block prints, mirror work, embroidery all come together in a mesmerising blend that creates bursts of colour in your rooms.
Customise your decor depending on your taste. Going for a minimalist look? Do a tasteful arrangement of block printed small, square pillows on your low-seats and pair this with a handwoven, bright-hued rug.
Want to go bold? Inject some zing with an electric blue or burnt orange fabric wall hanging and team it with an elegant, wooden jharoka painting. You could also go in for intricately woven, multicoloured tapestries that pop out.
