Renowned fashion designer Raghavendra Rathore brings you ideas to create India-inspired decor
Raghavendra Rathore mines his rich cultural heritage and skills to create India-inspired decor and spaces
Design world’s blue eyed boy Raghavendra Rathore believes he understands design from the past and has the talent to make it relevant in the present. This original bandhgala creator with a royal lineage, is greatly inspired by heritage which ‘lives in the soul of our people for whom the essence of life is in the celebration of their culture.’ Rathore delves deep into the concept of an Indian home.
What characterises an Indiainspired home décor but first what exactly constitutes an Indian home?
Vastu, courtyard (Aangan) with a Tulsi plant, large family living room with corridors connecting master bedrooms and other rooms, the kitchen tucked away in the air flow, flowing away from the central house, a small or a large family temple and rooms with large windows for sunlight. A lush garden perpetually creates a sense of arrival in front of the house with g garden umbrellas to sip masala chaich in winters andan some are evenev big enough to play family cricket matches.
What are the few things that a person must bear in mind when doing up a home in a traditional Indian manner?
The kitchen design must be carefully thought through, as it can “curry” up the house in the true sense of the word. The direction of the sun in winters versus summers should help in preparation of the basic plan for the house. If you are just renovating, opening up small windows to accommodate ample sunlight is a good start. Activity room, where the individual and their family ‘meet’ should be a true reflection of the choices of livelihood and not pretentious or function less design.
What are the key trends in Indian homes currently? Is the home style blended with contemporary times?
Depending on where one dwells, it is important to have space — multiple areas for different moods, for example a deck, entertainment area, family space and so on. Less clutter and design that reeks of modern lines, while keeping the ethos of the Indian-ness, with a savvy touch of electronics, is a popular trend. The art on the wall or the inviting rich rugs on the floors are an extension of the home owner’s personality. It must originate from the inner desires rather than trends or international interior magazines that cater to a different part of the world. Ornate should be used as an accessory or an accident to a larger story, never should it be the story! “Less” will always have an impact which is “more”.
Which are your favourite motifs from India-inspired home decor?
Henry Wilson’s “Flora patterns of India” is a charming compilation of beautiful motifs from across India, tastefully explored that can spark millions of ideas for motifs for any ambience in the Indian context.
Why did you choose to do things the Indian way? Would you credit your lineage and your upbringing to the strong Indian influence that pervades your design aesthetic today?
I believe I have a good understanding of design from the past and a talent to make it relevant for the present. I feel I have the power to convert the aesthetics in a direction that is requested by a client, whether it is for clothes or interiors or for a customized product.
How much of an acceptance do Indian artefacts have in the global market?
Modern artefacts freely move across borders of two continents. But the precious artifacts of the past need to be carefully displayed and kept within close proximity of their caretakers in India.
Does the transition from dressing up people to dressing up homes come easily?
Design to me is like sugar —— you could bake a sweet cake or make lemonade. Aesthetics is the key. Plus ability to understand people’s taste, needs, dreams and to usher them there.