A look into south Indian traditional homes and interior décor

Many of you may be fascinated by the depictions of south Indian homes and would like to replicate the same, without having a clear idea about where to start. This article is for those of you who wish to understand the architecture, characteristics, décor and must-have elements of south Indian traditional homes.

Traditional homes in Tamil Nadu

The courtyard and the raised verandah in the home’s interior, usually called the ‘thinnai’, is a common sight in most traditional homes in Tamil Nadu. Used as a site for social gatherings, it was also an area where people could unwind and relax.

Note that irrespective of the social standing, lime plaster on the walls is a common practice. It helps in reflecting the sunlight and allowing the homes to be cooler.

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Traditional homes in Kerala

Kerala’s traditionally rich had homes with a ‘parambu’, which means farm area or big open areas. This allowed homes to be distanced from other properties. Also called the ‘thodi’, the open areas around the house were used for the cultivation of various fruits and vegetables.

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Interior courtyards are common in Kerala, as well, often with a well in the house. There would also be an outside courtyard, for the men of the household to socialise.

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See also: Traditional Indian house designs that are inspirational

Traditional homes in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

The open courtyard is a familiar feature even in Andhra. Additionally, homes in this part of the country would also have large halls running through the length of the house. Traditional homes in this region, probably owing to the influence of kings who ruled here, show an appealing mix of Muslim architecture, along with local architectural flavours. Use of black slate stone, arches in the house or carved screens and even Urdu calligraphy, are common sights.

Chuttillu or Middillu are circular-clustered homes that you could see in the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. While traditional homes are giving way to modern homes, the use of red bricks, teakwood and elaborately decorated entrances, are still preferred by many households.

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Traditional homes in Karnataka

The Bunt community of Karnataka, to which former Miss World Aishwarya Rai belongs to, lived in homes with ‘khamb-wooden’ pillars and these are called the ‘Guthu mane’ homes. Architecturally, these are large homes in a square shape, with ample space for storage around the house. Such traditional homes are seen across Tulu Nadu in Karnataka.

From the outside, a Guthu mane would look like a temple. Common among the matrilineal families of Mangalore, these homes symbolised the wealth of the family. The sloping roof, the tiles and the paddy fields outside these homes, were just the perfect setting for families, amid the scorching heat in the region.

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Reasons for shift from traditional to modern homes

With the rise of nuclear families, traditional homes have made way to modern homes. These days, home owners can only think of retaining some aspects of their glorious, cultural past. Land costs have increased manifold. Hence, to own a traditional house in any of these states, is now difficult. Also, many families prefer smaller homes that are easy to maintain, even in the absence of domestic help. However, parts of our rich culture always make a comeback in one way or the other. Interior décor is one such way. If you are someone looking to recreate a south Indian traditional house in smaller space, we help you with some traditional decor tips.

How to decorate your home the south Indian way?

Décor items can make your house look like a traditional south Indian home. You may be a south Indian, away from home, hoping to recreate childhood memories of home or you may be a connoisseur, collecting fancy south Indian décor items, to do up your place. In either case, we look at some things that you can use.

Wooden furniture

Furniture in good quality wood is unrivalled. From chairs and tables to swings, south Indian traditional homes have always used wood. Such furniture imparts a traditional and yet, plush look. Many of these furniture pieces that are now handed over to the younger generations, may still be strong, without any hint of damage. If you are buying these today, make sure you research about its quality. The really good ones are expensive.

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Elaborate and ornamental doors

The entrance doors of many traditional south Indian homes were ornamental. Today, such doors are replaced by modern-looking, premium teak wood doors but the royal look can be recreated if you want it.

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Paintings

Paintings are quite common in traditional south Indian homes. The theme of these paintings were often mythology and religion and the colours used in these paintings added a traditional charm. You can definitely rely on traditional art, in your quest to create a south Indian traditional home.

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Puja rooms in south Indian homes

Every Indian household tries to fit in a prayer or puja room. While modern day homes are smaller, this was not a challenge earlier, when puja rooms were sometimes big enough for the family to assemble and spend long hours offering their prayers to God. South Indian puja rooms have an aesthetic appeal. Built with Vastu Shastra in mind, the room, its ornamental door and placement can add a unique look.

See also: Vastu tips for a temple at home

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Brass décor items

This is a must-have, if you want a fabulous looking home. Only one or two pieces of such décor items, can give a royal look. You do not need to clutter up the space. Try using lamps, bowls, candle stands, mirrors, figurines of deities or other showpieces made of brass.

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Nilavillakku or lamps

Be it south Indian Christian, Muslim or Hindu families, all of them used lamps in one way or the other. The ‘nilavilakku’ or ‘kuthuvilakku’ or ‘thookkuvilakku’, were all central to puja and worship at homes or religious spaces. These lamps are still used in traditional homes but in the modern households, these have primarily become showpieces.

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Bharanis or big jars

‘Bharanis’ are big jars in which pickles and such other items are kept and preserved. In the modern times, bharanis have become a décor item.

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Oonjal or swings in south Indian homes

If you happen to visit some of the traditional families or their generations in south India today, you can spot the ‘oonjal’ or swing in the living room. Large homes, where space is not a constraint tend to have an oonjal. If you have space to spare, try adding an oonjal!

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Pillars in the house

South Indian traditional homes had pillars and modern-day homes can recreate that look with the help of architects. It lends a grand look to the house.

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Hand-painted tiles

If you are renovating or reconstructing your house, you could lay hand-painted tiles too. Many traditional homes of south India have some great designs on the floor. If you are confused, you could also use a combination of tiles available in the market today, plus the traditional hand-painted design tiles.

See also: Tile flooring: Pros and cons

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