Our haveli style living room reveal last week had so many of you writing in, appreciating the large painting above the sofa. And so comes this post on haveli style art. The painting we used there is beautiful and had immediately caught my eye. What makes it even more exquisite is that it looks like it was made just for that space… it totally belongs there.
Haveli Style Art
So what kind of artwork would you use in haveli style decor? What I kept in mind while looking for that piece was this – it had to be traditional, it had to have a rich, opulent feel to it and it had to have vibrant colours. For our haveli style living room, I looked specifically for blue and gold, to go with our colours there.
So here is a collection of artwork that I would happily use in that living room. Except that I didn’t stick to only blue-and-gold here. I’ve picked all the vibrant colours I could find!
Patterns & Motifs
Traditional motifs in bright colours always make for eye catching art.
You can go with classical patterns in vivid colours or deep and dark vintage vibes…
Intricate, ethnic designs or simple repetitive patterns.
Use sets of similar motifs to increase the impact on larger walls.
Buildings
Stone temples, palaces, forts and buildings from centuries ago instantly transport you to that era of time.
I especially love artwork depicting doors and windows.
Old, weathered doors have a charm of their own. Add to that some heavy ornamentation and bright colour, and you have a beautiful piece of art.
The intricate paintings and carvings done on buildings in the old times were works of art in themselves.
And the same could be said about the windows.
Hanging artworks like these helps to get the rich aura into the space without actually using that kind of heavy ornamentation all over.
Flora & Fauna
Traditionally, animals have always had an important role to play in our epics, mythological tales and children’s stories.
Lions and tigers have symbolised power and position, horses have starred in tales of loyalty and sacrifice and the cow has been worshipped.
Trees and flowers have signified peace and wisdom.
And elephants and peacocks have personified everything royal and regal.
This set of watercolours depicting almost monochromatic animal sculptures with the flowers bringing in a bright pop of colour, is one of my favourites.
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This is the kind of artwork I would use in a home with a traditional decor style. Each one of these has a whiff of a bygone era and a scent of tasteful opulence. In short, it’s what suggests haveli style art to me.
These are just a few pieces to get you started if you looking to decorate your home in a traditional style. And even though you may not pick one of these, I hope this collection helps give you an idea of what to go looking for amidst the wide variety available.
I’d love to know which your favourites are, and also what type of art you would like me to curate for you in our next Affordable Art series.
Until next time,
