Step into a thoughtfully styled Indian home this summer, and you’ll notice something refreshing: it actually feels lived in. Gone is the rigid pursuit of picture-perfect interiors. In its place? Homes that embrace character, comfort, and personal stories.
Bedsheets are rumpled. Glassware doesn’t match—but each piece has a memory. Outdoor furniture isn’t tucked away, because it’s meant to be used year-round. Indian homeowners are choosing warmth and personality over polish—and it’s beautiful.
Here’s what’s trending in Indian interior design this summer—and why you might want to take note.
1. A Return to Natural Materials
Natural textures are stealing the spotlight this season. From handwoven cane chairs in Kerala to bamboo pendant lamps sourced from the Northeast, earthy materials are adding soul and texture to spaces.
“Woven accents like cane and rattan bring in a light, coastal feel without going overboard,” notes a Mumbai-based interior stylist. “Even something as simple as bamboo blinds can make a space feel breezy and grounded.”
Designers are also observing a clear shift from heavy drapes to light, breathable window treatments. Matchstick blinds, chik fabric curtains, and sheer cottons are becoming the go-to for filtering sunlight in a gentle, golden glow.
2. Drama—with Intention
Minimalism had its moment. Now, Indian homes are craving a little drama—in the best way possible. Whether it’s bold wall paints, heirloom textiles, vintage Bollywood art, or unexpected material mixes, homes are starting to reflect personality over perfection.
“People want homes that tell their stories,” says a Chennai-based architect. “Layering prints, mixing antique finds with modern accents, using local crafts—these bring in depth and identity.”
There’s also a growing fondness for glamorous nostalgia: tassels, velvet upholstery, arched mirrors, and Art Deco–inspired accents are all making a comeback in modern Indian settings.
3. Earthy, Sun-Washed Colours
This summer, nature is the muse. Colour palettes are warm, mellow, and earthy—with tones that echo India’s landscape and heritage. Think terracotta from Jaipur, soft turmeric from Tamil Nadu kitchens, or sage greens that reflect the lush Western Ghats.
“Colors like clay, sand, pale turmeric, and dusky rose are all over design boards this year,” reports a Delhi-based colour specialist. “They reflect India’s earthy charm and pair beautifully with wooden elements, brass fittings, and vintage ceramics.”
Expect to see more homes adopting lime-washed walls, pastel color-drenched rooms, and natural textures that offer a calming, grounded aesthetic.
4. The Evolved Outdoor Room
Balconies, terraces, and verandahs are finally getting the love they deserve. What was once used to store old furniture or hang laundry is now becoming a stylish extension of indoor living. With the right design approach, even a small balcony can feel like a mini oasis.
“We’re creating outdoor lounges with weather-resistant seating, vertical gardens, and even mini bar setups with tulsi, mint, and lemongrass for cocktails and mocktails,” explains an architect who specializes in terrace design.
There’s a rising trend of outdoor spaces that blend the rustic with the refined—think wrought iron furniture with cushioned seating, fairy lights, fire pits, and lots of greens.
5. Effortless Entertaining Is In
Indian homes have always been centered around connection and community—and now, design is embracing that spirit more openly. The aesthetic? Comfortable, flexible, and unpretentious.
“People are done with overly curated homes,” observes a Mumbai-based interior consultant. “They want spaces where kids can spill juice and dadi can lounge comfortably. Hosting is about ease, not etiquette.”
Designers are seeing more demand for large dining tables, floor seating with gaddas, deep sofas with soft cushions, and cozy nooks for intimate conversations. It’s about homes where guests feel welcome, not worried.
Final Thoughts
This summer, home design in India is having a moment of honesty. People are embracing imperfection, storytelling, and self-expression over cookie-cutter aesthetics.
Whether you’re redecorating your balcony, experimenting with pastel walls, or displaying mismatched treasures with pride—remember, the best homes are not the most flawless ones. They’re the most authentic.
So go ahead, create a space that looks like you live there.
