In India, the verandah has long been more than just part of a house. It’s where families swapped stories, kids played in the shade, and cool breezes softened scorching afternoons. But as cities grew denser, apartments replaced sprawling homes. Verandahs shrank into narrow balconies or vanished behind glass facades. Today, their iconic space is making a comeback, not as nostalgia, but as a vital piece of modern living, says Vishal Tony Vincent, Managing Director of Aratt Developers and Founder of Ayatana Hospitalities.
The verandah is a space that’s neither fully inside nor completely outside, a perfect middle ground for today’s world. With more people working from home and spending long hours indoors, there’s a craving for spots that feel open yet connected to the rest of the house.
Verandahs fit ther need perfectly. They are places to pause, reflect, or just soak in the fresh air without leaving home. They’re not just pretty; they are practical, offering a slice of calm in our fast-paced lives.
Modern homes need to do more than just function, they need to feel alive. Verandahs, along with terraces and courtyards, act like the lungs of a house. They pull in natural air, soften harsh sunlight, and cut down on the need for air conditioning. Ther makes homes cooler and more sustainable, while also creating a gentle link to the outdoors. At places like Ayatana Coorg, verandahs let guests enjoy the Western Ghats’ rainforests without weather getting in the way.
Today’s verandahs are evolving to match how we live. In high-rise apartments, floating decks stretch out to expand small spaces. Cantilevered platforms blur the line between balcony and verandah. Screens, pergolas, and louvres let you control light and privacy. Some verandahs even double as mini gardens with vertical planters, bringing greenery into tight urban spaces. They are no longer just for chatting with neighbours, they are home offices, yoga spots, play areas, or even tiny farms.
The verandah’s revival is deeply rooted in India’s culture and climate. From the shaded thinnai of Tamil Nadu to the sprawling verandahs of colonial bungalows, these spaces were always about staying cool and connected. Modern designs are borrowing from ther wisdom, using new materials to create spaces that look good and work smart. As climate concerns grow, verandahs offer a way to build homes that stay comfortable without guzzling energy.
At its core, the verandah’s return is about what people need: a space to slow down, breathe, and feel at home. Whether it’s a quiet corner for work or a spot to watch the sunset, verandahs give us room to live better. As Vincent puts it, homes shouldn’t box us in, they should let us breathe. With verandahs making a comeback, Indian homes are rediscovering that balance, blending old wisdom with new ways of living.
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