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Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time when homes and streets across India come alive with joy, colour, and celebration. It’s a festival that represents warmth, togetherness, and renewal, qualities that can also inspire the spaces we live in. For architects and designers, Diwali offers a chance to look at how traditional Indian design principles can merge beautifully with modern aesthetics to create spaces that feel both timeless and contemporary.
Here’s how the essence of Diwali can inspire architecture and interior design in meaningful, lasting ways.
1. Bringing Back Traditional Architectural Features
Jali Work:
The intricate latticework known as jali has been part of Indian architecture for centuries, seen in palaces, havelis, and mosques. In modern homes, jalis can be reinterpreted as screens, partitions, or façade elements that allow filtered light to enter while ensuring privacy. The play of light and shadow they create echoes the Diwali theme — illumination with subtlety and grace.
Courtyards:
The central courtyard, or aangan, is another element that continues to inspire architects today. It allows natural light and ventilation to flood the interiors, fostering a calm and open atmosphere. During Diwali, courtyards can easily transform into gathering spaces for prayers, festive dinners, or decorating with diyas and rangolis — a perfect blend of function and festivity.
Verandas:
Verandas and balconies act as bridges between indoor and outdoor spaces. They invite sunlight and breeze into the home while providing a stage for celebration. Adorned with string lights, lanterns, or floral garlands during Diwali, they become glowing extensions of the home’s spirit.
2. Using Traditional Materials and Craftsmanship
Natural Materials:
There’s something deeply comforting about materials that age gracefully. Wood, stone, brick, and terracotta not only add texture and warmth but also evoke a connection to India’s architectural heritage. Whether it’s terracotta tiles on the floor, exposed brick walls, or carved wooden panels, natural materials ground a space in authenticity and character — much like Diwali, which celebrates roots and renewal.
Handicrafts and Artisanal Touches:
Incorporating traditional crafts into interiors adds depth and meaning to a space. Handwoven textiles, brass lamps, ceramic pottery, and embroidered cushions can serve as reminders of India’s rich craft legacy. They don’t just decorate a home; they tell stories of artisanship, tradition, and community — values at the heart of the festival.
3. Designing with Light — The Soul of Diwali
Light is central to Diwali and can also be a defining element in architecture.
Diyas and Candles:
Using diyas or candles strategically can create warm, golden glows that bring comfort and serenity. In design terms, this approach reflects the philosophy of using light as both a visual and emotional experience — soft, human, and uplifting.
String Lights and Fixtures:
Fairy lights or LED strips can highlight architectural details — an archway, a staircase, or the edges of a courtyard. Pendant lamps or lantern-style fixtures inspired by traditional motifs can give spaces a subtle festive touch while remaining timeless throughout the year.
4. Playing with Colors and Textures
Color has always been symbolic in Indian culture, and Diwali’s palette naturally lends itself to design inspiration.
Warm Tones:
Shades of gold, saffron, and crimson instantly bring warmth and vibrancy to interiors. They reflect the glow of diyas and the festive mood of celebration.
Earthy Hues:
To balance the richness, earthy tones like terracotta, beige, and soft brown create a sense of grounding and harmony. When paired with warm accents, they produce a balanced and inviting look.
5. Reimagining Space and Flow
A well-designed home should mirror the openness and optimism that Diwali celebrates.
Open and Airy Spaces:
Modern layouts that emphasize light, ventilation, and uncluttered spaces create a feeling of expansiveness. Open-plan living areas or double-height spaces allow energy to flow freely, making the home feel alive and dynamic.
Multifunctional Spaces:
Festivals often bring together family and friends, and homes today need to adapt to that. Spaces that can transform — like a courtyard that becomes a dining area, or a living room that opens up for gatherings — add flexibility and practicality to festive design.
A Celebration of Light, Space, and Culture
Diwali isn’t just a festival; it’s a feeling — one that celebrates light, unity, and renewal. When architects draw from its essence, they create spaces that are not just visually appealing but emotionally resonant. By blending traditional forms with modern sensibilities, design can capture what Diwali truly stands for — harmony between the old and the new, between light and space, and between people and their surroundings.
