Festive decor trends highlight contemporary aesthetics and craftsmanship

Cultural consultant and curator Shruti Sitara Singh believes that decorating a home should be like storing a personal collection, where every piece tells a story and adds character to the space. Her approach towards “decorating, not styling” her home in Kandivali, Mumbai reflects this idea perfectly. Each corner represents an aesthetic choice, a lived experience, a memory or a meaningful relationship.

One of the most special features of Shruti’s house is the amazing chapan Istanbul’s coat of arms, which takes pride of place on his bed. in Türkiye, chapan It has historical links with the Ottoman Empire, where it was adopted as a luxurious garment reflecting a blend of practicality, cultural identity and artistry. While not specifically Turkish, chapan It made its way into Istanbul and Ottoman culture between the late 13th and early 20th centuries, as a symbol of beauty and status. “This vintage garment has found new life not as wearable fashion but as a piece of art. My love for textiles extends far beyond traditional use. It is the expressive decor elements that make my spaces come alive,” says Shruti, adding that one should not decorate a home just for the sake of it – it should feel put together, a reflection of one’s travels, passions and identity.

Although Shruti’s more contemporary way of adding life to her home isn’t centered around the festive season, it is reflective of how, in recent years, more Indians have started adopting contemporary ways to decorate their homes. Which are completely moving away from the traditional system and incorporating the modern one. Decoration elements. And while festivals like Diwali still hold deep cultural significance, approaches to home styling have evolved to reflect personal taste and a more eclectic sense of style.

chapan The Istanbul coat has found pride of place above Shruti Sitara Singh’s bed in her Mumbai home. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Mumbai-based interior stylist Sameer Wadekar says there is currently a deeper appreciation of contemporary craftsmanship in the home décor space, with a significant shift towards India-made products. “This movement is evident in various fields from art and artifacts to furniture. There is a growing emphasis on supporting local artisans and adopting materials and techniques that are rooted in India’s cultural heritage, yet reinterpreted for modern life,” he says.

Sameer Wadekar’s home brand Amarai reinvents traditional crafts for the home. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

New-age Indian brands are not just repurposing traditional styles; They are reinventing them. This reinvention often combines centuries-old techniques with sleek, contemporary aesthetics, resulting in decor that feels familiar and fresh. “It’s a nuanced approach where nostalgia plays a role, but not in a purely retrospective sense. “The focus has been on infusing elements of the past to suit present-day tastes,” says Sameer.

For example, designs drawn from traditional crafts like Channapatna woodwork (contemporary as Roshni by architect Ashish Shah) or handloom textiles are re-imagined with minimalistic lines, modern colors or unexpected forms. This recontextualization preserves the essence of the craft and makes it relevant to today’s aesthetic sensibilities.

play with tone

For Arun Shekhar, architect, interior designer and co-founder of Kozhikode-based architecture firm Humming Tree, accent pieces are essential in transforming home interiors, especially during the festive season when spaces are often transformed to accommodate gatherings and celebrations. is updated. “These decorative elements not only serve as a focal point but also add a layer of sophistication, contrast, and functionality,” he says.

Arun believes that accent pieces that add contrast and character can elevate the living room as a social hub. Mirrored furniture, such as a credenza or console table, creates depth and brightens the space by reflecting light. Wooden pieces with intricate carvings provide warmth, while multi-functional pieces, such as bar units with hidden compartments, provide both style and utility.

Accent pieces elevate the living room. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Another fun way to add character to a living space is to play with proportions, using different heights and scales for visual interest. Tall candle stands of cast iron or brass can be placed in corners to provide shade, while placing items of different heights such as armchairs, decorative pots and side tables creates a balanced look. Martini or tree trunk-style tables feature wood, marble or metal textures, offering functional and stylish accents that enhance the dynamic feel of the room.

For smaller spaces, use multifunctional pieces, like storage ottomans or convertible tables. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Arun cautions that less is more when adding accents, especially if you’re someone who hosts frequently. “Avoid overcrowding by focusing on a few standout decor pieces that complement each other and the style of the room. Also, place larger items against walls for balance, while smaller items can be placed on top of tables or shelves without disrupting the flow. In small spaces, select multifunctional accent pieces like storage ottomans or convertible tables to maximize utility,” he says.

let there be light

Lighting is also important in setting the mood for an intimate function at home. Sahil Pednekar, product stylist and co-founder of Mumbai-based creative agency Nainmatakka, believes that the right lighting can make a space feel cozy, festive and inviting, while bad lighting can spoil the mood and functionality.

“The general rule for living room lighting is layered lighting – combining ambience, function and accent. This creates depth and a dynamic atmosphere, warm-toned LED fixtures or wall sconces provide a soft glow and reading lamps add focus. Warm white or soft yellow lighting creates relaxation, while dim lighting enables mood adjustment throughout the evening,” says Sahil.

The softer the light, the better. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Contemporary techniques, such as sculptural lighting, organic shapes and reflective surfaces, add visual interest and distribute light, making the space feel intimate and spacious, especially for festive gatherings.

In a dining room, where the focus is on food and drinks, Sahil suggests that a central light fixture will provide enough brightness without casting shadows on the table. He adds, “Consider using light fixtures with adjustable settings so you can soften the lights as dusk falls.”

Focal point

The table is the focal point of any gathering. It is a place of conversation, laughter and food. Ishan Kashyap, New Delhi-based food and beverage curator and founder of Tablescapes by Ishan, says the table needs to be livened up with some drama. “You have to give people something to talk about,” he says. Ishaan is using sarees as tablecloths with a contemporary twist. “The idea is to drape sarees on the table in unique, unconventional ways, creating a layered, textured look that adds beauty to any setting. Banarasi or silk sarees work beautifully for high tea setups or decorating stations where the focus is on aesthetics rather than practicality,” he says.

Ishaan Kashyap for new Sarita Handa collection. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

In Ishaan’s opinion, people are increasingly willing to experiment with mixed material tableware, embracing a blend of traditional and contemporary elements. “While metals like brass and copper were once the preferred choice for serving and dining, there is now a strong shift towards natural and craft-based materials. Textiles based on terracotta, clay, woven cane and looms are becoming popular for table setting, adding an artistic touch that celebrates handmade techniques,” he says.

Go unconventional with table scaping. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A handy tip for table scaping is to embrace the unconventional, focusing less on strict functionality and more on breaking symmetry to create a unique aesthetic. “Practicality can be redefined by adapting to the setting – like figuring out how to enjoy a meal on a draped sari used as a tablecloth. Although efficiency matters, challenging traditional norms is equally important. For example, a pot typically used for flowers can double as a serving dish, blending form and function. It’s about balancing utility with creativity,” says Ishaan, who recently created a tablecloth using 1,400 peacock feathers collected over several months. “It may not have been practical to clean, but the effect was beautiful. People want exclusivity, and unconventional ideas quickly become popular when they challenge convention,” he adds.

Saree as table cover | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The house has become a canvas for experimentation. This shift reflects the desire for exclusivity, transforming everyday spaces into expressive environments that celebrate individuality. It is no longer just a place to live; It’s a dynamic display of personal style.