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Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Hindustan Times
Love stylish homes? Steal these 3 European design ideas for your Indian interiors
Understated aesthetic is becoming the new it factor in interiors, as over-the-top, extravagant designs fall out of style, with quieter, elegant but functional styles come into the forefront. The focus is now on functionality, as design is also driven by intent, not solely by appearance. In Indian interiors, European designs are steadily shaping the look and feel, based on both functionality and aesthetics. Designs are more refined than before. (Shutterstock) Varun Poddar, Founder of VOX India, shared with HT Lifestyle that there's a quiet shift away from loud, ornamental designs, with the Indian design language increasingly embracing the elegance, simplicity, and functionality of the European aesthetic. He said, 'In recent years, Indian homes have undergone a meaningful transformation, not just in aesthetics but in how space, function, and comfort are being reimagined. As we move away from ostentation and excess, a new design language has quietly emerged- European design, which is increasingly being embraced as a symbol of refined, intentional living. This growing influence reflects more than just changing tastes; it signals a deeper shift toward homes that prioritise balance, calm, and conscious choices.' Moreover, this shift is being driven by sustainability, with the biggest element of this evolution rooted in a new definition of luxury, one that aligns more closely with conscious living, ethical choices, and long-term value. Addressing this aspect, he added, 'For a new generation of homeowners, premium no longer means ornate, it means ethical. There's increasing interest in materials that are responsibly sourced, long-lasting, and low-maintenance, aligning with both environmental values and modern lifestyles. The European approach to design, with its deep respect for sustainability, craftsmanship, and material honesty, resonates strongly in this context, offering Indian homeowners a path to build more consciously, without compromising on comfort or style.' If you are planning to give your interiors a refined facelift with innovative, understated designs, consider fine-tuning your space to embrace key features of European aesthetics. Varun shared a guide highlighting the essential features leading this quiet design revolution in Indian homes: 1. Simplicity with uncluttered space and neutral tones An interior wall panel is one of the ways to express simple elegance in the spaces. (Shutterstock) European design is rooted in the principle of 'less is more.' It doesn't strive for attention; it creates space for serenity. In the Indian context, this translates into an increasing preference for uncluttered layouts, natural materials, and soothing, neutral tones that invite light and openness into the home. This is evident in the rising popularity of interior wall panels in wood and stone finishes that serve both visual and functional purposes. Their clean lines and earthy textures bring in a sense of quiet sophistication, offering an alternative to visually heavy wallpapers or traditional cladding. ALSO READ: Complete guide to wooden interior decor: Design tips to incorporate wood; from furniture, panelling to lighting 2. Functionality without compromising on form False ceilings hide wiring.(Shutterstock) Urban Indian homes are evolving; they're becoming more compact, tech-integrated, and multi-purpose. European design responds to this need with solutions that are clean in appearance, yet layered in usability. False ceiling designs today do more than hide wiring or lighting fixtures; they contribute to thermal comfort, acoustic insulation, and visual continuity. Whether it's a minimalist ceiling in a bedroom or a structured grid pattern in the living room, ceilings are being treated as important design surfaces. 3. Materials and textures Materiality is at the heart of the European aesthetic. A growing number of homeowners are gravitating toward tactile finishes, be it matte laminates, wood-effect interior wall panels, or breathable, textured ceilings. These materials not only enhance sensory comfort but also support long-term durability and ease of maintenance. Exterior wall panels in weather-resistant finishes are also gaining momentum, especially for balconies and facades, blending European durability with Indian climate adaptability.
Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Hindustan Times
Want a peaceful home? Top design tips for quiet and eco-friendly interiors
Jun 30, 2025 04:37 PM IST The quiet solitude of silence is a luxury that may be elusive in urban living. From honking traffic to relentless construction noise, the city's soundtrack can be overwhelming sometimes. But here's where design steps in, bringing in a much-needed sense of calm and relief. Turns out, the interiors are not only about how to looks or feels, but also about how it sounds, so that even amid a bustling city, your space is uniquely and peacefully yours. Let peace prevail both on your senses by reducing the city noise and on your mind by going sustainable. Know how to sound proof your space so that you can engage in mindful pratices like meditations.(Shutterstock) HT Lifestyle reached out to experts to understand how urban homes are becoming quiet sanctuaries where there's both style and peace. Varun Poddar, Founder, VOX India, shared with HT Lifestyle 5 fresh and functional ways spaces are attuned to be acoustically calm while still being aesthetic: 1. Install acoustic wall panels Acoustic wall panels reduce reverberation and absorb unwanted sound, all while offering a sleek, modern finish. From wood-textured slats to soft 3D patterns, these interior wall panels work great in living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices. 2. Choose soft, layered surfaces Hard surfaces bounce sound. Soft surfaces absorb it. Introduce layered textiles, upholstered headboards, or wall-mounted fabric panels to reduce echo. Stick to light, warm tones or natural hues to maintain a cosy vibe. 3. Ceiling and floors Most sound travels through ceilings and floors. A floating false ceiling with insulation can block noise from above. Pair it with SPC (stone polymer composite) flooring, which adds mass and reduces sound impact. 4. Create zoned quiet spaces If full home soundproofing isn't possible, design one zone, a reading nook, a home office, or a meditation corner, dedicated to quiet. Install acoustic slats or a mix of soft finishes, rugs and dimmable lighting to make it your personal cocoon. 5. Plants and natural textures While not traditional sound absorbers, plants help reduce ambient noise slightly, and more importantly, bring calm into the space. Tall indoor plants placed in corners or against windows can diffuse sound waves and soften the room visually. As people in their urban homes are reclaiming their peace despite living in metro cities that never sleep, the consciousness around comfort is also growing and evolving. Now it is no longer about just reducing noise; it's also about intentional living. Homeowners are leaning towards sustainability, embracing a kind of luxury that is both green and quiet. It not only soothes senses but also shows reflection on a deeper set of values. Sustainable designs Chander Goyal, MD of Luxeartisanship, shared with HT Lifestyle how sustainability is becoming the new comfort luxury, quiet and soothing the inner values. He said, 'Millennials and Gen Z consumers today wear sustainability as a badge of honour. For them, luxury is not merely about appearances; it is about authenticity. Timelessness is the foundation of this movement. Sustainable luxury prioritises enduring, high-quality pieces over fleeting trends. Investing in fewer items that carry a story not only reduces waste but also adds character and depth to a space or wardrobe.' He shared these tips: 1. Choose ethically crafted decor Opt for pieces that are made with traditional techniques and ethical production practices, like hand-forged brass idols or ecologically sourced devotional items. These not only add spiritual and cultural depth but also reflect sustainability through craftsmanship. 2. Invest in natural materials Decorate with items made from natural, renewable materials such as organic cotton, bamboo blends, or natural fibres. These are eco-friendly alternatives that are gentle on the planet and pleasing to the eye. 3. Complement with houseplants Houseplants aren't just aesthetic; they balance and complement the warmth of brass, bringing harmony and calm into the home. They support sustainable living by improving indoor air quality and reducing ambient noise. Position them near windows or corners to soften both the space and its acoustics.
