Crafting Spaces That Inspire: The True Essence of Artistic Home Decor

In conversation with Charulatha, Correspondent, Homes India Magazine. Subhashish shares his views on popular trends or techniques in using art as a focal point in home décor today and how do we ensure that the chosen art pieces complement the color scheme and overall theme of a room or home.

Subhashish Mandal is an interior Design Architect with about 30 years of Multi genre ID experience.With explorations in Exhibition & Stage Design, Retail, F&B, Fashion and now within Corporate Workspace he has worked within and allowed for inspirations between all fields to influence his design thinking. A strong proponent of the Voice for Vocal for Local and Make In India he dips into strong narratives of Art, crafts and textiles in his ideation.

A home is more than simply a physical place; it's a haven for memories, emotions, and a spirit of individuality. It's where we find solace in the middle of chaos, where we laugh and cry together with loved ones, and where we go to escape the difficulties of the outside world. Our true heart lies at home, a place free from judgment where we may fully be ourselves. This is why home decor is crucial for more reasons than just aesthetics; it captures the very spirit of what makes a house a home. The art and science of changing a living area into a unique, useful, and emotionally engaging setting is known as home décor. In addition to reflecting our unique interests and personalities, the subtle interplay of colors, textures, furniture, and accessories has a significant impact on our well-being, productivity, and the way we interact with our environment.

 In this following article we dig deep into true meaning of home décor with Subhashish Mandal, Director, Gensler, as our guide. Here we will also unfold the impact of good interior   in our lives using “Art as a medium”, and its potential to mould our sense of identity and pride in the place we call home.

"Art in contemporary interior design space has gained much traction than just being a decorative element; influencing a room or space’s overall layout and design."

Art Outreaching Painting Frames to be a Focal Point in Home Decor Today

Art in contemporary interior design space has gained much traction than just being a decorative element; influencing a room or space’s overall layout and design. Art as a focal point not only allows homeowners to create a distinctive and individualized interior but also helps them expresses their social identity, interests, values, and objectives through paintings, sculptures, textile, furnishing or other creative forms. And, every space holds a special and personalized story to tell as storytelling is extremely important for every interior setting. Because the art or the creativity surrounds a home, speaks a lot about what inspires the owner, what interests them, and what they passionately want to story tell.  Whether it's a family or an individual, whoever owns a home need to really look at what kind of narrative they want to convey to their visitors in an environment. The choice of art that people make is very likely the kind of story that they want to narrate as their own journey through life.

What techniques or mediums do you find most effective in expressing personal additives in art and decor pieces  

Expressing personal narratives and additives in art and decor pieces can be achieved through various techniques and mediums. However, the choice of this, depends on the artist's or decorator's individual preferences and the specific message or emotion they wish to convey. For me it is always about finding the fact that how one can look at multiple elements to create an overall expression. It doesn't have to be a piece of art or painting all the time, it can be a textile, a colourful cushion setting, a complementing rug, a piece from local antique shop or a random handmade tile. But all those different elements have to come together in a certain way that they seem to be irreplaceable post completion of the interior setting.

"The art and science of changing a living area into a unique, useful, and emotionally engaging setting is known as home décor."

Provide insights into the various types of art, such as paintings, sculptures, or textiles, and how they can be used differently in interior design

I must say, there is nothing exists like a bad design, a design is always a design which only requires to be placed right. Be it a painting, sculpture or textile they enhance the quality of a space or living only when they find the exact corner of the space which is meant for them. Each type of art brings its own unique qualities and can be selected based on the design objectives, style preferences, and personal narratives the homeowner or designer wishes to convey in the space. Balance is key, whether it’s is minimalist or maximalist and as said again, a narrative.

Paintings: While Traditional painting, drawing techniques and painting styles, such as impressionism, abstract, or realism, convey their unique perspectives, different mediums like oil, acrylic, watercolour, or pastels provide distinct textures and effects to the space. Paintings often serve as focal points in interior design. A large, striking painting on a wall can draw the eye and become the centrepiece of a room.

Sculptures: can provide contrast to the flat surfaces of walls and furniture. They can also help balance the overall design by adding texture and, volumetric play, weight to a space or even a furniture setting. Sculptures can also be used in outdoor spaces to enhance landscaping and create outdoor focal points.

Textile Art: Textiles are versatile and essential element of interior decoration. They play a significant role in adding comfort, texture, color, and style to a space. Such as tapestries and wall hangings, can add texture and warmth to a room. They are often used to soften the hard surfaces of walls. Textile art can also contribute to sound control in a space by reducing echoes and noise. Beyond wall art, textiles include curtains, rugs, and cushions, which play both decorative and functional roles in interior design and can also become part of an artistic narrative.

Final Comment

In essence, interior decoration with an art filter is far more than just arranging furniture and choosing colours; it's the art of transforming spaces into personalized sanctuaries that reflect our individuality, enhance our well-being, and elevate our everyday experiences. It's about creating environments that not only please the eye but also nurture the soul.