‘Rock’ with your exteriors
Imagine a picturesque array of Euro-style chateaus lined up all the way on the ever-growing peripheral outskirts of Baroda, with the archaic look on Indian home fronts. Now with the tech-savvy modern mindsets of city based civil engineers and architects, and the ready to experiment consumers, the western ambience will be created locally. Natural elements in décor breathe fresh life into home interiors, which has seen an overdose of concrete and glass. These vernacular materials are getting popular as homeowners acknowledge their beauty and utility.
Exposed bricks giving an 80’s look:-
Exposed bricks bring incomparable color into the ambience. Chamber bricks have a rustic texture that offers various décor opportunities. For example, a wall can be effortlessly brought into focus or the décor of an atrium or courtyard can be made to blend with the environment. This rugged texture can be used exclusively in wall niches to offer relief and contrast to an otherwise bare wall. A wall or column of exposed bricks can be stylized with wooden beading in a contemporary or traditional set up. This means that the wooden beading can be either straight lines for a contemporary look or can be ornately designed to look traditional. The warm color of wood will actually highlight the texture of the bricks. Other places where exposed bricks look good are as borders for arches, doors and window frames.
Stony Physique to carve a European Feel:-
The use of stone within home interiors conveys an old world charm. Its cool look provides an interesting relief to the décor. Stone masonry and random rubble masonry can easily become the highlight of a room. Either can be used for walls, fireplaces or outdoors in the verandah or courtyard. Generally, colored stones offer a customized look to the masonry. Undressed granite stones can also be used for this purpose. Coming to other possibilities, unpolished Cuddapah stones are used in areas like patios, interior courtyards and atriums. They effectively demarcate spaces while offering an alternative texture. Granite is another resourceful stone that can be used polished or otherwise in floorings along with sandstone and slate. Interior columns of stone offer much versatility by incorporating niches, moldings, ornate carvings or just a broad plinth that can double up as a seating area. Inbuilt seating areas can be created with stone, the typical granite bench being one charming example. These are good since they can multitask as alternative worktops or display areas. Other innovative use of stone is in the form of tiles, which are then laid on the floor or walls. Stone tiles are particularly attractive for the uniqueness as no two tiles are same. There is an amazing variety available including pebble tiles where pebbles are embedded on the tile. Imaginative use of stone renders a rugged, ‘back to nature’ look.
Options Otherwise:-
Other natural elements that can be used within home interiors are the traditional burnt clay tiles, terracotta tiles and handmade customized tiles like the Chettinad tiles and Attangudi tiles, both famous for their vibrant colors and originality. Natural building materials have inherent appeal that has withstood the vagaries of trend and fashion. By using them in home interiors, you will merge beauty and functionality to create a timeless appeal.