India has a long history of varied cultures, traditions, languages, rulers and religions. This has resulted in a multitude of architectural ideas, influences and styles (most of them centuries old) that have evolved from different parts of the country. Here are some common intersections of a few of those diverse ideas, and how they have found a space and are making an impact even in modern homes.

1. Courtyards for interior spaces

                                           
Indian houses in different parts of the country have adopted courtyards as a way to respond to the climate of the region. In Gujarat’s Pol houses, Maharashtra’s Wadas and Kerala’s Nalukettu houses, this traditional element works wonders to escape the summer heat: convection draws warm air out of the rooms around the courtyard, and they are sheltered from the hot summer wind called loo. In winter they are places to bask in the winter sun, sheltered from cold winds. Here, you can see how Khosla Associates have created a beautiful semi-open courtyard as a soothing buffer space within housethe

1. Pitched roofs with verandahs

Pitched (slanted) roofs covered with Mangalore tiles of red baked clay are a common sight in Indian towns and villages. The reasons for their popularity are simple: the tiles are easily available, they are an appropriate response to the climate and their design uses traditional techniques of execution so they are easy to make. As seen here in this house by Kumar Moorthy & Associates, such roofs are not only suitable for heavy rains but provide a good height to the interior spaces as an added advantage

1. Pictorial motif references

In India, we often tweak historical references to bring them into our contemporary homes and complement their largely modern ambience. In this Mumbai apartment by The Orange Lane, a representation of a horse, in a style usually seen in Mughal paintings, has been adapted to a present-day application.

1. Richly carved wooden furniture

Wooden furniture, painstakingly and profusely carved with exquisite artistry, shouts vernacular Indian style. Intricate carvings in wood and marble were symbolic of prosperity in the olden days. As these were mainly seen in the palaces and forts of kings and queens, others aspired to display this ‘royal’ design element in their homes. It is not uncommon to find many traditional homes with beautifully carved window- and door-frames even today.

The four-poster bed designed by The Raj Company with carved posts and legs is reminiscent of the furniture found in palaces of Rajasthan and alludes to a bygone time.

1. Jharokha-style balconies

This element is a form of balcony, known as a jharokha, which literally means skylight. It is a small overhanging balcony, enclosed by intricately carved screens of wood or stone. Traditionally jharokas were used in palaces by ladies of the court to keep an eye on the day’s proceedings without themselves being seen. This balcony has found many current adaptations across India in various materials like wood, marble, brick and concrete . As seen in this project by GoodEarth, this balcony has solid wooden posts as supports and a carved wooden railing.

1. Intricate jaali patterns
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    are intricately carved cut-out patterns in walls or windows. They have been used in Indian architecture since bygone times. They filter light and wind into the interiors, creating beautiful patterns modulating light and air through the day. In this house, the jaali opens up into a courtyard, allowing cool breezes into the house while shielding the interior from view.

1. Sculptures with context

Set in a landscaped area with a thatched-roof gazebo, The Ashleys have placed a traditional stone sculpture of the Ashoka Chakra (featured on many of the stone-carved edicts of Emperor Ashoka, and part of the Indian flag) bringing an immediate Indian context to the outdoor space.

1. Jhoolas, the comfort swings

Most Indian houses in towns and villages had a jhoola (swing) in their front or backyards, and this can be seen even today in many Indian rural homes. Traditionally, a swing was just a slab of wood suspended by ropes from the bough of a tree but times have changed, and now they come in different designs with different finishes to suit modern homes. Typically seen in living rooms and balconies as a part of a seating setup, they are a much loved and used in shared common spaces.