The Kerala style entryway in interior design features traditional elements like wooden doors with intricate carvings, brass handles, and vibrant colors. It often includes natural materials such as teak wood, terracotta tiles, and coir mats. The space is adorned with traditional lamps, potted plants, and cultural artifacts, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Step into a Kerala-inspired entryway, where beige reigns supreme, inviting you to experience its ravishing beauty.
1. Introduction to Kerala Style
Kerala style refers to the traditional architectural and interior design methods popular in the Indian state of Kerala. This style harmonizes with the region’s tropical climate and natural beauty. Key features include sloping roofs, open courtyards, and natural materials like wood and stone. These elements ensure ventilation and natural cooling, vital in hot, humid climates.
Kerala homes often feature a “nalukettu,” a traditional homestead with a central courtyard called a “nadumuttam.” This courtyard allows light and air to flood the interiors. The layout usually follows a simple plan to promote functionality and comfort.
Intricate wooden carvings are a hallmark of Kerala style. These carvings, found on doors, windows, and ceilings, add an artistic touch to the homes. Teak and rosewood are common materials used for their durability and aesthetic appeal. Traditional furniture is minimalistic yet elegant, often featuring woven cane or wooden surfaces.
Another distinct feature is the placement of a “padipura” or a gatehouse at the entrance. This structure sets the tone for the home’s design language. Kerala style emphasizes symmetry and proportion, creating a balanced and harmonious environment.
Incorporating water elements, such as ponds or wells, within the property is also common. These elements are not just ornamental but also serve practical purposes, like water conservation.
The Kerala style combines practicality, sustainability, and artistry. It reflects the lifestyle and cultural values of the region’s inhabitants, offering comfort while respecting nature and tradition.
2. Key Elements of Kerala Style Entryway
A Kerala style entryway, also known as “Padipurra,” combines aesthetic elegance with functional elements. The first key element is the traditional wooden door, often elaborately carved. This signature piece not only welcomes guests but also showcases intricate craftsmanship. Teak or rosewood are common choices for their durability and stunning finish.
Next, the “Nadumuttom” or central courtyard, visible from the entryway, allows natural light and ventilation to flow through the home. It also serves as a serene focal point. Surrounding this courtyard, verandahs with wooden pillars offer shady, welcoming spaces. These pillars are usually ornamented with intricate designs, adding to the visual appeal.
A key functional feature is the shoe rack, typically stationed outside the entrance. Often wooden and crafted to complement the door, it keeps the interior clean and clutter-free. Above this, “Vilakku” or traditional oil lamps illuminate the entryway, creating a warm and inviting glow. These lamps are often mounted on the walls or placed in niches.
The flooring of a Kerala style entryway often features terracotta tiles or traditional Athangudi tiles. These materials not only have cultural significance but also keep the space cool. Decorative elements such as “Thulasi Thara,” a raised platform housing a sacred basil plant, are also common. This feature represents health and prosperity.
Finally, wall decor such as murals or paintings depicting Kerala’s rich heritage accents the space, making it both inviting and culturally rich. These elements collectively create an entryway that’s harmonious, welcoming, and quintessentially Kerala.
3. Design Tips for a Kerala Style Entryway
To create a Kerala style entryway, focus on traditional elements and local craftsmanship. Begin with a warm, inviting color palette inspired by nature. Shades of brown, green, and off-white work well.
Use wooden elements for a quintessential Kerala look. Consider installing a wooden door with intricate carvings, symbolic of the region’s artistry. Adding a thatched roof over the entrance can also capture the traditional aesthetic.
Incorporate traditional terracotta tiles for flooring. These tiles are not only visually appealing but also keep the space cool. Placing a “Pookalam” (flower rangoli) at the entrance can add a vibrant, welcoming touch, especially during festivals.
Illumination is crucial. Opt for brass or copper lamps that cast a soft, warm glow. Traditional hanging lamps or “Nilavilakku” (floor lamps) can provide both function and local flavor.
Consider adding a “Nadumuttam” (central courtyard) if space permits. This open-to-sky courtyard can bring in natural light and ventilation, creating an airy feel right at the entrance.
Furnish with wooden benches or a swing (Oonjal) for a touch of comfort and nostalgia. Decorate the walls with murals or traditional Kerala paintings to enhance the overall vibe.
Use local plants like banana or coconut trees in pots to integrate nature. Incorporating these design tips will help you create a Kerala style entryway that is both traditional and inviting.
4. Final Touches and Decor Ideas
When finalizing a room, attention to details makes all the difference. Start with textiles – think throw pillows, blankets, and curtains. Opt for textures and colors that complement the main palette of the room. For an added layer of comfort, include area rugs that enhance both color and texture.
Lighting is pivotal. Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a balanced atmosphere. Table lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces can add both functionality and flair. Dimmer switches provide flexibility to adapt lighting to various needs and moods.
Artwork and wall decor personalize the space. Choose pieces that resonate with the room’s themes and the inhabitants’ preferences. When hanging artwork, the center should be at eye level, usually about 57 to 60 inches from the floor. This creates a harmonious visual experience.
Greenery invigorates a room. Houseplants not only beautify but also improve air quality. Select plants that thrive in available light conditions. Use decorative pots that align with the room’s style.
Mirrors both elongate and brighten a space. Strategically place mirrors on walls perpendicular to windows. This maximizes the light reflected and gives the illusion of a larger room.
Functional decor items like stylish storage baskets, trays, and bowls can organize clutter while enhancing aesthetic appeal. Decorative books, sculptural objects, and candles add layers of interest to tabletops and shelves.
Finally, scents influence ambiance. Scented candles, diffusers, or fresh flowers can impart a welcoming atmosphere. Each decor element, though small, contributes significantly to the overall feeling of the space.
