PUNARVI'S 11 WAYS TO ADD AN INDIAN TOUCH TO YOUR HOME DECOR
We spend so much time focusing on the big pieces in a home, the sofa, the rug, the layout, but what really makes a space feel complete are the quieter details. These are the pieces you’ve collected over time, the textures that feel lived in, and the objects that carry a sense of where they came from. As Indians, we travel back so often for weddings and family gatherings, moving from one celebration to the next, and somewhere in all of that it’s easy to overlook what’s right in front of us. I’ve started to look at those trips differently, as an opportunity to slow down and bring back pieces that feel truly one of a kind. For me, India is where I find those pieces, not in an obvious or overly styled way, but in objects that feel natural and a little unexpected. Something carved by hand, something with weight, something that just feels right the moment you see it. It’s less about decorating and more about building a home that feels personal, shaped by what you’ve seen and what you chose to bring back with you.
Here are 11 ways I love to give my home those touches of Indian personality:
1. Prints
Frame your favorite Indian prints, whether it’s wallpaper, a sari, or a textile you discovered while wandering through a market. What prints evoke a spark in you? That’s always where I start. When I’m sourcing, I’m not just looking at pattern, I’m paying attention to what pulls me in and what makes me pause. Indian prints have a way of telling stories through color and repetition, but also through their imperfections, which is what gives them so much character. Some of the most meaningful pieces aren’t even sourced from a shop. Maybe it’s your grandmother’s sari, a pillowcase from her home, or a fabric you remember from a childhood visit to India. When you frame something like that, it shifts from being just a textile to something much more personal, something that carries memory into your space in a really quiet but powerful way.
I also love rethinking how these pieces are displayed. Framing gives them structure and presence, but it doesn’t have to feel traditional. You can go oversized and let one piece anchor a room, or layer smaller frames into a gallery wall that feels collected over time. It’s less about following a rule and more about choosing pieces that feel distinct, that hold their own, and bring something unique into your home.
⟡ See more ways to get creative with textiles and prints in my Nine Ways to Rethink Framing
⟡ See how I framed a Sabyasachi printed velvet upholstery textile into artwork for a recent project
⟡ See how I framed Sabyasachi wallpaper into artwork for a project that went viral
Tip: Try looking for smaller cuts of fabric when you’re sourcing in India. Remnants are often priced better, especially for intricate embroideries or printed silks, and they bring a lot of personality to a smaller frame or vignette. I also love using leftover fabric from custom outfits, especially from your wedding or a meaningful milestone, and turning them into framed pieces. Not only does it add texture and make your walls feel more collected, it also brings a sense of memory that feels woven into the space.
2. Brass
When you think of India, you think of that warm golden glow, and brass is such a widely used metal that patinas beautifully and brings that same warmth into your home. Real brass decor pieces are a total win. They instantly add depth, there’s a weight to them, a richness that you just can’t replicate. When I’m in India, I always gravitate toward vintage brass pieces, especially tiffin/chapati boxes. They’re functional, but they also feel sculptural, which makes them incredibly easy to style. I love stacking them on top of coffee table books or placing them on a console to break up materials like linen or wood.
One thing I always remind people is not to shy away from pieces that show a bit of age. Small dents, uneven surfaces, a slightly worn finish, that’s where the character is. That’s what makes the piece feel collected rather than newly bought. Over time, brass develops a patina that only adds to its beauty, so the more it lives with you, the better it gets.
Tip: If you’re styling a brass piece on your coffee table, let it double as storage. I love using tiffin/chapati boxes to hold things like remotes, a lighter for candles, or even small everyday items like lip balm. It keeps your surface clean and organized while still looking styled.
3. Marble
A trip to India never feels complete without bringing home a marble piece. The craftsmanship is incredible and each item feels considered and beautifully made. From bowls to trays to intricately carved dishes like this floral piece pictured above, marble adds a quiet elegance to any space. When I’m sourcing, I pay close attention to the carving. I look for pieces that have movement, something that catches light and shadow. That’s what makes a piece stand out and feel elevated without trying too hard. You’ll find endless options when it comes to marble, so it’s worth taking your time and choosing something that feels truly special and not something you’ve seen before.
Tip: When you’re sourcing marble, look closely at the carving and how it interacts with light. Pieces with depth and movement will always feel more elevated. There are so many options available, so don’t settle. Take your time and find something that feels like a standout piece you wouldn’t come across anywhere else.
4. Figures
Adding a small figure, whether it’s brass or another material, is one of my favorite ways to bring personality into a space. These pieces feel collected, not purchased, and they have a way of creating little moments throughout your home. I found this beautiful, well patinated brass horse at a shop in India and instantly fell in love. It was the only one they had and incredibly heavy, but it felt like it carried so much history that I couldn’t walk away from it. To this day, it’s still one of my most complimented pieces. When I’m sourcing, I look for figures that feel a little unexpected, something that sparks curiosity and brings excitment. They don’t have to be large to make an impact. Even a small piece placed on a stack of books or tucked into a shelf can completely shift the energy of a room.
Tip: Go all out when you’re sourcing pieces like this. Look for something that genuinely sparks something in you, the kind of piece you can’t stop thinking about. If it feels too heavy or too large to bring back, most shopkeepers can package and ship it for you. That’s exactly what we did for this brass horse, and it arrived safely in a well sealed wooden crate.
5. Hardware
Hardware is one of the least talked about ways to elevate a space. If you want to transform something without a full renovation, start here. It’s a small change, but it makes a significant impact. You’ll find the most beautiful Indian inspired brass pulls and knobs, with lotus shapes, intricate carvings, and details that feel like jewelry for your furniture. And who doesn’t love that?! I love using these on cabinets, drawers, wardrobes, and even bathroom vanities, especially if you’re leaning into an Indian inspired powder bath. It’s a subtle detail, but it’s the kind that makes a space feel layered and thoughtfully put together.
Tip: Pay close attention to the screws when you’re sourcing hardware. The ones that come with the piece will not always fit your cabinets properly. Try to match the finish, especially if you’re working with brass, or have them cut down the screws that came with your hardware at a local hardware store so they fit securely.
6. Mother’s Recipe
One of my favorite ways to bring something deeply personal into a space is through something as simple as a handwritten recipe. Choose a beautiful frame and have your mom, grandma, or the most respected cook in your family write their favorite recipe in their own handwriting, ideally in the language that feels like home to you. There’s something so special about seeing that script on display. It becomes more than just a recipe, it turns into a piece of art that carries memory, tradition, and a sense of comfort. I love styling these in the kitchen, whether it’s leaned against a backsplash or layered onto a shelf. It feels one of a kind and so unique to you.
Tip: Ask your mom to write it on textured paper or something slightly aged rather than plain white printer paper. It instantly elevates the piece and makes it feel more like artwork.
7. Vintage Door
If you ever have the chance, go vintage door hunting in India. It’s an experience in itself. You’ll come across rows of old doors, each with its own carvings, colors, and history. These pieces are full of character and make for the most incredible statement in a home. Whether you use one as a headboard, mount it as wall art, or repurpose it into a functional piece, it immediately becomes a conversation starter. There’s something about bringing in a piece that once lived an entirely different life that adds depth you just can’t recreate.
Tip: Don’t worry too much about finding a “perfect” door. The chipped paint, the worn edges, the uneven finish, that’s exactly what makes it special. If the piece feels right to you, you can always adapt how you use it once it’s home.
8. Rug
Rugs are one of the most grounding elements in a space, and sourcing one from India adds a completely different level of meaning. If you can, visit a rug village or workshop and take the time to understand how they’re made. There’s something incredibly special about seeing the process and meeting the artisans behind it. When choosing a rug, think beyond just color and size. Pay attention to texture, pattern, and how it will live within your space. A well chosen rug can anchor a room and tie everything together without feeling forced.
Tip: Ask about the materials and how the rug will age over time. Natural fibers tend to soften beautifully and wear in a way that adds character. Also, don’t be afraid to go smaller than you think, the print and texture can still anchor a space while still making it feel more elevated. Tiny but mighty!
9. Boxes
Decorative boxes are one of those pieces that work in almost any room. Camel bone boxes in particular are incredibly detailed and bring a sense of craftsmanship that feels very distinct. I love placing them on coffee tables, consoles, or nightstands. They add visual interest while also being functional, which is always a win. Whether you’re storing jewelry, small keepsakes, or everyday items, they help keep things organized while still looking like a decor piece.
Tip: Use boxes to hide the things you don’t want out in the open but still reach for often. It keeps your surfaces feeling clean and organized while adding another layer of texture and decor detail to the space.
10. Magnifying Lens
This is one of those small details that makes a space feel styled in a very intentional way. A hand carved magnifying glass might not be something you think to pick up, but it adds such a unique touch. I love placing one on top of an open coffee table book, almost like you’ve paused mid-reading. It brings conversation and makes the space feel lived in rather than staged and it adds character in a unique way.
Tip: Style it with purpose. Place it on a page that has texture or detail so it feels like it belongs there. It should read like part of the story, not just an accessory placed on top. I also love changing the page whenever I host, it becomes an easy way to spark conversation around something new each time.
11. Pressed or Dried Florals
While fresh flowers often can’t travel back with you, dried or pressed florals are such a beautiful alternative. Early in your trip, take time to notice the local blooms and pick a few that stand out to you. Press them between the pages of a book or even a notebook from your hotel. Once you’re home, you can frame them or layer them into a vignette. They become a quiet reminder of where you’ve been, something soft and organic that adds a different kind of texture to your space.
Tip: Choose florals that have interesting shapes or subtle color variation so they hold their presence even once dried. When framing, keep the background simple so the focus stays on the natural form.
Thank you for being here and reading through some of the ways I bring an Indian touch into my home. I hope this inspires you to look at your travels a little differently and to bring back pieces that feel personal and can add layers to your home.
