How to Create India Decor in a Restaurant

An Embroidered Coverlet

India décor is characterized by vibrant colored fabrics, polished metal artwork, elaborately carved woodwork and iconic statuary. Creating a cohesive, rather than chaotic design from these elements requires a focused approach. Start by choosing which textiles you'll use for table linens, curtains and wall hangings. Select one of the prominent colors in those textiles and use that for your wall color. Complement the décor with traditional Indian music. Use more subdued accessories to create an elegant dining experience.

Things You'll Need

• Textiles
• Indian costume
• Embroidered cushions
• Brass bowls
• Dinnerware
• Furniture
• Iconography
• Artwork

Instructions

1. Choose opulent fabrics with bright colors and embroidery for curtains and wall hangings. Use tablecloths and napkins that share the same texture and colors.

2. 

   Outfit the wait staff in traditional Indian garb. Women wear lehanga, choli and odhani. Men wear embroidered white shirts called kurtas and long shervanis.

3. Place embroidered cushions on chairs.

4. 

   Set brass bowls on tabletops. Float a lotus flower, symbol of both purity of mind and spiritual power, in each bowl.

5. Use plates with traditional Indian designs. These can represent animals or flowers, portray landscapes or can be geometric. Use single color chargers beneath the plates to prevent the table from seeming too busy.

6. 

   Add architectural detail by framing doors and windows with dark wood. Choose furniture made from wood with ornate carvings. Set carved folding screens around the restaurant.

Tips & Warnings

• Complement the wall hangings with art by painters like Suman Roy, Durbananda Jana and Karmakar.

References

• India's Handicrafts
• Indian Clothing
• Artists from India

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• India Furniture