You may have heard of Chettinad home design if you like the beauty of old Indian buildings.
The Chettinad style comes from Tamil Nadu and is known for its rich cultural history, intricate workmanship, and classic beauty. Chettinad homes are works of art because they combine function and style in a way that makes each room feel unique. Here are seven beautiful ways to bring Chettinad style into your home, whether you want to change the look of the room or just add a touch of custom.
1. Beautiful wooden doors
This is one of the first things you’ll notice about a Chettinad house. This style is known for its wooden doors that are often very finely carved. These doors are not only useful, but they are also works of art. The carvings on them tell stories. Patterns of flowers, mythical images, or geometric shapes are often used.
To get this look again:
- Strong teak or oak doors are best.
- To make it look more real, add brass accents like knockers or handles.
- A big, bold frame is an important part of Chettinad style, so make sure it stands out.
- This style not only makes the house look nicer, but it also gives off a warm, welcoming vibe right at the front door.
2. Tiles from Athangudi
Another well-known feature of Chettinad homes is the athangudi tile. These tiles were made by hand and have bright colors and complicated designs, usually with flowers or shapes. The shine on these tiles, which comes from traditional polishing methods, makes them stand out. They have a shiny, classic look.
To use tiles from Athangudi:
- They look great as floors in kitchens, living rooms, and verandas.
- Use these tiles to make a bold wall for a unique background.
- For a lively, eclectic look, mix and match designs.
- These tiles last a long time, are good for the environment, and instantly add a touch of Chettinad charm.
3. Blocks and beams
Chettinad homes are known for being large, and pillars and beams made of stone or wood are an important part of their architecture. These parts not only support the building, but they also make the inside look more grand.
To bring this inside:
- In your living room or on your porch, use pillars made of stone or wood.
- Choose shapes that are carved to make them look more traditional.
- If you want the wood or stone to look good with the rest of your home’s decor, match the materials.
- In a modern home, even one pillar can be a beautiful center point that keeps the Chettinad spirit alive.
4. Courtyards for Extra Space
An important part of a traditional Chettinad home is the garden, or “mutram.” These open areas in the house let in natural light and air flow, which makes the rooms feel bright and comfortable. A courtyard is another place where family members get together, which shows how shared life is in Chettinad.
You can change this idea in the following ways:
- If you’re building a new house, you might want to add a skylit open patio.
- You can get the same feel in an existing home by designing it with an open floor plan that centers on a certain area.
- To make the area look even more charming, add indoor plants, traditional seating, or a water feature.
- A courtyard is not only nice to look at, but it is also useful, especially in humid areas.
5. Beautiful ceilings
Many homes in Chettinad have beautiful ceilings made with painted or intricately carved woodwork. These ceilings give a room more depth and texture, which makes even big rooms feel cozy and close.
To get the same look:
- Ceiling pieces made of wood with carvings should be put up.
- Pick patterns or designs that are big and bright that are based on traditional Tamil culture.
- To keep things real, use natural finishes.
- Adding a fancy roof to a room can make it look more expensive and unique.
6. Furniture from the past
The furniture in a Chettinad home is just as beautiful as the building itself. Think of chairs made of wood with lots of detailed carvings, sofas with plush cushions, and beds with four posts. With a touch of style, the attention is on comfort and durability.
To add items in the Chettinad style:
- Look for teak or rosewood furniture that is old or antique.
- For a traditional look, add cane or wicker pieces.
- Choose rich, earthy tones for furniture, like maroon, gold, or deep green.
- Putting these traditional elements with modern ones can make a look that is well-balanced and looks good.
7. Decorations in brass and copper
There can’t be a Chettinad home without some metal details. Brass and copper are used to make a lot of home decor items, like lamps, vases, dishes, and figures. Not only do these materials look beautiful, but they’re also useful because they last a long time and are easy to clean.
How to use copper and brass together:
- In your living room, use native brass lamps like kuthu vilakku.
- Copper pots, plates, and bowls can be used to decorate shelves and tables.
- For a small touch of style, give furniture metal handles or knobs.
- These shiny touches can make any room look better and connect all of your design elements.
Last Thoughts
The style of homes in Chettinad is a beautiful mix of custom, culture, and practicality. Every part of your space, from the intricate doors to the bright tiles to the large gardens, tells a story and gives it a timeless feel. The best part? You don’t have to follow custom to the letter. You can mix these things with current styles to make your home truly yours.
Start small, like with an Athangudi tile feature or a brass lamp, and build your Chettinad-style haven up little by little. It won’t be long before your home is filled with style, comfort, and a little history.
