Indian Traditional Finishes to Global Modern Spaces.
India is the cradle to a mighty amalgamation of cultures, traditions and civilizations. And its effect is omnipresent- be it food, fabrics, art, architecture, spaces or surfaces. With its own blend of tropical climate, Indian subcontinent boasts of its own bunch of high- quality construction products. However, one can observe the most notable in the design segment- with Indian surface finishing products taking the center- stage.
Gone are the days when locally produced materials were automatically labeled as of inadequate quality. As years passed by, these products continued to stand the test of time- in fact, even outliving other materials- and still continue to amaze architects, designs and customers alike. Not only do these easily tolerate the local climatic variations, but these also excel in their looks, ageing like a bottle of fine wine!
Take for example, the Athangudi Tiles. Named after the village where they originated and are still crafted (Athankudi, Tamil Nadu), these are also known as Chettinad or Karaikudi Tiles. Many people confuse it with ceramic tiles. But apart from the Victorian- inspired designs, these also differ in their raw material. Made from locally available raw materials such as river sand and natural oxides, these happen to be highly sustainable. These are a great option for flooring even in contemporary spaces.
Another material that has been making waves in sustainable design is the ceramic jaali or terracotta jaali. The Hindi word ‘jaali’ means ‘Net’. True to its meaning, these jaali tiles are used to create airy partitions, since these are shaped in a particular outline profile or design, encapsulating hollow spaces within their boundaries. Apart from regulating interior temperature, these are also available in clay colored (terracotta jaalis) as well as glossy colorful finishes (porcelain jaalis).
Also, one cannot miss the diverse range of handmade ceramic tiles available in India. You simply cannot get over the mesmerizing beauty of floral patterns, geometric impressions, Persian influences and Victorian elegance that these handcrafted tiles bring into interiors. You see, the unique nature of these handmade ceramic tiles is in the fact that each piece is carefully handcrafted. This ensures undisputed quality along with authentic looks. Moreover, these tiles are quite famous for the Antique looks they develop after a long period of time. Available in a wide variety of designs, shapes and sizes, these are extremely customizable to suit any and every surface- walls, floors, furniture and so on.
How can one forget the rich stone treasures found under Indian soils? Granite, Marble, sandstone, laterite, Onyx, limestone and many such stones add sparkling beauty to modern floors and walls of Indian homes. These are available as floor tiles, wall tiles, claddings and panels- all depends on how you want them in your abode. One simply cannot ignore the stunning beauty of stone grains that impart a timeless charm to interiors.
When combined with the right design, these products look spectacular, are highly durable and weather beautifully in Indian climate patterns. You just need to identify your call from the lot.