Indian Design Influences: Elements

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Elements

Indians are immensely proud of their homes, they are a temple for mind and body. As homemakers they do not hesitate to combine diverse textures, prints and colours to achieve an individual style.

Indians have the concept of five elements - air, water, fire, earth and space. These were woven into the fabric of Indian society before the arrival of the Argans around 1500BC.

Indian belief has always been dedicated to the worship of nature. Western belief has the first four elements but space is a more abstract principle. Space is the vast vacuum beyond ordinary perception and symbolises the huge power of an unseen force.

Even today the five elements are celebrated in the decorative schemes of many Indian homes.

	Air - vaya is symbolised by white and silver, with long light fabrics that dance in the breeze. It signified the importance of fresh air. A selection of soft furnishings reflecting Air
	Water - jala is symbolised by the colour blue. Blues give a cool calm influence. The concept of exotic bathing was made into a fine art by Indian maharajas, who had their gold and silver bath tubs filled with warm scented water strewn with rose petals. Blue is the colour of Krishna and the monsoon. A selection of soft furnishings reflecting Water
	Fire - agni is the principle deity worshipped by ancient Hindus, colours used are orange, red and gold and the sun symbol. Bedrooms are governed by Agni god of fire. This colour red adds a patina of passion to many bedrooms in India. Red is the colour of Kama, the god of love and passion and invites romance. A selection of soft furnishings reflecting Fire
	Earth - bhoomi is symbolised with earthy colours and textures. In many Indian homes the lines between inside and out are blurred. A selection of soft furnishings reflecting Earth
	Space - akash is represented by the expansion of visual space. Walls punctuated by small windows and niches, filigree screens used to separate areas. A selection of furniture reflecting Space

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