Reclaiming the Narrative: An Indian Twist on British Colonial Decor

When British colonialists moved to the far reaches of the tropics, from Africa to India, they quickly realised that their heavy Victorian furniture and ways of living were not suited for the new environments.

This realisation birthed a new aesthetic “The British Colonial Style”. It was a marriage between contemporary Victorian decor with the materials and influences of the local culture they colonised.

In its simplest form, the British Colonial decor is defined by the contrast, a dramatic interplay between the light and dark such as the dark wood floor and furniture with white walls and tropical plants.

But today, we are taking control of that narrative. We are moving beyond the perspective of the coloniser and looking through the eyes of the heritage-holder.

This is our version, the Indian twist to the British Colonial style.

While the classic pairing for rich mahogany or teak is often just a simple green fern, there is a deeper, more soulful layer of richness that truly completes an authentic home.

Here is how we use the traditional elements of our culture to elevate and reclaim this iconic style:

The Glow of Antique Brass, Bronze & Copper

In a room filled with dark wood, Indian metals add a level of warmth that a plant alone cannot achieve. It is "rich on rich", the deep brown of the timber meeting the glowing tone of the metal. Whether it’s an antique vessel or a statement lamp, these pieces provide a beautiful contrast while speaking loudly of our heritage.

The Sophistication of Silver

If you want to lean into the light side of Colonial decor, Silver is your best ally. It acts as a bright, cool-toned contrast that complements the darkness of the wood without overwhelming it. It’s clean, sophisticated, and adds a touch of royal heritage to a modern space.

The Grandeur of Gold

You simply cannot go wrong with Gold. Adding a Thanjavur (Tanjore) painting to a room with rich wood tones creates an immediate sense of history. In the dance between light and dark, gold acts as the ultimate mediator that simply turns a style to a story.

The British Colonial style was originally a collection of a coloniser’s travels  but by bringing in authentic Brass, Bronze, Copper, Silver, and gold, you aren't just decorating, you are honouring the very roots that made this style iconic.