The festive season in India is a celebration of heritage, tradition, and beauty, and this year, more homeowners and designers are turning to handmade décor to express that spirit. Across India, craft revival
in architecture and interiors is steadily gaining momentum, as traditional artisanal knowledge is rediscovered and reinterpreted in contemporary settings.
Anika Mittal Dhawan, Founder Director, Mold Design Studio, notes, “What was once seen as nostalgic or old-fashioned is now being reinterpreted as relevant, sustainable, and deeply meaningful. Craft is not only about heritage; it’s about creating spaces that feel human, layered, and connected to culture.”
Festive Homes Transformed by Artisanal Touches
During festivals, Indian crafts and handmade décor truly take center stage. Homes transform with pieces that carry memory and authenticity, polished brass lamps, hand-painted diyas, heirloom décor, handmade rangolis, and crafted tableware add warmth and cultural depth to celebrations. Lighting and textiles play a crucial role in crafting festive moods. Lanterns, fairy lights, and diyas bathe interiors in a soft glow, while hand-woven or printed fabrics add color, softness, and tactility. Brass and copper accents gleam as centerpieces, creating a layered and textured environment.
“What feels distinct today,” adds Dhawan, “is how these objects are styled within modern, minimalist homes. The juxtaposition highlights the artistry, allowing tradition to shine within a contemporary setting.”
Emotional Resonance and Individuality
Prarthana Dev from Sarita Handa emphasizes the emotional resonance of handmade décor. “Each piece tells the story of its maker, the purposeful choice of materials, and the legacy of techniques passed down through generations. Tiny imperfections aren’t flaws—they are reminders of the human touch, giving these objects an emotional depth mass-produced décor cannot replicate.”
People increasingly seek authenticity and individuality in their homes, rejecting cookie-cutter solutions in favor of handcrafted pieces that feel intentional and unique. Sustainability is also a major driver. Dev explains, “Choosing handmade often means choosing slow, thoughtful, earth-friendly production. Decorations made from natural, upcycled, or homegrown materials like jute, wood, paper, and clay reflect a conscious lifestyle choice.” Supporting local artisans preserves cultural heritage and uplifts communities economically, while reinterpreting traditional crafts in modern forms ensures their relevance.
Craft in Modern Interiors
Kuntal Vyas Aggarwal, Founder and Principal Designer, Resaiki Interiors and Architecture Design Studio, highlights how festive styling is increasingly craft-led. “From hand-woven textiles and block-printed fabrics to carved wooden accents and clay artifacts, handmade décor shapes interiors with authenticity and connection. Crafts such as Dabu printing from Rajasthan, papier-mâché from Kashmir, cane and bamboo weaving from the Northeast, or Madhubani painting from Bihar are being reinterpreted for contemporary homes.”
The charm of handmade décor lies in its imperfections, the brush of a hand, the irregularity of a weave which create intimacy and uniqueness. Designers are creatively blending traditional crafts with modern aesthetics: hand-woven mats as wall art, block-printed textiles as table runners, and pottery as centerpieces. Such choices make festive décor both rooted and relevant, reflecting personal identity alongside cultural pride.
Supporting Artisans and Conscious Living
There is a growing consumer desire to support local artisans and invest in décor that endures beyond a single season. Craft-based styling aligns with eco-friendly values, promotes fair trade, and celebrates communities sustaining India’s diverse creative landscape. “Handmade décor is not simply an embellishment,” says Aggarwal, “it is an expression of culture, continuity, and conscious living.”
This festive season, the revival of craft in home décor highlights a broader shift in design philosophy cherishing heritage, embracing slow design, and allowing each piece to tell a story. By integrating artisanal touches into modern interiors, homes become more than spaces for living; they become cultural stages where memory, artistry, and celebration coexist beautifully.
