Home Makeover – The Diwali Edit

Diwali is all about celebrating India at heart, through decor that reflects warmth, culture, and togetherness. Experts weigh in.

Festive feels

Diwali being the festival of lights and prosperity, it is the perfect occasion to transform your home into a haven of joy, warmth, and understated luxury. The festival is incomplete without flowers. Local blooms such as marigolds, roses, and rajnigandha beautifully capture the essence of the occasion and instantly brighten up any space. “You can easily mix local flowers with existing household items. Brass and silver utensils, commonly found in most Indian homes, can be repurposed as elegant decor accents. “The combination of traditional metals and fresh flowers creates a look that feels simple yet festive,” says Mansiha Gandhi, founder of Studio MG. A festive home should feel as effortless as it is evocative. The key lies in layering and bringing together objects that carry memory and meaning with elements that serve comfort and care. Preety Tikyani, Founder, Studio8, says, “For a Diwali makeover, start by refreshing what you already have rearrange corners, layer your soft furnishings, and bring in fresh flowers and fragrance. Avoid overcrowding or over-decorating; instead, let your space breathe. Sometimes, reusing and styling things differently is all it takes to make your home feel festive and new.”

Do it right

A festive makeover doesn’t need a full redesign. It’s about shifting the atmosphere through small, intentional changes. “Homes come alive when interiors are rebalanced with softer textiles, glowing accents, and nostalgic touches. Replace light summer curtains with silk, velvet, or handwoven cotton, swap cushion covers for kantha or muted metallic tones, and layer dhurries or jute rugs for texture,” says Shalini Chandrashekar, Principal Designer & Co-Founder, Taliesyn Design. Even simple additions like brass lamps, earthenware, or fresh marigolds can refresh the mood. Kuntal Vyas Aggarwal, Founder, Resaiki Interiors, adds, “Soft accent lighting, layered rugs, and updated pillow covers bring colour, depth, and function—small touches that make a home feel festive and thoughtful.”

Adding elements

Layer your space with warm, ambient lighting using fairy lights, diyas, votives, and candles placed thoughtfully on consoles, centre tables, and niches. Introduce a cohesive floral theme with one or two flower types—fragrant mogra, tuberoses, orchids, baby’s breath, or bright marigolds—styled consistently for a refined look. Saba Kapoor, co-founder of Nivasa, says, “Curate your favourite artefacts, heirlooms, and brass or silver accents to add soul to your décor. Use lighting, flowers, and personal objects to highlight focal points. Rich textures and vibrant hues in cushions, throws, and rugs instantly uplift the mood, while sculptural or ornamental plants bring life and freshness.”

Balancing act

Balance comes from coordinating colours and materials thoughtfully. Layer textures while keeping visual harmony, and avoid overcrowding—letting each element breathe adds elegance. Hardesh and Monica Chawla, Directors, Essentia Environments, say, “Focus on timeless pieces that outlast the season—versatile furniture, neutral décor, and natural materials like wood and marble. Combine beauty with function, like trays doubling as centrepieces or modular lighting that shifts from ambient to dramatic.” Mix contrasts and modern glassware with handcrafted serve ware, minimal furniture with bold accents and add greenery to keep the energy fresh.

Culture cues

Our culture celebrates transformation, often by reimagining spaces with what already exists. Apoorva Lekha, Founder, AD Studio9, says, “An evocative Diwali makeover can start with an intimate corner—an urli with floating diyas, surrounded by marigolds or rose petals. Extend this approach throughout the home, layering diyas and flowers to define pathways and focal points without overwhelming the space.” Shift furniture slightly to create breathing room, use existing cushions or throws in warmer tones, or add a silk dupatta or runner with traditional motifs. Diwali is not just embellishment and it’s about creating a festive, functional atmosphere that celebrates togetherness.

Tips
– Focus on lighting; it sets the entire mood. Incorporate authentic Indian textiles to elevate the space, and use a pleasant natural fragrance to enhance the festive atmosphere.
– Avoid synthetic fabrics, harsh or overly bright lighting, and cluttered arrangements with too many contrasting materials.
– Keep things as natural as possible. Use flowers, candles, and organic materials instead of synthetic ones to create an ambience that feels grounded, warm, and true to the spirit of Diwali.