A vibrant city like Hyderabad, with its rich cultural history, has seen a delightful blend of international decor trends and local influences in its interior design scene. This fusion creates unique and personalized living spaces that beautifully reflect both contemporary and traditional influences.
A popular trend in Hyderabad is modern, minimalist interiors that emphasize sleek furniture, simple geometric patterns, and a focus on functionality and comfort. This style appeals to many city dwellers who appreciate the clean lines and uncluttered aesthetic. Another popular style is the industrial look, which features exposed brick, concrete, and metal and has gained popularity especially in commercial projects such as cafes and shopping malls. The urban appeal of this style fits perfectly with Hyderabad’s status as a major IT hub in India.
Contemporary Indian fusion style is another trend that is gaining traction. This approach combines modern design principles with traditional Indian elements such as classic textiles, intricate carvings and bright colors. It offers a harmonious balance between old and new, creating spaces that are both familiar and refreshingly modern. Art Deco, with its use of luxurious materials and bold colors, is also popular, reflecting the city’s connection to the glamour of the Tollywood film industry.
Local designers in Hyderabad are masters at blending these international trends with traditional Indian elements. For example, they combine modern furniture with traditional pieces like intricately carved wooden chests, achieving a balance between modern comfort and classic craftsmanship. Architectural details like jali work, which is now available in materials like stone, steel and wood, are incorporated using state-of-the-art CNC machines, adding sophisticated beauty to modern interiors. Decorative accents like traditional wall paintings, artwork and sculptures are also used as focal points and blend seamlessly with modern décor.
“The use of local materials shows cultural depth as well as sustainability and personalization,” says Nitin Jain, chief interior designer of Nabh Design & Associates. Traditional materials such as tan granite and teak are incorporated into modern designs and are often treated to meet international standards. Hand carving techniques and modern machinery are combined to create unique pieces that reflect both global and local aesthetics. Examples include the intricate stone jali work at Charminar and the brass inlays at Falaknuma Palace.
This fusion of international and local interior design styles has significantly influenced both residential and commercial spaces in Hyderabad. High-rise buildings and modern amenities are combined with traditional materials and designs, creating spaces that are both cosmopolitan and culturally rooted. Residential spaces today often feature global layouts and modern amenities while incorporating traditional elements such as granite countertops and eco-friendly materials. Commercial spaces, especially in areas such as Hitech City and Gachibowli, use local materials and traditional designs to create iconic landmarks that attract and delight everyone.
Certain neighbourhoods in Hyderabad such as Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills and Hitech City are particularly known for this mix of styles. “From the rise of DIY culture to the shift towards sustainable decoration, social media platforms and travelling around the world have become a major source of inspiration and influence,” explains Muskaan Bohra, interior designer at Design Grove.
Despite the challenges designers face in bringing these styles together, the result is a vibrant, dynamic interior design landscape that is constantly evolving and inspiring to all.
