Interior Design Trends that Reflect the Soul of Dhaka
Dhaka is perhaps the biggest city in Bangladesh, a bustling patchwork of rickshaw horns, rooftop kites, Mughal architecture, and the unmistakable smell of roadside fuchka. Dhaka is not just alive, it is pulsating with every beat. In recent years, the eclectic beauty of Dhaka is constantly being reflected in its interior design trends. Here, heritage and retro aesthetics have been beautifully merged with a touch of modern simplicity. Today’s blog will take a deep dive into how the soul of Dhaka is shining through in the interior designs of the city.
1. Return to Roots
Terracotta has always been an integral part of Bengali culture. Earthenware pottery, bricks and decorative pieces have merged with the Bengali household since eons ago. This terracotta is now making a bold comeback, where it is being used in lamp bases, hand-molded tiles, and even as accents on feature walls. Another common element that can be seen adorning many homes is jute, where jute rugs are used to decorate floors, as tapestries on walls, in lampshades, and even to upholster furniture. Rural aesthetics are making a comeback not only due to their sustainability, but also because Dhaka-dwellers are now looking for something that connects them to their roots.
2. Vintage Revival
Grandmother’s home holds high sentimental value in the hearts of Bengalis. Be it the classic wooden almirah (wardrobe), the easy chair woven with jute fibres, or the ornate dining table, each of these items is now trendy once more. Interior designers often choose to bring contrast into monochromatic homes with the use of antique furniture that has been restored, adding modern pieces as well. This means that the resulting space feels current, but also holds onto significance from our past. Teak and mahogany beds, carved wooden swings, and wood-iron benches evoke style with the stories they seem to tell.
3. Colors from Old Dhaka
The architectural palette in Old Dhaka’s heritage structures make great use of indigos, mustard yellows, and burnt ochres and reds; which can make the interior design of a room pop more than it otherwise would. Rooms in a home can even be decorated with upholstery made of silk or velvet in rich colors and textured finishes.
4. Compact Living a’la Dhaka
Dhaka has always been a little cramped for space, especially since the urbanization of the city since the late 80’s for a dearth of good jobs in rural or remote areas of the countryScarcity of real estate means that people have to make-do with whatever they have available. Furniture that will be multi-functional with excess storage tucked away (here is where pull-out beds, sofa-cum-beds etc. will definitely provide the support you lacks” This trick will allow you to combine cross-functional furniture with crisp, clean layouts; something that is quickly becoming the norm in urban apartments with less storage space.
5. Art That Speaks of Home
Local artists work on rickshaw art, folk paintings and Dhaka streetscapes help us tell stories of remote, as well as urban Bengal. This curated artwork captures the nuance and nostalgia of city life. People who have bigger spaces are also hiring calligraphers and local artists to create personalized pieces that reflect their specific taste, also commissioning artists to create murals every now and then.
The soul of Dhaka has multiple layers, beating with a rhythmic pulse that is authentic in every moment. That is why the interior design of this city is reflected in its heritage, culture, and urbanity, where their imperfections, past and people all bear symbolism. When designing a space in Dhaka, interior designers should first ask: what about this city moves you? And then, proceed from that answer to guide their floors, walls and stories as a whole.