Heritage and Hospitality Wall Designs
I collaborate with architects and designers to bring history and soul to luxury hotels, restaurants, and heritage properties. Here is how I transform large commercial spaces into immersive stories.
For the Surya Haveli in Jaipur, I designed a series of wallpapers that celebrate the city's rich heritage. This sitting area features multiple patterns, from geometric ceilings to arched murals, creating a truly royal experience.
Another view of the Surya Haveli project, showcasing a different room with custom wallpapers. The designs blend traditional motifs with embroidered textures, bringing the palace's history to life in a new way.
The grand atrium of the Surya Haveli in Jaipur. While my wallpaper is in the adjoining rooms, this view captures the overall sense of opulence and heritage that my designs were created to complement.
A sitting room at the Nivah heritage property, featuring my Mughal-inspired jaali wallpaper in a vibrant yellow. The design adds warmth and historical context, making the space feel both luxurious and authentic.
A mood board showcasing the inspiration for the bespoke artworks and murals created for the Shanghigh restaurant. The theme blends luxury, elegance, and traditional Asian art, from geishas and dragons to serene landscapes.
Another mood board for the Shanghigh restaurant project, focusing on unique and bespoke oriental elements. Koi fish, cranes, and classic portraits were all part of the visual language developed for the space.
The first step in our Lucknow heritage project was capturing the city's soul with watercolor sketches. This video shows the artist's hand bringing the architecture to life on paper, forming the basis for the final mural.
About Heritage & Hospitality Projects
When I work on a hospitality project like a heritage haveli or a high-end restaurant, I focus on the interplay between the wall and the surrounding environment. Lighting, furniture placement, and material durability are just as important as the design itself. If you are planning a commercial space, we should discuss the wall-to-furniture flow early in the process to ensure every element fits your vision.
My approach to hospitality projects is deeply collaborative. Whether it is a luxury hotel in Rajasthan or a restaurant in Gurugram, I treat every wall as a canvas for history. Designing for commercial spaces requires precision. Unlike residential work, these projects must withstand high traffic while maintaining a strong visual impact. For the Surya Haveli project in Jaipur, I used textured prints to mimic the feel of traditional embroidery, giving guests an authentic experience without the maintenance requirements of real silk panels.
For restaurants like Shanghigh, I moved away from textile-inspired patterns and toward illustrative murals that establish an immediate thematic mood.
My Design Process
- Concept & Sketching: I start with manual watercolor sketches to capture the soul of the location.
- Digital Scaling: Every mural is scaled specifically for your wall dimensions so that key motifs remain visible and aren't cut off by switchboards or furniture.
- Texture Selection: I provide samples of matte, canvas, or feather textures to ensure the finish reacts well under your venue lighting.
If you are an architect or designer looking for a partner to handle heritage-inspired or custom wall coverings, I would love to show you my process. Let us talk about your site plan and how we can add character to your space.
Ankita Arya
I am Ankita. My studio is a mix of paint tubes, sketches, and endless chai, but beneath the chaos is a deep love for India’s design heritage. I do not just create wall decor; I help architects and hoteliers bring real soul into their spaces.
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