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Heritage and Vintage Interior Design Inspiration

byMaia Design StudioBased in Sadashiva Nagar; Projects across Bengaluru & IndiaStarts from₹450 per sq. ft.View full gallery

To build a home that lasts, I often look to the past. These glimpses into history are not just old buildings, they are textbooks on how light, materials, and proportions work together to create a space that breathes.

The staircase in my grandmother's childhood home in Calcutta, built in the early 1940s. The graceful curve of the marble stairs, the simple elegance of the wall sconce, and the play of light and shadow are details that remain timeless and inspiring.

These bold, red Art Deco-style doors are from the same 1940s Calcutta home. The fact that everything remains untouched, including this daring color choice, is a powerful reminder of how confident design can transcend decades.

About Heritage & Inspiration

When I bring heritage elements into a modern home, it is not about recreating a museum. It is about understanding the why behind design choices—like the bold color of these 1940s doors or the curve of a marble staircase—and adapting that confidence to a contemporary layout. It is about finding the one architectural detail that anchors the entire room.

Expertise in blending Indian heritage and luxury. — Approved by the tribe
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Maia Design Studio

Based in Sadashiva Nagar; Projects across Bengaluru & IndiaStarts from ₹450 per sq. ft.

I am Shruti, the founder of MAIA. My team and I believe that if you want a home that feels like it has a soul, you have to look at the stories written in the past. We take the time to understand your personal heritage so we can build a space that feels like a natural evolution of who you are, rather than a store-bought trend.

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When I first stepped into this 80-year-old structure, I saw a quiet soul beneath the rubble. This staircase and entryway, with its original tiled floor and restored wooden details, is a glimpse into the journey of bringing our studio back to life.8
My personal cabin in the studio. I kept the exposed brick and stone walls and paired them with a bold green accent wall and a zebra-print rug. It’s a space that feels creative and inspiring, blending raw, historical textures with eclectic, modern touches.
The main lounge area in our studio is where we gather as a team. The vaulted ceiling with exposed beams, whitewashed brick walls, and cozy furniture create a space that feels open and collaborative. It’s where our ideas, doubts, and dreams come to life.
A view from the studio hallway into the garden. The original jaali work on the wall casts beautiful shadows as the light changes throughout the day. It’s these small, preserved details that give the space its unique character and charm.

My Studio: A Restored Mumbai Heritage Haven

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Richa BahlTakes projects across India; Visit Design Studio in Bandra West, Mumbai
This living room is the heart of a rustic, medieval-inspired home. We brought in large, heavy stones to create a fireplace-like feature wall, balancing its weight with warm floral prints, hand-painted green cabinets, and a collection of the family's treasured Kalighat art.8
In this master bedroom, we designed a custom four-poster bed to be the centerpiece. The headboard is a tapestry of silk and brocade, stretching to the ceiling to create a sense of quiet grandeur and heritage.
This kitchen is a whisper of South India, with its deep monsoon blues, terracotta-patterned tiles, and natural cane shutters. It’s a space designed with quiet strength, holding fast to what endures rather than chasing trends.
I believe every home needs a quiet corner for reflection. We created this cozy window seat and reading nook with custom-built shelving, turning an unused space into a personal haven for getting lost in a book.

Our Featured Interior Design Projects

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By the RiversideProjects in Bengaluru & Chennai; Visit Studio in Whitefield
This transition space at the Bangalore Club captures my approach to adaptive reuse. The custom PVC wallpaper, featuring illustrations of historic Indian architecture and peacocks, creates a narrative wall that guides members through the health club while honoring the building's colonial roots.7
Modern wellness amenities, like these new steam and sauna rooms, are seamlessly integrated into the heritage setting of the Bangalore Club. The design uses warm wood paneling and clear signage to create a functional, spa-like experience that respects the original structure.
In the ladies' washroom, a feature wall of patterned blue tiles provides a vibrant contrast to the warm wood cabinetry and colonial gold stone countertops. The custom-framed mirrors with rounded corners soften the space, blending classic and contemporary design elements.
For a modern duplex residence, I drew inspiration from Regency-era elegance to create a living room that feels both grand and comfortable. A bookmatched marble feature wall, fluted wood paneling, and integrated LED lighting come together to form a space that is sophisticated and livable.

Heritage Architecture and Modern Interior Design

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Amalgrain StudioBased in Hoodi; Projects across Bengaluru
A postcard from Europe. Pausing at charming cafés like this one, with its mint green walls and classic wooden furniture, inspires me to create cozy, inviting spaces in my own projects.9
Wandering through the cobblestone streets of Montmartre in Paris. The timeless charm of cafes like Au Cadet de Gascogne, with their iconic red awnings, is a constant source of inspiration for creating spaces with soul.
The facade of "Le Secret des Artistes" in a quaint European town. The textured walls, rustic shutters, and charming signage are the kinds of thoughtful details that add character and tell a story.
Visiting the Perrotin gallery in Paris to witness the incredible work of British sculptor Lynn Chadwick. His mastery of form and imagination is a profound reminder of the power of art to transform a space.

Global Design Inspiration for Modern Indian Homes

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Anjali RawatTakes projects across India; Consultation at studio in Chembur West, Mumbai
This double-height living room is the heart of a heritage home I restored. My goal was to create a space that feels grand yet intimate, balancing bold color with contemporary furniture and traditional art. The design emphasizes scale, natural light, and a seamless connection to the outdoors.8
I believe a home should be a retreat, and this penthouse rooftop is the ultimate urban oasis. I designed this space with a pool, custom decking, and comfortable lounge areas to be perfect for both quiet relaxation and entertaining guests against the city skyline.
This bedroom is designed as a personal sanctuary. The tropical-themed wallpaper creates a focal point and a sense of escape, while the neutral color palette, clean lines, and soft textures make the room feel calm and restful.
My architectural work often involves using honest materials like brick and concrete. This facade design shows how I combine these raw textures with large glass panels and integrated greenery to create a modern home that feels warm, grounded, and connected to nature.

Featured Architectural Designs and Modern Interiors

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Spectre ArchitectsTakes projects across India; Studio in Greater Kailash 2, New Delhi
I believe a home's first impression should be one of majesty and grace. This grand foyer is defined by its beautifully proportioned barrel vault ceiling and a sweeping curved staircase that serves as a dramatic focal point, embodying the refined, harmonious, and majestic atmosphere I strive to create.8
This double-height dining area is a celebration of scale and grandeur. I designed this space with soaring ceilings, intricate wall mouldings, and large crystal chandeliers to create an environment that feels both impressive and inviting for gatherings.
My approach to living spaces involves a rich layering of textures, patterns, and eras. Here, antique furniture, opulent sofas, and crystal chandeliers are juxtaposed with contemporary pieces, creating a room that feels like a lived-in celebration of personal history and timeless style.
A bedroom should be a sanctuary of calm and elegance. In this room, I used a harmonious blend of creamy beiges and muted greens, enhanced by classic European wall paneling and a large, contemporary artwork to create a space that balances classical design with soft, modern undertones.

A Collection of Timeless Classical Interiors

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Aashi Gupta DesignsBased in Delhi NCR; takes on projects across India

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