Reinventing the Verandah : A traditional Threshold space design

Styles you can explore and implement with ease!

Verandah design by residential architects in delhi

Verandahs have always been considered by Indian people as a space to socialize with the guests within the homes. This concept is deeply rooted in our ethos. With the development of housing complex systems, these Indian thresholds have reduced significantly, and the social engagement with the community has declined. However, the residential architects in Delhi have reinvented the traditions of the Indian threshold, not only as a way to socialize but also as an innovative approach, to turn these into outdoor spaces in a modern way. Here are some trending designs by the residential architects in Delhi for a revamp of your threshold spaces.

A verandah can be used a modern space to communicate and increase familial interactions, suggests residential architects in Delhi

Source:https://www.houzz.com.au/photos/camp-hill-house-contemporary-verandah-brisbane-phvw-vp~175863132


If we take a trip down memory lane, we can all reminisce memories of sitting on the verandah of our ancestral home, with our grandfather reading out stories for us while also chattering with the passersby. This essence of socializing has been rooted deep within us, which makes us keep revisiting the frame of Indian traditions.

Outdoor living by home design architect near me

Residential Architects in Delhi lhistate, some complementary colors, plants and statement furnishing is all it takes.

Source:https://renoguide.com.au/outdoor/55-front-verandah-ideas-and-improvement-designs

Thresholds have been a significant part of Indian homes for various reasons. They were designed as a buffer space to suit the climate of the Indian region, where the summers are hot and monsoons are wild. These spaces cut down the extreme heat entering directly into the interiors and act as a shield from the harsh rains. They also served as a significant space to greet guests and convey hospitality, while creating a visual barrier between the private interior zone and the exterior. The thresholds acted as an interactive space for the family to socialize with the passersby and neighbors and enjoy the streetscape.


However, these verandahs have lost their function and charm in today's urban spaces, mainly due to two reasons – one being that there are fewer buffer spaces planned in the residential properties; the other, we tend to focus on the interior and neglect the most intriguing part of the Indian home, the entrance.

Nonetheless, we at the Chaukor Design Studio - residential architects in Delhi, have some trending options for you to reinvent the Indian threshold spaces while revitalizing the tradition of the Indian verandahs.


The timeless and classic…

Arches & Outdoor porch by residential architects in delhi

Source : https://onekindesign.com/2017/03/28/northern-italian-style-villa/

A classical look to the verandah describes your intimacy with traditional Indian homes and a longing for a timeless appearance. The design of this style incorporates ornate pillars, a high plinth, and wooden trusses, and imbues a perfect example of symmetry and order.
For a traditional Indian ambience, a jhoola or an armchair, paired with a wooden or metal artwork or sculpture, lamp, vase, and wooden seating and table, will emphasize the style.

A classical décor utilizes elaborate carvings that is bound to generate an artistic aura within you. Subtle shades, with warm tones such as brown, beige, and white can be used in accordance with this style. In order to elevate the intimate vibe, accessorize with rugs, carpets, and fabric wall art for an additional cozy atmosphere.  The architects in Delhi find this style elegant and define it as a 'style that would never go outdated'.


Rustic for a nostalgic experience

Rustic implies regional, so architects in Delhi suggest a design that imparts Indian traditional vibes and is contemporary. Materials such as wood, earth, and bamboo create a rustic environment invoking a sense of nostalgia for the traditions as well as for nature. Additionally, you can use textures for walls and flooring, which imitate raw earth. Built-in furniture like seating or shelves made of stones, brick, or clay gives the home a rustic appearance. Being amid these elements will imbue a sense of connectivity with natural elements as they impart nature's fragrance and help maintain a comfortable indoor climate.

Rustic outdoor living by residential architects in delhi

Simple and organic is the core mantra of rustic design style - Architects for House design , Delhi

Source : https://www.decorhomeideas.com/rustic-patio-ideas/

 

Owing to the core of rustic design, which involves celebrating flaws in naturally-occurring objects, you can easily use a neglected piece of furniture that reflects a strong sense of  accentuation. Need some pop? Brush with a few strokes of bold and contrasting colors over such pieces, and you have your own bespoke yet rustic nirvana!


A minimalist approach

A minimalist approach to the verandah can become a focal point in your house. With minimum and mere functional décor, the space appears less cluttered and leaves room for contemplating life by going inward. Any residential architect can render you with this one-of-a-kind experience by designing clean geometry and colors. In this concept, the space can have elements or the furniture as an accentuating feature creating a focal element. The element can be a plant, seating or a swing, a chair and table, a lampshade, or artwork such as sculpture or painting.

porch by residential architects in delhi

Residential Architects in Delhi say that a simple and minimal verandah can be aesthetically appealing yet serve the prompt functions

Source:https://www.houzz.com/photos/modern-porch-ideas-phbr2-bp~t_726~s_2105-2116

Your verandah can turn into a chic and luxurious space with a monochrome or polychrome scheme of neutral shades that include whites, grays, and beiges. Pastel tints such including yellow, blue, or green for a single wall or furniture; will render an accent element and a point of focus. This minimalistic design will radiate serenity within you as an escape from the cluttered lifestyle. As an added benefit, minimalism also lessens maintenance work!


A verandah turned magic garden

With greens as refreshment pills, a bunch of them in your house would keep you energetic all day. Your verandah would become a special corner in the house where you can isolate yourself from the outside world and engulf in nature.

green balcony by home design architect near me

A green wall and a line of plants, is a great way of converting your verandah into a fantastical garden

Source: https://www.gardeningetc.com/design/balcony-garden-ideas

Having said that, turning your verandah into a mini home forest would not require much space in your contemporary house. Depending on the verandah's area, you can have the planters arranged in pots or as a green wall. According to the Indian climate, plants like Aloe vera, tulsi, money plant, or lucky bamboo may be opted for. In addition, vegetable planters like chili, coriander, or tomato would provide a fresh supply in your kitchen every day, or a bouquet of floral plants like roses, jasmine and marigold will enliven by adding colors to the threshold. 


Do you still want a pair of small planters with those picture-perfect big trees in your house? Then bonsai would be the one for you!
You can choose to take a step ahead and create a small pond for lilies or a tiny waterfall with stones around it, and add a garden chair to make the space a perfect escape from your busy lifestyle. Also, here is a little tip : to impart that fairytale vibe, make sure to install the correct lighting within your green garden. It will impart that ‘wow’ factor you have been looking for.


The contemporary one

Choosing a contemporary style for your verandah will give you limitless possibilities of design and a space for experimentation. Your home design architect can provide you with a wide range of designs for the space. Irrespective of the interior furnishing of your house, the contemporary style in the verandah will go along seamlessly in the house. Each element can be different from the other yet possess harmony.

Outdoor sitting by home design architect near me

A contemporary balcony can also be used a window to the enveloping nature, as per residential architects in Delhi

Source: https://www.archdaily.com/894857/the-verandah-house-modo-design

With an open opportunity, you can include multiple and bold colors in the shades of blue, green, or orange, along with various décor items. For an audacious appearance, the space can be paired with a vibrant patterned flooring.

Since summers are harsh in India, the residential architects in Delhi often advise pergolas in the verandah for an added shade. It also creates a dynamic experience in the space during sunlit hours. Additionally, planting creepers or potted plants will act as an added benefit. 


Verandah - On a concluding Note !

Whether you want the classic or the contemporary one, revamping the threshold will emphasize a sense of intimacy with your home. Having said that, these design ideas can either go along with the existing interiors of your home or can be a mismatch and stand out as a bold statement from the rest of the house. Take your pick and trust us when we say this…you will not regret this verandah decision at all!


Chaukor Studio

Chaukor Studio is a leading architecture and interior design firm in Delhi.
With more than a decade of experience, Architects and Interior Designers working at the firm expertise in House Design and Office Interior Design.