interiors in mangalore

2025 Interior Design Trends in Mangalore

The Real Deal: What’s Hot in Mangalore’s Home Design Scene Right Now

Look, I’ve been working as an interior designer in Mangalore for over a decade now, and I’ve got to tell you – 2025 is bringing some pretty exciting changes to our homes. After chatting with countless homeowners and fellow designers, I’m seeing some really interesting stuff happening. Let me break it down for you.

Our Red Tiles Are Having a Moment (Finally!)

You know those red clay tiles that basically scream “Mangalore”? Well, they’re finally getting the love they deserve, but not in the way you’d expect. Just last week, I worked with a family in Bejai who used broken tiles to create this absolutely gorgeous mosaic wall in their living room. It’s amazing how something so traditional can look totally fresh when you play around with it a bit.

Beating the Heat (Without Breaking the Bank)

Let’s be real – Mangalore’s weather can be brutal. Those old-school wooden shutters our grandparents used? Turns out they were onto something. One of my clients in Kadri recently installed these super smart automated shutters that work with their phone. Sure, it’s a bit fancy, but their electricity bills have dropped like crazy. And don’t even get me started on how many snake plants and money plants I’m seeing everywhere – they’re like natural ACs, I swear!

The Sea’s Speaking (But Not in Blue and White)

I’m kind of over the whole “beach house” look with seashells everywhere (sorry not sorry). Instead, I’m seeing people pull colors from our actual coastline – you know that moody grey-green the sea gets during monsoon? That’s showing up on walls now. One of my favorite projects this year used these deep ocean colors with brass accents. It felt so… Mangalorean, but in a totally modern way.

Old Meets New (And They’re Actually Getting Along)

Here’s something funny – remember those antique brass vessels collecting dust in your grandmother’s house? People are turning them into lamp bases and even smart speaker covers. Not going to lie, I was skeptical at first, but it actually works! My neighbor took an old copper water pot, turned it into a pendant light, and now everyone who visits wants one.

Working from Home (Without Living at Work)

Since everyone and their cousin started working from home, we’ve had to get creative with space. Just yesterday, I helped a family in Manipal transform their traditional courtyard-style home into this amazing flexible space. They’ve got these really cool sliding panels that turn their living room into a home office in like, two minutes flat. It’s not perfect – sometimes the kids’ toys still end up in Zoom backgrounds – but hey, that’s real life, right?

Colors That Actually Make Sense Here

I’m done with people asking for all-white minimalist spaces in Mangalore (have they seen our red soil?). Instead, I’m loving how folks are embracing colors that actually make sense here. Think deep Yakshagana reds, the warm browns you see in local pottery, and those gorgeous greens from the Ghats. Though I’ll admit, I still throw in some neutrals to keep things from going totally crazy.

Supporting Our Local Artists (Because Talent, You Guys!)

Can we talk about how amazing our local artisans are? There’s this weaver in Karkala who’s creating these incredible textiles that I’m using everywhere. And the metalworkers? Pure genius. Sure, it might cost a bit more than mass-produced stuff, but it’s worth every rupee. Plus, you’re supporting actual people from our community, which feels pretty good.

Going Green (Because, Duh)

Not to get all preachy, but climate change is real, folks. I’m seeing more clients ask for recycled materials and energy-efficient everything. One of my recent projects used wood from an old demolished house in Mangalore, and the stories behind each beam make the space so special. It’s not just about looking good anymore – it’s about doing good too.

Wrapping It Up

Look, at the end of the day, what makes Mangalore’s design scene so exciting right now is that we’re finally comfortable in our own skin. We’re not trying to copy Mumbai or Bangalore anymore. Instead, we’re creating spaces that make sense for our weather, our culture, and our way of life. Sure, some of these trends might not last (remember when everyone wanted those awful glass bricks?), but I think we’re finally figuring out what works for us.

And honestly? That’s pretty darn cool.

P.S. If you’re planning to redo your space, remember – trends come and go, but good design is about creating a home that feels right for you. Sometimes that means following trends, and sometimes it means doing your own thing. And that’s totally okay!

Kshema Rai
Black Pebble Designs – Interior Designer in Mangalore
1104 Planet SKS, Kadri, Mangalore, Karnataka 575004
+91 8106071763

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