Goan homes have evolved over time to incorporate architectural aspects from within and without India. The traditional Indian courtyards, or rajangans, the spacious balcaos and the stunning art forms of azulejos and kaavi are some elements that make Goan homes distinct. The temptation to infuse these airy and intricate elements into your home can be irresistible. Since Goans aim to continue living a well-balanced life, their homes reflect the same ideology. Incorporating Goan vibes into your homes directly converts to an acceptance of the Goan lifestyle. If you are seeking that, here are some tips on how to incorporate Goan vibes in your home.

A Stroke Of Those Bright Paints

A common visual indicator of Goan architecture is the brightly painted house. Since Goans in the day bygone did not have access to the kind of paints we do, they made do with what they could find. The reds, blues, yellows and greens were all naturally sourced and used in abundance. You need not go all the way, but strategically painting a wall or two in bright colours can be a perfect start to your home’s makeover. 

Get The Balcao

It continues to remain a common misconception that the balcao is uniquely a European element. However, according to Heta Pandit, a renowned writer of Goan Houses, similar structures have been seen in traditional Gujarati and Maharashtrian homes. If you own a large home, add the Goan-style seats to your front or back porch to add the balcao touch to it. Fit in some elegant wooden or cane furniture to complete the look.

Include Pieces Of The Local Goan Art

Kaavi, Azulejos and Chitari are some local Goan art forms that can add a rustic Goan touch to your home decor. Add fixtures of the Azulejos tiles in your salon, on the main staircase or even on your kitchen backsplash. The funky pop of blue can really lift your mood and give your home a colonial charm. Furnish your salon with wooden furniture and deck the empty spaces with locally sourced pottery and ceramic items such as vases, effigies and so on.

Travel Back In Time

What stands out in a traditional Goan home is its vintage vibe – the aged furniture, ancient knick-knacks, curios and metalware. Go second-hand furniture hunting if you really want to recreate that traditional vintage Goan look. Apart from furniture, most local markets continue to sell traditional Goan metalware i.e. utensils and storage containers in copper, aluminium or iron. Manual lamps, chandeliers and candles are some other elements that can further amp up those boho-vintage vibes.

Redo Your Roof

Mangalorean-tiled roofs have always been a signature style for Goan homes. They are easily sourced and protect your interiors from torrential rains. Redo your sloping roofs with aesthetic brown tiles. Apart from protection from rain they also help in temperature regulation indoors. These structures need to be supported by wooden rafters that also help in sound absorption. You may like to read about how Kasu designs home in keeping with the topography of the location.

Get Your Bedroom A Makeover Too

Larger traditional Goan homes sport massive four-poster beds complete with curtains and all that jazz. This is usually complemented by wooden furniture, earthy tones, ambient lighting (mostly table lamps), and a wood-panelled ceiling. However, due to Goa’s humidity, choosing a sturdy hardwood is crucial for the longevity of your home. Give your bedroom a makeover that teleports you straight to a luxury Goan villa.

Plants For More Goan Vibes

Luxe Goan homes have verandahs that run around the entire structure. These are usually decked with comfortable sitting furniture such as couches, divans, wooden rocking chairs, tables and plants. The plants are usually placed on the floor or hung on the wall. You can incorporate Goan vibes into your home by tucking in plants on your balcony walls or the floors of your verandah (if you have one). 

Goan homes are characterised by their airy, vintage and rustic vibes. They open up to the world and nature with their large windows, open patios and roomy courtyards. Moreover, their colour schemes – be it through their wall paints or art pieces, seem to add a splash of life to an overall earthy palette. Incorporating Goan vibes into your home might take you to a land where time slows down and you get time to just breathe and be. 

Read our blogs about why investing in a vacation home in Goa is a great idea and some tips on how to buy a home in Goa, if you’re looking for one.