Chettinad homes are known for their teak woodwork, carved doors, pillared courtyards and colourful handmade Athangudi tiles. An apartment cannot hold a courtyard, but it can carry the same warmth.
Let wood lead
Choose warm teak tones for the main units: the TV wall, the wardrobes, the dining crockery unit. Panelled shutters look closer to traditional joinery than flat ones.
Use pattern in small doses
Athangudi-style patterns work well as a kitchen backsplash, a pooja backdrop or a strip of flooring at the entrance. One patterned surface in a room is usually enough.
Brass and details
Brass handles, a hanging lamp and a traditional swing-style seat or carved bracket add character at a small cost.
Keep the inside modern
Behind the traditional look, the storage can be fully modular: soft-close drawers, tall pantry units and loft storage. You get the feel of an old home with the convenience of a new one.
Colours that work
Ivory or lime-white walls, teak brown wood, and small touches of red, turmeric yellow and deep green keep the palette traditional and calm.