Design inspirations from Sri Lanka (Part 1)

ON a recent visit to Sri Lanka, I came away most inspired by the architecture and design features of many of its old and more recent buildings. Interestingly, many of these are currently home to splendid boutique hotels, restaurants, cafes and retail shops. Whether lovingly restored or brand new, the spaces or structures reflect great respect for the period or the neighbourhood they are located in.

More so at the Galle Fort precinct. This UNESCO world heritage site was founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese. The Galle Fort area reached the height of its development in the 18th century before the arrival of the British.

Today, as you walk around this neighbourhood you will easily recognise the built heritage of the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English. A lot of it have been restored with some put to commercial use while others have become holiday homes for expatriates. Of course, each restoration project follows strict guidelines and has to be approved by the local heritage board and town council so as to protect the integrity of the built heritage in that zone.

While visiting the many different spaces and places on this tropical island, I spotted a number of home décor and design ideas that could easily be adapted to our homes. Here are some of them.

01. Colours and textures

At the lobby of the Fort Bazaar Hotel, a large kilim anchors the space, which features a contemporary sofa flanked by two vintage-inspired armchairs. Ceramic stools in a metallic finish perform double duty as coffee table and additional seats. The play of warm colours with the varied textures provides a luxurious feel to a cozy spot.

02. King size comfort

 A large wooden four post bed in an updated style can make a stunning centrepiece. Its modern light grey finish sits easily with the all-white cotton bedding. Accent pillows in dark grey geometric patterns add texture to the otherwise plain setting.

03. Practical space

The width of this foyer provides ample space for movement. A table with a tall floral arrangement anchors the space and provides a focal point. Hard-wearing encaustic tiles in this foyer add pattern and colour in a most practical way. Note the French doors that open to the adjoining rooms.

04. Tropical flair

A bright orange sofa adds a pop of colour in an otherwise grey setting. Tall floral arrangements of heliconia blooms help make the space, which features very high ceilings, more intimate. A large teakwood coffee table with metal legs finished in matt black is both practical and stylish. A simple painted mural of “rectangle blocks” in varying shades of grey function as artwork/feature wall beautifully.

05. Moorish details

A large Moroccan brass tray with a wooden stand makes a great cocktail table while a metallic finish ceramic lantern sparkling with a flickering candle within creates an intimate setting for a tête-à-tête.

06. Make a splash!

Adding a simple lap pool or water feature into the tightest of space will create a soothing effect for your home. Nothing beats the shimmer and sparkle of the sun’s rays on a pool or the sound of water gently trickling into a fish pond. Many properties in the Galle Fort area, as in the Fort Printers Hotel, manage to feature small pools and water features to great effect. If space permits, don’t forget to add plants such as frangipani and traveller’s palm which grow well in the tropics.

Watch this space for the next instalment of my Sri Lankan design inspirations next month.

Raymond Lee is an interior designer and founder of Xceptional Interiors. He can be contacted at Email: [email protected] or check out www.xceptional-interiors.com.

This story first appeared in TheEdgeProperty.com pullout on July 29, 2016, which comes with The Edge Financial Daily every Friday. Download TheEdgeProperty.com pullout here for free.