From the calming ripples of the Mandovi to the gently swaying rows of green paddy, Goan landscape is a rich play of textures and colours. And needless to say, these textures find a home on the walls, floors, and rooms of a property in Goa.
Every home here holds not just people, but also the stories of the land and the wisdom of those born out of it. With peacock fan arches, stucco mouldings, and ingenious craftsmanship, houses here speak a language of skill and precision.
Read on to explore the varying crafts that add life to a property in Goa and discover where to buy some of it for your homes.
Handcrafted Heritage
Walk in through the doors of a property in Goa and get ready to witness a celebration of handiwork. Carved teak wood chairs, curved armrests, intricately designed headboards, and brass inlays adorn the interiors of traditional Goan homes.
Popular as souvenirs and home décor, Goan handicrafts are not just aesthetic, but they are also a display of identity. The skill of these local artisans is just as much a part of the State’s cultural capital as the food and the music.
Consider adding lacquerware to your homes. Goa has a long history with wood carving or wood turning, especially with the presence of the Chari community. These carpenters make corner shelves, elaborately crafted tables and more. Reminiscent of the Portuguese era and beyond, these artefacts add the old-world charm to every room.
Where to buy them?
Check out Saudade antique store in Sangolda, Bardez.
Woven Through Time
Goa’s tropical climate and the abundance of natural resources gave rise to the art of weaving. Cane and bamboo are most commonly used to create baskets, mats, and furniture. These natural materials elevate your home’s visual appeal but more importantly, they boost the local economy.
Pic credit: Gozdi
However, a unique texture that adds cosy warmth to Goan homes is the use of Godhadi (handwoven quilts). Originating in Maharashtra and Goa, these sheets are usually handwoven by grandmothers for their grandchildren. Vibrant in colour and sporting ornate spiral designs, this is nostalgia collected in fabric.
Another gift of love spun by skilled hands is crochet mats. This art arrived as a part of the Portuguese influence. It is also considered a bridge between the past and present as most designs are passed from mothers to daughters. Today, lying on tabletops and covering altars, these delicate items exhibit the grace and flair of Goa’s artistic heritage. If you are someone who loves the vintage style, simply add crochet doilies to your home. Warning, a heavy shower of compliments may come your way.
Where to buy them?
For Godhadi try this store and for crochet items visit the famed Panjim market.
Tales of Shutters
Goan homes open the door quite literally to many stories of vernacular design that are just as enticing as the play of light and shadows. Latticework is a common sight at a typical property in Goa. Dating back to the Indo-Portuguese era, these shutters provide privacy and airflow while keeping the heat at bay. Let’s not forget the timeless beauty of Jalis that add elegance to any space. You can bring this heritage-inspired style into your own apartment by opting for bamboo shutters.
Where to buy them?
For Bamboo items check out the local stores in Panjim and Mapusa.
Stories in Surfaces
What comes to your mind when you think of Goan homes? The colourful facades, of course!
A distinct feature of a typical property in Goa is the walls. These surfaces whisper the remarkable history of the State from the Portuguese style to local craftsmanship.
If you have ever visited the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, you probably remember the majestic laterite exterior. Sourced locally, this stone is known as the bedrock of Goan architecture. The open laterite walls add colour, and the porous texture brings a natural allure to these buildings. Exposed laterite accents are also making a comeback in contemporary designs.
While laterite might be a difficult option to add to your home, you can still recreate the red hue with terracotta. For example, have you noticed the figurines of soldiers or lions that sit atop Goan rooftops?
If yes, you can place similar red clay items indoors as divine statues, wall hangings, wind chimes, and more. Earthy and textured, clay pots would also be a great addition to make your balcony a cosy space.
Where to buy them?
Head to Bicholim to discover the Kumbhar Pottery Studio.
Coastal Comforts
Riches from the sea and the soil are the muses to many handicrafts in Goa. Coconut is not just a staple ingredient in food, but it also provides the artisans with raw materials to craft some of the most beautiful pieces. Under their expertise, the coconut shells are reborn as coasters, spoons, wall hangings, and lamps. They add soul to the interiors and pay a silent homage to the susegad spirit of Goa.
Shells on the other hand, are also repurposed here, resulting in screens, mirrors, and the coastal-favourite curtains. Bring the breezy beach vibe indoors with these beautiful keepsakes.
Where to buy them?
Head to Goa Government’s network of Aparant stores near Azad Maidan, Panjim to buy local coconut handicrafts and check out the markets at Anjuna and Palolem for shell products.
Balancing the Old and New
With the handicrafts industry facing a decline, the addition of it to your interiors would be a positive step in supporting local artisans and preserving artistic history. Today, modern interpretation of local textures embraces the harmony of concrete walls and artisanal tiles, sleek interiors and carved wooden beams, steel railings and bamboo screens. Ultimately, the use of artefacts today is not about competition, but it is a conversation between the past and the present.
If you’re dreaming of a home in Goa, these textures are more than just décor. They’re physical memories of the coast’s artistry. Bring a piece of this legacy into your haven with a home at Satt Adhar’s Skyline Harmony located in St. Inez, Panjim. Our space is the perfect canvas to combine tradition and transformation.
