Everyone knows Diwali decor starts way before the actual days roll in. Changing the bedcovers and curtains, bringing the brass urlis out of hibernation and aggressively cleaning every corner of your home before the fairylights, lanterns and floral arrangements make their way to claim the spotlight. You won’t miss any window, wall, table but have you given a thought to your entry way?
It’s an introduction to your home when the door opens, a space that sets the tone for what is to unfold once you cross that little space. For that reason alone, it's a great canvas to play with this festive season. “We believe a beautiful entrance should create a feeling even before it creates a visual impression. Festivities don’t necessarily need abundance; sometimes, the most understated gestures leave the strongest impression,” say Mayuri and Anshul Chawla of floral atelier, 1 Magnolia Lane, highlighting that beautiful sculptural arrangements of seasonal flowers, ambient lighting with lanterns and diyas or a fresh floral toran, a beautifully crafted urli or even a small arrangement of marigolds can introduce a festive spirit without overwhelming the architecture. “The secret is to allow each element its own breathing space. An entrance should feel curated, not decorated,” Mayuri says.
Whether you gravitate towards lights or flowers, Mayuri and Anshul share some ways you can create a warm, welcoming and effortlessly beautiful entryway this Diwali because honestly, why should the living room have all the fun?
Mix old-world materials with contemporary forms — aged brass, natural wood, stone, textured ceramics and fresh flowers result is a space that feels rooted in Indian tradition but speaks a modern design language
Experiment with heights and asymmetrical arrangements, keeping the architecture of your entryway in mind. A combination of tall branches, statement blooms, seasonal flowers and textured foliage can create a striking visual composition
For limited space, a vertical installation that doesn't take up floor space works best. Using a single statement element rather than several smaller decorative objects competing for attention will make your entrance look elegant and uncluttered
A beautiful floral rangoli using petals from different local flowers can make for a good entry way decor element. Line it up with brass diyas or urlis to create ambient lighting in the evening
Fresh flowers are key. Marigolds bring warmth and nostalgia, orchids bring sophistication, mogra introduces an Indian sensibility. For a more contemporary look, combine traditional flowers with sculptural greens, branches, lotus pods and textural foliage
Reinterpret traditional elements to modernise the decor. Elevate your toran with delicate floral strings, bells or combine mogra and marigolds
Introduce a lovely scent through fresh flowers such as mogra, tuberose, seasonal blooms or subtle natural fragrances to create a sensorial atmosphere
Fresh flowers for the win
Mixing flowers with different characters and textures makes for visually interesting decor. Marigolds, chrysanthemums, carnations, orchids, roses, tuberoses, mogra and seasonal foliage are wonderful choices. Marigolds offer warmth and nostalgia, orchids bring sophistication, while mogra introduces an unmistakable fragrance and Indian sensibility. “For a more contemporary look, I love combining traditional flowers with sculptural greens, interesting branches, lotus pods and textural foliage,” says Mayuri.
Embrace asymmetry and heights
Rather than sticking to traditional bouquets, experiment with heights and asymmetrical arrangements, keeping the architecture of your entryway in mind. A combination of tall branches, statement blooms, seasonal flowers and textured foliage can create a striking visual composition.
“A grand doorway can accommodate a dramatic floor arrangement, while a smaller apartment entrance calls for something more restrained and sculptural. Either way, ensure that the arrangement does not obstruct the doorway, interfere with movement or make the entrance difficult to navigate,” the duo advises.
Reinterpret traditional elements
You can't really replace the elegance of a marigold toran or a brass urli, so instead of doing away with them, reinterpret these traditional elements. Elevate your marigold toran with delicate floral strings, foliage, bells or even a combination of mogra and marigolds.
Brass urlis can be filled with floating flowers, lotus blooms and petals, with a few carefully placed diyas adding to the festive mood. Instead of elaborate rangolis, try a floral installation using petals, leaves and natural textures.
“We particularly love mixing old-world materials with contemporary forms — aged brass, natural wood, stone, textured ceramics and fresh flowers. The result is a space that feels rooted in Indian tradition but speaks a modern design language,” Mayuri and Anshul explain.
Go beyond red and gold
Experiment with palettes inspired by nature, architecture and the changing seasons. Here are a few combinations to consider:
Burgundy, plum and dusty blush: Deep wine, aubergine, muted mauve and soft blush make for an incredibly sophisticated palette, rich without being overpowering. These shades pair well with aged brass and dark wood.
Burnt orange, ochre and moss green: Inspired by the Indian landscape and the warmth of autumn, this combination brings together marigolds, rust-toned flowers, ochre accents and rich greens for an earthy, celebratory aesthetic.
Ivory, champagne and soft sage: A timeless, understated palette, ivory blooms, delicate champagne tones and muted sage foliage create a serene entrance with an almost European sensibility.
Get the lighting right
Good lighting can make or break your decor. Create a warm, diffused glow using a combination of fairy lights, brass lanterns, traditional diyas and candles at different heights for a beautiful layered effect. Place diyas or enclosed LED candles along the edges of a floral installation or around an urli to allow the light to reflect off the water and brass.
Layout matters
Before you even get to the decor, look at the layout and space of your entryway. The architecture, proportions, existing materials and natural light will help you identify the focal point of the space. It could be a dramatic floral arrangement, a beautifully detailed console, an architectural doorway or even an interesting piece of art.
Once the focal point is established, everything else should support it. “If I am creating a statement floral installation, I would keep the surrounding accessories understated. If the entrance already has beautiful architectural detailing, I might introduce delicate florals and soft lighting rather than another dramatic element. Work with three things in mind: scale, texture and balance. Not every element needs to demand attention. Some elements should simply create harmony,” Mayuri and Anshul explain.
Less is more
If your entryway is compact, the best approach is to avoid overwhelming the space with too many elements. A thoughtfully styled console with a small sculptural floral arrangement, a brass diya and perhaps a framed piece of art can be incredibly effective.
Vertical styling is another way to make the most of limited space. Think a delicate toran, a floral wall accent or a vertical installation that doesn't take up floor space. “Use a single statement element rather than several smaller decorative objects competing for attention so your entrance looks elegant and uncluttered,” the duo suggests.
The key is to consider the proportions of your space, your decor and your home's overall aesthetic. Avoid an overload of colours, flowers, lights and accessories competing for attention. Sometimes, a few well-chosen elements make a much stronger impression.
Make your flowers last
Flowers look great, but without a little care, arrangements can quickly start looking messy. To extend their longevity, use clean vessels and fresh water. Change the water daily and remove fading flowers. Trim stems diagonally before arranging them and keep arrangements away from direct sunlight, heat and air-conditioning vents. Use floral foam sparingly and never leave arrangements in stagnant water.
“Choose seasonal and locally available flowers wherever possible. They are often fresher and better adapted to the climate,” explains Anshul.
God is in the details
For your decor to shine, the small details around it matter. A beautiful natural-fibre doormat, well-maintained planters, a thoughtfully chosen vessel and even the fragrance that greets you at the door can completely transform the experience. Introduce a lovely scent through fresh flowers such as mogra and tuberose, seasonal blooms or subtle natural fragrances.
“Clean flooring, polished door hardware and neatly arranged accessories are details that make a tremendous difference. A beautiful entrance should appeal to all the senses — sight, touch, light and fragrance,” say Mayuri and Anshul.
Ultimately, a festive entrance is not just about how a home looks when someone walks in. It is about how it makes them feel. And while there are plenty of ways to style your doorway, don't feel obliged to follow every rule. Break the symmetry, play with unexpected colour combinations and experiment with flowers and vessels that reflect your personality.
“We love imperfection in design. An asymmetrical floral installation, an unexpected combination of flowers, an unusual vessel or an organic arrangement with beautiful movement can be far more interesting than something perfectly structured. Trust your instincts and allow your homes to reflect their personalities,” Mayuri and Anshul share.
