Home Designs for the Festive Season: The Role of Paint and Light in Dashain & Tihar

Dashain and Tihar are more than festivals, they’re moments of renewal, togetherness, and joy. Families gather, homes open to guests, and every corner is expected to radiate warmth and positivity. There are two design elements which plays a central role in shaping this festive atmosphere: paint and light.

Fresh paint brings life to tired walls and sets the emotional tone of a home, while lighting defines the mood – from the soft glow of evening gatherings to the brightness of morning rituals. Together, they create the perfect backdrop for memories that last a lifetime.

Refreshing Spaces with Color

The festive season is the perfect time to give your interiors a fresh look. Repainting before Dashain symbolizes new beginnings and makes homes feel more welcoming for family and friends.

You don’t always have to repaint the entire house, even a single feature wall can make a big difference. Shades like reds, ochers, and earthy neutrals are especially popular during festivals, instantly uplifting a room and creating a cozy, celebratory vibe.

Lighting Up Celebrations

Lighting is just as important as color when it comes to festive design. By layering warm ambient lighting with task-focused fixtures, you can strike the right balance between practicality and celebration.

Spaces like the living and dining rooms, where families gather the most, should be top priorities. A well-planned lighting setup not only makes these areas comfortable but also ensures they shine in family photographs and festive moments.

A Festival for Everyone

Dashain and Tihar bring people together across cultures and communities in Nepal. During this season, interiors play a vital role in spreading joy.

  • Paint adds freshness, brightness, and symbolic purity.
  • Lighting enhances mood, warmth, and festivity.

Together, they make every home feel welcoming, vibrant, and ready for celebration.

Tradition Meets Modern Design

In the past, Dashain symbolized renewal – families bought new clothes as a sign of prosperity and respect. Today, that same idea extends to our homes and workplaces. A refreshed space reflects purity, readiness, and positivity, just like new attire once did.

Here are a few simple ways to combine tradition with modern design this festive season:

  • Choose durable, easy-to-maintain paints to withstand the busy holiday period.
  • Experiment with accent walls for a quick but impactful refresh.
  • Use a mix of ambient and task lighting to balance function with celebration.

About Author

John D. Tamang is the Founder & CEO of both Group of Interior Architects (GIA) (Lazimpat-02) and Brush & Strokes (Uttardhoka). He also serves as a lecturer at the British Academy of Arts and Design (BAAD) in Ratopool. He completed his studies in 2019 from IEC College of Arts and Fashion.

Instagram: groupofinteriorarchitects

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