Indian cinema has always caught us off guard with its unprecedented approach in terms of digging deep into the unheard chronicles of all kinds. Simultaneously, it has never disappointed us with the presentation of what it’s presenting. It has never missed a chance to read the room, and hence, has won the art of weaving the soliloquies, emotional exchanges of dialogues between the protagonists, silence, drama, and every other scene with the meticulous and mindful backdrop walking along. In doing so, it undertook the art of communication as the responsibility of reaching to its savourers in its finest taste.
If you’re someone who thinks about movies, talks about movies, and is meticulous about everything portrayed in it, then I am sure Maria’s apartment definitely would have caught your keen eye. Her apartment is a personified captivating character in this suspenseful noir, Merry Christmas. Why? From the moment Albert (Vijay Sethupati) steps inside, we are transported into an Anglo-Indian Classic Vintage apartment. He notices how everything is extraordinarily placed, and it truly is.
Let’s Take A Close Walk Through Maria’s Vintage Classic Living Room Decor
The Anglo-Indian vintage classic style is a rich tapestry of influences between colonial formality and Indian richness. The use of vintage or classic decor in storytelling is a powerful shorthand for directors and writers. Hence, this style is beautifully portrayed in Merry Christmas. Let’s see how:
1. Walls
Hanging Carpet
Wallpaper & Paint
The walls are painted and some covered with a Peale green ornate wallpaper. These serve as a backdrop to the more decorative elements, ultimately amplifying the vintage ambiance.
Artwork & Photos
2. Furniture
Sofa
Tables & Cupboards
These are made from dark, heavy wood like teak or rosewood. They have a mix of Western and Indian traditional in their intricate carvings and designs. The pieces appear to have been collected over time rather than purchased as a set.
3. Textiles and Upholstery
Curtains
The living room has large windows with light and heavy, dark curtains that are drawn to induce an intimate space, as seen during Maria and Albert’s conversation.
Cushions
Softer items like patterned upholstery and cushions, potentially with local block-printed designs, are used to add pops of color and heritage.
4. Other Accessories
Books
Again, sophistication has to do everything here. I mean, books are one of the easiest ways to present oneself as intellectual, classy and someone who’s carrying deep thoughts within.
The Gramophone & 78 rpm Records
The anachronistic (vintage) gramophone immediately places the viewer in a different era and points to a nostalgia for the past. As a prominent decor element reminiscent of the 1980s, it strengthens the charm of a vintage classic home interior.
Her Portrait
You’ll see Albert looking around and stumbles upon her portrait with her husband. It is hand-painted and fitted in an antique design frame. It is my personal favourite.
Tension of Old vs New
- The decor doesn’t strictly follow a single time period but mixes vintage items from different decades (e.g., the 1950s-era gramophone with more ornate colonial-style furniture). The 1980s setting is established through subtle details rather than overwhelming the space.
- The Anglo-Indian style is a combination of British colonial influences and Indian elements. The production design captures this by mixing traditionally British-style furniture with wall hangings and patterns, hinting Indian history.
- The apartment is not minimalist. It’s filled with books, multiple decorative pieces and other items that suggest a rich, but perhaps static, life. This deliberate ordered collection of everything present was done to fake normalcy, and to avoid any possibility of suspicion.
Strategic Use of Color and Light
Instead of a generic color description, we can talk about the specific atmosphere created by the color palette and lighting.
- Rich wood tones, dark green (Peale green), and muted red bear the responsibility of giving a cozy and slightly moody atmosphere to her apartment. And the darker tones are balanced by pops of color from the Christmas decorations.
- You can see intimate pools of light heightening the secretive and conspiratorial mood of the film. That is done with the help of thoughtfully tailored lighting from lamps and other fixtures.
There you have it!
Maria’s decor is a pretty backdrop and it’s a whole mood. Its charm instantly pulls you into her world, and makes you feel the history and mystery right along with the characters. If you’re looking to create a space layered with history, the Anglo-Indian vintage style is pure inspiration. It’s all about mixing rich woods, patterned textiles, intricate wall decor, and personal collections. It proves that the most captivating interiors are lovingly achieved over time. So, what are you waiting for? Christmas?
