5 Signature Design Elements That Define Kolkata’s Heritage Homes

• August 11, 2025
• By: Sanyukta Baijal
• INFLUENCERS

In a culturally rich country like India, every city has a story to tell. Yet, when it comes to heritage and art, Kolkata stands in a league of its own. It is the epitome of cultural nostalgia, infused with timeless art and poetic history. And when speaking of Kolkata’s beauty, its architecture is impossible to overlook. West Bengal's capital boasts of distinctive design language which beautifully features Bengali tradition infused with hints of the colonial era. 

Be it the arched gateways, iron details, grand staircases or embellished balconies, Kolkata’s homes stand as living canvases of its storied past. Therefore, here we are to discuss some of the exclusive and inspiring design elements which are found in the heritage homes of the cultural capital of India. 

Big Courtyards

Necessity is the mother of invention, and this holds true here. Considering, Kolkata’s humid climate, the courtyard became an integral feature of every Bengali home. Usually surrounded by rooms on sides, it's airy and allows natural light inside the house. More than just utility, this feature used to be a luxury which was often found in the havelis of zamindaar (landlord) and rich. The courtyards used to be the heart of the house for family gatherings and festivities. Clad with a tulsi plant in the centre, Uthan / Uthan Bari (traditionally referred to in Bengali) used to be polished with oxidised flooring to keep the space cool. 

Tinted Windows 

In the design vocabulary of Kolkata’s heritage homes, stained glass windows stand as proud emblems of the city's unique design identity. They originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Kolkata was a flourishing capital under British rule. Arched windows were inspired by the Brits with a touch of Bengali colours and design. 

The curved structure of jharokhas were considered architecturally ideal, as it helped in diving the weight of a building evenly, turning sunlight into an aesthetic experience. One can easily spot the tinted windows on every other house in the neighbourhood of the city. 

Verandah with Iron Railings 

Verandahs are an integral part of our Indian architecture. It's not something new, but in Kolkata they reflect a different charm accompanied with intricate iron railings. Ornate balconies can be commonly spotted in every corner of Kolkata with different colours and patterns. It features the colonial-era's elegance. Often showcasing intricate floral or geometric patterns, these verandahs aren’t just for decorative purpose; they reflect a lifestyle that valued outdoor spaces overlooking and the bustling street life outside.

Oxidised Flooring

oxidised flooring has been so famous in Bengal that it almost became synonymous to the traditional Kolkata architecture. A cost-effective yet visually striking finish, this flooring is the best choice for a hot and humid city like Kolkata. Apart from its appealing look which beautifully blends with the classic white Bengali walls, the red oxidised flooring keeps the house cool and is long lasting as well. 

Colonnaded Facade

Another element drawing inspiration from European architecture is the colonnaded facade featuring a series of pillars. This is a signature design of many British buildings adding rhythm and grandeur to the front. These are commonly present in the bigger homes like havelis of the aristocratic “bonedi” families of Kolkata.

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