When the British conquered India in the 19th century, they founded colonies throughout the country. Many families moved there to perform tasks and for the hope of getting rich. But the climate of the continent was very unusual for them: suffocating hot air, monsoon rain, high humidity. The houses they built and also the furnishing served for ventilating cool breeze and sheltering from sunshine, this way making the surroundings more tolerable. Colonial style was born.
The most significant features of colonial architectural style are house-length verandas, where the outreached roof is supported by pillars, huge doors and windows with shutters and high ceiling. Houses are single-floor or two-storied.
They used local materials for furnishing. Dark brown (ebony, teak, mahogany) wooden floor and furniture are typical. Moving the air was solved by ventilating fans which were made of local, natural wood or grasses also. They even integrated decoration elements and patterns. The shapes of furniture however remained British. The seat and/or back is frequently wicker. Upholsteries are airy, usually white or beige. They guarded against insects with muslin curtains which were laid on the four-poster bed too. Walls are light (white, creme) which give contrast with dark furniture and feel cooling. Huge potted palms, ferns and other green plants were placed throughout the house.
They kept the typically British elegance and comfort. Sophisticated household objects made of porcelain, silver or crystal are inevitable. These were imported from the mother country. Clothes remained formal despite of hard conditions, just the used materials were lighter and mostly white.
Ask for help of an interior designer to realize the mood of colonial style in your home.