India, Feb. 18 -- After years of chasing Instagram-worthy interiors, Chandigarh and its neighbouring cities of Mohali and Panchkula seem to be taking a collective deep breath. The era of homes that looked like catalogues but felt unliveable is slowly fading. Instead, residents are choosing spaces that feel warm, practical and deeply personal. Interior designer Anushka, proprietor of Anushka Design Atelier, says the biggest shift she's noticing is from 'hyper-curated' homes to experiential design. "Comfort is the new luxury," she says, adding, "It's not about excess anymore. It's about warmth and ease that fits your lifestyle." So how exactly is tricity adopting these global design trends? Here's what is unfolding inside its homes. Minimalism isn't disappearing, but it's no longer the only favourite in town. Tricity homeowners are warming up to bold colours, curved sofas, arches and layered patterns, but without going overboard. Texture is playing a starring role: contrasting upholstery, bohemian-style rugs, cane accents and complementary wall colours are replacing plain, flat finishes. The key? Layering without clutter. The architecture of tricity has always had a relationship with climate, and that awareness is making a strong comeback. Architect Sushant Singh Pathania from SP Architects and Consultants points out that traditional techniques in interior architecture prioritise local climate adaptation through material choices and fostering sustainable designs that enhance daily living. "Climate-responsive material selection such as terrazzo flooring, lime-plastered walls and exposed brick facades help keep interiors cooler, a practical choice for North Indian summers," he says. Another clear shift across the Tricity? Residents want homes that feel unmistakably their own. "This is the perfect time to rediscover heirlooms and make them the centrepiece. Clients are proudly displaying collectibles and family furniture instead of storing them away," says Anushka. Aarushi Mahajan of Studio Free Form notes that many homeowners are stepping away from flashy 'Punjabi baroque' styles. "Instead of chasing fads, they are curating corners that reflect memory, identity and lived experience," she says. In a fast-paced city life, homes are also becoming sanctuaries. Biophilic design - think plants, natural materials and better lighting - is gaining traction. According to Aarushi, many clients now want spaces that align with their circadian rhythm and even improve sleep and focus. "We offer life-prolonging interiors with psycho-social design so that homes calm the occupants' nervous system, not overstimulate it," she adds. Conscious consumers are also looking closer to home. There's growing appreciation for handcrafted pieces and artisan collectives. Brands like Aura Life are reinventing ceramics with contemporary forms, while collectives such as Balwaar from Punjab's Sangrur are celebrating heritage of the state through durries handwoven by skilled women artisans. These pieces add authenticity to homes and support livelihoods. Investing in handcrafted pieces rather than filling homes with multiple factory-made decor items is gaining popularity, with more residents choosing to support local artisans over big-box stores....