Category Archives: re:India

a shade of simple brilliance in opulence

Most people know them as maharajas (kings) of Indian fashion, the reviving kings of chikan, jardozi and sequins & beadwork craft. They claim that they do not make garments, they make heirlooms.

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        a high chair with mirror inlay done in wood

 

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                                traditional entrance

The designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla is known for words like opulence, magnificence and splendour.
Few people know that this maximalist to the core duo also does the interiors. They are sought after by India’s Hollywood actors and top businessmen for their ‘architecturally-designed chairs’.
What; I like, in their work is a shade of brilliance here and there.(See the chair, mirror work ceiling and dining table with chairs like drawers).

Interesting is to note that both have started their work with design related fields but lack proffessional training.

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     ceiling with embroidered mirror work

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     earthy restroom with Dholpur stone

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                 fibreglass mask lights

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          dining table with slide in chairs

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                        slate and mirror study desk

modern Indian furniture

He has a degree in science but he is into designing, architecture and interiors. Pinakin Patel, is one of the Indian designers who has blended Indian sensibilities and modern lines with understated elegance.

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dining bench

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lion banquette

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fretwork chest

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jali (lattice) centre table

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opium sofa

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panel bed

Here I have showcased his work with Indian touch but I think his clean geometric lines and balance has universal appeal.

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‘o’ centre table

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glass centre table

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jali chest of drawers

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acrylic swing (jhoola)

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‘o’ bar

useful everyday designs

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ergonomically twisted grip spoon

Designer: Sandip Paul

Talking about functionality Indian designer Sandip Paul has really got me excited. The way he has played with everyday objects, putting function, use and Indianness into designs is what really makes his designs so appealing.

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clothline clip made with recycled plastic as a single piece, can be

hanged from both sides

At coroflot see his Useful art-design for everyday objects.

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Dustin-dust pan       Slope -soap dish                    Firki

The traditional Indian firni to churn curd and the wind toy firki is merged in his firki. His playfulness extends to this planter ( below) which has a compass and which sits on your palm too!

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planter

His latest conceptual designs you can see here.

magical functional

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A showcase seems embeded in glass. It has been hung from ceiling with iron rods, behind it is a glass wall.

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This is not a seat but a roof seat; may I say . Pine panelling comes all the way down to become a place to sit.

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I just love this bedroom. The lacy bedspread, the lined headboard, red wall cabinet,  grey stone inscription on wall, the curtain and the colour fulfills a magical wish. But I never used to like yellow colour, what happened.

All these functional magic has been created by architect Kunal Barve.

no vertical penholder

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Coaster

Indian furniture and decor market is at the moment filled with imported(foreign) goods or Chinese stuff. To find a true Indian designer who has merged tradition and need to modern day design is a very difficult task.

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Penholder

So when I found designer Krishnakumar’s site I was excited. Why? You can see for yourself.

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Penholder
He describes his products as:
combination of warm and cold material which is very characteristic of Indian craft products.

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Coaster

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Penhoder

Not only he has designed these warm wood winners he has also experimented with palm leaves. Using natural dyes he has got these amazing effects.

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Photoframe

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Jewelery box

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Tray

Krishnakumar’s wearables are also techno delights.

(27/05/09 -Edit: I have lost designer Krishnakumar’s links. It seems he has moved away. I haven’t found his new site so far. If you know or come accross his new site, please let me know. Thanks!)

charpoy, the art of sleeping

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I like Doshi-Levien team because they put traditional Indian lifestyle into international arena. They also add their own subtle modern changes to each design they put forward.

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Charpoy or as pronounced in Hindi ‘charpai’ or called ‘khat/khatia’ is latest from them.

Let us see charpoy in past and present perspective.

charpoy being restrug circa 1900 photo courtesy columbia.edu,ebay

A traditional charpoy is woven with rope (sutli) made of a particular plant.

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The rope bites a little into the skin so people sometimes upholster the charpoy with colourful clothes.

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This is still a common site in Indian villages.

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A modern day charpoy woven with white cotton rope.

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Another modern day charpoy with plastic rope.

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a very colourfully strung charpoy.

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Ah bliss! This is one of my favourite nook.