March 2019
118-page Issue
www.betterinteriors.in
` 125
Tropical
Treasure Architect Aamir Sharma and landscape architect Naveen Panuganti join forces to create the StoneLife Super Studio in Hyderabad
beSt buyS 75 beds, recliners and loungers to relax in style both indoors and outdoors Also featuring: LOC Design House, MS Design Studio, Wallsmith Architectural Research and Practice, and Zero Studio
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Editorial ceo-neWS AnD GRoUP eDIToR-In-cHIeF Rahul Joshi cHIeF HUmAn ReSoURceS oFFIceR - neTWoRk18 P Sakhtivel eDIToR Deepa Nair SenIoR FeATUReS eDIToR Alifiya Mehamdabadwala FeATUReS WRITeR Manasi Tahalani ASSISTAnT ART DIRecToR Vilas Salve ASSISTAnT mAnAGeR - PRoDUcTIon Ravi Salian SenIoR execUTIve - PRoDUcTIon Ravikumar S Potdar PRInTInG mAnAGeR- PRoDUcTIon Dnyaneshwar Goythale SenIoR eDIToR– onlIne Sanjay Yalavatti ADveRTISInG SAleS & mARkeTInG vIce PReSIDenT - SAleS & mARkeTInG Amit Seth nATIonAl SAleS HeAD Som Gupta (som.gupta@nw18.com), 9810053179 West: Gopal Jadhav (gopal.jadhav@nw18.com), 9819672108 South: Dennis Mathew (dennis.mathew@nw18.com), 9845096107 ASSISTAnT mAnAGeR Abhijit Bhoir (abhijit.bhoir@nw18.com) neWS STAnD AnD SUbScRIPTIonS West: Mumbai: Dinesh Devadiga, Laxman North & East: Kamal Bisht Chennai: A Karunanithi Hyderabad: Naveen neWS-STAnD AccoUnTS Anant Athavale, Rahul Mankar SUbScRIPTIon TeAm Kamlesh Mathkar, Vaibhav Ghavale (8356912841) loGISTIcS Anant Shirke SeRvIceS cIRcUlATIon SeRvIceS: If Better Interiors is not available at your news stand, or for other news stand queries, write to customercare.publishing@nw18.com SUbScRIPTIon SeRvIceS: For subscription queries, write to customercare.publishing@nw18.com or call ( 022 ) 61188584/585 PeRmISSIonS: For permissions to copy or reuse material from Better Interiors, write to deepa.nair@nw18.com Views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Network18 Media & Investments Limited*, its publisher and/or editors. We at Network18 do our best to verify the information published but do not take any responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the information. Network18 does not accept the responsibility for any investment or other decision taken by readers on the basis of information provided herein. Network18. does not take responsibility for returning unsolicited material sent without due postal stamps for return postage. No part of this magazine can be reproduced without the prior written permission of the publisher. Network18. reserves the right to use the information published herein in any manner whatsoever. Published and printed by amit Seth on behalf of Network18 Media & Investments Limited. Editor: Deepa Nair Printed at Kalajoyothi Process Private Limited W-17/18, MIDc Taloja District:raigad, Maharashtra PIN code : 410208. & published at Network18 Media & Investments Limited, Empire complex, 1st Floor, 414, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai - 400 013. For all international subscription enquiries, contact the Subscription Department, Better Interiors all editorial queries must be directed to the Editor, Better Interiors, Network18, Special Interest Publications Division, Network 18 Media & Investments Ltd., Unit No. 501, 5th Floor, Tower - I, One Indiabulls centre, Jupiter Textile Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Elphinstone road, Mumbai – 400013. Board Number: 022-3363 4400; Direct Number: 022-3003 4623; Email: deepa.nair@nw18.com Better Interiors is registered with the registrar of Newspapers of India under No.MahENG /2005 /20148. Network18 does not take any responsibility for loss or damage incurred or suffered by any subscriber of this magazine as a result of his/her accepting any invitation/offer published in this edition.
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Of beaches and tropical havens... A dialogue between nature and the built-form, which eventually engages the inhabitants of a space at some point, sooner or later, is always my favourite kind of story. No, we didn’t arrange this synergy, but it so happened that four of the five stunning projects we feature this month are a tribute to this engaging conversation. Let me start by telling you about the project which made it to our cover — StoneLife Super Studio in Hyderabad — which saw the beautiful design ideas of architect Aamir Sharma, and landscape architect Naveen Panuganti join in a perfect union to create an almost jungle-like environ for a showroom retailing natural stone, exotic marble and, Balinese sculptures and artefacts. In Habitat, we’ve the award-winning, The House of Small Talks project designed by WARP in Coimbatore — a home that echoes the firm’s core philosophy of ‘sculpting simple design parcels with a strong belief in geometry and nature’. Luxury, sophistication, detailing and a plush palette of materials are highlights of the Dogra Residence designed by MS Design Studio in Vadodara. What impressed me was how this beautifully curated home does not wallow in its luxury and maintains its connect with the surroundings, and nature for a balanced life. But the project which is an absolute favourite this issue has to be the Kadalas cafe which bears the stamp of Zero Studio for its design. Situated on a beach, this three-floored warehouse turned cafe with large open windows, a minimal material palette, no-nonsense furniture, various recycled and upcycled features, some striking design elements, and the pleasure of watching the vast mysterious sea in all its glory come any time of the day… is pure luxury. The office we bring you this month — the Mumbai outpost of legal start-up Jerome Merchant + Partners — is not set in swank environs, but LOC Design House ensured that even in a mere 1,600 square feet, they have a colourful and organized working habitat. The Bazaar pages also harp on a luxury that most of us find hard to come by… that of putting up our feet, and relaxing and rejuvenating. Hope the curation we’ve for you of the finest beds, chaise loungers, day beds, recliners and rocking chairs coax you to buy one and kick up your feet and relax. Later… Deepa Nair editor
editor’s pick Big hearts for Ikea’s second speciallycurated textile collection for India — Anglatarar — which is drenched in indigo hues with pops of red to break monotony. And yes, it loves your pocket too! M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 1 1
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Regulars 016 022 024 026 028 030 110 114
Roundabout Art Walk Eco Beat High Five Pick of the Month Swish List Gallery Directory
1 2 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
Cover photograph: Ricken Desai; Courtesy StoneLife Super Studio. Turn to ‘On a different beat’ on page 84
096
Colour & Style
THE AWAKENING
Get all the gyan about Asian Paints ColourNext 19’s four splendid themes, and the colour of the year.
Bazaar
TAKE FIVE
Discover the most comfortable furniture pieces which embody relaxation and will help you rejuvenate your body.
Habitat
CHOREOGRAPHY OF SPACE
WARP have yet again proved that breaking the shackles to create something out-of-the-box is difficult but not impossible. We feature the design team’s award winning, A House of Small Talks from Coimbatore.
PRIDE OF PLACE
MS Design Studio have given an extraordinary spin to the marriage of classic and contemporary designs while creating a lovely Vadodara home which spills warmth and magic through its beautiful textures and material palette.
9 to 5
A GOOD HEAD START
The striking interiors of office of Jerome Merchants + Partners are a fitting example that talent and hard work together can do creative wonders despite budget and time constraints, thanks to interior designer Manmeet Arora.
Off The Shelf
ON A DIFFERENT BEAT
The design of the Hyderabad-based StoneLife Super Studio is jaw-dropping and mind-boggling. Designed by architect Aamir Sharma along with landscape architect Naveen Panuganti this tropical paradise is a must visit.
Space & Spice
SECRETS OF THE SEA
Kadalas cafe in Kozhikode designed by Zero Studio will wash away all your worries with its serene view, superlative ambiance, majestic interiors and scrumptious fare.
Write back Habitat
Curated Chic
A textured Carlucci de Chivasso wallpaper series by JAB Anstoetz, bedecked by Lebanese lensman Eli Rezkallah’s photograph series, creates a stunning backdrop for this part of the living room. A Eichholtz chandelier and Alex Davis centre table complete the aesthetic picture.
New Delhi-based interior designer Sanjyt Syngh creates a home for himself organically and intuitively with only one self-set requirement: the space would use a lot of art and sculptures, mostly collected on his extensive travels. TEXT: RUPALI SEBASTIAN; PHOTOGRAPHS: DEEPAK AGGARWAL, COURTESY SANJYT SYNGH DESIGN STUDIO
Letter of the month
5 0 BETTER INTERIORS F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9
Beach Beauty
What I love about Better Interiors is that every month I get to see and read varied projects which ride high on quality. The Royal Enfield Garage Cafe (Double Duty) featured in the February issue is one such fitting example. Kudos to the Studio Lotus team. It intrigued me with not only with its design and interiors, but also with the execution of the story in the magazine. I am not particularly interested in bikes, but I was hooked to the article from the beginning to the end with the way it was written.
F E B RU A RY 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 5 1
letter of the Month
Fresh, contemporary and surreal... these words perfectly sum up the February cover of Better Interiors which showcased the interiors of the new Soho House in India. I was very surprised to read that all the Indian elements used were curated by a foreign team. Kudos to them. There was one particular story from the Habitat section which was impressive too — the home of interior designer Sanjyt Syngh. I am in awe of all the stunning pieces of wall art, sculptures, lighting and accessories which was lovingly incorporated in this house. I loved the The Fishy Fish mirror artwork, 3D art installation and the ceramic masks by Jaime Hayon. The Bazaar segment is another section that I really look forward to and this issue’s The Art of Wall collection of wall plates, sculptures/artworks and decorative mirrors was simply magnificent. Keep up the good work. Muskaan PanjwanI, MuMBaI
ruHanI jaIswaL, BangaLore
surprising to see the designer transforming a half-built site into such a paradise. My personal favourite design elements from the house are the folded wooden partitions, staircase of the house, and the wet and the dry areas in the bath suites. Kudos to the team for bringing such amazing projects to our notice.
intervals are definitely the USP of the space. As the author mentioned in the story, it truly is a home away from home which I can’t wait to experience on my next visit to the city of dreams.
power-pacKed spaces
I am a regular reader of the magazine, and a lot of credit goes to the carefully picked out projects. In the February issue, I was very impressed with the apartment designed by ABM Architects which was filled with luxury and grandeur, but at the same time retained the warmth and comfort of a home. Another favourite project from the February issue is the Design Ritmo office (9 to 5). Hats off to the designers Ranjitha Govindraj and Dipesh Kheni for creating a homely workspace which is set in nature. anjaLI PIsHarody, keraLa
swaraj sIngH, new deLHI
HarsHadeeP sokHI, LudHIana
Blissful house tropical tales
House of Tropics (featured in Habitat) designed by Rohit Suraj of Urban Zen is a magical place. The back-story of this place is truly fascinating, and it is quite
The design of the Soho House Mumbai (featured in Second Base) was quite appealing and intriguing. I particularly liked the aesthetics of the two restaurants — Cecconi’s Mumbai and The Allis. The India modern style seen in the project and the amazing artworks which meet a visitor at regular
Kindly write in with your raves or rants to:
deepa.nair@nw18.com or post to The Editor, Better Interiors, Unit No 501, 5th Floor, Tower-I One Indiabulls centre, Senapati Bapat Marg, Elphinstone road, Mumbai 400013 NOTE: cOrrESpONdENcE wIll BE EdITEd FOr pUrpOSE OF lENgTh aNd graMMar.
inspiring creations
Product designer Aashka Shah’s journey of following her passion and turning it into a successful professional is truly hearttouching and motivating. Her wall installations, especially The Free the Mind, is astonishing in terms of design, detailed work and concept. Request you to keep featuring such young talents in your magazine. rudra PaHadI, rajastHan
1 4 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
Roundabout
A round-up of whAt’s new in stores, products, Art shows And much more.
QUicK TAKe
toto’s first showroom in india
Spring FAAyA collecTion by TrAnceForme
The collection involves a mix of wooden and ceramic products making it easy to maintain and easily available for gifting purposes too. it incorporates salad bowls, salad spoons, cake stands, trays, ceramic platters and runners. www.tranceforme.in
cocoon Fine rUgS’ Alchemy collecTion
alchemy rugs are painstakingly handcrafted by artisanal weavers — they manage to progress only 1 or 2 cms a day. it has been created for those who seek luxurious hand-woven luxury that lends a timeless appeal to their homes. www.cocooncarpets.com
ToTo indiA hAS opened Their very first showroom in india, and
the third in asia at new Delhi. This new space would act both
saint-Gobain inaugurates three world class facilities
dhAlAb collecTion From dbel STUdio
This new lighting collection offers a range of table lamps, floor lamps, chandeliers, and a light screen. The product line is made up of brass with clean-cut design and bold forms. www.dbelstudio.com
compiled by: manasi Tahalani
new FAbric SeATerS From wiSmA ATriA inTeriorS
The latest Rubelli Casa range has a single seater and three seater sofas in different shapes which can wonderfully infuse an italian touch to your decor. These sofas are upholstered with premium quality fabric along the strong wooden frame that conveys an impression of sheer comfort at first glance. www.wismaatria.in 1 6 BETTER INTERIORS M A r c h 2 0 1 9
as a showroom for general customers, and as a technical centre for influencers and design professionals. On display are premium series like the neorest which are focused on important projects like premium homes and luxury hotels. The Technology Display Zone, which is located in the basement of the showroom focuses on Toto’s offerings (like the Washlet) for public toilet spaces in airports, shopping malls and offices. One can also check-out their offerings like life anew in the wellness category. www.in.toto.com
SAinT-gobAin hAS inaugurated three world class facilities — a third float glass manufacturing plant, an advanced magnetron coater and glass solutions line and a 72mn capacity rainwater harvesting reservoir — to meet the growing
demand of the glass markets on both domestic and international fronts. The third float glass plant will be the largest in india, and is equipped to manufacture a wide range of complex products that cater to the needs of sustainable habitats and affordable luxury. it
is an automated, energy efficient, scalable and flexible, state-of-the-art integrated glass facility. Keeping in mind the global trends, saint-Gobain invested in a second magnetron coater facility. With this, the World Glass Complex will have the capacity to manufacture 140 million sq ft of highperformance, high-selective, energy-efficient glass catering to entire africa, middle-East, asEan, Oceania region. The Glass solutions line is equipped with superlative cutting and grinding facilities, tempering furnaces, screen printing, lamination and insulated glass unit production lines. The second rain water harvesting reservoir with a capacity of over 72 mn litres was also inaugurated. www.saint-gobain.co.in
Roundabout
thomas Goode & co’s first new showroom in 200 years unveiled in mumbai
ThomAS goode & co hAS AnnoUnced Their STore AS well as museum space at The Oberoi hotel in mumbai. interestingly this is the brand’s first new store in the last 200 years of its existence. The historical links between the UK and london and the sentiments and nostalgia attached to it has played an important part in the decision making of opening a store in the maximum City. The brand, which was founded in 1827 and has occupied the same 18,000 sq ft showroom on london, mayfair’s south audley street since 1945, selling an unrivalled collection of the world’s finest table top items. Glassware, silverware, china and home accessories from brands including sevres, herend, Baccarat and hermes sit alongside Thomas Goode’s own collection of extraordinary designs. spread across 419.79 sq ft, the mumbai store is designed by london-based shed Design ltd. latest in style and western fashion, the products retailed here are relevant and vibrant to the indian market. The signature pieces available here include the Eugenie collection, Florette design, contemporary Ganeshas and Thomas Goode animals. The brand also produces other animal figures ranging from gorillas to life size camels. The museum is a very important part of the brand’s history where they want to show the customer that every pick and buy is part of a history going back to the last 150 years. The prestigious pieces supplied to the Royal households including Queen Victoria (1819-1901) in 1858, maharaja of Bikaner (1921) and the Crested Plate to the ruling maharaja of Kotah-maharaja Umed singh ii (1903-1915) are displayed at the museum. www.thomasgoode.com 1 8 BETTER INTERIORS M A r c h 2 0 1 9
spin unveils its first experience store in new delhi
wiTh An Aim To be A home-grown brAnd ThAT mAKeS great designs accessible to everyone globally, spin has launched its first experience store (spread across 8,000 sq ft) in new Delhi. spin’s idea is engrained in the modern industrial design tradition crafted to compliment modern living where all their products are made with global finishing levels. The brand intends to create an atmosphere of happiness, fun and creativity and their products are representative of this idea that one can experience in its physical form. They design, manufacture and retail a diverse product range — a crafted clothes’ hanger to a solid oak four poster bed, and one can find these products at their new store. Their larger product portfolio includes exciting home bars, solid oak centre tables, bar stools, chairs, dining tables and beds. also available are creative desk organizers, planters, mirrors, lighting and shelving. The brand’s continued vision is to create honest, functional and aesthetic designs with the help of in-house young designers and an experienced technical team backed with world class manufacturing infrastructure. Tel: (011) 26302248/1148/3348
ozone invests in trulysafe ozone enTerpriSe groUp hAS mAde A STrATegic investment in Trulysafe — a company engaged in providing security solutions including software and hardware to leading OEm’s in Europe and Usa. With this investment Ozone intents to build a robust CCTV platform which will be 100 per cent based in india. There are a host of other facilities too: user-friendly interfaces, superior video analytics engines, integrating security and ioT (internet of things) on a single platform. www.ozone-india.com
nippon paint’s Asia Young designer Award 2018, india edition winners announced more ThAn 1,300 STUdenTS AcroSS indiA pArTicipATed in the asia Young Designer award (aYDa) 2018, india Edition. The participants had to submit their design concept statements in line with the contest theme ‘Forward Challenging Design boundaries’ in either interior design or architecture category. These entries were later judged by a panel over a period of three months in different rounds, and 23 concepts were shortlisted. The aYDa 2018 grand finale, held over a course of two days at le Royal meridien hotel, Chennai, saw renowned architects like Krishnarao Jaisim (Jaisim Fountainhead), Pinkish shah (s+Ps architects), Jabeen Zacharias (Jabeen Zacharias architects), swanzal Kak Kapoor (saka architecture), Tanuja Kanvinde (Kanvinde Rai & Chowdhury architects & Planners) and mahesh Radhakrishnan (The madras Office For architects) who judged the final 23 projects, and awarded the winners. The gold winner of the architecture category is Tanay Bothara from ViT’s PVP College of architecture, Pune, for the concept titled ‘a new story: Children Uprooted’; while Bhavya from Pearl academy, new Delhi, won in the interior design category for her project ‘The journey of a rape survivor’. Besides receiving a gold medal and ` 50,000 each, both the winners also got a fully paid trip to compete at nippon Paint’s asia Young Designer summit, to be held at singapore on march 21st, 2019. all the respective aYDa 2018 gold winners from 15 asian countries will compete for the coveted asia Young Designer of the Year award 2018, Pan-asia level, and will also get a life time opportunity to attend a six-week harvard Design Discovery summer Programme at harvard University, Usa, which is worth more than UsD 10,000. www.nipponpaint.co.in
Roundabout
Jaipur rugs opens their flagship store in mumbai AFTer Unveiling Their FirST retail outlet in new Delhi in 2016, one of india’s foremost names in artisanal hand-knotted rugs, Jaipur Rugs has opened their second flagship store in mumbai. sprawled across 4,000 sq ft, the space is designed in an industrial theme by interior designer Ravi Vazirani. The boutique has an experiential chamber and seating space, where customers can design their own rugs and watch a traditional weaver on the loom. The store will have a gallery viewing of unseen rugs, either one-off exclusive pieces or heirloom pieces owned by the family, at the mezzanine level. The brand’s contemporary collections by Kavita Chaudhary, are on display, alongside award-winning collections like Project Error, The Unstring series, and lacuna rugs. One of the prized displays at the store is the mysteries of manchaha which was recently launched at maison et Objet in Paris. www.jaipurrugs.com
Fyi nu de models
24th February to 24th march priyasri Art gallery, 42 madhuli 4th Floor, Shiv Sagar estate, next to poonam chamber, worli, mumbai 400018; Tel: (022) 24947673 nu De models by artist nuru Karim is a series of design research conducted, exploring systems in nature deploying advanced methods in design, computation and fabrication. Experimentation striving towards innovation is the central pedagogical and cultural agenda of the art/architectural studio nudes, founded by nuru Karim. nudes operates within the realm of cross-disciplinary cultures of public-art, architecture- urbanism and design optimization powered by digital making tools addressing larger networks of social, cultural and environmental.
whirlpool corporation wins five 2019 ces innovation Awards whirlpool corporATion eArned A total of five 2019 CEs innovation awards for its new and upcoming products, including Kitchenaid cook processor connect, Kitchenaid smart oven+ with powered attachments, Whirlpool smart all-in-one washer and dryer, the Yummly digital recipe platform, and the Whirlpool connected hub wall oven concept. The Kitchenaid cook processor connect gives passionate cooks every tool needed to make delicious homemade meals; while the Kitchenaid smart oven+ with powered attachments is versatile and limitless, and comes with oven-powered grill, baking stone, and steamer attachments. The Whirlpool smart all-in-one washer and dryer is a smart laundry unit that completes a load of laundry in the same machine without transferring. The Whirlpool connected hub wall oven concept features a sizable screen with a transparent user interface (compared to a normal lCD screen) on the door of the oven. lastly, Yummly is a unique digital kitchen platform, offering personalized guidance during the cooking process. www.whirlpoolcorp.com 2 0 BETTER INTERIORS M A r c h 2 0 1 9
dimensions by Artezvous
16th march to 17th march cymroza Art gallery, 72 bhulabhai desai road, breach candy, mumbai 400026; mobile 9820148450 artezvous brings together around 20 artists from across the globe and will display over 100 artworks for a two-day art show. On display will be sculptures, resin art, glass work, calligraphy, glass etching among traditional canvas textured art. This show promises to be an amalgamation of talented craftsmanship and ingenious artistic ideas. Please note: For insertion in this column, we require details of upcoming events at least a month in advance. We request you to send in event schedules to: deepa.nair@nw18.com Updates on events is at the discretion of the organizers. information is valid at the time of going to print.
Roundabout
Artist BAkulA NAyAk’s creAtioNs highlight BeAutiful everydAy stories oN viNtAge pApers, letters ANd Bills.
Artist
Anchored by: Manasi Tahalani; PhotogrAPhs: CourTesy The aRTisT
Bakula Nayak For bAngAlore-bAsed Artist Bakula Nayak, love plays a huge role in her artwork that noses out the magic stifled in the everyday, and elevates the mundane into something bright, dreamy and unique through her art. her work of medium is primarily pen and ink on vintage paper with a wash of watercolour or gouache. The papers she uses are slices of history that carry their own stories. Bakula’s passion for collecting vintage paper, fused with her love for imagining the life stories of people who owned them, translates into tangible works of art. “i feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility towards these now forgotten and discarded pieces of beauty when i find them,” says Bakula. at her recently concluded exhibition called intimate strangers in New Delhi, the artist along with her whimsical paintings, also featured paper sculptures, old objects, vintage photographs and letters. each set of paintings she created here is an introduction to one of her friends — whether it is Mary who kept a detailed gardening journal; or ahmed husain whose house tax papers from the New Delhi municipality were found tattered but neatly pinned and saved since 1947. For Bakula… bills, letters, legal papers help her rebuild fragments of their lives. she is currently working for a solo show at Kalakriti art Gallery in hyderabad. email: nayakbakula@hotmail.com 2 2 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
PENCH
Photography by Sachin Rai
26-30 June 2019
5 Days in the incredible wilderness of Pench
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chArlotte kidger creAtes colourful sustAiNABle furNiture pieces ANd vessels By usiNg plAstic wAste streAm from cNc fABricAtioN.
Product designer
Anchored by: Manasi Tahalani; PhotogrAPhs: CourTesy The DesiGNeR
Charlotte Kidger london bAsed designer, Charlotte Kidger’s industrial Craft Collection is a material based project focused around utilizing plastic waste streams associated with CNC (Computer Numerical Control) fabrication. The collection gives new life to undervalued and problematic polyurethane foam dust by turning it into multi-coloured pieces of furniture including pots/vessels and two large sculptural tables. Polyurethane foam dust is a by-product of CNC fabrication, a manufacturing process in which pre-programmed computer software dictates the movement of factory tools and machinery. The process produces a large volume of excess lightweight dust, which can’t be recycled, so its only means of disposal is through incineration or landfill. The result was a durable and versatile composite material made from 70 per cent waste polyurethane foam dust and 30 per cent resin, which acts as a binder. The material has the potential to be cast in a range of three-dimensional forms of various scales. Through an applied and pragmatic approach, Charlotte managed to push the boundaries of the material to create an outcome that could be cut, sanded, engraved, put back into CNC and casted, just like wood. This new composite base material provides exciting opportunity for further design applications as well as finding a more permanent solution to the original waste stream. www.charlottekidger.com 24 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
Roundabout
HigH Five!
who sAys the fried food cAN’t Be heAlthy? tAke your pick from these five AmAziNg Air fryers for thAt guilt-free BiNge.
wondercheF
Anchored by: Bi sTaff; PhotogrAPhs: CouRTesy The BRaNDs
Wonderchef’s Caruso Digital air Fryer comes with adjustable temperature and digital timer that allows for precise cooking. By circulating air up to 200 celsius, it uses less oil than traditional fryers. it has a large 3.4 litre non-stick food basket which is easy to clean and maintain. available in a striking purple hue and sporting a contemporary design, it comes with a warranty of two years. ` 7,499
Kent ro
hAvells indiA
The Profile Digi airfryer will let you fry, bake, toast, roast, grill and reheat the food with hot air. highlights include an air filtration system; integrated timer with an auto-off and a temperature control function and patented round basket with slots for better air circulation. The four litre pan capacity basket has a separator that allows cooking multiple food items simultaneously. ` 11,995 onwArd
The Kent hot air Fryer comes with eight cooking pre-sets for ease of operation. a cooking basket of 1.4kg capacity makes it easy to prepare more food in a short period of time. The highlight of this product is its rapid hot air technology that ensures proper air circulation which maintains the right temperature, and heats food from all sides, at once. ` 9,500 2 6 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
ttK Prestige
The Prestige air Fryer uses a grill and a fan to blast hot air around the food with high speed. With a capacity of 2.2 litre, the air fryer has easy to operate control knobs, temperature and timer control, a pull-out basket with safety button, separator and cake basket, easy to clean frying basket, sturdy carry handle, and oil and smoke filter. Price on request
bAjAj electricAls
The Bajaj electricals air Fryer features dual fan technology for efficient heat circulation, flow director technology for turbo thermal flow and adjustable temperature control. The air fryer comes with two litre capacity, has an integrated lock for firm locking of fry basket and safety cover to prevent accidental dropping of basket. ` 9,999
pick of the Month
the New roomBA i7+ vAcuum cleANer from iroBot Allows hANds-free cleANiNg ANd hAs AN AutomAtic dirt disposAl uNit.
smArt cleANiNg
comPiled by: Bi sTaff; PhotogrAPhs: courtesy PuresighT sysTeMs PvT lTd
Puresight systems Pvt ltd (the distributor of iRobot range of vacuum cleaners in india) recently unveiled the Roomba i7+ robot vacuum with Clean Base automatic Dirt Disposal. The Roomba i7+ brings a new level of intelligence and automation to robotic vacuum cleaners with the ability to learn, map and adapt to a home’s floor plan. The new feature, imprint smart Mapping, remembers multiple floor plans, and room names so users can customize cleaning jobs and direct the robot to clean specific rooms by voice or via the iRobot home app. When the machine finishes cleaning, it empties its own dust bin into the Clean Base (which also doubles up as the robot’s charging station), which holds 30 bins of dirt, allowing customers to forget about vacuuming for weeks at a time. When the bag is full, the user is notified via the iRobot home app. iRobot has two Multi-surface Rubber Brushes that work together to effectively clean both carpets and hard floors. other highlights include a high-efficiency Filter to capture 99 percent of pollen, mould, dust mites, and cat and dog allergens. The Roomba i7+ works with alexa enabled devices, and is the only robot vacuum that lets users clean specific rooms by name with a voice command1. The products will be available in the Croma stores across New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore and on amazon india. The price for a Roomba i7+ is ` 69,900, and ` 89,900 with the Clean Base automatic Dirt Disposal. Puresight systems Pvt Ltd, Toll free no: 1800-200-3355 2 8 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
Swish List
compiled by: Manasi Tahalani; photographs: coUrtesy The Brands
Global collaborations in textiles and tableware, black and white furniture and more…
Ikea IndIa
Celebrating Indo-Swedish design synergies, Ikea India recently unveiled a textile collection named Anglatarar which is made in India and inspired by India. The inception of this collection came about when Ikea put two in-house designers — Akanksha Deo from India and Paulin Machado from Sweden — together, who in turn worked on building a single collection that represented true collaboration between the two textile-loving countries. Traditional signs, letters and alphabets sparked a dialogue between the designers enabling deeper understanding of each another’s culture. The collection is an interesting interplay of both cool and earthy tones such as indigo and red, against a neutral base of white. The colours have been carefully selected and carry a deeper meaning with both countries’ rich heritage and history. The dominant colour — indigo has inspired creativity the world-over; yet it is Indian at heart. A special shade of red — Falu Rodfarg (or Falu Red as it’s more widely known), may not be the dominant colour in the collection, but Falu Red clearly makes its mark. The collection comprises: cushions covers, throws, bed linen (pillow cases, flat sheets, quilts and bed spreads), bolster cases, 2-seater sofa covers, curtain fabric, general fabric for multi-use and posters. Prices range from ` 349 (for a meter of fabric) to ` 4,000 (for a 2-seater sofa cover). All the products are made from 100 per cent cotton. 3 0 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
Freedom Tree alankaram
Alankaram’s newest Black and White furniture series includes beds, bedside cabinets, dresser, tables, study and lounge chairs which are well complemented with a mix of printed and hand-painted cushions, wall murals and paintings. Made in wood with hints of brass in its design scheme, the collection oozes minimalist luxury. Because black and white makes a stunning background for strong colours, this collection does not shy away from elements which enliven the room. Therefore, playful reds in lamps and photo frames or blues in a throw pillow are also included in this ensemble to complete the look. All furniture items are handcrafted with conscious detailing towards joineries to increase both the aesthetics and strength of the furniture. Prices start from ` 25,000.
Freedom Tree recently launched Midnight Florals collection of accent cushions which takes inspiration from the rich and sensual colours of the midnight. Cosy, crazy, or casual one can choose from a selection of prints, woven, and embroidered cushions. Here, hand-painted floral illustrations highlight each cushions which are crafted from rich velvets and luxurious tweed. The embroidery and the trims add to the rich and dramatic look. The colour palette used in this collection is are deep, dramatic and rich — burgundy wine shades, midnight blue hues, luminous pinks and electric blues.
M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 3 1
Swish List Good earTh
Good Earth recently unveiled its new Spring 19 collection. The brand has been committed to reviving waning crafts, techniques and textiles from across the length and breadth of the country. Creating an entire spectrum of sustainable products, Good Earth has been giving a new lease of life to Indian craftsmanship by using mindful design intervention. Having mastered the art of storytelling, infused with Indian heritage, each offering from the spring collection is a refreshing interplay of soft colours, renewed designs and style, meticulously crafted in beautiful, hand-woven textiles and materials, truly reflective of this season of abundance. There are three stunning collections in their Home range — Yasmin, Gulbahar and Maheen. Yasmin is an artisanal stoneware range which is adorned with Chintz-inspired flora and fauna motifs in soft pastel tones. An array of classic dinnerware essentials, this collection (price from ` 750 onward) is a delicate juxtaposition of craftsmanship and heritage. Inspired by the exquisite motifs of Indian cotton textiles traded during the 18th century; the elegant line of Gulbahar (priced from ` 1,800 onward) features vibrant spring flowers and Mughal-style motifs in deep jewel tones. Celebrating geometric patterns and abundant floral blooms from Maheen (priced from ` 5,500 onward) collection, you can decorate your living space with cushions in royal shades of jade and slate, meticulously crafted in rich silks and chennile.
nIcobar
Nicobar in its first global collaboration with MasterChef fame Gary Mehigan and wife, Mandy Mehigan and Motherland has launched the Gary Mehigan x Nicobar collection. An ensemble for cooks, kitchens and dinner tables, these home products are inspired by India, Australia, and everything in between. The Gary Mehigan x Nicobar collection has cultural cross-currents running through every aspect of its design, craft and application — aboriginal art motifs on vessels designed to mix Indian spices; brass star-kissed lassi makers that are equally adept as cocktail shakers; re-engineered spice boxes that are built to solid, nautical specifications; modern bakeware with such perfectly balanced aesthetics and engineering that it can sail straight from the kitchen to your table without a change of vessels; and a beautiful variety of accessories with organic accents and luminous shell and coral-inspired elements. With an ocean-themed colour palette of off-white and pale blue, the collection is inspired by coral, rustic Indian style, and Mehigan’s own love of Indian cooking. This collaboration also marks the launch of Nicobar’s upcoming Indian Ocean collection: an exciting range of products and ideas, inspired by the geographic and cultural richness of this oceanic region. Channelling the easy buoyancy of Nicobar’s tropical vibe, and engraved with motifs that traverse the Indian Ocean, this collection of homeware will seamlessly figure into kitchen cabinets anywhere in the world. Prices range from ` 950 and go up to ` 7,200. 3 2 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
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Colour & Style
3 4 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
The Awakening
The 16th edition of Asian Paints ColourNext19 has been announced with Adulting, Harvest, Enchanted and F-Lux as the four colour trends of the year. Compiled by: BI Staff ; photographs: Courtesy aSIan PaIntS
A
sian Paints ColourNext has always been the most decisive voice on colour in India. Every year, their in-house team collaborates with the finest purveyors of design from a wide range of disciplines — architecture, interiors, fashion, sociology, advertising, F&B and media — to put together the most comprehensive guide to colours, materials, textures and finishes. At a recent conference, the company unveiled their Colour of the Year — Awakening, a shade of plum, alive with the dynamism of being woke. The dignity and power of purple fused with the humility of brown, it personifies the strength to stand up when it matters and, to dig in your heels with confidence. Asian Paints also forecasted four new trends for ColourNext 2019. M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 3 5
Colour & Style adulting
Millennials have redefined what growing up means — the conventional college-marriagecar-house route to adulthood is so passe. Why tie yourself down inside a few hundred square feet when the world is your home? Why buy the year’s best car when you can get a chauffeur driven ride — anytime, anywhere? Young designers are creating fuss-free spaces that adapt to changing needs … smart, modular and lightweight is the style du jour. Forecast: Bright, perky colours punctuate practical greys. Bold typefaces make a comeback to create spaces that are unafraid of attention. Repurposed material, multifunctional design, and curious objects speak of a need to be creative and expressive.
harvest
Bio-facturing is bridging the gap between man-made and natural. Experimenting with algae, bio-polymers, bacterial cellulose, and fungi as raw materials, designers turn alchemists to harvest living materials. Designed to degrade, closed-loop, zero legacy engineered nature is the pulse of sustainable innovation. Forecast: Organic at its root, laboratory cultured bacterial pigments and algae dyes inspire a living colour palette. Alive with a natural luminescence, biodynamic colours are a definite departure from traditional earthy hues. Textures reflect inner structures of organic matter while materials and decor echo the synergy between technology and contemporary craftsmanship. 3 6 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
enChanted
Anchored in the intense human connection with nature, and a resurgent confidence in maximal expression, Enchanted brings alive surreal visions in our spaces — outsized, extravagant, lavish and whimsical. Forecast: Dense, deep colours tell of a mythical landscape, as real as it is imagined. Subtle metallics render a touch of iridescence. Translucence hints at the ephemeral, materials play with light. The outsized takes centre stage in patterns and prints, celebrating the spectacle of life in all its lush wilderness.
F-lux
The world of luxury is in flux — inheritance is no longer a shortcut or a guarantee. A new wave of story tellers with immersive and intimate stories that celebrate the creator and the process is breaking down the traditional codes of luxury. The new luxury is authentic, personal and often local to the places they inhabit. Forecast: F-Lux evokes a quiet richness. The palette is timeless and complete, stylish rather than trendy. Pared down to its bare essence, materials are appreciated in their natural form. Celebrating the innate beauty of metals, textiles and more, the artisanal trumps the artificial. M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 3 7
LATEST FROM THE AUTO WORLD WITH A SINGLE TOUCH
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Bazaar
Take Five With a range of contemporary and comfortable beds, day beds, chaise lounges, loungers, recliners and rocking chairs, we give you inspiration to take time out to unwind in style. Anchored by: Deepa Nair aND MaNasi TahalaNi; PhotogrAPhs: courtesy The braNDs
M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 3 9
Bazaar
Ansavv
Idus
Fully upholstered in fine faux leather, the Pixel bed is equipped with hydraulic storage. Price on request
Beds
The Everest bed from the Spring collection is a modern version of the winged bed. It comes with a soft padded headboard, durable Turkish Bursa suede upholstery, a fabric footrest and wooded side tables. Price on request
Indi Store
InLiving
Iota
Gulmohar Lane
The Woody bed and back panel, from the collection of the same name, are inspired by the form of wooden cubes. Cross grain patterns give them a distinctive look. Price on request
The king-size Hangar bed from the Sleep collection comes with a curved headrest in mustard nubuck upholstery. ` 2,75,000 4 0 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
The Angular Flower Queen bed blends modern patterns with a classic finish. It is made of solid wood and embellished with geometrical patterns, with a headboard that has been created with a CNC machine. ` 45,000
Cochin rattan bed is a classic versatile style with a clean silhouette adorned with cane rattan work on the solid hardwood head and foot-board to add that old world charm to your bedroom. ` 64,900
Iqrup + Ritz
Flou
Mads Creations
Script
Nivasa
Wisma Atria Interiors
The Zoe is a picturesque amalgamation of cool greens, bubbles of blue and just the right hints of orange. The shape of the headboard is inspired by classical French caned beds. ` 54,810 onward
This glamorous bed designed by Meenu Agarwal is carved from teak wood and upholstered in red leather. It comes with two side tables covered in brown leather that provide a welcoming contrast. Price on request
The four-poster Kane and Able bed is made with solid teak combined with cane work and finished with French white polish. Price on request
Majal features sumptuous fabrics which are highlighted in the geometric shapes of the headboard that resembles a modern boiserie. The headboard is available in two versions: aligned with the edge of the bed, or extended from the sides of the bed. Price on request
With its upholstered looks and warm cushioned support, Estella Fabric King Bed in grey redefines home coming, bonding and curling up, when you need it the most. ` 76,771
Segreti is designed in the style of elegant classics and is made of quality materials, and decorated with stitches-capitone. Price on request M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 41
Bazaar
Ansavv
The regal-looking Destina bed features Turkish craftsmanship, a curved design and a premium Arctic white pearl duco finish. It comes with matching side tables. Price on request
Baro
The design of the Deco bed combines early Art Deco style with traditional Indian and late colonial elements. It is made of reclaimed teak and finished in duco paint. ` 1,15,000 onward
Freedom Tree
The Wika bed echoes a style popular in the ’60s. It is made with a teak wood frame complemented by natural, handcrafted woven wicker sections. ` 69,800
Beyond Designs The lavish Four Poster bed with a blue velvet fabric comes with side tables which has been upholstered with a printed fabric. Price on request
Iota
The Queen bed comes with elements of stainless steel and water-resistant fabric upholstery. Gas pistons make the frame easy to lift and provide hassle-free access to storage. Price on request 42 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
Cane Boutique
The Belle bed is Frenchinspired and made of distressed wood with a wicker headboard in a white distress finish. Price on request
Ansavv
Part of the Hunkar series, this bed is made with a wooden base and upholstered in Turkish suede, and comes with matching side tables which has ample storage. Price on request
Nitin Kohli Home
The Sebastian bed is a mix of contemporary and classic design. It comes with a high-back headboard in white and is complemented by a chic side-table and an elegant leaf-shaped ottoman upholstered in leather. ` 3,20,000
The Great Eastern Home
An elegant four-poster bed designed in the Art Nouveau style. It is made of Burma teak wood with melamine polishing. Price on request
Nivasa
The curvy design of the Peacock bed gives it a soft appeal. It is made of teak wood with crisp patterns and detailing and has a bedside table, chair and footstool for company. Price on request
Ottimo
The Canopy bed from the Blue Moon collection by Cipriani Homood focuses on the richness of leather and fabric. The highlight of this bed is its velvet like leather finish. The structure is made of metal and wood. ` 9,00,000 onward
Mads Creations
This teak wood bed designed by Meenu Agarwal has quilted leather upholstery in beige. The turned legs of the bed and teak wood side table hark back to a traditional style while the glossy white finish adds a modern touch. Price on request M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 43
Bazaar
Chaise Loungers
Iqrup + Ritz
Handcrafted by skilled craftsmen, the Nadia chaise has spooled legs polished off in mahogany brown. Available in Rust, Blue Mist, Spruce and many other hues. ` 76,940
Idus
Calvin is a retro lounger with a wooden structure, metal legs and fabric upholstery. ` 92,400
ST Unicom
Ficus Fine Living
The Red chaise lounge, from the Ficus Bespoke Furniture collection, is made of fine Burma teak wood and chenille material. ` 65,000
InLiving
Unwind on the Susan Chaise which is crafted using sheesham wood and upholstered in comfy grey cotton fabric. ` 14,939 4 4 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
The dramatic sweeping curved back of this cala lily inspired piece from Christopher Guy called Chandon Gauche, lends it the sophistication of a chaise with the comfort of a sofa. Price on request
Mads Creations
Designed by Meenu Agarwal, this chaise lounge is made for complete relaxation. Its curved frame is fashioned in teak wood and the striking white finish contrasts well with the blue velvet upholstery. Price on request
Mads Creations
ST Unicom
I’M, The Centre for Applied Arts
The Great Eastern Home
Tranceforme
The Great Eastern Home
Repose, as the name suggests, is a classical recliner that can be adapted to different positions. The sagwan teak frame embellished with carved patterns and polished in subtle gold and ivory upholstery exudes style. It also features an elaborate cushioned armrest and six-leg support base. ` 1,15,000
This chaise lounge is a contemporary take on royal furniture. It is made from wood and suede fabric in a bright red. Price on request
The highlight of Alhaiya chaise lounge is that it is a multi-functional furniture piece which can be used as additional seating in the living room, a day bed in the guest room or as a divan at the entrance of your home. Features like the informal back, neck detail and cross legs add character. It is made of teak. ` 66,000 (with upholstery)
Annabelle comes from the superior house of Christopher Guy and is a truly sumptuous hood chaise lounge, with a stylized carving. It has a doweled mortise and tenon frame in solid mahogany, and showcases hand-carved details. Available in a selection of finishes. Price on request
This sophisticated Victorian-style chaise is handcrafted in teak wood with a pattern in gold leaf for added charm. It would look great in a study or a reading nook. Price on request
This Victorian chaise is handmade in Burma teak with a floral pattern. It makes for a lavish addition to classic decor. Price on request
M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 45
Recliners & Rocking Chairs
Bazaar
Idus
The Queen is a two-seat recliner upholstered in Italian leather. It also incorporates a LED light in the center of the two-seater recliner, making it easier to read while relaxing. ` 3,35,000
World Bazaar
Created by Danish designer Henrik Pedersen, Click Rocking Chair by Houe is a multicoloured rocking chair with elegant lines and bamboo armrests. The epoxy lacquered metal base provides excellent weather resistance, whereas the seat and backrest are made of plastic slats which can easily be disassembled and reassembled. Price on request
Cane Boutique
Featuring softened contours, textural contrast of modish teak and natural wicker on the back, this slim rocker can easily be placed in small corners of a living or bedroom. ` 22,400
Part of the Madera collection, the Oaky rocking chair is made up of a single log of oak wood in a distressed finish. Price on request
Mads Creations
Tumble is a modern take on the rocking chair. The smooth curvatures of the chair are formed with curved plywood panels with teak veneer for the seat and back. ` 65,000 4 6 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
Freedom Tree
The House of Things
With its neat metal frame and handwoven Kilim fabric upholstery, the Aztec Kilim Rocking Chair from brand Vilaasita is bound to draw everyone’s attention. ` 43,930
World Bazaar
The Clips Rocking Chair is created with a light aluminium frame, making it easy to move around the house. It can be customized to include a frame that is either black or colour-coordinated with the slats and bamboo or aluminium armrests. Price on request
Nivasa
The Woodpecker rocking chair is crafted with great attention to detail. It has a seat made of leather and plush fabric and wooden legs sporting a high-gloss finish. Price on request
Rolf Benz
Rolf Benz 50 is part of the 50-year anniversary collection of the brand. This swivel recliner with a foot rest features superlative seating comfort, an innovative relax function and has a meticulously crafted, pleated and quilted seam. Price on request
Script
The Stripe Recliner is fashioned out of a mix of top grain bovine leather and split leather. Its natural beige hue lets it seamlessly adapt to your preferred palette. ` 44,331
Gulmohar Lane Inspired by the mid-century modern designs, the Bangalore Rocking Chair is an Ă la mode take on a retro classic. Made from solid hardwood and hard and soft foam, the upholstery (100 percent Cotton Udaipur Naturals Tangerine) on the chair, rounds out the design with a touch of texture. ` 27,500
Freedom Tree
The Cabana Rocker comes with a teak frame stained in mid-brown, a seat made of natural cotton and a backrest upholstered in Kabo fabric. ` 19,000 M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 47
Bazaar
Cane Boutique
Day Beds
The Carter day bed is a one-of-a-kind piece inspired by the shape of the house boats seen in the back waters of Kerala. It is made from oak wood and has a wicker backing in a natural finish. Price on request
Loomcrafts
Take a comfortable nap on this day bed as it relaxes your mind and body with its designer back pillows. Holding the most serene shades of beige, white and off-white with high finishing touches, it is made from aluminium tube and synthetic fibre. Price on request
BoConcept
The Fusion Day Bed crafted in blue Estirol leather is an iconic piece of furniture which mixes Japanese aesthetics with Danish functionality. The loose pillows can be arranged freely, giving you the opportunity to change the look according to usage situation, while slim legs and clean lines keep the style light. Price on request
Red Blue Yellow The Yagachi Divan is made from Burma teak wood and sees a design which is a beautiful synergy of the traditional and contemporary. ` 82,000
Abaca
The Atmosphere Day bed is a comfortable canopied piece of furniture which can be used as a bed in a guest room or as a sofa in a large open verandah, terrace or patio. Its visual appeal lies in its polygonal frame with loose weave resin wicker that creates interesting moving patterns and scatter back canopy. ` 1,65,200 4 8 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
Indi Store
Part of the My Lazy Garden collection, this day bed takes a design cue from bamboo shoots which is given expression in stainless steel. Price on request
Idus
The Modesto is upholstered with a combination of fabric and faux leather, offering sophistication and comfort. It comes with reversible back cushions. ` 82,500
Nivasa Idus
Verona is a chic Chesterfield style day bed upholstered in leather with bolsters and cushions for added comfort. ` 1,85,000
The Kane and Abel Day bed will add an element of fun to your bedroom with its vibrant leafy print and tropical look. It is made of solid teak and cane. Price on request
Gulmohar Lane Abaca
The St Lucia day bed comes with a canopy and is perfect in outdoor settings. ` 1,29,200
Create an informal and restful lounge with the Berlin Sofa Bed. The two-part convertible mattress and back cushions make for a comfortable resting space, while the continuous upholstered backrest and armrest lend an elegant form that adds to the functionality. It is crafted from solid hardwood. ` 98,900 M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 49
Bazaar
Idus
Loungers
The Relax leather loveseat lounger is a modish way to maximize your relaxation. Fashioned with high grain leather, it is comfy and also makes a style statement with its striking design and form. ` 2,03,000
Loomcrafts
This lounger is made with an aluminium frame and woven synthetic fibre, making it a light and durable option to use in outdoor spaces. Price on request
Visionnaire
Pinakin
Ottimo
BoConcept
Available in a cream hue, The Sveva Chaise Lounge from Dehors collection is crafted with a lace canopy. It has a purple leather capitonne seat with legs polished in chromed aluminium. Price on request
Part of the Outdoor Furniture collection from Cipriani Homood, the Daybed Amalfi is a dreamy creation with a woven structure, sun visor and velvet fabric upholstery. ` 4,00,000 onward 5 0 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
Teak wood and a rich fabric upholstery come together to form the Ribbed lounger. Price on request
The Amsterdam Sofa (with lounging unit) has sharp lines and sweeping curves and is available in a green velvet fabric. ` 7,57,200
Plusch
The Moss from Cor is a casual, cosy, down-to-earth sofa which is wonderfully sprung thanks to a very high-quality slatted frame with sprung wood slats. With sofas in three widths and eight sofa elements and an additional footstool a variety of seating landscapes can be configured. It is available in a wide range of fabric, finishes and colours. Each fabric-covered Moss sofa is adorned with colour-matched piping which underlines the furniture’s rectilinear contours. Price on request
Red Blue Yellow
The frame-first technique used in ship-building has been employed to build the solid wood and metal structure of this sculptural twin-seating Canoe Chaise. Its curvy surface with paper veneer finishing makes it fashionable with comfort at its core. ` 78,000
Ansavv
Marcello is a modern contemporary and stylish sectional sofa made of wood with a duco finish and suede fabric that is immensely comfortable. It is multi-purpose and can be used as a lounger as well. The classic mix of modern and contemporary design with the use of duco and wood makes it uber chic. Price on request
Wisma Atria Interiors
Part of Chaise Lounge collection, Athuruga comes with a reclining back that integrates to give a totally different impact. The lounger has an aluminium frame and is covered in hand-woven synthetic resin. Price on request M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 5 1
Habitat
Choreography of Space Coimbatore-based WARP create A House of Small Talks — a home that establishes a dialogue with its adjacency as well as internally on a micro scale, through an exercise of stacking and skewing volumetric functionalities. TEXT: Rupali SebaStian; PhoTograPhs: pRaSanth Mohan, courTEsy WallSMith aRchitectuRal ReSeaRch and pRactice (WaRp)
5 2 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
A House of Small Talks is articulated as an orchestration of interlocked and skewed cuboids, with each individual constituent bearing its own character and geometry — yet dovetailed into cohesive whole. As a programme, this built-form is a perfect illustration of the architects’ aspiration towards creating spatial experiences birthed by the amalgamation of engineering and art.
M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 5 3
Habitat
O
ut-of-the-box creations, often, don’t involve reinventing the wheel. They can be an outcome of a small, yet crucial, change — which itself is a result of looking at an established norm from a different perspective. A House of Small Talks is one such example of challenging the stereotype.
archiTEcTs Pradeep Arumugam and Shanil Riyaz 5 4 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
The site nestles within a crowded neighbourhood in Coimbatore, where dense urbanization has created a matrix of predicable residential blocks. For city-based architectural and design firm Wallsmith Architectural Research and Practice (WARP), this ‘sameness’ became the genesis of creating a programme that was removed from the usual. “On account of rapid urbanization and gentrification of Indian cities, construction and design typologies of houses have become more and more formulaic based on the locally prevailing trends and thus losing their connection with the ‘neighbour’ and the ‘nature’… Our design tries to create dialogues between, the house and its neighbourhood and the spaces in-between: built and un-built. Within the precinct; dialogue of the inhabitants and spaces,” elucidate WARP founders Pradeep Arumugam (CEO) and Shanil Riyaz (Design Head). This strategy was aligned to the company’s core design philosophy of ‘sculpting simple design parcels with a strong belief in geometry and nature.’
clockwisE, from EXTrEmE lEfT A pleated, permeable wall rendered with twisted brick courses acts as a buffer between this plot and the next. A diagrammatic representation of the concept development. A bird’s-eye view of the house, depicting the deployment of the various volumes with the interstitial spaces. The photograph also throws into sharp focus the context of the development. The open area in front of the house, ensconced between the folded brick boundary wall and a waterbody. The plain solidity of the wall is balanced by a porous wooden lattice. A photograph showing the choreography of volumes, arising out of stacking and skewing — to create a facade of discrete, interlocked cuboids.
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Habitat The double-height living room has a stunning backdrop of a 16-foothigh charred wood, free-standing wall against which a contemporary composition of furniture and artefacts is arranged.
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The exposed concrete-ceilinged living room is well lit by a window in the upper corner over the interlocking volume of parents’ bedroom. Sunshine-hued Jaisalmer stone flooring balances the grey expanse overhead and uplifts the otherwise monochromatic living area.
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This PagE The interstitial space that was the corollary of skewing functionalities was designated as the courtyard cum pooja room. Its visibility from all parts of the house was a client demand. Rendered with natural materials, it mediates between the dark mood of the informal living and the brightness of the formal living room on one axis, and is flanked by the dining room and the eternal landscape on the other. The pooja area has a tangramlike metal and wood partition, and a wooden credenza.
. . .
coNcEPT: to establish a
programme that would create dialogues between the built-form and its setting; and within, between the inhabitants and spaces.
The client brief was rather simple, something that every Indian household requires: formal and informal spaces, comfortable bedrooms… The only deviation was they desired a pooja room to be visible from all spaces — an architectural embodiment of the divine blessing to all corners of the home. As the site was accessed by a narrow road (7m) and surrounded by buildings on all sides, the design team decided to leave a large portion of the site towards the road open, as “anything built with regular offsets would be daunting for the residence; the overall street would look very choked,” they reveal. While the frontal landscape also created a pause — a breather, if you will — in the crowded milieu, the breaking of the repetitive pattern added a new layer of complexity to the locality and its context. Then came the process of devising the spatial programme. Driven by the architects’ belief in client and site specificity, each function of the house was identified as individual volumes and M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 5 9
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clockwisE, from ToP The somber mood Informal living room is lightened with the yellow furniture, artefacts and the natural light that pours in through the skylight. The dining room has the kitchen on one side and a small aviary for an African Grey Congo Parrot on the other. The dining table with its wooden top ‘interrupted’ by a plate of glass is eye-catching. The kitchen compliments the theme of the entire house, with the deliberate use of raw textures and earthy tones.
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abovE A view of the double-height living volume from the top of the staircase clearly shows the manner in which the 16-foot-high free-standing wall modulates the space. A skylight running parallel to the wall bathes the area in natural light. lEfT The staircase has alternating treads of exposed concrete and wood, with old fashioned steel railing.
then introduced to a game of twisting, stacking and interlocking — to create spaces that overlap spatially and converging angles to a point where the inside meets the outside. The interstitial spaces that arose out of this exercise introduced a refreshing unpredictability into the experience, allowing the inhabitants to “discover the use of the same space differently every time. This allows changing equations between all the components of the house defining the act of living,” says Pradeep, an alumnus of Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai. For instance, on the ground floor, while the kitchen, dining, guest room and informal living area are orchestrated as a simple L, the double-heighted formal living area is skewed to ‘liberate’ a central courtyard — where the pooja room is accommodated. In turn, the parents’ bedroom, also skewed, is marginally
maTErials structure Frame structure with M25 concrete landscape pavers Railway sleepers flooring Jaisalmer stone, ceramic tiles, black bethamchala tiles facade White plaster, pincoda wood Doors bee holes wood other wood-work charred wood M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 6 1
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‘inserted’ into the twisted volume of the formal living room. Similarly, on the first floor, the two bedrooms — one parallel to the formal living block; the other at an angle, sitting atop the kitchen below — flank a trapezoidal transitional space. “The courtyard visually binds all the spaces together and hence rightly becomes the house of the deity…” discloses Shanil, who obtained his bachelor’s degree in architecture from The School of Architecture and Planning, Anna University, Chennai. “We tried to understand the lifestyle of the client at a personal level and tweaked where there was leverage. For example, the idea of a central courtyard with pooja connecting all spaces isn’t novel as such but the form, volume, geometry and material treatment allowed us to move away from the generic.” The client’s affinity to a warm living ambience informed both, the material palette and the lighting strategy. Natural wood, charred wood, exposed concrete ceiling with dark rustic tones are balanced by plain white walls and green spurs of plants. Skylights that either punctate functional volumes or are positioned at intersections, provide an ever changing movement of light through the day rendering different moods and experiences. Artificial lighting employs mostly neutral white and warm tones — however, most of the fixtures use sharp cone angles giving a more focused down-throw. 6 2 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
This PagE Rusticity in the master bedroom is expressed via concrete textures and wooden surfaces. The ubiquitous skylight animates the space with natural light.
abovE The parents’ bedroom is a simple play of lines and geometry, with a yellow highlight wall. lEfT The highlight of the rough stone-clad powder room is an old re-purposed wooden counter and an unusual industrial light fixture.
A House of Small Talks is an amalgamation of forms, volumes, light, landscape and in-surging territories that create an ambience to discover and experience, every day. “The challenge in this project lay in the design itself,” inform Pradeep and Shanil. “To break the typical idea of a house and introduce a fresh concept and lifestyle to inhabitants but also to make it context/people specific and prevent the creation of alienated spaces or environments which could become too abstract to live in.” However, with a very satisfied client — the litmus test of any design — WARP has added another successful project to their portfolio.
facT filE: Project a house of Small talks client Murugesan aramugam location coimbatore, tamil nadu site area 6,041.75 sq ft built area 3,844 sq ft Principal architects pradeep arumugam and Shanil Riyaz Design team Smriti devkumar, Raghu Ramalingam and pravin M M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 6 3
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Pride of Place MS Design Studio marry classic and contemporary design with rich textures and intricate detail creating a home in Vadodara that wholeheartedly embraces luxury and opulence but is immensely tasteful nonetheless. TEXT: Carol Ferrao; PhoTograPhs: Tejas shah, courTEsy Ms Design sTuDio 6 4 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
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uilding your dream home is often a once in a lifetime opportunity, and when that moment comes, all your aspirations will fight for equal attention in the grand design scheme. How does one reconcile with that? Principal architects Shivangi Patel and Manav Patel of Vadodara-based MS Design Studio might just have the answer for us, or at least their recent residential gem — a palatial home for the Dogras — can be our guide. Here’s a project, filled to the brim with details, stories, intricacies that cast a sense of wonder at every corner of the house.
archiTEcTs Shivangi Patel and Manav Patel
LEfT and cEnTrE An end-to-end backdrop wall designed with wooden panels over a grey wall (left); and a textured paint wall with a gold leaf lotus engraved on the wall punning (centre) in the formal living room. abovE In the informal living space, a customized metal screen, crafted as a single piece and sandwiched with designer glass, makes the TV visible to the dining area, while also adding an artistic dimension to the room.
For client Dharmendra Dogra, the design brief condensed to the need for an elegant, different yet functional space. However, on the simplicity of this brief lay the dreams and aspirations of a family of six. Working with the client, who M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 6 5
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To create a warm, inviting ambience at the entrance, a welcome note fashioned out of wood (using CNC machine) and Corten steel is inscribed on the wall.
The porch, which leads to the main door, is designed with leather-finish black granite, Jaisalmer and white stone inlay. Textured exterior walls and a wood-finish ceiling together set the welcoming as well as plush tone of the house.
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The black mosaic and a patterned design in Jaisalmer stone serve as a fitting background for the Ganesha sculpture at the foyer.
For a vibrant, classic vibe in the formal living room, the ceiling is partially clad in fabric and matched with a parallel wooden ceiling. The contemporary furniture, including the carpet and floor lamp, is sourced from China.
In keeping with the client’s brief, this space opens up completely to the rest of the house during gatherings or parties. Made from bamboo and glass, the sliding folding doors collapse on both ends of the wall making the formal living room open and wide when needed.
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was involved throughout the designing and selection process, made the task smooth for MS Design Studio. “Dharmendra had a taste for materials and design and was very passionate about building his own house. It is unusual and rare but it becomes easy when only one person is involved in the decisionmaking process… and that’s the reason such a big house took only six months for architecture and six for interior execution,” mention the architects. In this home, the design concept marries the familiar with the new. It is your quintessential classic meets contemporary tale but told through the lush textures of Italian marble, yellow Jaisalmer stone, aged metal, wood and plenty of indoor greenery. The combination of these natural materials used in right proportion creates a wonderful ambience. Thus emerged a 5,500-square-foot home with each space given its own distinct spatial quality, from the grand living area on the ground floor to the four bedrooms in the first level. There is a sense of warmth that greets you as you make your way into the home. At the entrance is a welcoming wall made up of wood and Corten steel, which is visible from the street. Engraved in it is a message of peace with a Buddha statue and carved wood detail that add an aura of calm and beauty. Inside, in 6 8 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
abovE An accent feature in the informal living area, the ceiling clad in wood proudly displays the brilliance of Nilaya’s Sabyasachi wallpaper in the central panels. righT The architects have incorporated double-height spaces to connect the interiors with the landscape outside. Here, a casual sitting area has been designed in one corner of the house with a double-height glass facade providing a good view of the garden.
the foyer, a gold Ganesha greets you as the black mosaic wall with patterned Jaisalmer stone alludes to the opulent nature of the home you are entering. You are not let down by the promise of a grand narrative. In the formal living room, you are immediately drawn by the richness of the wall and ceiling textures: cement-finished paint and gold leafing on one wall, grey background and wooden panels shaped like windows inspired from vernacular architecture and finally, the striped fabric ceiling panels designed in harmony with a parallel wood-finished ceiling. These classical elements form a contrasting backdrop for the contemporary furniture, carpet and light fixtures, all of which are sourced from China.
ToP One of the most challenging design features in the home was the metal screen, designed and fixed on site as a single unit. To match the rustic appeal of the screen, the TV wall is clad with neolith tile in a rusted metal finish. The garden, aka the ‘mystic area’, provides a serene aura to the home. abovE At the kitchen a neat look is created with white quartz countertop, statuario stone replica tiles on the backsplash and white PU-coated shutters.
It is the informal living area, designed with the dining and kitchen in linear succession that is the place to be in this home. If the ceiling clad in wood and Nilaya’s Sabyasachi wallpaper isn’t enough to wow you, the custom-designed metal screen between the dining and living definitely would. “The client wanted to be able to watch the television, which is placed in informal living, from the kitchen and dining area. So we came up with a partial rustic metal screen which is open in a circular form at the centre,” informs Shivangi. The double-height dining is charming, with its Italian marble table top, brass pendant lamps and creepers hanging from the first floor. M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 6 9
Habitat A plush lounger/seating area serves as an extension to the dining space. Not only does it provide extra seating during family gatherings, but also acts as a partial screen that hides the dining area from the main entrance’s direct view.
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Both the dining and informal living open up to the ‘mystic area’, a design intervention envisioned by the architects above and beyond the design brief. It gives a calming effect to the whole house since it is mostly visible from all common areas of the ground floor.
concEPT: To design a home for a family of six where classic and contemporary design meet through rich textures and an intense material palette.
On the first floor, the lounge space is set up as an open library with books displayed on either side of the sleek-framed seating. A skylight covered with 12mm clear toughened glass floods the area — and the dining below — with plenty of natural light.
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It opens up to the ‘mystic area’, a serene gardenscape that is also connected to the informal living. “It gives a calming effect to the whole house since it is seen mostly from all common areas of the ground floor.” Moving up to the first floor, the lounge space — connecting the bedrooms and a home theatre/bar — is fashioned as an open library with ladder-style vertical shelves on either side. Beautifully lit by the skylight (and overlooking the dining and ‘mystic area’), it is marked by sleek furniture from China and an enormous custom-made wall clock of wood and metal. The home theatre and bar on this floor is another cosy nook to retreat to. Charcoal and fabric panels on the walls, along with the fabric-clad ceiling, not only provide the necessary acoustical advantage to the space but also give it a very distinct vibe from the rest of the house. The bar is distinguished with a contrasting palette of exposed brick laid in a unique pattern, metal pipes over the ceiling, industrial hanging lamp and grey overtones. “The materials are totally different than what we have used for the home theatre yet they gel well with one another and both spaces can be easily seen as one whole arrangement,” says Manav. When it comes to the bedrooms, each exhibits an exceptional juxtaposition of 7 2 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
abovE In the bar cum home theatre section, the charcoal panels in walnut shade not only enable good acoustics but also cleverly hide the powder room door. Note the interesting wooden globe small bottle storage (which opens automatically), with the world map embossed on its cover. righT The bar is distinguished in appearance with a natural green stone countertop and natural wooden planks as flooring. Exposed brick in a unique pattern, metal pipes over the ceiling and an industrial hanging lamp all add to its unique vibe.
materials. Take the master bedroom for instance where Belgium black Italian marble with yellow stone inlay adds a richness that is contrasted by Jaisalmer stone wall panelling as well as carved wooden strips placed diagonally over the bedside wall. A cast iron, wood and designer glass screen provides glimpses of a generous, linear study space — almost like a home office — designed keeping in mind the banker client’s need to immerse in financial research. In the daughters’ bedroom, the design is minimal but vibrant. A wooden poster bed overlooks the balcony, the neutral shade of the Italian marble Saren Calin on the floor blends well with the pop of colour on the wall and the fabric-sandwiched shutters above the study. The client’s parents enjoy a bedroom marked with warmth. The bedside wall in particular is impressive, clad in various panels of wood and metal screens with a gentle illumination reflecting from the surface. A
MaTEriaLs
abovE For the daughters’ bedroom, a modern princess-like appeal is created with a wooden poster bed which is offset by the Italian marble Saren Calin floor. Details like the bedside lamp from China continue the youthful narrative of the space. righT So that it can be easily maintained, the study table in the daughters’ room is given a clean detail in black granite. However, the practicality is also combined with an aesthetic dimension with aluminium profile shutters that showcase printed fabric sandwiched between plain glass.
floor italian marble, wooden planks, leather finish black granite Walls luster paint, neolith tile cladding, jaisalmer stone cladding, exposed brick cladding ceiling Wood, gypsum, fabric Partitions Metal, wood, glass furniture Wood, stone M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 7 3
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Jaisalmer stone is the common thread uniting the whole house. In the master bedroom, the panelling on the bed wall is a combination of Jaisalmer and carved wooden strips placed diagonally.
A backlit panel designed in wood and Jaisalmer stone functions as the perfect backdrop for the TV. On the side, the screen composed of wood, cast iron and designer glass separates the bedroom from the study in an artistic manner.
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touch of tradition is provided through the central panels clad in Banarasi silk fabric. For a home saturated with design features and intricate interventions, you don’t experience an assault to your senses here. Instead, you begin to appreciate the unique process of building a home that caters to diverse personalities. But more so, you acknowledge the innate desire of most Indian clients to surround themselves not with the overtly restrained interiors of the minimalist tradition but with warmth of the familiar Indian aesthetics — with the touch of the new of course.
ToP LEfT The touch of grandeur in the master bedroom comes across prominently from the Belgium black Italian marble with yellow stone inlay. It serves as a fitting palette for the contemporary furniture and artwork sourced from China. ToP righT Since the client is a banker who spends significant time on financial research, the study area is kept intentionally generous — with details like the patterned wood ceiling adding a sense of beauty to the space. abovE In the parents’ bedroom, a strong traditional visual is maintained. The wall behind the bed is a composition of wood panelling and metal screens that have minute slits on them, which highlights the area with a reverse light effect. To add colour and vibrancy, the central panels are covered in rich Banarasi silk fabric.
facT fiLE: Project Dogra’s residence client Dharmendra Dogra Location sevasi Khanpur road, Vadodara area 5,500 sq ft Principal architect shivangi Patel and Manav Patel design team ekta Kamdar, Deepika Khatri hvac consultant gayatri Trading (jay Patel) automation lutron (Parth shroff) contractors gopinath (paint), Pravin suthar (stone work) and sitaram (metal work) carpentry hiralal Mistry site coordination Mittal Patel M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 7 5
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A view of the central space, with a partial view of the associate area (on the right). Straight ahead, is the informal meeting room.
A Good Head Start Mindful of the strict budget and timelines, interior designer Manmeet Arora of LOC Design House creates an effervescent Mumbai office for legal start-up Jerome Merchant + Partners that commensurate with its young nature. text: Rupali SebaStian; PhotograPhs: Kunal bhatia, Courtesy lOC DeSign hOuSe M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 7 7
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The entrance into the work-area of the office, just beyond the tiny reception. On the left is the conference room, retained from the previous layout. Its curved glass is ‘broken’ by black-painted wooden strips pasted onto it, reinforcing the geometric feel. The MS partitions — bookshelves, graphic elements, space modulators, all rolled into one — give a sense of directionality.
interior designer Manmeet Arora 7 8 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
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he concerns for start-up workspaces are typical, mostly revolving around how much money is being spent on creating it, and how soon it can be used. The office for Jerome Merchant + Partners was no different. When five legal eagles decided to fly independently, as it were, they needed things to be actioned quickly — and economically. In interior designer Manmeet Arora of LOC Design House, they found a kindred spirit — in that, being a young designer herself, she was perfectly aware of how much anxiety such issues could cause. Turning the 1,600-squarefoot premises rented in downtown Mumbai, therefore, for her became a balancing act between budget and delivery. “I had to pick my battles when it came to this project. If I used mild steel somewhere, for instance, I had to offset that cost and time by using a material that was quicker in application and easier on the pocket elsewhere,” recalls Manmeet, who swears by user-centricity and attention to detail for creating spaces that are individualistic, personalized and bespoke. “We aspire to deliver spaces that are hallmarked by an experiential flavour — which can be truly admired not merely by seeing, but by using,” she adds.
The space already had an existing office set-up, with a spatial configuration of a bygone era — typified by a veritable “maze of cabins”. The primary design thought was directed towards making the work-life of people lively and interactive. This was manifested through an open-style spatial configuration, bursts of colours and a play of simple geometry. The first item to be checked off Manmeet’s list was contextualizing the space to fit present requirements. Ergo, the designer gutted down multiple partitions that fragmented the floor plate to liberate the space. The only exception to this was the conference room — which was kept intact, including its glass walls. No other civil changes were made. Post creating the mandatory reception/waiting area, the space that remained had to toe the openness line. This was achieved by positioning the glass-walled private cabins of the five partners on the periphery, bordering the central space which would accommodate associates and ancillary functions. This strategy engendered a sense of accessibility that the partners sought, facilitating the partner-associate interaction. “The layouts of the cabins,” elucidates the designer, “were driven by their users… so you don’t see a standard treatment. The art, the orientation, the seating — even their chairs — are all different.”
this Page Views from inside the conference room show how sightlines have been manipulated: allowing a clear view somewhere; visual privacy elsewhere. The existing panel ceiling was used to accommodate drop-lights wherever required.
ConCePt: to create an energetic, interactive workspace for a legal start-up quickly and as economically as possible.
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A pronounced geometric flavour rendered through the solid/void bookshelves, the ceiling grid and the glass wall detail. 8 0 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
Materials Ceiling panelled, existing Floor laminate Partitions Reused glass with wooden strips and painted MS blocks
With the budget and timeline being paramount, the designer wisely decided to reuse as many existing elements as possible to reduce the pecuniary burden and effect quick turnaround. Materials were selected based on cost and how quick the application could be. Wallpapers and laminate floor, therefore, seemed natural choices for walls and flooring respectively. Old glass panels were reused with wooden strips — in lieu of metal, whose fabrication is time-consuming and expensive — creating charming Georgian-style transparent expanses. “Glass was largely used for two reasons: it was available on site as part of the old set up; and it worked well with the open feel of the office. Almost 60 per cent of the glass in this office is reused,” reveals the designer.
this Page Close-ups of the cheerful-hued informal meeting area, shielded from one side by the MS block bookshelf.
Other than glass, light-on-the-eye partitioning also respected seamlessness. This strategy takes shape as a white-painted MS bookshelf — with rhythmic solids and voids — that acts M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 8 1
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as a screen between the conference room and informal meeting area on one side and the entrance passage and work area on the other side. This was also designed to hold the firm’s collections of legal manuals and handbooks. The element acts as a design focal point and a graphic backdrop for the informal meeting room. “We used MS because of the thinness of the plates. A plywood fabrication would have been bulky. Also, it could be fabricated off-site,” discloses Manmeet. The bookshelf also reinforces another element that brings the spatial treatment together: geometry. The gridded surface of the existing panel ceiling (which Manmeet decided to retain), the lattices on the glass expanses and the matrices of the bookshelves join hands to lend a pleasing cadence to the space.
toP An abridged waiting area, just outside the cabins of the partners, towards one end. The wooden floor-to-ceiling screen is visually porous, allowing partners glimpses of the associate bay that lies on the other side. above Glass was high up in the material list because of the requirement for interactivity — both within partners and with associates. The colour scheme of white and pale blue is a common denominator that ties these spaces together. 8 2 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
While the short timeline precluded customization of furniture, the designer ensured a curated selection from purveyors of quality pieces. The lighting strategy was kept simple: a two-layered configuration featuring functional lighting alongside a few decorative hanging lights and floor lamps. Chromatically speaking, black and white formed the base of the colour scheme, punctuated by bursts of sky blue and coral for accent. White with black lines renders a spacious, characterful feel; while coral and blue hues imbue the space with freshness. “When I started with the project, the idea was to create something that
would last a couple of years. It was a rented space, and the firm was young, growing. So they’d want to move out at some point,” says Manmeet. “I got a call from the clients some time back. They’d done well, and needed to expand — but hadn’t the heart to let this space go!” The project exemplifies the sensitivity of the designer to the constraints and challenges faced by the clients, and the endeavour to circumvent them through contextual, thoughtful design. With a judiciously selected material palette that kept the budget in mind, reuse of elements and a short turnaround time of 75 days, the designer ensured a spatial realignment that minimized financial outlay, giving the legal start-up a good start!
this Page When it came to private cabins, the design eschewed standardization. The seating orientation, artwork and accessorization takes into account personal preferences.
FaCt File: Project Office for Jerome Merchant + partners location nariman point, Mumbai area 1,600 sq ft Principal designer Manmeet arora design team Zahra plumber, afshan M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 8 3
Off the Shelf
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On a different beat
Visiting the StoneLife Super Studio in Hyderabad is like walking into a different world — a tropical haven replete with lush greenery, a water body, and the soft chirping of birds — which also happens to be a showroom filled with the finest curation of natural stones, marbles and Balinese artefacts and sculptures. Slow claps to architect Aamir Sharma and landscapist Naveen Panuganti, the creators of this paradiso. text: Deepa Nair; PhotograPhs: rickeN Desai, courtesy stoNeLife super stuDio
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Landscap architect Naveen Panuganti and architect Aamir Sharma
t was a hot summer day in Hyderabad, a blazing 43 degrees, when architect Aamir Sharma of the famed Aamir & Hameeda was taken to an empty two-acre property — with three massive trees, a flat land with hard soil, and zero vegetation — by his friend Dheeraj Jain, and was assigned the job to create an experiential retail space for natural stones and exotic marbles for the latter's brand StoneLife. This was to be StoneLife’s third retail venture in six years since its inception. “Dheeraj has been a friend for years, and is also my biking buddy,” smiles Aamir. “StoneLife is where we buy all the natural stones we use in our projects, so we know the brand well,” he adds. As the trust in the architect and his design prowess was long established, the only brief from the client was to design something unique and exotic by utilizing the brand’s products for its creation.
oPPosite Page The focus does not shift from the wide selection of natural stones and marbles displays. But Aamir ensured that there are small design surprises at regular intervals to break the monotony. this Page: The courtyard space has mini set-ups which introduce the visitor to the beautiful Balinese artefacts handpicked by the StoneLife team which are on sale.
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Aamir tells me that the entire project started with a sketch: “I spent an afternoon and evening with Dheeraj and my other close friends (also part of this venture) Vishal Jain and G Pavan Kumar, sketching the project. And I still remember how patiently they looked on, were intrigued at times and were so mesmerized with the outcome that they showed the sketch as a presentation to their partners, Subram Kapoor and Brijesh Chandwani.” The design plan which evolved, revolved in and around preserving the three neem trees at the property. This is where landscape architect Naveen Panuganti of Hyderabad-based Naveen Associates walked in and the project started taking shape. After some good thought, the architect and landscapist decided to create the main structure around a neem tree. Everything else, just fell into place after this design move.
toP A view of the entrance. A visitor comes through an enclosed lobby space and is greeted by light and volume inside. Yet the outside setting where a large live tree surrounded by a water body grabs attention first. above Balinese stone Bvlgari seems the perfect partner for the jaali-patterned window, created by handmade Karamos tiles in a blue hue, and for the Balinese temple artefacts.
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For ease of understanding, let me take you on a tour of this grand place — slowly and leisurely. Pass the gates of StoneLife today and the warmth and beauty of the exterior landscape will cajole you to stay outdoors for a long time. Yes, Naveen’s green magic preludes the main structure too. “One and a half years prior to the design of the super studio, the clients and I visited Bali for a
coNcePt: to create a showroom for natural stones, marbles and handpicked artful artefacts which gives customer a unique experience.
this Page A view of the wall of masks — each, a unique one at that — which line the staircase that leads to the offices of the directors on the mezzanine. Note the gravel floor with stepping stones, an unusual set-up for the wooden sculpture, and the artistic bench and stools which are on sale.
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Off the Shelf
week scouting for studios and workshops dealing with Balinese artefacts,” says Naveen, who had also worked with StoneLife on many of his landscaping projects. “Since this studio was to trade in different kind of stones from all over the world with special emphasis on Balinese artefacts, the tropical landscape design (both inside and outside) was envisioned to showcase and accentuate these products,” he adds. Pass a rundown metal and wood door in blue sourced from an old home, and you’ll enter the lobby area which highlights the Bvalgiri tiles and a jaali made from handmade ceramic tiles. You’ll be taken in by surprise and awe, as you step into a voluminous space… a whole new world where every single design, landscape and product seem in perfect harmony with each other. This is the main structure, which is further
toP Next to the wall of masks lies another interesting ensemble of garden products displayed on exterior stone tiles — an actual totem pole, a Balinese bench, stone carvings of deities and walls displaying some stunning stone samples.
Materials
above Another set-up in the courtyard which showcases an exterior stone design in application, with some more options on a stack of folder-like display towards the rear.
Walls paint, Bvlgari stone Floor tandoor stone, artificial grass, gravel Furniture Natural wood, leather
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This wonderful habitat created by landscapist Naveen is truly the piece de resistance of this entire project. The live neem, one of the three trees which were preserved from the original site, takes centerstage here, attracting birds, bees and squirrels alike into its warm embrace.
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Off the Shelf leFt A rare large stone carving of a reclining Ganesha set against a frangipani tree on display. beloW A waterbody was created by the artefact to mirror the neem tree, besides forming a tank of sort to harvest rain water. The carefully selected tropical plants and the garden/pond accessories completes this paradise-like habitat.
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segregated into an outdoor (with a roof and skylights at intervals) and an indoor space. While the indoor structure — which sees the use of PEB, puff panels, metal and glass in its construction — displays all the natural stones, exotic marbles and a fine selection of Balinese artefacts and furniture; the exterior is a tropical paradise of sorts replete with a live tree, a waterbody and some more one-of-a-kind exterior tiles, curios and furniture. Aamir has consciously accommodated the office space for the directors in the outdoor section, on a mezzanine floor, so that they enjoy the view while working. In and around the focal locus of the design — the live tree — the architects have ensured that there is no dull moment for a visitor… every single corner has an element of surprise and intrigue. Therefore, some parts of this courtyard-like outdoor area has a gravelled floor, the other has artificial grass and some patches gave way for exterior tile floors. On these varied floor settings, artefacts, sculptures and furniture sit pretty. The protagonist of the story in this space, however, remains the neem tree which is further accentuated by the waterbody which was formed around it. “We created a huge water body around the tree to act as mirror pool as well as to collect rainwater. It also has the functional purpose of being a heat sink — in a semi-arid climatic region such as Hyderabad, it reduces the dry
this Page Tandoor stone was used as the flooring material indoors, as the products on display would shine through when set against a rustic backdrop. Note the edges of the wall which are lined with pebble and gravel troughs, which breaks monotony. Plush custom-made sofas converse with raw wood chairs and a coffee table (in a seating corner); and swanky lights hover over dining tables and chairs made from a single block of wood.
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Another seating zone with bespoke leather sofas and chairs. Potted plants can be seen indoors too keeping the freshness and the mood of the space intact through and through. Note the gabion walls (the pillars) which make an appearance indoors — they have a mesh frame, and are filled with pebbles.
An interesting collage of mini side tables set against a stone wall keeps one engaged while sitting in this zone.
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Simple metal verticals forms the backdrop for a hand-carved bike made from Balinese teak wood.
A burst of colour on one wall creates a gallery-like environ to display some unique designs in natural stones and some wall and floor sculptures.
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this Page Walls and stand-alone units neatly display the innumerable natural stones available with StoneLife. In this zone, Aamir consciously kept the decor to minimum, so that customers can browse leisurely and without any distraction.
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StoneLife offers a minimum of six and up to 13 finishes on stones ranging from granite to slate. Customers can also choose from a variety of semiprecious and precious stones, rock surfaces, lava stone, basalt, and natural stones for swimming pools. They also supply tiles from brands like Tempesta and Keramos.
heat and induces enough humidity to create a comfortable environment,” explains Naveen. “This live tree, the waterbody and the lush tropical plants invite birds, squirrels and other small wild life,” Aamir adds. The indoor area is air-conditioned and can be rightfully called a treasure trove of natural stones and marbles. Aamir hit the design brief bang on as he ensured that no element screams over the products retailed here. A gorgeous wall of side tables, a bespoke bike handcrafted from teak wood, a gallery-like corner assigned to a tile collection, a dining table above which hovers an artful multi-hued sculpture and unique artefacts and sculptures, and furniture at strategic locations makes browsing through the store an experience like no other. “Most of the walls here have been used for tile display, either in its application or on cassettes made with metal — it can be hung like a magazine cover displaying the wide array of natural stone and other exotic materials,” explains Aamir. A project of this magnitude where many thinking minds were involved needs perfect coordination, and a respect for each other’s craft — and this project is a fitting example of the same. “Aamir was very close to this
project,” says Dheeraj. “He once told me that it would turn out better than any other project of his or Naveen’s — they were so involved that both of them would visit the sites during day and night on the final stages. This journey was what it required to complete a project of this magnitude,” he adds. Aamir signs off with a simple but effective line, “The clients remained stunned, shocked and breathless (in a positive way) most of the time during this project, and that’s how I like it…”
Fact File: Project stoneLife super studio location Vattinagulapalle, financial District, telangana Principal architect aamir sharma (aamir & Hameeda) landscape architect Naveen panuganti (Naveen associates) landscape design team shubhakar, Manikanta, krishna Mani (Naveen associates) contractor abhinay konda Plants srinivas (M/s pavan sai Nursery) M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 9 5
Space & Spice
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Secrets of the Sea Designed by the experimental team of architects from Zero Studio, Kadalas, a cafe in Kozhikode encapsulates all the beauteous elements and sublimity of the sea within its four almost-transparent walls. TexT: Deepa Nair; PhoTograPhs: HamiD mm, courTesy Zero StuDio
S
un-drenched sand, glistening waves, boats dancing on water and the infiniteness of the ocean… A comfortable seater, a favourite cocktail, a plate of the best fare, some soothing music, conversations with someone, or a book to get lost into…
archITecTs Hamid MM and Hafeef PK
These dreamy, almost paradise-like scenarios are what most crave for after a long day’s work or on a holiday. Imagine if one gets to experience all these charming attractions in a single space, from morning to night, day after day… Well, there exists a cafe where one can do just that in the coastal city of Kozhikode, Kerala which goes by the name — Kadalas. Opened last October, Kadalas is a portmanteau of the two words Kadal (sea) and Kadalas (paper) in Malayalam, and was started by four friends — Ahammed Shihab, Abdul Haseeb, Suhas Ahammed and Muhammed Shahin — who love their food and wanted to give their hometown a space where
ThIs doublesPread The sciagraphy of the sun, the colours of the sea, the soft breeze and the sound of waves… the Kadalas cafe embraces all the wonders of nature with wide open arms.
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ThIs double sPread An old warehouse which was partially used for storage was revamped to create the Kadalas cafe. With minimal changes to the structure, corrugated cement sheets were added over a roof which was enhanced to create a voluminous interior. Glass, metal, exposed cement and corrugated metal sheets were used for the structure of the building. Note the cement block at the entrance which highlights an old-world window design — it’s actually a space for takeaways. The minimal zen-like landscape outside reflects the mood of the exteriors and sets the tone for what lies within.
before
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clockwIse, from ToP lefT An existing old tree became a pleasing eye-soother for those looking through the circular glass windows of the mid-level. The play of light and shadow against the vintage designer glass that forms the entrance wall. Soft lights filters through the cotton fabric which drapes the staircase ceiling flooding the space in a soft glow. An intricate jaali made from clay blocks is one of the talking points of the cafe.
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ThIs Page Right from the entrance, a jaali crafted out of locallysourced traditional clay blocks leads you into the ground level of the cafe. Besides adding a design element, the jaali also offers ventilation.
great food met superlative ambiance, and yes, good books. The owners’ quest for the right design synergy for this venture ended with the young and dynamic team of architects from Zero Studio, a creative design practice based at Malappuram, Kerala, led by principal architects Hamid MM and Hafeef PK. The team experiments with architecture keeping user needs at the epicentre of all their creations… the perfect clincher for this project which required a fresh perspective in design and outlook. Another factor which impressed the clients is Zero Studio’s sensitivity towards nature. However experimental their architectural design is, “they try to converse with nature, to know it and to hurt it less and while doing so, always attempt to add something that makes the end product unique.” The design story of Kadalas cafe embodies all that Zero Studio stands for, and what they want to create. For the Kadalas cafe, the architects were handed an attractive challenge which required them to refurbish an old warehouse that was partially modified with steel elements to rent out for storage purpose. The biggest plus of this property was its location — it is close to an old street with an enormous history — the Gujarati Street in Kozhikode. But, the architects point out, “it had very little to do with the past or present of its context; even being one of the few structures that lie within the permissible areas abutting the primary influence factor later in the design process — the beach.” Apparently the foremost requirement of the clients was for Zero Studio to create something unique, unlike many recently popped up eateries in town. M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 1 0 1
Space & Spice
ThIs Page At the ground level, one steps into a blue oxidized flooring which reflects the ocean beyond — giving you a feeling of walking on water. The furniture made from metal and wood was consciously kept minimal in its style so that visitors can afford uninterrupted views of the beach and sea beyond. Note the bespoke aluminium lamps which hover over each table and emit a soft focused glow.
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Twilights are best enjoyed at the Kadalas cafe with a mocktail by the table — sun dawning gives way to interesting silhouettes inside the space too.
coNcePT: to create a unique experience, unlike typical eateries in town. Basically a space for great food and good books. The surreal Lensball art installation which is placed next to the deck on the ground floor captures the inverted images of the surroundings, inside a glass ball.
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ThIs Page Partially set under an old tree, the deck, which is an extension of the ground floor, can be accessed through wooden doors. There are no boundary walls here, making this casual space open to people from the beach-end too. Note the lounge chair, an actual canoe and two customized art installation pieces which grace this rear end of the cafe.
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“All over the world, food aficionados are having a great time since cuisine these days isn’t exclusive to the region where it belongs to but has become a global concept. Cities and small towns also have their own regional versions for specialty eating spaces, bringing to the platter, local as well as foreign cuisine, and at times fusing together different varieties,” says Hamid. “Enthusiasts are now being offered much more than just a nice meal. Calling it by the name of ‘experience dining’, restaurateurs put forward dining as a wholesome package. Thus, along with ‘what’ you are eating, ‘where’ you are eating has also become important in deciding your satisfaction level as a customer. This is where ambience becomes highly important sometimes to the extent that it can overshadow the food itself,” adds Hafeef. The first exercise which the design team tackled was the refurbishment of the available three-level building, albeit without changing the existing area or structural elements but by altering the roof heights and thereby its volume. In terms of spatial demarcations, of the three levels, the quaint base level (which is named Sands) features a finely detailed curved jaali (made from clay blocks) which orients the circulation and view towards the beach. The middle level (called Waves) is a bright, happy space which offers an elevated view of the sea filtered through the foliage of an old tree. The third level (aptly named Skies) is a casual lounge space with a barrierfree view of the horizon. “Though a standalone at first look, a closer observation reveals that the cafe, in its attempt to
The furniture on the ground level has a minimalist disposition and is crafted in wood and metal.
A collage of mini decorative mirrors placed at the landing of the first floor.
An engaging interpretation of the sea by artists CP Mohanan and Smijesh is spread across a wall on the middle level.
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clockwIse, from above lefT Modern versions of the humble lantern emit soft light on the low tables of the top level. The tables at the top level are made with cement planter pots with yellow oxide finish and GI metal sheets. An old oil hand pump is upcycled to a water tap and incorporated in the rooftop wash counter. The Yacht wooden sculpture mounted on a steel rod is an art installation. Antique style brass taps feature in the washroom on the ground level.
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ThIs Page Old wood from demolished structures nearby was used to create the staircase. The jaali pattern appears on the middle level too forming a bar counter in a horizontal length of five metres.
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deliver dining as a full experience, has its ‘platter’ of design derived from the context itself,” the architects point out. The material palette used at Kadalas was consciously kept to the minimum so that patrons are not intimidated by the display of elements (read furniture, claddings, lighting etc). Rather, the luxury here is the space, and the privy of a vast expansive sea with its ever-changing colours — which is framed through large glass walls on the western side of the building. Therefore, you’ll find the roof clad in corrugated cement sheets… it flows into a large part of the facade too which also sees exposed cement, coloured glass and metal at work. Inside, the material palette echoes the colours of the sea — shades of blue oxide and plain cement form the flooring. Finishes and accessories (most of them being antique or obtained from old buildings nearby) reminisces a bygone era, thus reconnecting the structure with the past. The choice of furniture is mostly
maTerIals facade Corrugated cement sheets, exposed concrete, glass, metal, wood walls Corrugated cement sheets, paint floor Blue oxide cement floor, cement floor Jaali screen Clay blocks furniture metal, wood, cement planter, cane 1 0 8 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
ThIs Page The middle level has two seating zones — a large bright space which affords a view of the beach on one side and the road on another. The other is an intimate space with a large wall covered in artwork. Here, a traditionally borrowed design is applied on the furniture which has been customized in wood and cane.
while sipping on your mojito, or devouring a bite of a delicious pasta (note, the cafe serves continental food); or taking a leisurely stroll through all the three levels. Look out for the art installations of the yacht and lens ball at the ground level, wind chimes, the large industrial clock, the splendid wall art at the mid-level, old lantern lamps, metal suspended lamps, a collage of decorative mirrors, the old-world brass taps and an old oil hand-pump turned into a faucet… All the elements inside, much like the sea, will take you by surprise, awe and a feeling of being one with nature — just what the mavericks at Zero Studio set out to achieve from the word go.
ThIs Page Skies, the rooftop level, has a blue oxidized floor and a glass railing which merges with the surroundings and gives one the surreal feeling of a walk in the clouds or on water. Cosy bean bags in a shade of happy yellow make for seating here.
traditional — designed with a minimalistic approach to echo the concept of the interiors. So you’ll find gems like old teak wood panels — which become a table top, or a seat — used without polishing off their patina, thereby retaining their old-world charm. The furniture pieces also tread the minimal, simple line of design in order to maintain an unobtrusive view of the beach and sea beyond. The finer details can be experienced only once you sit in the embrace of this charming cafe and look around
facT fIle: Project Kadalas clients ahammed Shihab, abdul Haseeb, Suhas ahammed and muhammed Shahin location South Beach, Calicut area 3,230 sq ft Principal architects Hamid mm and Hafeef pK design team Nidhin raj, muhammed Shameer, issudeen tm and Shafeek ahamed structural engineering ramees ali mechanical and electrical engineering elmek Solutions metal fabrication mansoor electricals Jibeesh landscaping Banyan tree furniture Simple Furniture, abbar industries glazing Kevi Glass carpentry Sunil Kumar M a r c h 2 0 1 9 BETTER INTERIORS 1 0 9
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Choose from a delectable range flooring and wall options, comfortable mattresses, ultrasonic kitchen sink and more…
Stonelam laminam Sayo enterpriSe
Sayo Enterprise has newly launched a revolutionary product — Ultrasonic Kitchen Sink. This unique product uses a modern cutting-edge American technology of sound frequency conversion that cleans fruits, vegetables, seafood etc of the harmful chemicals, pesticides, dust and surface impurities including pathogens, bacteria and other living organisms which appear on the surface of the product. This is how the product works: ultrasonic transducers fitted underneath the sink convert electrical energy to mechanical energy and vibrate in a vibrational frequency of 30,000 to 40,000 hz per second generating energy waves in water. This creates millions of microscopic air cavities loaded with vacuum energy in water that create blast energy equivalent of several hundred degrees of heat and thousands of atmospheres. This results in the quick separation of harmful elements from the surface of the consumables. price on request
Stonelam Laminam recently launched indoor and outdoor table top slabs which flaunts exceptional colours. The range is available in a variety of sizes and each piece is created with innovative techniques and finesse to tastefully meet the customers’ expectations in quality, impression and value for money. The slabs have high resistance to wear and tear, scratches, deep abrasion and bending. It is easy to sanitize, and is resistant to frost-fire-mould and mildew, and to the effect of UV rays. All the characteristics and chromatic properties of the slabs are unchanging and are designed to stand the test of time in all atmospheric conditions.
compiled by: Manasi Tahalani; photographs: courtesy The Brands
price on request
Greenlam induStrieS
lioli CeramiCa
Lioli Ceramica has launched its latest surface called Cava Anthracite, in charcoal grey with a textured matte finish that combines minimal design and durability. Part of the Orgatech series, the porcelain slab is a TechnoSLAB product and manufactured in both 9mm and 12mm thicknesses using superior technology. It is easy to clean, hygienic, non-porous, scratch-free, heat-resistant and chemicalresistant. The 3200mm x 1600mm slab creates a seamless surface that is ideal for large flooring and wall areas or kitchen countertops. price on request
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Greenlam Industries has introduced two new engineered wood series under their Mikasa range — Noce Imperial and Oak Noir — and a beautiful range of veneers named Jagged Smoke Sapele under Decowood. Noce Imperial highlights the beauty of metallics and earthy shades such as beige, brown and tan; while the Oak Noir with its dark shades would add a Utopian touch to your interiors. The special feature of the Jagged Smoke Sapele veneers is its premium dark wood texture and hues. ` 650/sq ft (noce imperial, ` 620/sq ft (oak noir), ` 404 /sq ft (Jagged smoke sapele)
Gallery
evoWood
EvoWood has introduced unique 3.5mm thick solid wood sheets known as EvoLlae, which come in various species of solid wood. These sheets can be applied in places such as wall panelling systems, ceiling, flooring, staircases, doors, wardrobes, modular furniture and so on. Some of the products in their portfolio are available in up to 10 ft height and 6 ft width, aka the Sandwich Panel, which is a three layer product with a 2.5mm sheet as the top layer making it sturdier and easier to use. The modular wall panelling system can be installed in a matter of minutes without any substrate glue or nailing with ready to use lumber and engineered wooden steps. These products are made using top-grade seasoned wood sourced from ecologically sustainable forests. price on request
ClaSSiC marble Company
Classic Marble Company has launched its latest flexible porcelain tile product — Mega White under its brand, Kalesinterflex. Mega White is a matte finished, pearl white tile available in thicknesses of 3mm and 5mm, and is 1000mm x 3000mm in size. Unlike ordinary tiles, Kalesinterflex has a 5.5mm range of flex and this flexibility allows the tile to cover concave and convex surfaces. The 3mm thickness makes the tiles lighter in weight and easy to handle, making them an ideal wall clad and facade material for most buildings, especially for tall structures. Manufactured using the best quality raw material and unique technology, the product is highly resistant to fire, water and dust and hence is suitable for facade applications in tropical climates too. Despite being thin, the tile is hard, durable and rates seven on Mohs scale of hardness. Its smooth surface does not retain dirt and is virtually maintenance-free. Another distinguishing aspect of this product is that it has been created using environment-friendly technology and is green certified. price on request
durfi
New Delhi-based eCommerce mattress company Durfi aims to alleviate lower back and muscle pain with three comfortable layers in their mattresses that provide contouring and pressure relief. Their mattresses are made of memory foam and is hypo-allergenic, antibacterial and breathable. The company ships directly from the manufacturer to the buyer with no middleman involved and are available in attractive prices. Consumers can buy mattresses from the Durfi website as well as from popular online shopping platforms such as Flipkart, Amazon and Pepperfry. price on request 1 1 2 BETTER INTERIORS M a r c h 2 0 1 9
leGrand india
Legrand India recently introduced their IP-based door phone, Classe 300, as part of their home automation product portfolio. The video internal unit allows customers to access their homes from anywhere in world. One can manage its various functions via smartphone, including controlling calls, opening the gate, activating the camera or switching the garden lights on. It features a wide 7-Touch Screen display and a unique and exclusive design. price on request
Directory
directory HIGH-FIVE Bajaj ElEctricals 45/47, Veer Nariman Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai 400023; Tel: (022) 41280000; Website: www.bajajelectricals. com KEnt rO E-6,7 & 8, Sector-59, Noida 201309; Tel: (120) 3075000; Email: sales@kent.co.in; Website: www.kent.co.in HavElls india QRG Towers, 2D, Sec- 126, Express Way, Noida 201304; Tel: (120) 3331000; Email: marketing@havells. com; Website: www.havells.com ttK PrEstigE TTK Prestige Limited, 11th Floor, Brigade Towers, 135, Brigade Road, Bangalore 560025; Mobile: (91) 8022277441; Website: www.ttkprestige.com WOndErcHEf Unit No.303, 3rd Floor, B Wing, Supreme Business Park, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, Mumbai 400076; Mobile: (91) 9152729455; Email: care@wonderchef.in; Website: www.wonderchef. com
SwISH LISt alanKaram B-2/37, Mohan Cooperative, Industrial Estate, Behind Badarpur Metro Station, New Delhi 110044; Tel: (011) 4646 3333; Email: design@alankaram.in; Website: www.alankaram.in gOOd EartH S-06, A-3 District Centre, 1 1 4 BETTER INTERIORS
m arcH 2019
3rd Floor, Select City Walk Mall, Saket, New Delhi 110017; Email: customercare@ goodearth.in; Website: www.goodearth.in
BarO 12, Sun Mill Compound, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400013; Tel: (022) 40344888; Website: www.baro-india.com
iKEa india Raidurg, Serilingampally, Mandal, Survey no. 83/1, Plot No.25, 26, Part 29 Panmaqtha, Rangareddy, Hyderabad, 500032; Toll Free: 18004194532; Email: ikeacsc.india@ikea.com; Website: www.ikea.com
BOcOncEPt Mondeal Retail Park, A Block, 2nd Floor Near Rangoli Farm, SG Highway, Ahmedabad 380054; Mobile: 9409631000; Email: ahmedabad@ boconcept.in
frEEdOm trEE Block 31, Laxmi Wooden Mill Compound, Shakti Mill Lane, Off E Moses Road, Mahalaxmi (W), Mumbai 400011; Tel: (022) 24914433; Website: www.freedomtree.in nicOBar Mobile: (91) 8588000150; Email: care@nicobar.com; Website: www.nicobar.com
COLOUR & StYLE asian Paints Asian Paints House 6A, Shantinagar, Santacruz (E), Mumbai 400055; Tel: (022) 6218 1000; Email: customercare@ asianpaints.com; Website: www.asianpaints.com
BAZAAR aBaca Indo Italian Furniture Co Pvt Ltd; G9/G 10A Laxmi Woolen Mill Estate, Shakti Mill Lane, Off Dr E Moses Road, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400011; Tel: (022) 24933588; Email: info@abacaindia.com; Website: www.abaca.in ansavv 77A, 78 Adhchini, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi 110017; Email: info@ansavv.com; Website: www.ansavv.com
BEyOnd dEsigns Khasra No.432, 433,434, Ground Floor, Opposite Metro Station, Pillar No. 89, MG Road, Gadaipur Sultanpur, New Delhi 110030; Tel: (011) 26804189; Email: contactbeyonddesigns@gmail. com; Website: www.beyondesigns.in canE BOutiquE 273, Amarjyothi Layout, Intermediate Ring Road, Domlur II Stage, Serenity Layout, Domlur, Bengaluru 560071; Mobile: 8041152093; Email: info@caneboutique. com; Website: www. caneboutique.com lOOmcrafts A-7/98, South Side GT Road, Industrial Area, Ghaziabad-201009; Website: www.loomcrafts.com indi stOrE 369, CRC Building, 2nd Floor, wMehrauli-Gurgaon Road, Sultanpur, New Delhi 110030; Mobile: 9560256329; Website: www.alexdavisstudio. com idus 10/57, Kirti Nagar Industrial, Area New Delhi 110015; Tel: (011) 45888000; Email: enquiry@idus.in; Website: www.idus.in
inliving IHDP Business Park, Level 1, Plot No 7, Sector 127, Expressway, Noida 201301; Mobile: 9555591325; Email: info@inliving.com; Website: www.inliving.com iOta 1/45 WHS Kirti Nagaar, New Delhi 110015; Mobile: 99584921212; Website: www.iotafurniture.com iqruP + ritz 392, Electronic City, Udyog Vihar, Sector 18, Gurugram, Haryana 122015; Website: www.iqrupandritz.com ficus finE living The New Great Eastern Mills, 25-29 Dr Ambedkar Road, Near Rani Baug, Byculla, Mumbai 400027; Mobile: 8976542300, 9930697781; Email: charu@ficusfineliving.com; Website: www.ficusfineliving.com frEEdOm trEE (See Swish List) gulmOHar lanE Website: www.gulmoharlane.com
I’m, tHE cEntrE fOr aPPliEd arts A-15, Lajpat Nagar 2, Feroze Gandhi Road, New Delhi 110024; Tel: (011) 48780006; Email: info@imcaa.in; Website: www.imcaa.in mads crEatiOns Unit No.149, 1st Floor, Vipul Trade Center, Sector-48, Sohna Road, Gurgaon 122018; Tel: (124) 4389267; Website: www.madscreations.in nitin KOHli HOmE Ambawatta One, Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, Funcraft Decollage; New Delhi 110030; Mobile: 9717037217;
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