Volume 12. Issue 01. January 2018 Rs. 25/-
THE
INSIDE TRACK CONNECTING THE DESIGN COMMUNITY Now view our web edition at www.theinsidetrack.in
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new year comes with the promise of new beginnings and fresh starts. The Inside Track, being India’s foremost B2B magazine, aims to bring you the latest news and updates on the Indian building and design scene. And with the start of the year brimming with new products, new trends, new talent and companies, we get you what’s brewing afresh. In the words of architect Kaushik Mukherjee, “2018 will see architects following a non-conformist approach, evolving from a defined genre, and create a symbiotic experience, in line with the space, climate, geology, ethical needs and client’s lifestyle that will endeavour to define their own design identity”.
Design Direction 2018 The year 2018 begins with fresh ideas, trends and endless possibilities to bank on in the world of design. BY ANINDITA GANGULY Photo Courtesy: Zynna
Cover Story
Colours: The new year 2018 has brought in the trend of calm and soothing tones with a subtle hint of freshness. Brown and beige are the colours to go for if you would like the shade to intensify the impact your interiors can affect. Teal is going to be the colour of the year, with the hue largely being used not only for the walls and curtains but also for the furniture items to make them stand out. Lavender and lilac will also be the eye catching colours this year. Patterns: Geometric patterns are in this year specifically with clean and defined
The new year 2018 has brought in the trend of calm and soothing tones with a subtle hint of freshness
lines. Stripes are also trending. The latest idea is to create products, ideas and solutions with a unique shape. For instance leaf shaped utensils and hexagonal trays. Floral prints will also stay in vogue this year. According to Mr. Pulkit Goyal, Business Development Manager, U-Like Fabrics “Talking about the design trends in 2018, the emergence of perfectly imperfect designs will be seen soon. Designers, architects and planners are applying their ingenuity to adapt these challenges. Unclear hazy designs without any set patterns will appear. To name a few other, shabby geometricals, Moroccan forms, kaleidoscopic formations and vintage patterns Pop of colours adds an element of fun and style to the interiors
continued on page 2
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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2018
THE
INSIDE TRACK
CONTENTS
January 2018
COVER STORY Design Direction 2018 1 Modernizing Lifestyles 6 Concrete will become an extremely popular material
continued from page 1 will be hit this year. Quilting is an old form of pattern, but innovation and experimentation in quilting will show its presence again.” Materials: Natural stone, leather, concrete and stonecrete, metals like brass, copper and bronze will be extremely popular. Natural elements and woven textures
will be preferred in the interior and décor scenario. Velvet as a material will also rule in the interiors. Traditional as well as non-traditional materials will be largely experimented upon. Antibacterial and organic will be the way of life in 2018. Furniture: Distressed furniture is creating a rage in the furniture segment. continued on page 3
AGIL: Setting Benchmarks 7 Rekindling A Tabernacle 8 Casted in Wax 10 Advancing With Viega 11 Palace Of Salt 12 Altered Into An Atelier 14 Minimalist Royalty 16 The House Of Johnson Experience 17 Pillow Talk 18 Unpretentiously Palatial 19 The Latest On Recent Launches And Products 20 The Magnificence Of Wabi-Sabi 24
Owner, Publisher & Printer Mr. Anish R. Bajaj for Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd. Printed at Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd., B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange Building, Cotton Green Road, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033. Published at B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange Building, Cotton Green Road, Mumbai 400 033 Tel (022) 23736133/1, 23743069 Editor Mr. Anish R. Bajaj THE INSIDE TRACK Volume 12. Issue 01. January 2018. English - Monthly. This issue contains 24 pages including both covers.
Creative Director Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Assistant Editor Shweta Salvi. Sub-Editor Anindita Ganguly LayoutDesign Asif Shayannawar, Darshan Palav, Pooja Modak, Snigdha Hodarkar Marketing: Mumbai, Saurabh Shah, B 62, Cotton Exchange Bldg, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 Tel: (022) 23736133/1, 23743069 Email:response@marvelinfomedia. com. Chennai Mr. S. Venkataraaman, Flat No. 2, 3rd Flr, E Block, Hansa Garden, 30 Madampakkam Main Rd, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai 600 073 Tel: (044) 22281128 Mob: 9444021128 Email: svenkat@marvelinfomedia.com. Europe 282, Rue du Noyer, bt 16, 1030 Bruxelles, Belgium. REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE Recycling old magazines and newspapers is one of the easiest ways to help the environment. To increase the supply of recoverable wood fibre and to reduce the demand on the world’s landfills, THE INSIDE TRACK urges its readers to actively participate in recycling efforts.
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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2018
continued from page 2 Antique, recycled and upcycled beds, sofas, chairs and storage units are being largely favoured. Amongst furniture items, storage boxes and trunks are making a come-back this year. Home Décor And Accents: Handcrafted home décor accents will gain precedence over others. This also paves the way to encourage local craftsmanship. Silver and copperware are also going to be commonplace in 2018.
Projecting uniqueness in concept and eloquence in design in every idea is the most remarkable trend
Changing the lights can completely transform the look of a space
interiors and organic fibre for furnishings will make for a unique home décor statement. In the words of Mr. Vaibhav Jain, CEO, Deco Window “The new year brings in a new perspective on everything, which leads to new designs and new designs lead to new trends. The Mandalas will be huge this year, decorators will have to be careful
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the increasing attention on the use of natural, sustainable and healthy materials. With people being more and more sensitive about the impact of chemicals on health, there has been a move towards natural as well as benign materials which do not contain harmful chemicals. The luxury market is preferring natural materials such as real wood over imitations, stone over tiles, real leather over faux leather etc. In terms of colour trends, there is a clear shift towards pastel, lighter tones and greys in the wood flooring segment.” He further adds, “We are also seeing a demand from the market for sustainable products. In the wood sector, the attention is on products derived from sustainable forestry. Ease of maintenance is also one of the key demands from the sector although it can be seen that people prefer natural over synthetic even though it might require a bit more maintenance”.
Upcycled furniture has become immensely popular
Lighting: Lighting is one of the most significant aspects of designing a home and changing the lights can completely transform the look of a space. Paper and metal lamps will be immensely popular in the lighting segment this year. Pendant lamps are expected to remain in trend. Nautical marine lights will also gain considerable popularity.
Metal lamps will be immensely popular in the lighting segment
towards making sustainability a choice of life. Vibrant indoor plants will also make a significant impact in 2018.
and refrain from overdoing it. Colour pop; the concept of adding a bright colourful element to monochromatic décor will be trending in 2018. Since 2017 saw monochrome as a hit, colour pop will be an easy transition for designers. Open shelves will be preferred exclusively over any other form of showcase cabinet. Open shelves are available in wide range of colours and also easy on pockets”.
3d Hood chimney from Faber is one of the latest kitchen updates
Contemporary Touch To The Kitchen The kitchen in 2018 will be fluent in colours and technology. From state of the art appliances to smart ovens and efficient waste management systems, the modern kitchen will be dream realised in 2018. Sustainability As A Way Of Life Environmental friendliness will be the order of the day with the emphasis of incorporating conservation and sustainability assuming prime importance. From building materials to home accents, the change for the betterment will be the slogan as life gets directed
CenturyPly recommends contrasting designs in the interiors
Nagold Noire baking series from Hafele has made baking easier
Un i q u e n e s s A s A D e f i n i n g Concept Projecting uniqueness in concept and eloquence in design in every idea is the most remarkable trend for the upcoming year. Open air living rooms, dark hues in
Flooring The Trend Light textured wooden flooring is another trend to stay in vogue. Patterned flooring will also be a trend to explore this new year. Using large tiles for flooring is another astounding flooring technique. According to Mr. Satinder Chawla, Managing Director, Span Floors, “ The key point that we have been noticing is
“There is a clear shift towards pastel, lighter tones and greys”
continued on page 4
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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2018
continued from page 3 Wallpapers Tre n d y w a l l p a p e r s m a k e f o r another contemporary trend that will be very popular in 2018. Digitally printed, floral patterns, abstract art work and 3d art will be applied to the wallpapers, which will be more eye-catching than ever. Home Décor Style Scandinavian and mid-century modern décor will be creating a rage this year. Juxtaposition of different and contrasting materials will be highlighted. This year witnesses the return of the vintage component in home décor and interior designing. Classic touch will be rendered to homes, redefining the concept of design itself.
Verdant collection from U-Like Fabrics is all about eloquence
Intersekt wallpapers can magically transform your interiors
Outdoors Now Indoors The outdoors will come to assume immense importance in 2018. With pergolas, terraces, gardens and conser vatories becoming essential parts of life, fashioning trendy outdoors will be in vogue. Bringing the outdoors to life with vertical gardens, succulent collections, green enclosures, outdoor kitchen and dining spaces and creating exclusive pre- and post-dinner entertainment spaces nearby, such as a fire pit or pool will all be in trend in 2018. According to Mr Shankho Chowdhury, Executive Business Head, Decoratives, Century Ply,
Conservatories from Window Magic can bring the outdoors to life
Functionality would be the key statement with minimal ornamentation and detailing. Uncl u t t e re d a n d s l e e k c l e a n lines will necessarily dominate the scenario. Exposed Bricks And Concrete The technique of using exposed rough bare brick walls and mottled grey concrete in buildings is the latest architectural trend that is being greatly contested by architects all over the world. This décor style is particularly inspired by industrial or warehouse design.
Open shelves from Deco Window are available in wide range of colours and also easy on pockets
The technique of using exposed rough bare brick walls and mottled grey concrete in buildings is the latest architectural trend
“Design trends in the laminate industry are ever changing due to changes interior décor preferences of the consumers. We foresee that subtle or soft textures will be gaining popularity as similar changes have been observed in the other surface décors as the consumers demand soothing colours & textures these days. Abstract designs are also getting relevance in today’s modern décor which gives distinct look to the interiors. T h e o t h e r t re n d o f u s i n g
contrasting designs in the interiors, For e.g. If the wall panelling is being done with a lighter shade of woodgrain, then the furniture (bed) is being done with a dark shade of woodgrain laminates, will continue in 2018 as well. Trend of High gloss laminates will continue to shine due to its attractive finish and low on maintenance feature. There is a trend to use two contrasting solid colours in the kitchen area to make it look unique”. The year 2018 has brought with it amazing design concepts that promise to generate a renewed wave of discourse in the world of design.
The year 2018 has brought with it amazing design concepts
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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2018
Spot Light
S
chock is the manufacturer of premium quartz composite sinks and inventor of the first quartz composite sink h e a d q u a r t e r e d i n G e r m a n y. Schock, being a global leader in world quartz composite industry in 2016, with 21 % market share and Acrysil being no 1 in the Indian market and the only manufacturer of quartz kitchen sinks with Schock technology, provides huge potential for the products in India. Schock sinks are tough and hard wearing; 60 % of the world’s quartz composite sinks market uses Schock technology. All Schock sinks are produced and handmade in Germany with more than 200 sink models in more than 43 colors. Society, technology and the economy are in a permanent state of change. Schock has always seen this as an opportunity to shape developments, actively influence trends and creatively model the future. Schock has thoroughly modernized its str uctures in recent years achieving market leader, quality leader and design leader status is the company’s new aspiration. Some product features of the Schock Sinks include dirt
Modernizing Lifestyles Carysil Kitchen Appliances launches Schock Sinks under their TEK Carysil range.
Chairman and Managing Director, Acrysil Group, Mr. Chirag Parekh with CEO. Schock GmBH, Mr. Ralf Boberg
repellent, odour free, heat proof, impact resistant and hygienic. Acrysil Ltd. is a premium brand for residential and commercial kitchen equipment committed to supply high quality products that enrich the daily kitchen experience. Born in 1987, the fast growing Acrysil brand brings together the best of German design, engineering and world class manufacturing practices, reflecting their philosophy of ‘Technology and Innovation’. The brand sells to discerning customers in over 40 countries worldwide like USA, UK, Germany, France, Canada, China, Far East and Gulf Countries. Acrysil has also set up a wholly owned subsidiary, Acrysil GmbH in Germany in order to further strengthen its presence in the demanding European markets. Acrysil Limited, part of Acrysil Group, one of the world leaders in manufacturing of Residential and Commercial Kitchen appliances and products engineered with German technology, marketing the products under the brand name “Carysil”. Carysil kitchens are uniquely stylish yet practical creating a perfect environment for
storing, creating and sharing food. Functionality is the key to Carysil designs which reflects in their easy to use kitchen appliances while also maintaining the aesthetics and visual appeal. The brand has recently launched their lifestyle range of products catering to a wider gamut of audience under the name TEK Carysil. TEK Carysil, a luxury high end collection designed in Europe is a premium product line, offering products in the finest materials with elegant and modern finishing. Some of the highlights of the range are built in coffee makers, built in wine chillers, combination ovens and wall mounted and island chimneys. Not only are all Carysil products compliant with the highest quality standards, they are also expertly designed to ensure reliability, ease of use and durability. Contact Carysil Factory and Head Quarter Bhavnagar - Rajkot Highway, Navagam,Vartej - 364 060. Bhavnagar. (INDIA). email : info@carysil.com web: www.carysil.com tel. : +91-278-2540218, 2540893
THE INSIDE TRACK January 2018
Spot Light
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stablished in the year 2000, Asian Granito India Ltd. (AGIL) has today emerged as one of the largest ceramic companies of India. It is among the top ceramic tile manufacturers in India and among the world’s 50 most profitable Ceramic Tile Companies. AGIL manufactures and markets interior & infrastructure products like vitrified wall & floor tiles, porcelain, natural marble composite and quartz. The Company has 8 state-of theart manufacturing units spread across Gujarat and more than 166 exclusive showrooms across India. It has an extensive marketing and distribution network which comprises of over 5,500 dealers and sub-dealers covering each and every state of the country. It exports to 53 countries worldwide. Asian Granito India Limited (AGIL), has recently received tremendous response at the 2nd edition of Vibrant Ceramics Expo & Summit
AGIL: Setting Benchmarks Asian Granito India Ltd receives ‘Highest Productivity Award’ at ‘Vibrant Ceramics Expo & Summit 2017’.
2017 organised at Gandhinagar in Gujarat during November 16th 17th, 2017. AGIL showcased its wide range of products from Big Slab Marblex tiles, Ceramic Tiles, Double Charge Vitrified tiles, Hexacon, Grandura Plus and Engineered Marble & Quartz. The company was also awarded for the Highest Productivity Award as well at the summit. The four day expo saw over 1,000 international buyers during the exhibition and over 200 exhibitors participated with their range of products. Vibrant Ceramics is oneof-a-kind initiative that aims towards unifying and synergizing the key players in the ceramics industry. Contact web: www.aglasiangranito.com
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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2018
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nown as the city of temples, Nasik is a city in Maharashtra, which houses a variety of old monuments. The first images that come to your mind when you think of Nasik are of rustic yet royal old structures, and vast green fields. In its bolstering labyrinth of streets, are ancient temples, built more than 200 years ago.
Rekindling A Tabernacle Set in the heart of a small village, the ‘all black stone temple’ revamped by Within ‘N’ Without becomes a spectacle for the community. BY AVANI PATWARDHAN
The uniformity in colour and the staggered profile of the temple truncates the enormity of the structure
Restoring such structures becomes a complex task. The Maruti Mandir at Kalvan, was one such monument which was to be revamped. The temple, situated at the heart of the settlement was an evening gathering space for the residents nearby. The architectural studio, Within ‘N’ without, lead by Shailesh Devi has done justice to the temple by coming up with an interesting design for it. The new temple is built entirely using black stone which resembles the look of ancient temples carved in granite. The uniformity in colour and the staggered profile of the temple truncates the enormity of the structure. Such considerations in design, help the otherwise dominating and visually distinct structure to blend in with the context. Taking into consideration the interrelationship of built to open and physical
The shadow play created in the temple interiors using intricate jaali patterns makes the space lively and interactive
The temple, situated at the heart of the settlement is an evening gathering space for the residents nearby
The new temple is built entirely using black stone which resembles the look of ancient temples carved in granite
to metaphysical for such projects, plays a paramount role. The design approach moves beyond the inevitable form and function aspects and involves exploratory and accommodative aspects in the planning as well. In addition to this, several other concerns such as the involvement of diverse user groups, interactions and movements of people within the complex, composition of various elements of design, the form, scale and proportions of these elements, are also vital aspects that have been given importance in the design. The shadow play created in the temple interiors using intricate jaali patterns makes the space lively and interactive. Playing a crucial role in the sociocultural and spiritual life, the temple has now become an affordable yet accessible asset for local people and remains an integral part of the local life system.
The design moves beyond the inevitable form and function and involves exploratory and accommodative aspects as well
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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2018
Spot Light
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ooted in Gurgaon, Takshni is the brain child of Richa Uppal, an alumnus of University of Arts (London) and National Institute of Fashion Technology (India). For her Takshni is a revelation. She is a fashion designer who found her true calling in another area of design altogether; mixed-media and kinetic sculptures. Takshni brings two different strata of society together to create something unique, a decision she made on being acquainted with indigenous artists residing in the tribal belts of India during her MA research days. Takshni stands for the chisel in Sanskrit; a tool for carving out tangible manifestations of creativity. Their moulded and chiselled alloys fused with stone, wood, iron, clay; mystifying intricacies and inherent richness of traditional crafts of
Casted in Wax A brand that stands for empathy towards its
craftsmen, reliability towards its customers and integrity towards its work. BY VANDANA KRISHNAN
A strong fist represents power, confidence and determination
The black finish with hints of gold on the edges look perfect and gel well in tradition to modern spaces
our country epitomises artistic manifestations of creativity. The brand has two verticals, the collection and the custom made pieces which widen further into three categories: Smara, the gifting range; Vibhasa, the decor range and Ekam, the exclusive range. Their only equipment’s are a set of gifted hands and some basic tools used by artisans based in Chhattisgarh, Orissa and West Bengal. The initial design is sketched first on paper and then converted on Autodesk software to create front, side and top view of the conceptualized sculptures. Once done, the artisans are given all the resources to mould, cut or engrave the design on the material which are going to be used.
They take rightful pride in working endlessly in the strangest of escapades for exploration of our traditional crafts to fuse it with lost wax casting with a view to discover the possibilities of the medium and push boundaries of being preconceived and precise. Today, Takshni is at its seed stage where rural artisans are trying to create art pieces by adapting to applied science and technology. In the years to come, they aspire to foster rural Indian artisan and create distinctive sculptures. Contact web: www.takshni.com
If you are an art lover or simply like decorating your place this piece is sure to adorn your place
Monk paper weights promise to bring a smile on your face everytime you look at them
Hand crafted owls gel well in conventional to modern spaces
THE INSIDE TRACK January 2018
Spot Light
V
iega was founded in Attendorn, Germany, in 1899. Worldwide, more than 4,000 people are employed by the Viega Group, which is among the leading manufacturers of installation technology for
sanitary and heating. The range consists of approximately 17,000 articles in the product categories of piping systems as well as pre-wall and drainage technology. Superior design with German engineering is a perfect combination for high end premium projects. In its new modular-design avatar, the Advantix shower channel range from Viega offers five different design grates and three frame
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Advancing With Viega Viega Advantix Stainless Steel shower channels offer flexibility along with luxury.
variants that gel beautifully with almost all interior design schemes. The stainless steel designer grates are available in matt and highgloss polish. It also has a variant with grates made of glass. Tileable grates provide continuous seamless surface are also available. Thus, Viega Advantix shower channels give architects and interior designers a wide range of contemporary slick design to select from. The all new Advantix shower channel’s modular kit system consists of two base units in five lengths. It also offers a choice of three drains, adjusting feet in two different heights, three frame variants and five different grates. All component elements can be combined with each other giving planners flexibility and design freedom.
The slim base units in the new Advantix shower channel range are installed through either freestanding in the floor or directly on the wall. Together with the standard drain0, the installation height is 95 mm. If the screed is lower, the drain can be shortened further onsite. Alternatively, for renovation, a drain with 70mm height with flat adjusting feet is also available. The installation height of the drain with the vertical outlet can be reduced to 40 mm. It can also be used in drill holes with the Advantix fire protection pipe duct R120 usually ideal for multi-storey apartment blocks. Additionally, the drainage pipe of the two horizontal drains can be routed through between the adjusting feet directly beneath the shower channel. This ensures that
the screed can be laid to a sufficient height and without interruption inside the floor-level. A water inlet of just 5mm gives it a very compact and stylish look. The drainage capacities of the shower channels are between 0.4 and 1.1 litres per second, depending on the variant. An innovative clip fastening provides a permanently secure attachment between the drain and the channel body. This also aids installation of the components. Moreover, these shower channels come with sanded flanges to protect against leakages, an innovative siphon technology ensures high drainage performance. Features such as odour trap and insect trap are a part of standard offerings by Viega. Contact web: www.viega.in
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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2018
Spot Light
Y
ou must be crazy to build a hotel out of salt! And that, dear readers, is precisely what Juan Quesada Valda did. His innovative idea of building a hotel entirely constructed with salt as the core raw material is how the hotel Palacio de Sal materialized. The creation of the hotel in the Salar de Uyuni region of Bolivia was in the year 1998 which, at that time, was thought to be a nonsensical idea that eventually proved to be a path way for hundreds of similar “salt hotels” in the region and around the world. The hotel is located on the edge of Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. The grandeur of Salar de Uyuni has fed to the fascination of tourists across the world who often failed to find accommodation in this region. The reason being scarcity of construction materials required to build any. But like is often said, ‘in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.’
Palace Of Salt This avant-garde Salt Hotel is a tourist
attraction worthy of knowing. BY VANDANA KRISHNAN
The rooms are equiped with functional furniture that are both sustainable and aesthetically pleasing
The rooms are unfussy featuring furniture and detailed domes made of salt
Palacio de Sal covers 4500 square meters with refined rooms that come with all the comforts of a modern hotel, such as wifi, private bathrooms, hot and cold water, central heating and electricity among others. From windows that frame the salt flat lying at a vast expanse to the majestic lobby that stands tall to invite its
curious guests, this hotel is truly an inspiration. The building was constructed with about 1 million 35-cm (14inch) salt blocks, which are used for the floor, walls, ceiling and furniture, including beds, tables, chairs and sculptures. It is no surprise that the hotel’s management incorporated a rule prohibiting its inquisitive
The hotel has a dry sauna and a steam room, a saltwater pool, whirlpool baths, bar and a games room
The building was constructed with about 1 million 35-cm (14-inch) salt blocks
guests from licking the walls. The sanitary system has been restructured to comply with the government regulations. The rooms are unfussy featuring furniture and detailed domes made of salt. The hotel has a dry sauna and a steam room, a saltwater pool, whirlpool baths, bar and a games room. A staircase made of salt rises
from the lobby to lead you to a viewpoint in the hotel that promise to leave you in awe of the immensity of the hotel’s location. Whether it is under the starry nights that exalt the spirit or during the sunsets when changes of colour manifest the salt flat, Palacio de Sal is a baffling example of creating architectural magic from the mundane.
Palacio de Sal covers 4500 square meters with refined rooms that come with all the comforts of a modern hotel
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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2018
Spot Light
N
estled in the heart of the Pune Cantonment, is the studio of Architect Khushr u Irani. As you walk down the adjoining lane, the simple rectangular building will appear like any other structure in the labyrinth of old houses in the area. Ho w e v e r, t h i s 1 0 0 y r o l d building has been restored and conserved by the architect himself, maintaining its unique heritage and character and thus blending in with the context. With a view to keep the design approach of the studio vernacular, you will see the use of materials like wood, rough stone floors, and steel elements. The traditional antique furniture along with modern steel has given the space a rustic and simplistic look. The sloping roof, long verandah and wooden railings, doors and window, on the background of plastered white walls, give the building a unique characteristic. In the otherwise rustic and simple interiors of the office, an olive green door, the colourful paintings, and the stone clay structures, are used
Altered Into An Atelier Keeping heritage alive, architect Khushru Irani revamps a 100yr old building into a lively office space. BY AVANI PATWARDHAN
The placement of furniture in the studio has been used to demarcate the functionality
Aptly named as ‘The Loft’, it is used for hosting various talks and lectures which are open to all
Olive green door window frames, and colourful paintings add a little drama to the space
to add a little drama, and enliven the space. Sheathing the entire floor and the slab of the studio, the naive Kota blunges perfectly in the backdrop, thus emphasising the other paraphernalia. To minimise the use of walls to divide spaces, the placement of furniture in the studio has been used to demarcate the functionality. The open and airy office space can accommodate 14 architects and has separate spaces for meetings
and conferences. Imperative to any architect’s office, the studio also has a small library and a reading zone. The spiral staircase which adds dimension to the room leads us to the compact yet commodious mezzanine floor. Aptly named as ‘The Loft’ , it is used for hosting various talks and lectures which are open to all. On a typical event day, ‘The loft’ , will be seen thronged with enthusiasts eager to be a part of the lecture.
A corner of the loft extends out into a semi-open sit-out
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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2018
Spot Light
A
re you looking for minimalist yet statement furniture pieces to add comfort as well as charm to your home? The Armchair is a one stop designer furniture store which has a wide
Minimalist Royalty The Armchair - a classic approach to simple furniture design. BY AVANI PATWARDHAN
for money as they are not just strong and sturdy, but useful for showcasing new decorative items as well as keeping quick handy pick items. The enduring natural finish on their products, adds style, priceless glamor and comfort to your house. With an attempt to revolutionize the furniture game, the aim of the brand is to offer beautifully handcrafted furniture at fair prices. The idea for this brand came about while the founders were redecorating their own homes
and realized that the price of the designs they were looking at were unreasonably high. Further research helped them to understand the process to creating designer yet affordable furniture. Thus, evolved the brand ‘The Armchair’. From coffee tables to king size beds, this online furniture store has unique designs, great quality, and affordable prices, providing you your coveted product at your doorstep within just a week. Contact web: www.thearmchair.in
Their new range of storage units are not just strong and sturdy, but useful for showcasing new decorative items as well
The enduring natural finish on their products, adds style, priceless glamor and comfort to your house
variety to offer. Using thoughtfully selected workmanship, the artisans have come up with a unique selection of designs to give your home a simple yet stylish feel. Their designs promise to offer good aesthetics while serving their purpose. The products emphasize on bringing better living with stylish comfor t but with no compromise to quality and the artistry. The complementing use of materials in each of their design,
enrich the look and feel of the individual materials. Using a perfect blend of different products from the online store you will be able to achieve a modern, contemporary, retro or French look as per your desire. The combination of sleek lines and understated elegance in most of their storage units, make them stand well as perfect home equipment. Their new range of storage units too, are true value
The understated elegance in most of their storage units, make them stand well as perfect home equipment
Using a perfect blend of products, achieve a modern, contemporary, retro or french look as per your desire
THE INSIDE TRACK January 2018
Spot Light
H
&R Johnson enjoys the reputation of being the only entity in India to offer end-to-end lifestyle solutions covering tiles, sanitaryware & bath fittings, engineered marble and quartz as well as modular kitchens & m o d ula r f ur n i t u re . H &R Johnson has recently launched their ambitious next generation of stores, ‘The House of Johnson Experience Centers’ in Kolkata, Chennai and Guwahati.
The House Of Johnson Experience The House of Johnson Experience Centers are
a new generation of innovative and experiential stores equipped with high quality products. While the store in Kolkata is the largest, spanning over 8500 sq. ft. the Guwahati and Chennai stores are not far behind encompassing spaces over 4000 sq. ft. and 7000 sq. ft. respectively. Mr. Joydeep Mukherjee, Executive Director & CEO, H&R Johnson India comments on the new stores, “We have long held a strong belief in the philosophy of relentless innovation to pioneer the future of the categories
The House of Johnson Ex p e r i e n c e C e n t e r s a re n e w experiential stores housing a wide variety of high quality products, displays and mock-ups of various brand verticals including Tiles, Sanitaryware, Modular Kitchens and Engineered Marble & Quartz. Intended as the future of designing living and commercial spaces, these advanced stores offer stateof-the-art 3D Virtual Reality platforms where customers can select and view tiles for floors and walls in an astonishingly realistic virtual environment. In addition to the groundbreaking 3D Vir tual Reality
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platform, these futuristic experience centers are also equipped with ultramodern digital tools like a space visualizer to mix and match tiles for different spaces, virtual catalogues, and even user friendly interactive touch screens to browse through H&R Johnson’s entire innovative product range. These experience centers will also house trained, experienced and knowledgeable staff to facilitate customers. At these novel display centers it will be possible to shortlist, get estimates and book any desired and selected product.
we deal in. This new generation of stores, our most ambitious to date, are another step in that direction. The House of Johnson Experience Centers will completely elevate the buying and selection process for home solutions and lifestyle products as it serves as a one-stop-shop for planning & designing residential as well as commercial spaces.” Contact web: www.hrjohnsonindia.com
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Please fill up this coupon and send it along with your cheque/DD to: Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd., B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange Bldg, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033. Tel (022) 23736133/1, 32958501Fax (022) 23743069 Email response@marvelinfomedia.com www.theinsidetrack.in I am enclosing a cheque/DD No _________________ Dated __________________ drawn on ( name of bank ) __________________________________________________favouring “Marvel Infomedia Pvt. Ltd.” for Rs.___________________________________________ ( Add Rs 40/- for non Mumbai cheque/DD ) YOUR DETAILS Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms_____First Name _________________surname _______________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ City____________________________________________State__________________________ Pin Code_________________________________Phone _______________________________ Email___________________________________Occupation____________________________
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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2018
Spot Light
T
a l k a b o u t p i l l ow s a n d the first thought that comes to your mind is tucking in for a cozy warm sleep. These seemingly ordinary objects have a long, fascinating process behind them.
Pillow Talk The Little Known Fact About Bed Linen.
There’s much more to your fluffy pillows than what meets the eye. BY VANDANA KRISHNAN For an easier understanding of this constituent in the hospitality industry we can say that the higher the thread count in a pillow or bed sheet linen, the higher the level of quality and luxury. On the less expensive side are the 250 thread counts that give a crisp and clean ‘vintage’ feel to bed linen. W h i l e 3 0 0 t o 4 0 0 t h re a d counts emanate a soft, smooth texture without being too heavy on the pocket. The priciest suites
Shaded Pink flowers by Cellar Door
When it comes to hotels, it doesn’t matter how many pieces’ of furniture is plentifully scattered in the room or the variations of cocktails available at the bar; the guests aren’t coming back if they don’t get a good night’s sleep. This is where the the pillow and bed sheet quality is come into effect. It is not surprising to find bedding companies offer a plethora of choices to customers looking for the right pillow and linen for their homes. Although, more often than not, it can get a little overwhelming to a point where its relevance is questioned.
Different thread counts exude different textures
Door Cushion Cover by Mezzo
however use bed linen that is never below 600 thread counts; making it the ultimate linen luxury. Nothing feels better than sliding into a bed hampered with good quality linen after a long hard day. This is a fact the hospitality industry is well aware of and makes outright use of. To put this in perspective,
Black and White Patterned Cushion with Filler by Home Artisan
This however is not the case with the hospitality sector. They mindfully focus on picking the right bed linen for their customers with absolute scrutiny of quality and thread counts. Fundamentally, the term thread count refers to the amount of threads woven together over a square inch of fabric.
Thread counts in linen is of absolute pertnence in the hospitality industry
These bogus claims are easily identifiable by testing labs with professional help to validate their claims and various instances in the past have proven the same. No w t h a t y o u k n o w t h e pertinence of thread counts, make sure to hold your thought on your next encounter with new linen.
Nishat Bagh Cushion Collection Sapphire Blue by Gulmohar Lane
manufacturing being a serious business has several standards that govern it. Multiple manufacturers report to have products with an excessive amount of thread counts that are sometimes questionable.
THE INSIDE TRACK January 2018
Spot Light
P
ertinent to its submissive context, the ‘International House’ in Auroville is a sustainable eco-dormitory built using waste items or locally available materials. Synonymous to the ideology of the residents, the house is built with a view to have a comfortable and peaceful lifestyle by causing no harm
The ‘International House’ is a sustainable eco-dormitory built using waste items
to the environment, thus making it a perfect dwelling space for people looking forward to live a hassle-free, nature-friendly life. To further contribute to the society, the self-sufficient dormitories also feature solar power rainwater collection tanks and compost toilets. Blending in with the pastoral aesthetic of the surroundings, a lofty yet willowy brick tower used as a water tank supplies water throughout the house. Protecting it from potent insects and reptiles, a moat burrows around the dorms. Built in two phases, the house consists of two dormitories, one with
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Unpretentiously Palatial The ‘International House’ in Auroville, built on the zero waste concept is a paradise for environment enthusiasts. BY AVANI PATWARDHAN a vernacular design approach built using locally available materials, and the other with an approach to reuse waste products. A large vault provides a double roof for dorm 1 and gives it heat protection and rain water catchment. The walls are rammed earth and compressed earth blocks. Solar power is used and the grey water biological treatment system feeds the garden. Dorm 2 involves a variety of recycled items, some of which are taken from what would go into landfill as part of the advocacy for zero waste in Auroville. The recycled objects include Tetra-packs
The house is built with a view to have a comfortable and peaceful lifestyle by causing no harm to the environment
The airy top floor of the dormitory which gives a magnificent view of the sunrise as well as the sunset, is used by the residents as a yoga deck
A lofty yet willowy brick water tank supplies water throughout the house
as roofing and walls, paper mache flooring, chairs made of tires, a creeper frame of used petrol hoses, among other initiatives. The floor is built using concrete and styrofoam mixture, which makes the concrete a little lighter and ensures proper disposal of the styrofoam. A spiral staircase leads us to the verandahs on the upper floors which becomes an interactive area where the residents can gather for evening discussions. The airy top floor of the dormitory which gives a magnificent view of the sunrise as well as the sunset, is used by the residents as a yoga deck or a communal space.
The house is a perfect dwelling space for people looking forward to live a hassle-free, nature-friendly life
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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2018
It Products Faber Launches Built In Refrigerator
FFIL is India’s leading kitchen appliances manufacturer with Swiss and Italian parentage for “Franke” and “Faber” brands respectively. Franke Faber India Limited is part of 2.5 billion USD Franke Artemis Group. Faber Refrigerator is a Built -in double door Refrigerator with embedded handle and sliding hinge type reversible doors. It is created to bring forth a blissful experience with keeping energy costs as low as possible and storing food for longer and in the best possible way. It is designed to seamlessly fit Right into your StateOf-The-Art Kitchen. The Highlights of the Refrigerator includes Class A+ Energy Consumption, no Frost System, Fresh Holder Compartment, Hanging Bottle Rack and Tempered Glass Shelves. Additional Features such as Gross Capacity 243ltrs, Net Capacity 225ltrs, Frost Free Operation, Replaceable Door Gaskets, Power cut Safe Time 8hrs, Noise Level 38dB(A) and LED mains light. Contact www.faberindia.com
Antica Ceramica Introduces Weathered Wooden Tiles
Conservatories From Window Magic
Window Magic, one of the leading brands in windows and doors has come up with the Victorian Conservatories which offers a truly beautiful space to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Contemporary conservatories use a number of technologies to ensure glass is as energy efficient as possible & lets in the maximum light possible while maintaining a steady temperature throughout summer and winter. Window Magic understands that every home is different and, as such, it is of paramount importance that Conservatory is tailor made to suit the living space.
While designing a Conservatory, they consider all of the factors that are important to you. From the size, shape and style of your Conservatory, to external factors unique to your home, such as the quality of the soil, local weather conditions and the number of trees in the surrounding area. The conservatories withstand even in the most brutal outdoor environments while retaining an unmatched level of craftsmanship, detail and beauty. Contact www.windowmagicindia.com
Silver Home Decor Accessories Frazer And Haws
The latest weathered wood collections introduced by Antica Ceramica beautifully mimics reclaimed antique wood, distressed wood and also faithfully rendering handscraped hardwoods with superior attention to detailed highresolution which captures the naturalistic wood format. According to Mr. Rahul Bhugra, Director- Antica Ceramica, “This range of tiles are for people who fancy the modern and contemporary style of decorating, but yet want to keep the natural touch, the cozy soul and the homey feel of the interior, the rustic decor. Create a weathered feel in the modern
living room will allow the place to breath and to reflect warmth and natural energy. Our tiles close to the nature fills the cold room with warm substance and profound style.” He further adds,” The weathered wooden feel is perfect for you if you are fan of the lush landscapes, if you feel the most comfortable while hiking in the midst of a forest and you enjoy the genuine warmth of the fireplace. We’ve a showroom in Raja Garden, visit for an inspiring showcase of tiles. Check out and get inspired at Raja Garden” for a really fantastic collection of tiles.” Contact www.anticaceramica.in
Frazer and Haws unveils a classic, yet contemporary range of eye - catching designer silver home decor accessories that are sure to transform any space. These include pretty candle stands, attractive vases, fabulous photo frames as well as elegant tableware like gold plated champagne flutes, silver chased glasses and many more beautifully crafted silver pieces, each one a piece de resistance. This exclusive, handpicked collection is especially for discerning customers
who strive to embellish their classic, elegant living spaces with outstanding pieces of art. Make any occasion memorable and cherish the moments of love and joy with the silver collection of Frazer and Haws. Frazer and Haws has not just given a new definition to authenticity and creativity in silver but has also refashioned an era of silver by quintessentially marrying it with royalty and divinity. Contact www.frazerandhaws.com
THE INSIDE TRACK January 2018
It Products Parryware Introduces Droplet Faucets
Parryware, India’s contemporary bathroom solutions launches new range of ‘Droplet faucets’, inspired by the shape of a water drop. The
new quarter turn range of faucets comes with unique lever design providing a sturdier grip, thereby adding to the overall aesthetics and style of one’s bathroom. Parryware’s new range of faucets are engineered with superior quality and sturdy built resulting in better life of the product. Commenting on the launch of the range, K E Ranganathan, Managing Director, Roca Bathrooms Product Pvt Ltd. said, At Parryware, we constantly strive to create elegant and durable products for our discerning customers and are always searching for new technologies to improve the consumer experience. Faucets serve as the finishing touches of bathroom spaces, allowing the homeowner to personalize the space as per his or her need. Enhancing our product portfolio, Droplet faucets are a perfect combination of design, technology and innovation. The idea was to eliminate the chaos of choice and bring function and fashion together. Contact www.parryware.in
Jaquar Group Presents Wellness Gemini Spa
Jaquar Group, the leader in bath fittings category has come up with its magnificent designer wellness product- Gemini Spa. Gemini being a compact luxury spa, comprises of stainless steel jets, water features, and a fantastic lighting package. The spa consists of target jets and give a precise massage that stimulates specific muscles. One can generate a sensation of dynamic massage with rotating nozzles. The jets may be positioned on the floor of the Spa for a gentle massage of the feet, ankles, knees and thighs.
Comfort jets are enclosed to send out a flow whose direction and intensity can be adjusted. Rotating Jets enables a stationary or rotary flow i.e., the flow of water can be adjusted by turning the outer ring. Random Pulse Jets enables unique and random pulsating massage. Airpool jets help in generate thousands of pure air bubbles to caress the body whereas Pulse Target Jets enables a pulsating and rotary massage through special nozzles. Contact www.jaquar.com
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Pharox Flare Plus Flood Lights By NTL Lemnis
NTL Lemnis, the leading LED Lighting Solutions Company, has added a range of flood lights to its energy efficient product portfolio, with the launch of “Pharox Flare Plus flood light”. The Pharox Flare Plus flood lights are available in four wattages: 40W, 80W, 120W, 160W. These professional range floodlights will fill a very wide gap that existed in meeting optimal lighting requirements that were energy efficient too. “The Pharox Flare Plus range
of flood lights are a welcome addition to our product portfolio for the professional range and we are sure that our customers in the B2B and institutional segment will appreciate it. This modular range with a lifetime of 50,000 hours will provide a very welcome and energy efficient alternative to our professional range of floodlights, in an aesthetically pleasing and sturdy casing”, says Tushar Gupta, Executive Director, NTL Lemnis. Contact: www.ntlelectronics.com
INALSA Launches Garment Steamers Inalsa, the leading brand in home appliances category has introduced its top quality garment steamers to make the winter easy, comfortable and full of style. Inalsa has come up with two new variants including ‘Steam Master Garment Steamer and ‘Handy Steam Garment Steamer’. The lightweight Handy Steam Steamer is available with features like Detachable Fabric Brush to take care thicker garments like coats for better steam penetration and a smoother finish. Speaking about new products, Mr. Jitendra Chauhan, CEO, Inalsa Home Appliances said, “We always design products that suit well with our consumer’s modern lifestyle needs. At Inalsa, we make sure that our products ease our consumers’ life with new technology, quality and user-friendly features. Today, more people are using a garment steamer as it is easy to use and requires very little space to setup.
With Inalsa’s new garment steamers, consumers can achieve a professional quality steam ironing at home and keep their clothes fresh and soft this winter season.” Contact www.inalsaappliances.com
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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2018
It Products Havwoods Launches Pureplank Collection The PurePlank collection comprises FSC-certified 14mm engineered planks that are made from two layers of softwood and topped with a solid oak surface. The PurePlank collection fits as easily into compact urban homes as it does in sprawling bungalows, lobbies and offices. Aashish Poojari - Director Havwoods India adds, “Our PurePlank collection is exceedingly popular in Europe and the world over, blending seamlessly into chic cafes, upmarket urban homes, vast countryside villas, classic offices and modern workspaces. India is at par with the world as far as design aesthetics are concerned, so we
thought it prudent to bring our most prestigious collection here. The durability and versatility of the PurePlank makes it adaptable to every Indian weather condition and its ease of maintenance is a clincher. We are sure our patrons will absolutely love the PurePlank range. We can’t wait to show them how beautifully it can metamorphose their home space or workplace!” Contact www.havwoods.in
D’Decor Brings Autumn Winter Bedding Collection
Plüsch Introduces Unique By Eggersmann
Plüsch brings you the German based kitchen brand Eggersmann’s Unique kitchen to the Indian market. The concept of the Eggersmann Unique kitchen places prominence on its timelessness and minimalism. The name Unique really says it all. The focus is on individuality as well as exceptional and exquisite materials. A decisive and fundamental idea for this system is the homogeneity of all relevant surfaces. The front and side surfaces of the Unique kitchen along with its handles and working surfaces are made of
just one identical material. Various types of stones, granite, exquisite veneers as well as mineral materials can be used to build the kitchen. Each kitchen is inimitable as defined by the individual character of materials such as soapstone, limestone, antique granite and quartz. Intricate details such as mitre joints are applied on fronts and side panels. The designs are free spirited and completely open to suggestion yet the aesthetics are timeless. Contact www.pluschliving.com
CMC’s Latest Terrazzo Marble Collection
D’Decor’s Autumn Winter Bedding Collection are ideal to transform your bedroom! The collection includes a wide range of bedding décor elements including, exquisitely designed bedsheets, stylish bed covers, plush duvets, elegant pillow covers etc. The bedding range is curated with an exclusive fabric quality and intricately detailed designs that exemplify elegance and sophistication. From appliqué stripes and duets to contemporary and cosmopolitan flair, the collection also boasts of artful embroidery on fine cotton fabric of 210 thread count.
Right from a vibrant colorful palette spanning festive shades & nature-inspired colours to a soothing twilight palette of black and white, the collection caters to various needs and preferences of the consumers. As per the look and feel that a consumer has in mind, different elements from the bedding collection can be mixed & matched, layered and styled to create a truly luxurious ambience! The beautiful and timeless designs of D’Decor’s bedding collection are a perfect fit to spruce up your bedroom. Contact www.ddecor.com
Classic Marble Company (CMC) has introduced its latest offering the ‘Terrazzo’ in the engineered marble segment under its flagship brand – KalingaStone. A most unique offering, the marble slabs offered in the Terrazzo range are inspired by the Venetian designers. Re-invented for modern architecture, the marble surfaces sport the elegant mosaic patterns, a standard floor tiling option for urban housing back in the 70’s and the 80’s. The Terrazzo offers two separate collections Roma and Café, the former consisting of lighter surfaces while the latter having the darker collection of marble slabs. There are a total of 19 products on offer under the two Terrazzo collections, each marble wrapped in the beautiful mosaic patterns.
While Colosseo, Imperiale, Tevere, Treia, Phantheon, Trevi and Navona are the lighter shades offered under the Roma collection, Taranto, Otranto, Ducale, Michelangelo, Elba, Salermo, Vieste, Bernini, Sanpietrao, Livori, Riva and Etna are the darker ones, offered in the Café collection. Contact www.classicmarble.com
THE INSIDE TRACK January 2018
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U-Like Fabrics Introduces Grandeur Collection
It Products Rubelli Casa By Wisma Atria Tradition and innovation are the both aspect; fully alive and well balanced in Rubelli Casa designer furniture, making it a unique and exciting masterpiece. The Rubelli Casa Collection presented by Wisma Atria Interiors comprises of a designer range of Coffee Tables, available in single and set of three in different heights. The collection has coffee tables in different shapes with finishes such as Lacquer beech finish, natural wood finish and black lacquer finish. The tops of the coffee tables have options in tempered glass, Stone & black lacquered top.
According to Nomita Kohli of Wisma Atria Interiors, “Rubelli Casa is one of the most luxurious brand of the Furniture industry. Every item of furniture is manufactured, assembled and finished by hand with carefully selected materials, giving each product a distinctive personality which renders it truly unique.” Contact: www.wismaatria.in
Visionnaire Introduces The Bastian Living Room
The Grandeur Collection from U-Like Fabrics is Grand from every angle, delivering experience with fine craftsmanship. Highlighting neo-classic feel with a contemporary twist, it features geometrical, stripes and chevron patterns, which, combined with its superior textured fabric, touts class and sophistication. The fabric materials are dobby and jacquard that includes polyester and cotton yarns in the weave. Light in weight with the softest touch, the fabrics purposed for upholstery, cushion covers, table runners, and more vouches high luxury.
The collection underlines a range of premium features that, dipped deep into its elegant appearance, make it the perfect choice to give homes an archetypal touch. Its base is equally strong and durable, ensuring the fabric décors homes for years to come, delivering owners a lifetime value. The idea behind is U-Like Fabrics to enhance the quality of living by combining the utility and beauty. The brand strive to build faith, mutual trust and respect with our valued clients. Contact www.ulikefabrics.in
Hafele Presents Dekton Surfaces
Visionnaire, has introduced the Bastian Living Room Collection. Chic, modern and trendy, the Living Room Collection includes sophisticated seating, a sensational bar console and futuristic lighting that complete the luxurious Living Room setting. All the furniture in the Bastian Living Room Collection can be customized by fabric, color, finish and size and is made exclusively in Italy. Visionnaire has given great attention to the choice of materials , detailing in construction and strong craftsmanship that are
characteristed by the use of wood, leather and metals. The Bastian living room is illuminated by the marvelous Jabba Chandelier designed by Philippe Montels exclusively for Visionnaire. The Walls of the living room are complemented with the Jabba Wall Lamp, crafted with an elliptical base and draped with aluminum plates. Now here is a Living room Collection that redefines luxury and is the epitome of style and sophistication! Contact www.visionnaire-home.com
Häfele introduces the world’s first ultra-compact surface Dekton®, under its vertical Häfele Surfaces. These surfaces are made up of sophisticated raw materials used in the glass, porcelanic and quartz surface production. Dekton® with its large format slabs (3200 x 1420 mm) has the ability to fit into and redefine a multitude of applications - flooring, cladding, and facades for both inside and outdoors. Dekton surfaces are designed to be the toughest and most durable
products in the market today with colours that replicate and reimagine everything that nature has to offer. Capable of resisting almost everything that is thrown at them from scratches to stains to surviving blowtorches, sun rays, icy storms, mildew and mold, all the while looking good and offering a large selection of colour options, Dekton just might be the architects’ and designers’ dream solution. Contact www.hafeleindia.com
Postal Registration No. MCE/129/2017-19 RNI NO. MAHENG/2007/19853. WPP LICENSE NO. MR/TECH/WPP-266/East/2018. POSTED AT MUMBAI PATRIKA CHANNEL SORTING OFFICE, MUMBAI G.P.O. 400001. DATE OF PUBLICATION: 15th OF EVERY MONTH, dATE OF POSTING: 15th & 16th OF EVERY MONTH
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THE INSIDE TRACK January 2018
Spot Light
“W
abi Sabi is a way of living that focuses on finding beauty within the imperfections of life and accepting peacefully t h e n a t u r a l c yc l e o f g r ow t h and decay.�
The Magnificence Of Wabi-Sabi A concept, an aesthetic, a world view to emulate. BY VANDANA KRISHNAN
The zest of wabi- sabi style lies in any disturbance in design forming a perfect expression of beauy
In a world that is obsessed with perfection, with symmetry and with ideal proportions- the Japanese aesthetics is a tr ue rebel. The core of this difference is encompassed in the ancient philosophy of Wabi- Sabi. It celebrates understated elegance left behind by cracks and crevices and all other marks induced by time and weather. It derives inspiration from all things broken, modest and slightly flawed. Essentially, the definition of Wabi drifted from representing the misery of life away from human interference to portraying an
exquisite oneness with the natural surroundings. While Sabi denoted the withered marks that comes with age and wear and tear; it eventually shifted to depict a more positive outlook on life and the tranquility that comes with age instead. To understand this style one must attempt to understand this philosophy. The zest of this style lies in appreciation of the little crack on the bottom of your flower vase and the marks of repair on it rather than attempting to deliberately cover it up wholly. One can perceive it as natural simplicity or flawed beauty. A man- made or naturally occurring disturbance in design forming a perfect expression
Chimnabai Ashram in Alibaug accurately represents the naunces of this style
From the low dining seats to the fascinating use of logs, the Japanese influence is clearly visible in each corner of this 1500sft house
of beauty is what represents this style. From a design point of view, it is often confused with minimal and rustic aesthetics. Wabi - Sabi is far beyond that. Keeping this in mind, White3 is an Architecture and Interior design firm in India that has done noteworthy work in this style. The firm is rooted in Mumbai and have particularly focused on this style. They lay emphasis on the elements of Wabi and explore the visual aspects of this age old Japanese philosophy. Chimnabai Ashram in Meda, a village in rural Maharashtra, is one such project done by them that encompasses the nuances of Wabi - Sabi, giving it the accurate representation it deserves. It is an ancestral property built from scratch whisked in perfect harmony with its surroundings. From the low dining seats to the fascinating use of logs, the Japanese influence is clearly visible in each corner of this 1500sft house. As rawness in the furnishings and the walls slicked with carefree textures engage your senses, your attention will be diverted to the deceptively simple brilliance of a property that showcases the difficult yet beautiful philosophy of Wabi Sabi.