Trends

Detox with sustainable creations and ingenious storage solutions that help restore order

AUG 19, 2020 | By Sonia Dutt, Farhat Khan, Mansi Bhatia & Sakshi Rai
Bali's Desa Potato Head cultural centre is designed by Andra Matin; Photograph courtesy Potato Head
Walk-in wardrobe by Alsorg
Interiors of the art studio fashioned by Anagram Architects
Gliss Master wardrobe by Vincent Van Duysen for Molteni&C
The bathroom-cum-closet concept by Essentia Environments
The Ludo modular storage by Tumidei
Sombre hued, bespoke wardrobes by Sanjyt Syngh
Cafe Infinity, crafted by Rahul Jain Design Lab
Green Theory, an organic eatery designed by Made in Earth
A luxury closet by Schmalenbach
Morphogenesis's design for an educational institute
Walk-in closet by Rimadesio
(L-R): Lisbon Glass Cabinet from BoConcept; Blend Armadio Cabinet by Karim Rashid for Horm; Persiana Wardrobe from Fabindia
(L-R): Ladder Wardrobe from PortsideCafé; Luxor Cane Wardrobe from Magari; Shanghai Armoire from Mangrove Collective

Rid your space of ornamental designs and cluttered surroundings to revel instead in organic compositions and serene minimalism that pave the way for a clean sweep. Trend & Style Prediction by Sonia Dutt

We Love…

Speckled geometric exteriors stream in daylight, in this angular abode in Lucknow. Built by Mumbai based architect Sanjay Puri, the 18 Screens House features as many facades with jali work inspired by native chikan embroidery. These provide shelter from the region’s scorching sun and keep the interiors cool and ventilated. Website: www.sanjaypuriarchitects.com

#In Good Hands
Get down and dirty—there’s no better way to unwind than to connect with nature and fashion a unique statement using organic resources

Nearly 1.5 million Indonesian bricks line the entrance of the coastal Katamama suite in Bali’s Desa Potato Head cultural centre. In an astounding effort, each brick is custom made by local craftspeople in rustic shades of terracotta, then painstakingly hand pressed and dry stacked with no visible mortar. The result is a colossal construction with a monumental yet subtle effect etc. Website: www.potatohead.co

Artisanal and aesthetic: Adorn spaces with tasteful objets d’art that retain a distinctly human touch

Magazine holder from Opaque Design, ₹4,900; Mango Wood Platter from Ellementry, ₹2,490; Cane woven lantern (on the platter) from The Purple Turtles, ₹2,999; Wabi Sabi brass platter from Devi Design, ₹4,790; Guava Wood Platter from Silk Road and Beyond, ₹750; Terracota jug (on the platter) from Ellementry, ₹790 Antique wooden Monk from Moon River, ₹45,000; Hand painted papier mache decorative bowl from Good Earth, ₹2,800; Handcrafted thread painting, part of the Nude Aesthetic Series by Puja Bhakoo, price on request

Moulded marvels: Browse exemplary sustainable structures that are engineered with repurposed materials to conserve resources and optimise energy

Rahul Jain Design Lab
Within an institute in Greater Noida lies a 2,880 sq ft recreational space that gets its moniker from the structure’s looped layout. Consciously built by this Uttar Pradesh based architectural firm using recycled shipping containers, Cafe Infinity remains insulated, owing to tinted windows and fibre cement board used for the rooftop. Website: www.rjdl.in

Made In Earth
Organic eatery Green Theory, situated in the colonial Bakehouse bungalow in the Garden City, is given a fresh skin by this Bengaluru practice. Its interior walls have been clad in lime and clay plasters, mixed with sand, quarry dust and recycled building materials. Website: www.madeinearth.in

Anagram Architects
Designed by Principal Architects Madhav Raman and Vaibhav Dimri, this 3,000 sq ft cove is conceptualised as an unconventional art studio. Constructed using exposed concrete surfaces and juxtaposed with metal and glass walls that let natural light in, it is a fitting display of energy efficiency. Website: www.anagramarchitects.com

Morphogenesis
The British School in New Delhi, designed by Sonali and Manit Rastogi, employs the use of innovative materials and traditional construction techniques. Awarded the country’s first GRIHA 5-star ranking, the structure features inbuilt cavity walls, insulating roofs and cement concrete jaalis. Website: www.morphogenesis.org

#Live with Less
Say goodbye to excess—an excellent way to decompress is to give away surplus, choose only what you need and minimise waste in the long run

Attitude Checkered Modular Cabinet for Momenti from Ottimo

Room of requirements: Transform chaos into calm with an idyllic haven, personalised to house a world of your own

Molteni&C
Belgian architect and interior designer Vincent Van Duysen’s Gliss Master wardrobe comes with an upgraded Sistema 7 opening mechanism and offers a solution for corner and intra closet partitions with horizontally folding doors. Website: www.molteni.it

Tumidei
Ludo is a sophisticated modular system with drawers, shelves, hanging rods and internal fixtures that facilitate organised living. It uses eco friendly wooden panels, non toxic solvents and water based paints. Available at Ottimo. Websites: www.tumidei.it; www.ottimo.in

Rimadesio
This serene and capacious walk-in closet is designed to accommodate a melange of belongings. It is available in two finishes—one with glass shelves and glossy lacquered drawers, the other with melamine coal larch, grey oak or elm divisions. Available at Sources Unlimited. Websites: www.rimadesio.it; www.sourcesunlimited.co.in

Alsorg
An ideal set for structured and spacious bedrooms, this lavish oasis features clear glass surfaces, warm accents and minimal frames along with ample room for all your dressing needs. Website: www.alsorg.com

Essentia Environments
This practice takes conventional wardrobe designing up a notch with a novel bathroom cum closet concept. Housing an opulent stone tub, wooden flooring as well as glass and metallic cabinets, this compact setup merges luxury with functionality. Website: www.essentiaenvironments.com

Loco Design

The striking, full length Marta cupboard is crafted with fine leather moulding in pastel hues. Adorned with intricate and classic patterns, its numerous internal compartments are ideal for easy stacking. Website: www.locodesign.in
Sanjyt Syngh
A bold range of bespoke wardrobes that exude decadence, conceptualised by this New Delhi based interior designer, features custom units that come in various finishes such as wood, metal and glass, and biometric locking systems. Website: www.sanjytsingh.com
Schmalenbach
Known for its customised creations, this German establishment designs luxury closets that can be entirely curated to one’s needs, including detailed elements such as inbuilt spectacle holders and watch winders. Available at Plüsch Living. Websites: www.schmalenbach-design.de; www.pluschliving.com 
Giorgetti
Reiwa by Giorgetti is an ash wood walk-in closet that not only o overcomes traditional configurations but also minimises hoarding. Built to suit and complement the changing requirements of millennials, this customisable wardrobe designed by Centro Ricerche Giorgetti engulfs you in a world you’d never want to leave. Website: www.giorgettimeda.com