Article Category: Design

Extending over 1,200 sq ft in a fairly old building compound, Still Life promises to be a pause from the infamous Mumbai chaos. An existing shed has been transformed into an experience centre for the Door and Partition Systems vertical called Waltz Partition for JB Glass in Mumbai by Mumbai based Studio Nishita Kamdar.

Nishita Kamdar, Founder and Principal Architect of her eponymous studio along with Ameeta Kankhara integrated a minimalist philosophy by making use of natural materials, patterns of light, and a near-monastic rejection of clutter. The gardens representative of Zen culture in Japan embody the concept of shibumi, an elusive, empty term that implies beauty, elegance, imperfection, complexity as well as simplicity and the natural state of things. Accomplishing this Zen design concept, she crafts a relaxing, contemplative, restrained and visually balanced space. 

“At the entrance to the olive green painted shed, the Genkan of the store is greeted with a 12 ft tall door, with two slit windows giving a little sneak peek into the store. The height of the door visually makes the shed look taller than its original height,” shares Kamdar. Dividing the structure into four distinct zones—reception, zen garden, conference room, and utilitarian product display area—Kamdar’s design provides visitors with a soothing experience of movement through integrated partitions and openings, achieving a coherent and harmonious aesthetic.

The solid olive green wall continues from the exterior to the reception zone, with arched Crittall windows overlooking a sprawling garden. Greeted by beautiful high ceilings, a granite carved reception desk against a powder pink wallpaper and black Sri Lankan terracotta pots, the area emanates a pragmatic design approach. Surrounded by aluminium and glass partitions of various kinds, the central space also known as the Zen Garden allows the visitors to walk around and experience it from all sides, sometimes even strolling through it casually and walking out of it through another partition. 

Reminiscent of the popular Triad Rock formation in Zen Gardens, Moss Gardens and Pebble Zen  Gardens, a spotlight in the form of rocks, moss and pebbles are curated in the courtyard. The pebbles are arranged in a concentric manner, larger ones towards the interior and smaller ones moved outwards, representing serenity. Custom made oven fired clay sculptures by Naraina, and two distinctly large moss-covered Planters, bearing a Raphias Palm and Brassia Plant, fill up the space.  

Right in the centre of the store and in front of the Zen Garden, a circular window made of round metal and a glass fixed partition represents “a window of spiritual enlightenment” apropos Zen Buddhism. Forming gripping focal points, The Rock finds itself inconspicuously appearing in corners sitting atop black pedestals, creating a visual spectacle.  

Moving towards the other side of the Zen Box, the conference room section is decorated with a large  Black Marquina Marble Tabletop in the centre, with a striking geometric arched pendant light looming on top of it. The marginally low backed black ash wood and leather chairs from Made with Spin make the table look decluttered. Towards the end storage and pantry spaces are concealed within partitions. 

Natural light penetrating through the distinctly shaped windows acts as a boon to this space creating an enchanting play of light. Still Life is arguably, an ethereal retail experience that guarantees a tranquil escapade, akin to a meditative walk through a garden. 

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If you enjoyed reading this story about Still Life, do check out the ELLE DECOR India June – July 2021! 

A home is a unique reflection of its residents. The blend of tradition and modernity, crafted through the creative desires of the homeowners, turns spaces into personal sanctuaries. Inspired by these nuanced observations, The Pure Concept Home has curated a premium range of exquisite home fabrics.

Handpicked traditional and contemporary fabric development techniques render a distinctive edge to these theme based evocative collections. Artistic inspiration and travel stories from founder and creative head Chanya Kaur add delicate personality to the designs. Available exclusively online and at the flagship store in Kala Ghoda, The Pure Concept Home offers an extensive range of 200 options to choose from.

Selecting fabrics for a dream home and curating a tasteful collection is a highly personal, reflective process; nonetheless, it can be daunting and exhausting. The website is enabled with expertly designed, interactive features that aim to reduce the hassle around the process. This includes the option to order fabric swatches online from the comforts of your home.

Through the ‘Style With’ feature, experts assist by suggesting fabric styles that work with personal choices and inspirations. The ‘Create My Fabric Board’ helps organise shortlisted samples together in one place—creating a personalised fabric board, giving an overview of the design direction.

The ‘Designer’s Table’, an exclusive feature at the flagship store in Kala Ghoda, facilitates a seamless experience. The in-house stylists offer expert assistance and guidance with selecting the right fabrics, every step of the way.

Chanya Kaur emphasises the importance of integrating fabric selection in early design ideation. “Bringing fabrics into the space design plan at a later stage is the usual trend. Instead, we like to build around a selection of fabrics that speak to us at the outset. When we see how this completely elevates the original plan, it naturally reasons why those fabrics were trying to get our attention,” says the designer.

The versatile collection spreads across various themes. Textile traditions that define the construction of the fabrics bind the themes together. Artistic reimaginings of contemporary ‘global-local’ cultures and travel inspirations from around the world have been woven together to craft a selection that appeases a spectrum of interests, both classic and contemporary.

In an effort to make the experience more immersive and inspiring, each theme comes equipped with a specially curated playlist. The songs hum the mood of the theme and you can sing along to find your perfect fit!

Click here to explore the entire range from The Pure Concept Home.

Visit The Pure Concept Home store at:
Ground Floor, Ador House,
K Dubash Marg, Opp. Lion Gate,
Mumbai – 400001
tel: +91 72088 78394

Successfully designed offices are not only limited to their cubicles, conference room, receptions, and word desks but also spaces that cater to leisure and relaxation. A soundly designed pantry is as essential as a well-equipped desk for the overall wellbeing of workers. Being the go-to place for a cup of tea or over banter at the water cooler, pantries require appliances that are not only robust but also convenient. 

Häfele offers a premium range of appliances to create an optimum pantry space that imbibes fun as well as functionality—from early morning breakfasts to little breaks in between to a late night coffee. Häfele’s vast range of appliances offers the perfect pick for every hour of the day. Compact and functional, the selection suits all spaces, big or small.

Equipped to perform a multitude of tasks, the refrigerator from Häfele keeps cooked food fresh for short intervals while also being a long-term storage unit for dairy and other eatables. The baking appliances from the range are perfect for ready to eat meals and quick reheating. Making yourself a quick cup of refreshing, hot tea is a breeze with Häfele’s innovative line of kettles. An apt conclusion to the comprehensive range, the Häfele dishwashers, can remove even the most rigid masala stains from soiled plates and crockery!

A good design takes into consideration all parameters that define comfort and ease of usage. While a pantry is perhaps the smallest space in any office, it does pack in tremendous function. It is the details that make any design successful. Häfele aligns the office’s storage and functional needs to make work lunches in your perfect panty a breeze.

Click here to check out more products from Häfele.

The search for PMA Madhushala’s third studio was centred around striking a balance between nature and architecture. “It has always been a conscious choice to search for leftover urban spaces along with its constraints and limitations, and then to turn it into a creative studio space,” explains Prasanna Morey, principal architect at PMA Madhushala.

The first two studios drew from the philosophy of embracing nature and retaining it as it comes. Embodying the close connection to the earth and sky, the former studios were encircled around 5 trees within the setback of a bungalow. “The present studio of Madhushala is an outcome of collective learning from the past journey of our two workplaces,” says Morey. 

The designers, in an effort to minimise the overall footprint of the space, set stringent spatial boundaries. Delicately weaving together the past journey of Madhushala with the collective learning from the two studios, designers Prasanna and Divya revitalised this abandoned urban space. 

Spread over a comfortable 690 sq ft, the lush sanctuary is a calm, secluded temple to work and learn, right in the lap of nature. Efficient construction techniques are the foundation of this one of a kind structure. Generous help from student volunteers helped perfect this unique installation and is one of the best memorabilia of the building process. Natural earth casted in modules make up the multifunctional structure which allows water to flow through its crevices to the surrounding flora and acts as a natural air conditioner. 

The first studios thrived with minimal yet flexible, cosy zones. The inviting and collaborative workspaces used upcycled, natural materials to create shelters and pavilions that are demarcated by a central water body. On one end is the main studio and on the other, a model making area perfect to host occasional discussions and meetings. The studios’ fluid nature, enabled by porous materials, added to its charm and warmth. This unique trait is also fundamental in the design of the third studio.

Offering an insight to sustainable details intermingling with aesthetic and ornamentation within the studio, Prasanna explains, “The studio is flooded with natural light from windows and skylights for most part of the day. Along with the lush greens and the warm yellows, the cool blues have also been an integral part of the Madhushala ecosystem. The water body in the studio helps in cooling the space by adding moisture in the environment. All these parameters gradually reduce overall energy consumption of the studio.”

The studio boasts of a pragmatic approach to design. The furniture is exclusively made out of reclaimed wood and light fabrications. Adopted from previous studios, the upcycled movable furniture, windows and studio tables helped keep the costs in check. Handpicked from the rejected and unused stock of a stone showroom, the flooring adds an alluring, earthy touch. Built-in seating spaces and in situ basin minimised the use of materials, especially hardware, aligning with the architects’ goal of maintaining a low footprint.

An earthy and natural palette unifies the novel spaces of the studio. Skilled use of innovative materials and distinct, contemporary approaches characterises each studio, nonetheless, the brand’s essence runs throughout seamlessly.

The inclusive atmosphere across the studio promotes equal responsibility and independent way of work. The designers emphasize that an important aspect of Madhushala learning is generating a sensitive approach towards nature. The design intently blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor, crafting an open, non restrictive plan.

The spaces aim to facilitate working in close proximity to nature where one can develop an individual connection with the earth. Owing to the tactful integration of biophilia, the studio is also a welcome abode for pets, birds and fish and turtles.

Prasanna summarises the ethos of Madhushala, “Sustainability is a sensitive thought towards our living, and we believe that it has to be reflected in even the smallest of our activities. We believe that small decisions always make a world of difference and therefore everything from building a studio to running it is a collective of conscious decisions, decisions that would minimise the overall burden on earth.”

If you love the use of natural materials and elements at PMA Madhushala’s studio, you must check out the floating frame house by RSA+Tattva

Constantly challenging conventions, Zoya derives inspiration from historical fables of women, water and life to devise an exclusive selection of jewels—Samāvé. Bringing a collection of rare jewellery, Zoya from the House of Tata translates the visual vocabulary of stepwells into a distinct design aesthetic. Marking its thirteenth year in business with a product designed for the sophisticated and savvy female, the collection bridges the past and the future.

Ajoy Chawla, CEO, Jewellery Division, Titan Company Limited, articulates, “This collection is a distinguished feat in jewellery making. The design story celebrates the centrifugal force that is the Zoya woman while the patent underscores Zoya’s commitment of continuous investment in design innovation, excellence in craftsmanship and legacy of creating works of art that bring together global sensibilities, and redefine the way in which fine jewellery is presented in India and globally.”

The premium atelier is delighted to introduce its first, patent-pending “Zoya Baoli Setting”, an autograph collection that will appear in future seasons and evolve into a distinctive brand identity. Each piece in this luxurious line of haute joaillerie is handmade for the Zoya woman, who has an eye for brilliance, a passion for the spectacular, and a yearning for depth.

Delicately handcrafted one piece at a time, each element within Zoya’s craftsmanship process celebrates technical mastery and craftsmanship. Set at an unusual angle to mimic the symmetry of the outer square, it maintains the natural stone’s asymmetries. 

The elevation and positioning of baguettes in an infinite loop represent a seamless flow of illumination which is structured to deliver a drama of light and shadows. The round brilliant cut diamond is placed in the heart of the unconventional ‘reverse’ design of the setting, symbolising the aquatic heart of the stepwell, the essence of life. The stepwell is more than a source of water, it is a sacred space.

Samāvé‘s one-of-a-kind setting is obtained by meticulously casting diamonds right into the gold. Only the finest diamonds are chosen, relying on their capacity to endure the intense heat of the furnace casting process. Behind the stones, micro azure-cut windows enable polishing tools to be accessed, yielding in the immaculate lustre which has become associated with a Zoya creation.

Zoya derives appreciation from a diverse array of external and internal adventures, encompassing renowned locations, culture, art, art mythology and characteristics that encourage the exploration of sisterhood and one’s feminine essence!

Zoya will be hosting a panel discussion on its Instagram and Facebook handles on July 14th at 6.30 pm with Birwa Qureshi, Purnima Mehta Bhatt, and Beate Steinfeld moderated by luxury specialist Nonita Kalra. The discussion will focus on the historic significance of stepwells as a catalyst for feminine bonding and the women will discuss ‘Stepwells as a Catalyst for Feminine Bonding: Then and Now’

Spanning across seven floors, Venus Communiti is an offbeat take on the concept of co-working spaces. Shradhha Kamath, principal architect of Tangram, along with co-founder Prachi Mathur is responsible for the metamorphosis of this extensive 8,000 sq ft space located in Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru. The idea was to create a fluid space that is not just a regular working space but can also host events, workshops, art displays et al!

Altering the essence of a typical workspace in India, this project doesn’t stick to one particular theme, rather it thrives on feelings. Owing to its design, people using this space are bound to feel more creative, engage in new friendships and foster collaborations. 

The client picked the name ‘Venus’ for the building and that served as a starting point for deciding the look of the space. Brick red, orange, greys inspired from the planet Venus along with a few accent shades forms the primary colour palette. Sharing anecdotes about her design philosophy, Shraddha divulges, “As an architect, I gravitate more towards organised geometry and straight lines, which is an integral part of all my projects.”

Configuration of activities in the building include the reception and lounge area on the ground floor whereas the conference and meeting rooms are on the first floor. The second and third floor encompass the co-living space while the fourth and fifth floors are dedicated to the co-working area. The final floor comprises the terrace which hosts a cafeteria, used for socialising.

The entrance packs a punch with its floor to ceiling glass windows that offers a glimpse of the open space inside. A subtle light pattern in the backdrop of the black matt PU finish reception table oozes warmth. Statuario marble plays off the colour theme and adds character to the reception area. 

What’s remarkable about the ground floor is that various material and colour selections complement the reception, lounge area, pantry and café cohesively. For instance, a light-coloured concrete tile at the entrance, a black and white pattern tile for the café and wooden flooring in the lounge area create visual interest. A banquet style seating with custom made chairs and tables comprises the cafe seating area. Textured and withered, a wallpaper with traditional wooden mouldings, designed by the team graces the area, rendering it a modern yet rustic look. 

To be used for events, a 9 ft by 5 ft island with a waterfall marble edge detail, and a fridge and storage inside forms a huge piece of furniture in the space. The backsplash in the kitchen is designed with a grid of small squares and rectangles arranged in an order with plain white quartz and grooves. Moving over to the double height space, a staircase leads to the mezzanine. The space underneath the staircase has also been utilised by adding built-ins and open shelves that makes for an interesting display.

Another spectacular view from the mezzanine is provided by the customised dense hanging lights made from painted MDF. Concentric circles etched on the MDF enhance the effect of light and add a sculptural quality. “I loved designing the double height space and the pantry the most because of which the scale and the proportions have come out perfectly in line with my vision”, reveals Kamath.

The mezzanine floor comprises two phone booths with louvered shutter details in a soft pink tone. Geometric pattern flooring complements the terracotta colour in the ceiling. The biggest conference room amongst the four meeting rooms constitutes a jungle wallpaper on one of the walls.

Different shades of paint create an interest in the co-living area on the upper floor. Due to the possibility of wear and tear, this space has been kept minimal in design. Borrowing the colour palette from the ground floor, the workspace area is a highly functional space punctuated with fun accent lighting. The terrace on the seventh floor is ideal for unwinding and enjoying the Bengaluru weather. 

Throughout this co-working space, most of the furniture and lighting installations are tailor made by local contractors. Additionally, air conditioning has been planned in a way that only spaces which are in use will be ventilated, thus saving tons of energy. With provisions for rainwater harvesting and solar panels, Venus Communiti redefines the way co-working spaces are perceived.

Click here to read another stunning workplace by reD Architects 

With a focus on interaction and incorporating the outdoors into the workspace, Shobhan Kothari of KDND Studio creates this luxurious sales office with modern elements woven by the theme of the suburban environment. The stunning interiors merged with lush plants ensure to boost productivity.

Office Luxuria, launched by Lodha is spread over 12,000 sq ft in New Bombay and has been designed with an understated sense of luxury and elegance. The simplicity of the clean lines and crisp detailing complement each other creating a modern aesthetic to the space. 

The space circulation and people interaction have served as critical factors while designing the dual function areas that connect the sales gallery and community hall. “The design needed interventions where the two separate functions could co-exist with minimal changes at a later date,” says Kothari.

Muted undertones of beige with subtle shades of cool colours infuse the material palette cognizant of the dual function of the space. KDND studio strongly believes in catering to the program with a clarified purpose, building spaces that exude exactitude bonded together by a strong design theme. 

Greeted by the entrance canopy, a large fluted door with its twig impression handle swings open into a concierge lobby defined with two lounge chairs. The capsule concierge desk placed angularly ensures for the individual to be directed into the main waiting lobby with spaces defined to accommodate a larger crowd on a busy day.

Anchored with a green wall running its full length, the space is equipped with office spaces and a pantry allowing developer representatives and customer interaction. Defined in the centre with cabins in the perimeter, we are led to the gallery space holding prototypes of different scales, all belonging to the project which is being launched. 

Rectilinear boxes juxtapose together to form an exciting visual on the ceiling. An intimate lounge area provides a comfortable space for further discussions about projects. Individual cabins have been given a distinct flavour keeping in mind the factor of luxury and creating a sense of comfort, the lawn attached to the structure is a breakout zone.

Biophilic design involves incorporating greens into the spaces and has been proven to improve the working environment and increase wellness in the people working there. This has been done with the use of green walls, pots and plants being incorporated into the design. 

We adore the fabulous accent colours in the furnishing with decorative pillows and wooden boarded panelling! Black and white artwork ideas that include real-time captures of suburban life and nature are blended in the bespoke office.

Indian kitchens epitomise culinary diversity in terms of technique, flavour, ingredients and methods. But if a single entity unites the diverse kitchens of our country, it is our love for aromatics and complex flavours. While the characteristic tempering of spices, sizzling mustard seeds and curry leaves in hot oil lends a fragrant and flavourful note to the dish, the fumes created in the process often leave us coughing and sneezing, also stains our pristine kitchen walls over time and clogs exhaust chimneys with extended use.

Häfele introduces India’s first intelligent filter-free cooker hood—TERESA i-90 Plus, equipped with a filtration capacity of 2.5 times that of an ordinary filter-free chimney. With enhanced intelligence, this cooker hood can detect and eliminate harmful volatile organic compounds along with the fumes inside the kitchen thanks to its perceptive air quality sensor.

Bid farewell to turbulence and noise with the Nautilus design of the impeller housing the Teresa i-90 Plus. Removing large volumes of exhaust and preventing backflow of smoke with extremely quiet but efficient operations, the Active 3-Layer centrifugal filtration system separates the oil, moisture, wet smoke and dry smoke from the detected fumes.

Residual oil, moisture and wet smoke from the fumes hit the oil net and get accumulated in the oil collector while the dry, lighter smoke is thrown effectively out through the duct. The powerful brushless motor with copper windings, angled at 30° ensures effective extraction of 98% of the smoke emitted.

Filter-free technology in TERESA i-90 Plus provides relief from the traditional problems of clogged filters in the new generation kitchen chimney for longer intervals of time, minimising the need for the age-old regular inspection and cleaning. 

Ergonomic and effective, the Auto Open Panel unfolds itself when the cooker hood is switched on, capturing maximum volume of smoke before its dispersion while the Wide Smoke Extraction Panel ensures minimal backflow of smoke and aids in locking grease and smoke.

Increasing the extraction power automatically when smoke resistance or smoke backfilling is detected, is the Auto-turbo system in the filter-free kitchen chimney. Smart Oil-collector with eyelet accumulates oil and wet smoke from the fumes providing hassle-free maintenance.

Bequeath your kitchen with enhanced elegance, excelling in both function and form, its contemporary rose gold accents, sleek black glass finish and minimalistic feather-touch controls ease the cooking experience.

Celebrating the lockdown being lifted and our lives getting back on track, ED picks shops that you must definitely visit once circumstances normalise. From decor stores to retail outlets specialising in bespoke jewellery to stunning salons, there’s something for the connoisseur and shopaholic alike!

Pink Curves by Dinkle Sonegara of Studio 23.eight and Surbhi Bansal of Project 1505

Located in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, Pink curves is a 270 sq ft boutique store that retails ornate silverware and jewellery. Its striking contrast of glamorous gold and subtle pink terrazzo floors against exposed skeletal surfaces makes for a visual treat. 

The linear design efficiently guides customers through the displays. The elongated counter allows for a streamlined approach to the store. A mirror located near the weigh and pay desk is angled into the terrazzo to impart luxury and ingenuity into the space.

Sonegara and Bansal’s have endeavoured to translate minute details of the products into a store environment that is elegant and welcoming. The curved shapes of the display modules soften the edges while the brass inserts add a touch of class.

Beruru in collaboration with The Purple Turtles

Beruru, Indiranagar in collaboration with The Purple Turtles have scoured the globe to bring you an assortment of plants, planters, garden accessories, decor, and furnishings for indoor and outdoor under a single roof.

Their range includes indoor and outdoor plants, garden accessories, planters, lanterns, furniture, coffee table books, home accessories, BBQ Grills, landscaping solutions, and outdoor living, as well as a specialised flower shop.

Ohana Flowers, CMYK Books, Weber Grills, and Indo American are among the Indiranagar shop partners. An alfresco place is devised to conduct workshops and events. The idea here is to treat the store akin to an experience and not a mere pit-stop!

House of Bumble Salon by The Wall

House of Bumble based in Pune is an industrial-style salon designed by Elham Mirza that plays with minimalism. Housing a range of services, this space is drenched in grey and adorned with backlit mirrors at each service station. The tricoloured checkered tile floor helps in breaking the monotony.

Mirza aims to curate spaces that are creative yet efficient. She prefers understanding her clientele before taking on a project and attempts to deliver a personalised experience, as this enables her to offer each project the attention it needs. House of Bumble embraces this ethos as the salon imbibes a  unique personality, underlining  Mirza’s design philosophy. 

Shades and Mirror by DPA Design Studio

Spanning over 1,300 sq ft, Shades and Mirror Salon in Ahmedabad, Gujarat flawlessly embodies Nikki and Messi’s individuality. Located in the centre of the city, its natural, raw, weathered and unpretentious design has been implemented by Dhaval Patel (Founder, DPA Design Studio). 

Reception and waiting rooms, main office, nail treatment area, spa cabins, hair treatment cabins and facial treatment cabins are housed in a linear structure with spacious yet inviting spaces.

Cohesion and balance are achieved by the use of dividers to provide a peaceful nook for customers, away from the salon’s bustle. It’s a fine line to tread when it pertains to being luxurious while being accessible and Nikki Salon aces it effortlessly.

Tilfi by Aditi Sharma Design Studio

Tilfi is a Varanasi-based brand retailing pure handwoven textiles that conveys the artistry and cultural knowledge of Banaras’ age-old workmanship. Drawing inspiration from the city itself, Aditi Sharma Design Studio (ASDS) has crafted this store that spreads over 2,500 sq ft. Drenched in the earthy buff sandstone shade with the vibrancy of Kashi hues paired with the colours of Tifli, this store embodies elegance and creativity. A stunning Zari installation truly turns heads!

Metal repousse is a well-known technique used on brass tables and artworks as well as on the hardware. Hand-painted wall panels and niches generate starkness by showcasing the skill of an award-winning, 83-year-old mural artist. 

Astha Narang Boutique by PORTAL92

Astha Narang is a young bridal wear designer that caters to Indian weddings both within India and overseas. PORTAL92 wanted to add this dynamic cultural milieu into the concept in the Delhi-based store. They attempted to develop a pristine backdrop for the designer’s garments that interweaves certain classic elements into the furnishings and partitions. 

The studio’s soul is sewn together by enabling customers to explore diverse areas within it. The use of an inward curve layering the entry, accentuated by a wooden column, contributes to the space’s mystique. Indoor plants, natural light and textures blur the lines between indoors and outdoors.

As the client approaches the interiors, a skylight pierces the shed roof, illuminating the space in natural light. The entryway, among other places, is accompanied by a succession of wooden pillars which operate as screens. Each detail was skillfully modified in order to maintain and alter traditional ideals while still embracing modern values!