Design Archives - ELLE DECOR

Elevate your living spaces with Welspun Flooring’s wood and stone designs

In the world of interior design, materials like stone and wood have always held a timeless appeal. These natural elements not only bring a touch of nature into our living spaces but also create a sense of warmth and elegance. In recent years, we have witnessed an exciting resurgence of these classic materials, as designers and homeowners alike explore new possibilities for incorporating them into modern interiors. Welspun Flooring walks into the trend with its innovative Click-N-Lock Tiles, ready to make your floors an art to behold.

One of the standout trends in interior design is the reimagining of stone. Today’s designers are pushing the boundaries of what stone can do, creating products that are not only beautiful but also highly functional. These innovations make it easier than ever to introduce the beauty of stone into your home. Numerous designers are at the forefront of these trends, bringing fresh perspectives to traditional materials.

Stone, with its rich history and enduring appeal, continues to captivate. Terracotta, in particular, is experiencing a renaissance, thanks to its connection to the earth and craft. Inspired by the terracotta artefacts of the Indus Valley Civilization, the EDEN Collection introduces backed clay and baked terracotta designs that not only create an artisanal look but also provide a deep connection to nature.

The Kadappa Range in the EDEN Collection draws inspiration from the majestic backdrops and natural surroundings of Cuddapah city. These designs offer a blend of modern and traditional touches, creating a timeless and royal look.

Graphite Kadappa; Photo courtesy Welspun

What makes these trends even more appealing is the hassle-free process of flooring. With innovations like Click-N-Lock tiles and the ability to install these designs on existing flooring, you can effortlessly transform your living spaces without the need for extensive renovations.

In their Travertine design, they reimagine the very stone that laid the foundations of Rome, transforming it into a modern interpretation of the material that illuminated classical art and fueled Renaissance architecture. Travertine embodies tranquillity and serenity, speaking softly rather than loudly, with its organic texture complementing various settings. It’s a versatile, understated and enduring stone that has held a prominent place in architecture.

Bianco Travertine; Photo courtesy Welspun

In a nod to the enduring charm of wood, the latest trend embraces darker shades that are gaining popularity among interior designers and the market at large. Welspun Flooring’s wood designs in the Eden and Bliss collections, featuring shades like cinnamon, aged oak, silver striped oak, yellow clay oak, brunette wood and brown elm, contribute to this trend, offering a wide range of possibilities for creating inviting spaces.

Yellow Clay Okay; Photo courtesy Welspun

As we embrace the revival of stone and wood in interior design, it’s clear that these classic materials continue to evolve and inspire. From the fusion of wood and stone to the renaissance of terracotta, these trends offer a wealth of options to elevate your living spaces. So, whether you are aiming for a rustic charm or a contemporary look, these materials have you covered, providing endless possibilities for creating spaces that are both inviting and elegant.

Know more about Welspun Flooring here

#EDExclusive Vikram Goyal journeys Delhi to London for his first international exhibition at PAD London Fair curated by Nilufar Gallery

Oscillating between formulas and free-form fluidity, the metier of metal surpasses the rigid boundaries of ordinary. This is especially a precise semblance to the works of Indian designer Vikram Goyal, whose magnolious pieces are born out of ancient Indian techniques of metalwork, now set to travel to a new geography! This month, his namesake Vikram Goyal Studio will journey all the way from New Delhi to the UK to showcase curious metal-based collectibles at PAD London Fair for the first time — from 10th to 15th October 2023.

Curated by Nilufar Gallery, a nexus of historic and vintage collectibles existing since 1979, Vikram’s arrival at PAD marks his first international exhibition and the first solo display by a contemporary designer from India at this London fair; a rather prodigious one at that.

Indian designer Vikram Goyal is set to take his namesake Vikram Goyal Studio to PAD London Fair in October 2023; Photography by Federico Floriani

Vikram Goyal Studio PAD London Fair — Golden Arc – a solid console and benches in patinated gold finish; Photographs by Federico Floriani

On display: Alchemy of metal

Tracing the polymorphous impulses of his trusted materials like metal and brass, the designer will reveal a scrupulously handmade trove of ten limited-edition pieces — of furniture including consoles, benches and side tables, chandeliers and wall sconces, and wall panels. A common undercurrent of perseverance, quiet regality and an inescapable enigma of metal’s versatility echoes in each creation.

With many intellectual years under his design-focussed purview, Vikram with his troupe of local artisans has enkindled his own vocabulary of modernising the age-old techniques, retelling crafts from times as far back as the third and fourth centuries BC. Repoussé — hand beating metal sheets into three-dimensional shapes is one such. “Together with artisans at our workshop in New Delhi, we’ve created pieces combining heritage skills and contemporary expressions of our culture that I believe will resonate with design collectors at home and abroad. Together they show the strength and breadth of indigenous craft in India and how it is evolving with the times,” reveals Vikram.

Nudged by a sense of delicate diplomacy, his material visualisation whispers abstractness but in the most resolute ways; an innate process which goes back to the early 2000s when Vikram — formerly a trained engineer, student of economics at Princeton and a background in finance — returned to India to cement his design studio and commence his study of arts, crafts, motifs and its legacy in India. He also co-founded the Indian beauty brand Kama Ayurveda.

Vikram Goyal PAD London — Maya – A large repoussé wall panel depicting abstract intersecting circles related to the concept of the Chakras; Photographs by Federico Floriani

“The work of Vikram Goyal Studio is inventive and original, I am pleased to bring a wider attention on Indian design to a global audience in London…It is particularly impressive to see metal handled with such care and dedication across a range of demanding techniques,” informs Nina Yasher, Founder, Nilufar Gallery. PAD London, the sister fair to PAD Paris which was launched in 1998, is a week-long fair that transpires every October during Frieze art fair at Berkeley Square in the capital’s Mayfair district.

Excerpts from ELLE DECOR India’s interaction with Vikram Goyal below…

One such piece that took you the longest and perhaps challenged you the most creatively while curating this collection?

The Thar, a monumental console with a patinated gold finish inspired by the sweeping sand landscapes of the Thar Desert northwest of Rajasthan. Weighing 293kg, this substantial piece is a feat of craftsmanship, with thousands of hand-beaten metal bars, cut and welded together into its final undulating form.

What were some standout moments or highlights while collaborating with Nina Yasher and Nilufar Gallery?

Well it was such a moment of pride and celebration for the works to have travelled from our studio in Delhi to the galleries of one of the most respected international platforms for collectible design — another milestone for the burgeoning Indian collectible design world. The response from collectors, fellow designers and others has been overwhelmingly gratifying.

As an artist, how different is it, preparing to showcase your works internationally versus in India — are there any special factors you take into account?

Our international works are more pared down in terms of colour and decoration when compared with what we showcase in India. We use darker shades and textures and focus on the more organic and abstract forms in our collection.

A habit you picked up as an artist, which is now an everyday part of your routine?

I make it a point of immersing myself in museums and galleries any time I travel.

Also read: Vaishali Shadangule and Alessandro Giuliani capture Indian weaves under the ocean

Empowering women in Saudi Arabia one stitch at a time

There are only a smattering of places on this globe that remain virtually untouched. Straddling the historic spice route that linked the East to the West, lies AlUla, an ancient desert oasis in Northwest Saudi Arabia; a land that the ancient Nabatean civilizations called home.

AlUla, is an artist’s paradise – as inspiration can be found from in its wind-sculpted rock, in its calming green palms, and in the stark contrast of the cerulean sky against gleaming golden desert.

art school — A class in progress; Photograph courtesy Fareeda Kanga

It was this very beauty that drove Goa – based artist, Desmond Lazaro, an expert in cotton painted Pichwais of Rajasthan to take on the noble task of training and empowering women through art at an old girl’s school, ‘The Madrasat Addeera’ – which was the first secondary school in the town of AlUla.

The wooden carved paint box with natural pigments from local rocks of AlUla; Photograph courtesy Fareeda Kanga

The school has been cleverly transformed into a thriving arts and design centre that trains the local women in both traditional and new-age art forms in a bid to make them self-reliant as part of Saudi Arabia’s push towards modernization.

“Madrasat Addeera, as it is known, has collaborated with ‘Turquoise Mountain Foundation’, an NGO established by King Charles to protect traditional crafts and historical areas, and the Royal Commission for AlUla to teach women craftwork. Other multidisciplinary experts from around the world are visiting faculty offering these young girls and even older women an unparalleled exposure to train with French, Syrian and even Indian artists to protect their culture, heritage and art forms” Lazaro avers.

A hand-carved limestone souvenir inspired by nature; Photograph courtesy Desmond Lazaro

Desmond and other artists from around the world conduct residency programs for the women in painting with natural earthen pigment to building collaborative 3D geometric structures and stone carving amongst other craft forms like weaving and jewellry making.

At Madrasat Addeera, artists rely on ancient design principles and geometries, while also incorporating the latest technology and technique in the art world that the foreign teachers and professionals bring to the table. Many of the students have set up their own businesses hosting workshops, exhibitions, and seminars in AlUla, gaining domestic and International recognition.

“As the school grows, we hope to create a sustainable design hub for their activities, for instance we have made the urban carpet (a pedestrianized area), which is such a feature of the town. We are currently working with a group of students who are designing the new tramway stations in Alula and embarking on a Paradise Garden project in 2023. Through such initiatives the students bring a wealth of local knowledge, directly impacting and enhancing the lives of their community” he adds.

A decorative box made from naturally dyed palm frond and oak; Photograph courtesy Desmond Lazaro

What is unique about the teaching methodology is how the faculty mentor the students to draw and rely on the elements of nature around them – rather than procure expensive raw materials from outside. One example on display is a stunning hand carved wooden paint box.

This is both a work of art not only because of the intricate carving, using local designs originating from their Nabateans heritage, but it is special as the paint is sourced and processed from local pigments in the rock and geological material all around. Students forage the ground in pigment rich areas and then grind, wash, and purify the earth collected. These pigments are converted to paint with gum Arabic or egg tempera to decorate wood, paper or walls.

A woven bag has motifs of Jabal Ikma – a mountain in the ancient city of Dadan with inscriptions that were carved into the sandstone cliffs a couple of thousand years ago. “Our role is to sustain these traditional craft skills and enable them to thrive in the 21st Century, striking a balance between pedagogy and innovation.” Lazaro concludes.

Maharaja and Maharani Limited Edition Candle by Seva Home and Suryakant Lokhande is a tribute to the country’s rich artistry and heritage

When imagination meets craftsmanship, there are moments when art transcends boundaries and becomes an integral part of our living spaces. Seva Home, a prominent name in the luxury home décor, has brought such a moment to life with its limited edition candles, a collaborative creation with the internationally renowned artist and sculptor, Suryakant Lokhande.

Seva Home’s limited edition candles; Photography courtesy Seva Home

Picture this — a wooden candle designed to resemble a vintage matchbox adorned with regal portraits of a Maharaja or Maharani. The wooden box housing these treasures is intricately engraved, in perfect alignment with the design aesthetics of the sculptor himself. The Seva Home X Suryakant Lokhande Collection made its grand debut at Kathiawada House in Mumbai, graced by the city’s crème de la crème. This launch marked the culmination of months of tireless effort, dedication and a shared passion for art.

Suryakant Lokhande, the mastermind behind the artistic design, shared his philosophy behind the matchbox candle, “The idea of a matchbox candle is to light up your inner darkness by serving others. Collaborating with Seva Home for the Maharaja and Maharani candle gives me immense pleasure and joy.”

A collaborative creation with the internationally renowned artist and sculptor, Suryakant Lokhande; Photography courtesy Seva Home

Arushi Agarwal, the CEO and Founder of Seva Home, expressed her enthusiasm for collaborating with renowned artists like Suryakant Lokhande, saying, “It brings together creativity and artistry. After months of dedicated efforts, multiple rounds of edits and changes, the Maharaja and Maharani limited edition candle is unveiled. I invite each and every one to experience this piece of art.”

Maharaja Candle

Scented with “Aqua,” the Maharaja candle is infused with the refreshing notes of peppermint, petitgrain and seaweed. It captures the essence of salty ocean waves crashing against rugged rocks, harmonised by the soothing lullaby of the sea. Price: INR 22,000.

Maharani Candle

This variant features the peculiar scent of “Berries,” a vibrant fusion of tangy red currants and the earthy allure of oakwood and white musk. It cradles a warm, sultry breeze reminiscent of the scorching Mediterranean sun. Price: INR 17,000.

With every purchase from this collection, Seva Home, in association with the Samta Foundation, commits to conducting eye cataract surgeries for the tribal villages of Maharashtra. It’s a noble social commitment, an endeavour to serve the underprivileged and a testament to the transformative power of art and compassion.

In the glow of the Maharaja and Maharani candles, we find not just illumination for our homes but also a radiant spark of hope for those in need.

Know more about the collection here

5 questions with Mikael Kruse Jensen and Navin Khanna of BoConcept on the fusion of Danish and Indian furniture aesthetics making a new wave globally

From Mumbai’s bustling apartments to Delhi’s serene bungalows, the concept of less is more has become a way of life. With its new AW’23 collection that perfectly mirrors this approach, BoConcept’s furniture becomes a representation of classic, clean and simple living. In conversation with ELLE Decor India, Mikael Kruse Jensen, Global CEO, BoConcept and Navin Khanna, Director, BoConcept India tell us how the latest collection stands as a testament to the blend of Danish and Indian designs to create homes that breathe with character and charm in India.

How does the AW’23 design ethos fit with the Danish approach to design in India?

Scandinavian styles are coming into the mainstream in India. The simplicity and minimalistic nature of Danish design create the sought-after tranquillity, cocooning and escapism our clients demand, a trend accelerated during the pandemic.

The metropolitan style has particular appeal for our Indian customers. Of course, new consumers also appreciate our second style (Scandinavian) which is more about minimalistic design/construction in honest materials. For AW’23, the oversized proportions of our new Salamanca sofa respond directly to a global consumer desire for playful lounging and next-level comfort.

The Santiago dining table reinforces the current trend towards organic, sculptural shapes and tactile materials, whilst our new storage system Calgary will resonate with the huge surge in demand for inspiring, versatile and multi-tasking storage that maximises space.

AW'23 — The Imola chair is a part of the latest collection titled AW’23; Photograph courtesy BoConcept

In view of the frequent eco-awareness linked with them, emphasise any environmentally beneficial or sustainable features of the products under the AW’23 collection.

We have been a member of the UN Global Compact since 2009 and have achieved a number of milestones in our Sustainability journey. Our factory in Ølgod, Denmark is powered by renewable energy, we have achieved FSC certification for our Wooden products and our ambition is to have 90% of our wood FSC-certified by 2024.

Our new collection for Autumn/Winter 2023 will be fully FSC-certified. At BoConcept we also pride ourselves on the quality of our fabrics and the choice that’s available in terms of yarns, finishes and colours. The Oeko-Tex stamp of approval comes with our Skagen, Wellington, Bresso and Tuscany fabrics, which all carry its STANDARD 100 certification.

Moving forward, we will be taking responsibility for every material we use, working in mutual collaboration with our suppliers and seeking transparency and traceability across our supply chain.

When it comes to our fabric materials we strive for quality, performance, and durability. Engineered to withstand the demands of busy everyday life — our ‘Frisco’ material has a unique and patented Aqua Clean technology treatment to resist stains and last the entire lifetime of the fabric.

Are there any defining products that really highlight the marriage of Indian and Danish aesthetics?

Interior design is very personal and choosing Danish Design is a considered choice and preference. It is not about fitting into a Market’s design sensibilities but staying true to the Danish Design principles international consumers demand.

A big advantage of BoConcept is our customisation possibilities so our designs can adapt to our clients’ style preferences. Close to 90% of our products are customisable from size, configuration, functionality, fabric etc. allowing us to create an environment that is truly bespoke to their personal tastes, preferences and needs. It’s what we call Live Ekstraordinær!

We exist to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary places, and that is no doubt where our best-in-class interior design and styling service sets us apart. Scandinavian styles are coming into the mainstream in India.

How has the transition from maximalism to minimalism been significantly shaped by furniture? As the design landscape changes, how does BoConcept’s design impact the Indian and worldwide markets?

Our BoConcept minimalist aesthetic translates well into local traditions and styles. With a ‘Less is more’ design ethos, and a heritage rooted in Danish Modernism for over 70 years, our enduring design approach has been about clean lines, timeless style and craftsmanship.

Neutral colours, classic balanced proportions and understated style ensure BoConcept is always modern and relevant in countries around the world.

Can you share a few interesting insights into the new collection that you are launching?

For the AW23 season, BoConcept is asking, how does great design make you feel? Home is our most important space to recharge, express ourselves and provide protection from an increasingly uncertain world. “With the new Kollektion we lean into the power of design to bring a feeling of deep satisfaction. The new pieces are designed to bring sensorial pleasure into the everyday,” says Collections and Visuals Director Claus Ditlev Jensen.

The trend landscape signals that we are in a polycrisis era. This has increased the desire for calming spaces and comforting products that maximise emotional and physical wellbeing: home as a sanctuary. With WGSN citing that 72.8% of people globally feel anxious about issues ranging from the environment to the cost-of-living crisis, it’s perhaps not surprising to learn they are craving deep comfort.

The ‘Buy less, buy better’ mindset also continues to frame consumer appetite for long-lasting materials and timeless styles. With this in mind, the Santiago dining and coffee tables feature hard-wearing ceramic tops, whilst the Calgary is a piece designed to evolve over the years as the consumer discovers new keepsakes to display or even wishes to adapt its usage to a different room or function.

Herman Miller and Stefan Diez redefine comfort with Fuld Nesting Chair

Herman Miller introduces Fuld Nesting Chair designed in collaboration with Stefan Diez – a sleek, minimalist design that enables flexible configurations for workspaces. With its refreshing aesthetic, Fuld is a standout among nesting chairs – enabling organisations to reconfigure spaces for different uses such as breakout sessions, corporate training and educational events – without sacrificing style. Available in dipped-in-colour options consisting of the seat, seat-back and legs in one hue and dual-colour combinations, Fuld elevates the experience of a nesting chair.

Fuld Nesting Chair designed in collaboration with Stefan Diez; Photo courtesy MillerKnoll

Fuld eschews the typical X shape of a nesting chair for a streamlined inverted Y with tubular arms. The back has a touch of elasticity, which keeps you comfortable as you shift. With its unique lines and variety of colours, the reimagined seating mainstay enlivens any space, even when stored in the open.

“We’re excited to welcome Stefan Diez to the Herman Miller portfolio after his work for the wider MillerKnoll collective,” says Malisa Bryant, Senior Vice President of Global Product, “Diez prioritises sustainability and innovation within his designs which have long been core values for Herman Miller.”

Diez prioritises sustainability and innovation; Photo courtesy MillerKnoll

A long-standing commitment to the environment drove Diez’s design of Fuld. With its minimalistic design and pioneering one-piece construction, where the backrest, arms and back legs are one continuous piece, the chair comprises just two materials for easy recycling at the end of its lifecycle. An optional 3D Knit textile seat is also available that is made from 50 percent post-consumer recycled content and because it is knitted to the chair’s exact dimensions, there is no fabric waste.

Diez’s design of Fuld is such that it is easily recyclable; Photo courtesy MillerKnoll

“I am thrilled to have designed the first nesting chair for Herman Miller,” says Stefan Diez. “There is no other company that cares so much about engineering and quality. It is very supportive, it is quite unparalleled, very forward-thinking. The collaboration with Herman Miller never feels like it is driven by constraints, but driven more by an idea. It is clear what we are working for: The product that comes out from the process is not a product that is a compromise, and that is what I love.

The chair was announced as a MetropolisLikes Award Winner; Photo courtesy MillerKnoll

The chair was previewed during MillerKnoll Design Days where it was announced as a MetropolisLikes Award Winner. It will be available to contract customers for purchase through Herman Miller and MillerKnoll dealers. Visit the Herman Miller website for additional details.

About Herman Miller

Over the last century, Herman Miller has been guided by a commitment to problem-solving designs that inspire the best in people. Along the way, Herman Miller has forged critical relationships with the most visionary designers of the day, from mid-century greats like George Nelson, the Eames Office and Isamu Noguchi, to research-oriented visionaries like Robert Propst and Bill Stumpf – and with today’s groundbreaking studios like Industrial Facility and Studio 7.5. From the birth of ergonomic furniture to manufacturing some of the twentieth century’s most iconic pieces, Herman Miller has pioneered original, timeless design that makes an enduring impact, while building a lasting legacy of design, innovation and social good. Herman Miller is a part of MillerKnoll, a collective of dynamic brands that comes together to design the world we live in.

Click here to know more about Herman Miller

Revolutionising Flooring: Welspun Flooring Emerges as a Game-Changer

Spaces are all about comfort and aesthetics, yet we often disregard its significance. But what if we tell you there is a revolution happening in the world of flooring, where every step you take is a brushstroke on a canvas of comfort and pure charm? Welspun Flooring, with their innovative Click-N-Lock Tiles, is ushering in an era where flooring isn’t just functional but an art form in itself.

In 2019, Welspun with its end-to-end flooring solutions ushered the dynamics in the flooring industry. Since then the brand has stayed true to its philosophy “To disrupt the world of flooring with their creative and effective flooring solutions”. A task that required a deep thought is now just a click away with Welspun’s Click-N-Lock Tiles. And the good news is there is no need to break the existing flooring. These Welspun tiles have made changing tiles as easy as swapping or rearranging furniture!

Inspiration

In a world that’s constantly evolving at an unprecedented pace, Welspun is committed to embracing the fundamental principles that drive innovation. They understand that the architectural and interior design preferences of today are instrumental in shaping the floorings of tomorrow. As the current trend leans towards seamlessly incorporating stones into interior spaces, they are dedicated to curating flooring designs that not only harmonise with this theme but also bring out the striking beauty of contrasting elements. At Welspun, the belief is to stay rooted in the essentials while adapting to the latest trends to provide flooring solutions that captivate and inspire.

Things that have been long lost in our history books — terracotta, stone and antique ornaments have come to life here. Many times, people are torn between the dream of living in a home that is rooted in history with a light touch of modernity. And that’s where Welpsun’s latest collection comes in — from stones that naturally progress with time, stones that can be moulded into one’s inner desires to materials that engulf a home in softer shades, surrounded by accents of green in nooks and crannies, each narrative evokes a sense of raw and minimalistic demeanour.

Game-changer

Welspun has created a lifestyle with their brand. Each tile brightens a space up, whether it’s a residential space, a commercial space or hospitality industry. Through innovation and technology, they have sculpted the ultimate tiles that will brighten any nook up and are the least of one’s concerns when moving into a new space.

Welspun’s new collection has it all — dark shades, new textures, clean look and an old world charm. Choose the one that fits you. Featuring eleven evergreen stone designs ranging from the contemporary to old and elegant, minimal to rustic and dark to light; the Click-N-Lock tiles are just a one “yes” away.

Terracotta

Terracotta, deeply rooted in Indian culture since the Indus Valley Civilization, is undergoing a revival in Welspun’s EDEN Collection. Inspired by the clay and terracotta artefacts of that era, they have incorporated baked clay designs. These tones resonate with people seeking a stronger connection to nature post-pandemic. Terracotta, with its blend of air, earth, fire and water, is a mystical material. It can be used to create both artisanal and a modern, trendy look when paired with brass.

Kadappa Range

The Eden Collection’s Gris Kadappa, Graphite Kadappa and Ivor Kadappa draw inspiration from the hills and exquisite stone structures of Cuddapah city. These natural textures add depth and dimension to interiors, exuding a sense of power. They seamlessly blend modern and traditional elements, crafting a timeless, regal appearance. Esteemed interior designers consider Kadappa stone as the pinnacle choice, and its versatility allows for bold and captivating combinations with various other stones.

Travertine

The Travertine design reimagines the stone that laid the foundation for Rome, presenting a contemporary take on the material that enriched classical art and inspired Renaissance architecture. Travertine’s allure lies in its tranquil and serene nature; it speaks softly through its organic texture, making it a versatile and timeless stone. It is a warm and understated choice that has remained a staple in architecture. This new design captures the very essence of travertine, a stone that oozes elegance and offers captivating colours one would adore.

Welspun Flooring, where every step is a masterpiece, transforming your space into a timeless work of art. Explore the narratives of terracotta, stone and antique ornaments and let your space reflect the essence of history with a modern touch.

Know more about Welspun Flooring here

A quest of the hidden: The Postcard Hotel on the Arabian Sea pins a new beachside getaway in Karnataka

Gazing at the virtual postcards of The Postcard Hotel’s idyllic new property, some kilometres away from the city of Mangalore, a gushing sentiment takes over — that of therapeutic travelling. Christened The Postcard on the Arabian Sea, the property in Karnataka stands as a resounding translation of a true seaside escapade; a hidden, undiscovered gem at that.

Roosted on the sequestered coast of Maravanthe Beach in the Udupi district, The Postcard’s new venue carouses in the company of itself and of the dulating stretches and sounds of the sea and swaying palm trees.

the postcard hotel on the arabian sea — Photo courtesy The Postcard Hotel

Living the postcard life

With a collection of ten rooms and suites — each caressed with endless vistas of the sand and sea — comfort and indulgence become the winning synonyms of The Postcard on the Arabian Sea, championing the quintessence of The Postcard Hotel founded by Kapil Chopra, a cluster of private, luxury boutique hotels nested in the most holiday-esque locales across India and the world.

“The Postcard on the Arabian Sea is not only perfectly positioned to indulge in all that coastal Karnataka has to offer, but the location of the resort itself, on a near private pristine beach, is what convinced us on this being a perfect postcard location,” divulges Kapil.

With setting benchmarks comes the exigency to be responsible. While the design of the rooms is visibly influenced by its immediate environ, that of the easy tropicals, the basis of its architecture and facade went beyond.

Helmed by Akshat Bhatt, Principal Architect, Architecture Discipline, he recalls, “The Postcard on the Arabian Sea is one of India’s first resorts located in a high tide zone. The coastal location poses challenges such as high winds, heavy rainfall, high tides, high humidity all year round and compliance with the CRZ regulations. We employ a prefabricated hybrid steel and light gauge frame structural system for the double-storeyed cottages to reduce in-situ construction on the sensitive site. They are also tactfully propped on stilts to minimise impact and protect the structures from seawater.”

Architecture is public art, and we hold ourselves accountable to the communities and places we build in. We must build responsibly, with minimum or ideally no damage, to a region and its people, he signs off. With its proclivity for the simple joys of getaways, The Postcard Hotel has been accorded as ‘Asia’s Leading Boutique Hotel Brand’, while The Postcard on the Arabian Sea, has been voted as ‘Asia’s Leading Boutique Hotel’ at the globally recognised World Travel Awards 2023.

Between expected and unexpected

An exemplary discourse on food finds its way to the property where regionality informs the spread on the table, thanks to its coastal threshold that commands a variety of flavours. “Our commitment to celebrating this remarkable region is also reflected in our carefully crafted menus, influenced by the rich culinary local cuisines of the Bunt, Goud Saraswat, Catholic, and Konkani Muslim communities,” confirms Kapil.

Charting the boundaries of solace and adventures, the bespoke boutique hotel unassumingly transpires into a reason for escape, rejuvenation and connection with the self.

Things to do around The Postcard on the Arabian Sea:

Scuba diving and snorkelling

A rested beach stroll

Trail to Agumbe Peak

Dolphin spotting

Also read: Bodh Gaya hotel by SJK Architects chants tenets of Buddhism

The bluest blue — Embracing paradoxes and unveiling beauty with a sojourn to the Four Seasons Maldives’ islands of Kuda Huraa, Landaa Giraavaru and Voavah

Disconnecting from work or taking a long hiatus has often proved counterproductive for me. Because often, I require nothing more than a pen and paper to embark on fresh endeavours or seamlessly pick up where I last left off at my workstation. Consequently, the prospect of my journey to the paradisiacal Four Seasons’ islands in the Maldives appeared paradoxical at first glance — an apparent contradiction.

Despite its elemental simplicity, encompassing only the interplay of the sun, seas, skies and sand, the allure of this tropic remains undeniable. What transpired was a revelation beyond comprehension, as the mesmerising expanse of the Maldives’ crystalline sea unveiled an incomprehensible beauty that defied all expectations or cliches.

Five days and three islands. Kuda Huraa, Landaa Giraavaru (located at the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve) and Voavah (a private island) welcomed me with what the islanders call “challenging weather conditions,” which aren’t conducive for the seas to be at their bluest best. Yet, it treated me to some of the most extraordinary vistas with just the right amount of drizzle and optimal sunshine all framed within architecture designed to precisely exalt such moments.

A sprawling bathroom on Voavah’s private island, inviting indulgence in endless moments of leisure; Photography courtesy Four Seasons Maldives

The design and experience is further underlined by their unwavering efforts to preserve the local flora and fauna through their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) program which could keep someone like me occupied for hours on end. For those inclined towards a touch more dynamism, a plethora of invigorating physical pursuits await. For all others, the boundless sea and captivating architecture of Four Seasons Maldives stand ready to embrace one in timeless leisure.

Discover the artistry of MillerKnoll furniture at their latest dealer showrooms in India

In the bustling metropolises of Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad, the month of July 2023 bore witness to an extraordinary convergence of design, craftsmanship and innovation. MillerKnoll, the amalgamation of two iconic design giants, Herman Miller and Knoll, and their associated brands, Colebrook Bosson Saunders, DatesWeiser, Design Within Reach, Edelman Leather, Geiger, HAY, Holly Hunt, Maars Living Walls, Maharam, Muuto, NaughtOne and Spinneybeck|FilzFeltun folded its grand narrative in India. With an aim to redefine furniture designs for the 21st century, the collective’s foray into the Indian market ignited a series of vibrant events, leaving a mark on the country’s design landscape.

MillerKnoll launches their newest showroom in Delhi, redefining furniture designs for the 21st century; Photography by Workplace Synergies

MillerKnoll, a creation that sprung to life in 2021, is more than a mere collaboration, it’s a fusion of design excellence. This amalgamation of design titans culminated in one of the most influential design entities globally, setting a new standard for the industry. Within the MillerKnoll collective, brands share a common dedication to unique design, meticulous craftsmanship and research-backed innovations.

In July, four distinguished dealers paved the way for MillerKnoll’s triumphant entry into India’s design universe. These dealers didn’t just open showrooms, they unveiled gateways to a world of design possibilities.

The celebration kicked off on July 24th at Endroit Design’s showroom in Mumbai, setting the stage for a series of events that would captivate design enthusiasts across the country. Mumbai bore witness to another milestone as Workrite hosted an event at their showroom. Hyderabad joined in the festivities with Richi’s showroom, and the baton was passed to Delhi’s Workplace Synergies.

Brands under Miller Knoll share a common dedication to unique design, meticulous craftsmanship and research-backed innovations; Photography by Workplace Synergies

For MillerKnoll, these launch events symbolise a commitment to the Indian subcontinent. It’s an opportunity to collaborate with its dealers in showcasing the collective’s diverse portfolio strategically in the north, south and west of India. For dealers, it’s a golden opportunity to represent a global leader in modern design, offering an unparalleled array of products for homes, offices and beyond.

Chris Baldwin, Group President and Kartik Shethia, President, International Contract, graced the events, reinforcing the collective’s commitment to growth in the region. Regional market leaders and managers from MillerKnoll added to the celebratory atmosphere.

The collective has ambitious plans to expand its reach in the coming months, with more dealers poised to open MillerKnoll showrooms in key Indian cities by year-end. This expansion will allow clients across the nation to access renowned brands like Herman Miller, Knoll, NaughtOne, Colebrook Bosson Saunders, Maharam, Muuto and Geiger in their own cities.

Every MillerKnoll Dealer showroom has furniture pieces that have a unique design; Photography by Workrite

Despite the diversity of these brands, they share the fundamental philosophy and business principles that MillerKnoll embodies. As Kartik Shethia puts it, “Commitment to design ties these brands together. Each brand within the MillerKnoll collective strives to enhance every aspect of people’s lives, from their homes to their workplaces. We are thrilled to launch MillerKnoll’s presence in India and share the joy of great design with the nation’s architecture and design community.”

Discover more about MillerKnoll here