A source of warmth — a fireplace is often the heart of a room, a focal point for its function and visual comfort. Whether your design interest inclines towards a sleek, modern fireplace or a classic-traditional style, the right fireplace design does hold the power to transform your space! Wrap yourself snugly in your favourite blanket and browse through our 7 fireplace design inspirations for your winter home update.
When flowers bloom by Kalyani Saha Chawla
At Kalyani Saha Chawla’s South Delhi residence, the fireplace in the den is a thing of beauty. A traditional-styled fireplace turns into a visually-refined element indoors elevated with a fresh flower arrangement. The floral motifs on the fireplace itself come alive as the flowers bloom in and around it.
Photography by Ashish Sahi
Bold and beautiful by Vaishali Kamdar Associates
The pièce de résistance in the formal dining room of a vibrant New Delhi residence is this river-washed black riviera stone fireplace. Envisioned by Vaishali Kamdar of her eponymous Vaishali Kamdar Associates, the fireplace design is bold, dramatic and wondrously audacious. It commands attention and rightly so, sits as a sculptural piece in the midst of an art-filled home.
Photography by Suleiman Merchant
Modern, clear lines by Nivasa
A fireplace in the middle of your home? The perfect addition to keep you warm all day long this winter. This contemporary fireplace designed by Saba Kapoor of Nivasa fuses form with function as it performs as a stunning space divider. Its sleek, suspended design features a glass-enclosed flame, offering a dynamic visual connection between spaces. The neutral palette and clean lines complement the modern theme of the home.
Photography by Deepak Aggarwal
A soothing ambience by Beyond Designs
A striking centrepiece for a moody aesthetic! This fireplace by Beyond Designsblends classic and contemporary elements with its marble and gold accents that exude sophistication, complementing the dark wood panelling and built-in shelving. Positioned beneath a concealed television, it enhances the room’s refined ambience while maintaining functionality. For a winter sanctuary-like experience, incorporate leather seating, rich textures and glassware into the space.
Photography by Atul Pratap Chauhan
A beige haven by Aparna Kaushik Design Group
Extending a luxurious lounging experience, this fireplace design by Aparna Kaushik of her namesake Aparna Kaushik Design Group is set against the backdrop of a neutral and golden palette. The perfect setting for a laid-back winter evening — a fairy tale-inspired vintage seating, with drums on one end and a classic marble fireplace with a flickering flame of the candles on the other, the space has it all.
Photograph courtesy Aparna Kaushik Design Group
Monochromatic hues by Aashi Gupta Designs
Adore intricate ornamentation but don’t want to go maximal? This Victorian-inspired fireplace designed by Aashi Gupta of her eponymous Aashi Gupta Designs delivers just that. A rather unconventional fusion of warm-toned, plush and contemporary elements with a subtly striking fireplace in this space creates an elegant yet cosy ambience. The composition of tall pillar candles lit up underneath the intricately carved marble mantle becomes the focal point of the space.
Ever wondered what makes coffee one of the world’s most loved drinks? While there are no wrong answers, the impetus to transform a former residence into the simplistic yet retro-futuristic Silver Specialty Coffee house in Hyderabad sprouted out of a yearning to honour its architectural heritage while weaving in hints of the future — much like coffee’s journey through time.
“Transforming a 27-year-old property into a modern coffee house meant preserving its charm while allowing guests to experience architecture as they would have a good cup of coffee-layer by layer,” begins Kushal, Principal Architect at Studio KXS. “This vision allowed us to create a space where the past and future meet, a unique timeline that speaks to both the tradition and the evolution of coffee culture,” he adds.
The original cornices of the building are highlighted by a sleek silver band running along them, blending the historical with the futuristic; Photography by Shamanth Patil.
Planters designed to preserve the trees are reimagined with futuristic forms, creating a seamless connection between nature and modern design; Shamanth Patil.
Tour the cafe
As one steps foot into Silver Specialty Coffee, each nook appears to vie for attention. Minimalist lines and lush greenery guide you to the warm, coffee-toned interior, where a 25-foot boulder anchors the space, seamlessly blending it with nature. A ramp flanked by tall walls partially conceals the coffee house, hinting at what lies ahead. Passing these walls, you’re greeted by a striking contrast — a sleek concrete box extending from the historic building, framing the barista at work like a living painting.
As is the case with most names, this coffee house’s name draws inspiration from the possibilities that tomorrow may bring. The name ‘Silver’ was chosen to evoke a sense of the future — a colour that symbolises progress and innovation.
Photography by Shamanth Patil
The minimalist design allows for the experience of drinking coffee to take centre stage; Photography by Shamanth Patil.
The ingredients that make it
Fusing old with the new comes with its set of challenges. But the beauty lies in the retention of the essence. “The original white exterior of the house remains, but it’s punctuated by bold, futuristic elements—like concrete boxes that protrude from the building and sleek silver bands, creating a striking contrast between past, present, and future,” Kushal tells us of the space that bears a placating energy, wrapped in subtle hues of whites, greys, and silvers.
The balance comes through the use of geometry. Silver Specialty Coffee encourages guests to question why and how, sparking conversations that unravel the story of the space, its history, and the journey of coffee.”
The colour palette remains soft and subtle, with whites, greys, and silvers unifying the space; Photography by Shamanth Patil.
A massive boulder placed within the ground-floor interior stands as a testament to the history of the house, conveying a sense of permanence; Photography by Shamanth Patil.
Beyond the ground-floor seating, an inviting staircase leads to the first floor set amid greenery, where additional seating surrounds a coffee roaster, filling the air with rich aromas. As you reach the first floor, a striking ceiling design crowns the space. The walls are carefully removed to open up the space, while original features like an internal staircase, a large boulder on the ground floor and classic cornices were preserved to honour the past.
“This rock, which the building literally sits upon, symbolises the deep-rooted connection between the property and nature. We preserved it as an essential part of the design, allowing it to anchor the space and convey a sense of permanence,” he informs. Adjusting the facade and interior layout without losing its authenticity was challenging, but by immersing ourselves on-site. “We envisioned how guests would walk in and feel the blend of history, design, and coffee culture in every detail,” he concludes.
What happens when aesthetics, craftsmanship, and innovation come together? The result is a space that transcends functionality, offering an immersive experience of sophistication and comfort. From offices that foster creativity to homes that become sanctuaries of self-expression, great design is about seamlessly translating vision into reality.
With an acute understanding of materials and an unwavering commitment to design excellence, ICA Pidilitehas established itself as a key partner for architects and designers. Their expertise lies in enhancing interiors with premium wood finishes, supporting the creative process with cutting-edge solutions that bring bold ideas to life. ELLE DECOR India presents four exceptional projects that exemplify the power of design — where every detail, finish and texture contribute to a narrative of innovation and artistry.
Office for Dazzle Marble by Vinay Kothari and Gunjan Chaplot of Advait Architects
Housed in Udaipur, the Office for Dazzle Marble is designed to withstand the test of time. An earthy colour palette unfolds through a visual play of textures, realised through an abundance of wood, cane furniture and brass inlay. Sustainability forms the core tenet of the design process, with ethically sourced teak wood and locally sourced marble complemented by lime and cane, boasting a low environmental impact.
Office for Dazzle Marble by Vinay Kothari and Gunjan Chaplot of Advait Architects
The masterful utilisation of textures is further enhanced by ICA Italian Wood Finishes like Finezza PU Clear Matt, Finezza PU Pigmented Matt and Acquabella Matt, imbuing the space with character. The project balances dramatic statements, such as the reception’s rock-finish marble walls and contrasting elements like raw lime walls juxtaposed against smooth marble floors.
Vinay Kothari and Gunjan Chaplot of Advait Architects
Sangini Arize by Viral Mistry of JVIM
A stunning residence crafted with attention to detail, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship that enhances its overarching splendour. The grand entrance offers a glimpse of the decadent space within, replete with spacious living areas.
Sangini Arize by Viral Mistry of JVIM
Bespoke finishes from ICA, including Finezza PU Clear Matt, Finezza PU Pigmented Matt, Acquabella Naturewood and Creativa Series, have been employed throughout the residence, imbuing it with rich texture and smoothness. Tranquillity pervades as one enters the thoughtfully designed bedrooms, complete with balconies offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
Viral Mistry of JVIM
House of Flowing Curves by Gunit Tuli of Off the Grid
In Karnal, Haryana, the House of Flowing Curves was born from the homeowners’ desire for an uninterrupted, expansive home built in harmony with its lush surroundings. Design choices prioritise uninhibited openness. Built around a verdant courtyard, the home features double-height ceilings and minimalist interiors, emerging as a paragon of sophistication.
House of Flowing Curves by Gunit Tuli of Off the Grid
Finezza PU Clear and Pigmented coatings from ICA Italian Wood Finishes protect the luxurious interiors from wear and tear, imbuing them with a rich feel. The staircase serves as a significant focal point, inspired by the curve of a bird’s wing. It functions as both a sculptural accent and a practical necessity, gracefully winding across multiple floors.
Gunit Tuli of Off the Grid
Apartment by Narendra Mistry and Jigar Mistry of Alps interior & Radius.in
Promising to soothe the soul upon entry, this Surat-based apartment designed by Narendra Mistry and Jigar Mistry of Alps interior & Radius.in exudes understated luxury. Aptly named Green Valley, the project displays a blend of form and function.
Apartment by Narendra Mistry and Jigar Mistry of Alps interior & Radius.in
The resplendent allure of the apartment stems from the interplay of surface treatments achieved through ICA Italian Wood Finishes Finezza PU Clear and Pigmented Matt, along with Acquabella Naturewood. From light wood shutters that ground the space to the opulent sheen complementing the furniture, the designers have crafted a sanctuary of functional elegance.
Beauty is a strange thing. It is said that it hides in the eye of the beholder. But who is the beholder and who decides what meets their eye? When architect and EDIDA winner Ashiesh Shahstarted his design atelier in 2017, the craft landscape of India still operated in the margins, visible only to select connoisseurs.
By inviting karigars into the process of making, the designer has in many ways redefined what we perceive as beautiful. Ashiesh’s work is unapologetically Indian – tracing traditional craftsmanship to bring to the world stage stories and narratives often tucked away in the hinterlands of the subcontinent.
Photograph courtesy Atelier Ashiesh Shah
Photograph courtesy Atelier Ashiesh Shah
Photograph courtesy Atelier Ashiesh Shah
A universal truth
At the Soft Power exhibit, Ashiesh Shah Atelier’s exquisite wares hold a powerful restraint, symbols of an India spun in cosmos and craft – Channapatna Chair, Naga Bench, Garbhagriha Mirror and more. You are drawn into the hush of wood, metal and mythology.
Inspired by the mystical musings of the universe, Ashiesh’s work honours the multiplicity of hands that shape stories and history pressed into function. A pulse of experimentation, a reverence for the handmade courses through his collections. Past and future intertwined. His oeuvre spans the breadth of India, wrangling the boundaries of scale and making space for lesser-known crafts.
Photograph courtesy Atelier Ashiesh Shah
Photograph courtesy Atelier Ashiesh Shah
Making the invisible visible
But what does it mean for contemporary objects that hold Indian tacit knowledge to be displayed in Paris? Well, the gallery and Ashiesh’s portfolio share a thread in common: an essential savoir-faire. Yes, Féau Boiseries is a gallery but is an artwork in itself – positioning as a reference point for the revitalisation of French style. Each wall of the gallery holds stories, almost brimming through the décoratifs or lined inside the panelling.
However, the question remains – who decides what meets the eye of the beholder? Curating a panoply of beautiful objets d’art, Invisible Collection is an online platform for discovering collectibles around the globe designed by leading creatives and handcrafted by the finest artisans. They believe that design is a legacy of ideas – on a constant search for the heirs to masters of the yesteryears.
Photograph courtesy Atelier Ashiesh Shah
Photograph courtesy Atelier Ashiesh Shah
It is only right to see Ashiesh Shah’s work during Paris Design Week 2025 in a metropolis where history and art have always been entangled. The centre stage of polemic movements and traditions from the chinoiserie of Rococo to the tongue-in-cheek shenanigans of Dadaism. So if you find yourself in the City of Lights, stop for a moment at the Soft Power exhibit. Notice the curves of the Otlo sofa, think of its namesake, the traditional Gujarati threshold. When the Garbhagriha mirror’s brilliant blue centre inevitably arrests your attention or the Naga bench regales you with its resplendence, think of what we consider beautiful. Is beauty really only held in the eyes of the beholder or is it something more inextricable? Perhaps beauty, like art, design and stories, finds a conduit of expression from muses to mavericks to how material meets memory.
Highly-awaited every year for its exciting array of the most design-forward finds across home decoration, furnishings and utility, Ambiente Frankfurt 2025 in the heart of Frankfurt in Germany is set to return from 7 to 11 February.
One of the world’s largest consumer goods trade fairs, organised by Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, the fair extends itself as a destination for design connoisseurs from across the globe, to engage with a mix of functional and sustainable design. Do watch out for the stunning creations of the EDIDA India 2024 Young Talent winners — Ricky Sudey and Vipul Sachdeva of EITRI — who won a showcase at the Ambiente fair.
What to look forward to?
“Living, Giving, Working, and Dining in style: Ambiente 2025 is set to be a trade fair showcasing leading brands. With its four segments, it encompasses all facets of modern lifestyles and workstyles,” says the fair’s press brief.
If you’re visiting Ambiente 2025, here’s your repository of all the brands showcasing!
When: February 7-11, 2025 Where: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1, Frankfurt am Main 60327
As fresh-faced (read: underage) college students in Garden City, our eyes were firmly fixed on the pub scene. But as the semesters progressed, nights grew longer and our palates more nuanced, we realised how important it was to find the best coffee in Bengaluru.
Little did we know that, right under our noses, was brewing a third-wave, caffeine-fuelled revolution. While the filter kaapi after an MTR binge remains non-negotiable, ELLE DECOR India’s list of the 12 best coffee shops in Bengaluru promises exceptional artisanal coffee, a glimpse of classics and more.
Araku, Indiranagar
If you have ever been to Indiranagar and have not been envious of the caffeinated happy faces inside Araku, you’re doing Bengaluru wrong. We suggest you take a plunge and step in. Being their first Indian flagship, this two-storeyed cafe houses a Modbar, an in-house roastery and a bookstore. What’s not to love?
We recommend: Biscoff Snowball best suited for the sweater weather
If you too have an aversion to all things mainstream, you should consider visiting this Studio Camarada creation in HSR Layout. Believe us, apart from being one of the best coffee spots in Bengaluru, their interiors will make the drive worth it. Dive into their delectable menu as a convenient and scrumptious excuse to while away a few more hours.
We recommend: Beanlore’s Cereal Latte for the breakfast of champions.
Photograph courtesy Beanlore Coffee Roasters
Photograph courtesy Beanlore Coffee Roasters
Café Stone at CINNAMON, Rukmani Colony
Bengaluru’s history isn’t always easy to uncover, but places like Café Stone at CINNAMON, designed by Mathew and Ghosh Architects, reveal its essence. Located in the courtyard of a restored bungalow, this café is surrounded by exquisite wares handpicked by Radhika Poddar, stately classical columns and segmented arches. Did we mention that your pets are welcome too?
We recommend: Yogi’s choice (Smoothie Bowl) and an artsy latte
If you are experiencing a creative block, you must make your way to Champaca. Mull over your thoughts by the window overlooking Champaca trees or browse their bookshop which boasts an enviable collection. Champaca designed by Office of Cognitive Design (OCD) is independently owned and run exclusively by women with a diverse community of patrons. While the cafe only exists supports the bookstore, we believe there is no better pairing.
We recommend: A simple cappuccino and a tote bag for the books you will definitely end up taking home
Photograph by FRISK
Photograph by FRISK
Deliciae, Indiranagar
Those of us who have an insatiable sweet tooth will understand that coffee is paired best with a slice of cake. How about a coffee shop that looks like dessert? Deliciae’s first outlet in Bengaluru is a bijou pastel space in Indiranagar designed by Sadhvi Shetty, the Creative Head of Kara Hem. With a marble bar top, woven textures on café tables that contrast with the micro terrazzo flooring and fluted glass panels that connect the patisserie visually to the kitchen, this might quickly become your go-to dessert destination.
We recommend: A sugar overload and an Americano to balance
Photograph courtesy Deliciae
Photograph courtesy Deliciae
DYU Art Café, Koramangala
Amidst Koramangala’s start-up bustle, DYU Art Café offers a welcome reprieve in the form of one of the best coffee spots in Bengaluru. Housed in a charming bungalow with sloping roofs and open courtyards, it’s an ideal spot to soak in Bengaluru’s weather. Bonus points if you find yourself here in the quintessential untimely August rain and wonder what took you so long to find yourself in this city.
We recommend: Iced coffee after a hearty breakfast spread
Photograph by Richard DSouza
Photograph by Richard DSouza
Paper & Pie, Indiranagar
Bengaluru might well have pioneered the work-from-café trend — or at least, we like to think it did. Paper & Pie is the ultimate working café. Indulge in their Chikmagalur coffee, but stay for the fig and goat’s cheese toast. For serious productivity, they even offer a fully equipped meeting room and a podcasting space.
We recommend: Spiced Orange Cold Brew if you’re feeling experimental
Photograph courtesy Paper & Pie
Photograph courtesy Paper & Pie
Kopitiam Lah, Indiranagar
Translating simply to “coffee shop,” Kopitiam Lah brings a taste of Malaysian café culture to Bengaluru. Nestled on the bustling 12th Main Road, this 72-seater space, designed by Stapati’s George Seemon and Tony Joseph, takes inspiration from traditional Malay kopitiams.
We recommend: Rose milk (that may well make you forego the Corner House DBC next door)
Nerlu Café in Bangalore champions Indian coffee. Founded by a design firm Praxis Inc, it showcases coffees from over 200 independent Indian roasters, many of whom lack physical retail space. The coffee discovery menu features 10 rotating coffees every two weeks, brewed by skilled baristas using a Hario Switch, allowing customers to explore the diverse flavors of Indian coffee.
For those seeking productivity in a quiet, earthy setting, Suay ticks all the boxes with their serene co-working spots. This minimalist café, designed by Studio Camarada, transforms a former JP Nagar home into cosy pockets and nooks. Whether you’re enjoying your coffee in solitude or engaging with fellow caffeine enthusiasts, Suay hits the mark.
My first encounter with Subko was in their Mary Lodge outpost in Mumbai. The idea of this Maximum City fixture being in my not-so-quaint town was something unimaginable yet exciting. At their Ajji House designed by M9 Design Studio and Subko’s in-house team at Studio Substance, you will feel a sense of discovery in its 70-year-old brick walls and red oxide floors. A glimpse of the old Bengaluru. Located on Double Road which was once a quiet neighbourhood — albeit predating my eclipse with the city — Subko’s new home carries with itself the layers of memories.
We recommend: Their signature buttery croissant and South Indian filter coffee that Ajji would approve
Photograph by Sudhir Damerla for Subko
Photograph by Sudhir Damerla for Subko
The Kind Roastery & Brewroom, Bellandur
You might know Bellandur only for its iconic lake, but what you should also note is that its slowly emerging as a cultural hub. The Kind Roastery & Brewroom, previously a JP Nagar local, expands its footprint in Bengaluru with a new outlet in Bellandur’s The Bay, EcoWorld designed by The Local Studio. Inside a zen-like experience awaits with a neutral color palette with hints of earthy tones and terracotta. The brew bar, clad in vertical sandstone strips, takes centre stage highlighting the artistry of the coffee-making process. But what’s a kaapi experience without a katte? At the entrance, The Kind Roastery & Brewroom greets you with their take on an informal alfresco katte with trees with pebble-shaped seating.
The tingling rush of fragility. The flashes of familiarity. The constant urgency to overshare and over-feed morsels and moments of our lives to people, known and often times, unknown on social media. Habits that you think only live in hidden crevices of a day gone by, a memory forgotten — are brought to a material reality by Kolkata-based artist Viraj Khanna with his solo exhibition BRAINROT ongoing at Tao Art Gallery curated by Sanjana Shah.
The young artist who is instinctively drawn to being experimentally audacious tells me that before art consumed his moodboard, he’d also juggle with finance, a metier he parallely pursues at his family business with his mother-fashion designer Anamika Khanna. When focusing on art, he finds voice through various material styles like textile embroidery, fabric collage and fibreglass sculptures to create a realistic and equally satirical world of his innermost commentary on behavioural patterns around us. Also a part of Mumbai Gallery Weekend that concluded recently, visiting BRAINROT was almost like being mirrored on Viraj’s canvas, overjoyed with what honest vulnerability could look like. ELLE DECOR India speaks with Viraj Khanna on being an artist in the era of digital urgency, excerpts below…
Photograph by Pratishtha Rana at TAO Art Gallery
Curator Sanjana Shah with Viraj Khanna; Photograph courtesy TAO Art Gallery
1. Do you often think about who you create art for. How do you plan to break through the Indian art market in 2025?
For my recent exhibition, I portrayed different ways in which I navigate social media. I was extremely vulnerable and it was difficult to speak so openly about things. But that is what people related to the most with BRAINROT. In the coming times this year, I am going to keep experimenting with embroidery. The possibilities with the medium are unlimited and I’ve been constantly experimenting with it
2. Tell us an interesting anecdote from your process while working on an experimental artwork.
Initially when I was working with the artisans, they would be quite hesitant to do the kind of work I do. There was an episode where one artisan had taken my work to his hometown and then returned the following week to tell me that everyone in his village got scared and said they cannot do it.
The work I had given was a figure created using collage, so it was quite unrecognisable. So, due to superstitious reasons, they returned it because they got scared. They thought that the work I was making was literally of a ghost. I had to explain it to them that this wasn’t the case and then they finally understood and agreed.
Photograph courtesy TAO Art Gallery
Photograph courtesy TAO Art Gallery
3. What’s next on your art calendar and what are you experimenting with at the moment?
I will be showing my ‘Khakha’ paintings at India Art Fair 2025 with Kalakriti Art Gallery. This is really exciting because I have never shown these before! I am using the tracing paper or ‘khakha’ which is used in the embroidery process as a tool for my painting.
I am seeping paint through the needle holes created on the tracing paper.
4. What’s your most definite source of inspiration in your everyday routine?
I am constantly thinking about what is happening around me and how I am responding to it. The embroidery that I constantly see in the form of clothing is a constant source of inspiration for me. Every time I see a new technique of embroidery on our outfits, I think about the different ways in which I could use it to tell my own stories.
Photograph courtesy TAO Art Gallery
Photography by Pratishtha Rana
Photograph courtesy TAO Art Gallery
5. The best advice you’ve received so far is?
The best advice I’ve received is to literally try things that my mind is telling me not to. I’m currently doing my MFA at SAIC (The School of the Art Institute of Chicago). I’m graduating this year! The professors at SAIC always push me to create something that I haven’t done before.
Stunning views of the sea, the Marine Drive and Mumbai’s skyline. This home, reimagined for a young couple by Tania Shah of TS Design Works, emerges as a tranquil oasis with breathtaking views as a protagonist. Sprawling over 1800 sq ft in a UNESCO-listed heritage building along the picturesque promenade of the Queen’s Necklace, Seaside Serenity celebrates history within a blend of modernity.
Reflecting the iconic architecture of the building’s Art Deco exteriors, the interiors are designed with nostalgia in mind. Developing a unique language, the historical elements are enveloped in a predominantly white colour palette, serving as a serene and understated canvas, framing the surrounding natural beauty.
Photography by Studio Colourblind
Photography by Studio Colourblind
Photography by Studio Colourblind
With a hint of nostalgia
Honouring the heritage and old-world allure of the building, the home embodies a sense of Art Deco within various elements. The living and dining spaces are decked in Art Deco-inspired furniture, light-fixtures and a striking bar with wooden flutes, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The lack of visual barriers serves as a spatial gathering space while adding a touch of vintage charm to the home.
Art Deco influences echoing the history of the surroundings, paired with contemporary touches ensure the demands of modern living are not compromised.
Photography by Studio Colourblind
Photography by Studio Colourblind
Photography by Studio Colourblind
Frames of the sea
Originally a three-sea-facing bedroom home, the space is transformed to maximise the views of the sea through the living and dining space as well as the master bedroom. Prioritising spatial efficiency and visual comfort, fluidity in the layout enhances the functionality and aesthetics of the home.
The guest suite offers a retreat-like ambience with its lounge space, to unwind with comfort and privacy. Mirroring the clean and minimal theme of the home, the kitchen features sleek white cabinetry with camouflaged doors leading up to the utility area.
Photography by Studio Colourblind
Photography by Studio Colourblind
Photography by Studio Colourblind
Enhancing the ambience of the home, the outdoor vistas not only offer visual appeal but become an integral part of space. As a result, the home not only celebrates the beauty of nature but also the stunning surrounding historical neighbourhood.
As the sun rose over Dubai, I couldn’t help but marvel at the architectural grandeur surrounding me. This city breathes design in every curve, every corner, and every building that reaches for the sky. It feels like Dubai is conjured from the imagination of dreamers who’ve set their sights beyond the ordinary.
Every curve, every corner, and every building that reaches for the sky; Photography courtesy Marco Ritzki
From the moment I stepped outside, the sheer scale of the city was breathtaking. Dubai’s skyline is an evolving masterpiece — one-moment sleek glass towers pierce through, and the next, avant-garde structures curve their way into the horizon, seemingly defying the laws of physics. There’s no mistaking it: every building is a statement, each one vying for attention like a star in an ever-expanding universe of design.
The sheer scale of this city is breathtaking
By day, Dubai’s architecture is bathed in understated elegance, its sleek, modern buildings reflecting the desert sun. The towering skyscrapers — with their facades and sculptural angles — are more than just places to live and work; they’re works of art in their own right. Structures like the Burj Al Arab, with its sail-like silhouette, or the Cayan Tower, twisting like a piece of fluid sculpture, feel as though they belong to another realm. They rise in defiance of gravity, they form a visual conversation between technology and art, creating an urban dream that seems to stretch far beyond the norms.
And then, as the sun begins to set, Dubai transforms. The city’s towering glass structures shift from cool, reflective surfaces to shimmering canvases, alive with light. Dubai at night feels like stepping into a futuristic dream — the streets are bathed in neon and the skyline glows like a living constellation. It’s an intoxicating spectacle that’s at once grandiose and intimate — an experience you want to lose yourself in.
As the night deepens, the scale of Dubai expands, pulling you into its magnetic orbit. Every building, every light, every shadow seems magnified, creating a world that feels larger than life, almost too spectacular to be real. The city becomes a living, breathing entity: its energy pulsates through the lights, the streets, and the spaces between. From the towering Dubai Marina, where yachts glide beneath twinkling lights, to the Palm Jumeirah, where the lights of the hotels and resorts flicker like jewels set in the sea, everything feels exaggerated, yet somehow perfectly harmonious. It’s as if Dubai was designed to make you feel small, in the best way possible — reminding you of the infinite possibilities that architecture and imagination can bring to life.
As the night deepens, the scale of Dubai expands, pulling you into its magnetic orbit; Photography courtesy photocreo
And just when you think you’ve seen it all, a glance to the horizon reveals another astonishing feat – a new skyline, a new set of lights, a new building that’s arrived to redefine the city’s narrative. In Dubai, the skyline never stays the same. It’s ever-evolving, ever-expanding, a tangible reminder that this city is still dreaming, still growing, and still reaching
By the time I made my way back to my hotel, Dubai felt like a place where the ordinary doesn’t exist, a city where design and ambition collide to create something truly larger than life. And as I looked up one last time at the lights and the sky-high silhouettes, I couldn’t help but think — this city doesn’t just belong to the world. Dubai is the world’s playground, its canvas, its stage. And I – was lucky enough to be a part of it.
A quick internet search on Subodh Guptais enough to fill your screen with a treasury of stunning works of art. With almost two decades of creating larger-than-life masterpieces using the humble bartan (kitchen utensil) and exhibiting at some of the most prestigious museums and art galleries of the world, the artistic genius has returned to his homeland with an extensive exhibition at the Bihar Museum of Patna.
The Way Home, as the title suggests, is a tribute to his upbringing in Bihar which has inspired a major part of his artistic journey. Curated by Anjani Kumar, Director General of the Bihar Museum, this is a milestone solo exhibition that features twenty major sculptures from 2003 to 2024 and is on view till the 15th of February, 2025.
My Village (XXXIII); Photography courtesy Subodh Gupta
Thik Paas Me; Photography courtesy Subodh Gupta
The Indian icon
Currently practising out of New Delhi and Gurugram, Subodh was born in the 1960s in Khagaul, Bihar. His practice taps into the lives of the common Indian by using the most basic household items found throughout the country, as well as specific icons that symbolise the rapid changes and economic developments that have taken place in India in the past 30 years.
He uses varied Indian kitchen utensils to sculpt a myriad of minimal as well as maximal works that are both challenging and conceptually complex. Retaining an Indian vocabulary, he experiments with the prominent schools of Modern Art developed in the West during the 20th century and uses everyday items such as motorcycles, milk pails, airport trolleys, thali trays, an Ambassador car and tiffins, apart from bartans.
There is always cinema; Photography courtesy Subodh GuptaGehri Neend by Subodh Gupta; Photography courtesy Subodh Gupta
Rooted in tradition
The museum becomes a particularly appropriate location for the exhibition as it houses Yantra, the monumental sculpture, made by Subodh in 2017. This permanent work measures 7 mtr in diameter and is a giant mandala constructed from real appliances (such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines) in addition to his signature bartans, in giant sizes.
The exhibition, The Way Home, intends to showcase the illustrious journey of the internationally renowned artist and serves as an opportunity to witness Subodh’s diverse repertoire.
