Sarah Sham’s West Elm Edit on all things good design and her top picks!

It is often said, design is intelligence made visible while good design is a language of sorts. Extending similar ideologies are two of our beloved—Sarah Sham, principal designer at Essajees Atelier and global decor giant West Elm. Foraying into the Indian markets with their first brick-and-mortar store in Mumbai this month, it’s set to launch […]

08 Sep 2021

Ankita Rathod

Founded on the legacy and ethos of the 110 year old company Essajees, Essajees Atelier was established in 2014 by Sham as an independent design practice. Speaking of good design, she elates, “Good design to me is something that’s invisible, not necessarily something that you can see. But when you use it, you feel it and when you touch it, it gives you that feeling of good design.”

When asked to dish out the top three attributes omnipresent in good design, Sham promptly shares, “I’m a sucker for functionality. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t make any sense to me!” Further adding, “Functionality combined with details sets it apart and third would be an interesting colour or texture. So, if it has a really nice grain to it, a pop of colour or a small brass accent, that is something that I enjoy.”

West Elm adorns modern and ecologically conscious homes with its sustainable and craft inspired designs and collaborations with celebrated designers. The Brooklyn based design studio is all set to open their first store, spread across 9,000 sq ft at the Jio World Drive Mall in Mumbai followed by another store in Delhi. “For us, the store is a lifestyle experience where we want people to come explore and discover the beauty of our designs,” says Puneet Behal, business head of Reliance Brands Limited, which is bringing the American furniture and design chain to India. “We are here to help create a space that reflects you and what you love. That means forward-thinking, problem-solving design that unites value, quality and responsible manufacturing,” he adds about their designs, which ship to over 90 countries the world over.

As ELLE DECOR India and West Elm chat with Sham on all things design, the art history graduate lists her top picks from West Elm’s India edit…

And head here for wider selection of decor covetables from West Elm India…

Crescent Swivel Chair

West Elm - ₹57,500

“I was instantly drawn to its nostalgic design and I love the fact that you can swivel in it, as it adds a modern touch to the design,” points out Sham about the crescent swivel chair, the perfect addition to any formal yet fun space.

Slope Leather Swivel Office Chair

West Elm - ₹47,500

Light and comfortable, the chair is a must for tedious and long work from home hours. “The design, unlike most office chairs, is not bulky and boring, and offers a chic look without compromising on the comfort,” adds the designer.

Andes Deco Upholstered Storage Bed

West Elm - ₹175,000

Sham, a native Mumbai resident, understands the space crunch in the city and recommends the Andes Deco upholstered bed, equipped with plenty of storage space. The bed’s unique design offers storage solutions within a compact unit. Available in a selection of handpicked colours, the upholstered bed is a must for city spaces and apartments.

Mid Century Bookshelf

West Elm - ₹65,000

Adorning home offices and study spaces, the bookshelf is an elegant mid century design. Intricately finished with smart additions, the classic design pairs well with various styles.

Mid Century Desk

West Elm - ₹70,000

Complementing the bookshelf, the mid century desk sports a rustic, wooden finish. “I gravitate towards mid- century styles and these two pieces go so well together. I love the finishes on them, ideal for home office space,” assures Sham.

Quinn Lacquer Drawer Dresser

West Elm - ₹135,000

The preppy and poised nightstand is a marvel in gold and white. “The design is super fun and girly and I love the classic colour combination,” concludes Sham.