Vishwaveer Singh

Design can be a very personal Every year, new companies sprout with choice, one that’s dictated by oodles of creative ‘eureka’ moments, individual journeys, travel and, giving great fodder to our country’s the schools of aesthetics designers and aesthetically gifted in many ways, we were exposed to early on. For years, designers looked to the West for inspiration when creating the homes and spaces of India’s elite. Gone are those days, as creative minds awaken to the wealth of inspiration, culture and history we have right here under our noses. individuals, offering a plethora of choices that are celebrated not only nationally but beyond our shores, as well. HELLO! presents you with some of the best new trends in the market this year, just so you can make up your mind on what statement piece goes best within the spaces of your pied-à-terre.

Mosaic Art

The lost art of mosaic flooring has found a new avatar in mosaic art, where artisans painstakingly put together original works using stone and tile, creating images and sceneries that are no less than canvas paintings. Frozen Music, a Jaipur-based family-run company, is one such pioneer taking forward this age-old tradition, albeit in a new form. Ideal for spaces wanting a more permanent art installation, table surfaces and even entire pieces of furniture, this intricate art form is a trend that has withstood the trials of time, allowing new homeowners to use the skills of these select few craftsmen, to create bespoke pieces and artwork for their own requirements.

Contemporary Carpets

India has a rich history of carpet manufacturing, be it in Kashmir or Rajasthan. Once, Bikaner ‘jail rugs’ became so popular that they were exported to England in their heyday, commanding impressive prices when resold across Europe. The carpet industry has morphed and evolved several-fold since those days, bringing in mechanisation while still adhering to quality control and use of fine textile in the manufacturing process. Companies such as Jaipur Rugs are at the forefront of the ‘carpet revolution’, producing weaves based on abstract patterns and designs, making them must-have accessories for any new luxury home being prepped in the country today. In fact, buyers from the Middle East and Europe source their carpets from companies such as Jaipur Rugs in Rajasthan, oftentimes reselling them for two to three times their purchase value in India. Pretty enough to be works of art in their own right, these rugs are often hung up on walls instead of left on the floor for guests to trample on.

Concrete Ware

With contemporary spaces being the preferred choice of new homeowners around the country, it’s no wonder that several tertiary industries have mushroomed to support minimalist trends. Concrete planters and cement-based basins, tabletops and bar counters go well with any contemporary space. Crio, a company based in Ahmedabad, produces some well constructed concrete-ware for clients looking to add an extra touch of a raw urban aesthetic to their living spaces. Their planters in particular have become increasingly popular with young owners, offering all-weather protection while being ideal for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Cane Art & Objets

Founded in 2019 by Hyderabad-based Priyanka Narula, an architect and alumnus of the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, Wickerstory is a company that uses traditional methods of weaving wicker (also known in India as cane) to make bespoke pieces of furniture and artistic installations. Utilising modern software and technology while retaining craftsmanship, the pieces produced by Wickerstory are truly unique, recreating quintessentially Indian iconographies. Tamarind-shaped benches, wicker used to show flowy air-like patterns, impossibly fluid structures and ceiling hangings, ergonomic chairs and modern takes on cacti and fauna — all make for arty installations that enliven any space in which they are included.

Antique Art & Installations

Owning an original Ravi Varma artwork is just about as impossible in this day and age as owning a Picasso. Antique prints make for great substitutes, but when homeowners want to add a bit of Indian culture to their spaces, copies and reprints make for a great choice without burning a hole in their pocket. The same goes for Tanjore art, wooden sculptures and figurines, and metallic replicas that would leave even the most astute experts baffled as to their origin. House of Yali is one such company offering affordable pieces — sometimes refurbished actual antiques, sometimes new products — that offer the look and feel of the real deal.

Le Corbusier Furniture

In 1950, Jawaharlal Nehru had hired the legendary Swiss-French architect to design Chandigarh and its buildings of importance. When Le Corbusier and his cousin Pierre Jeanneret decided to come up with easy-to-use furniture for the city’s government buildings and libraries, they would never have guessed that one day, many of these pieces would find their way to auction houses in Europe and America, where they would fetch thousands of dollars. Smuggled by local dealers and corrupt officials, Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret furniture are now spotted in the houses of celebrities like Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian. Several companies recreate these iconic designs, often selling chairs for as much as Rs 1 lakh and above per piece. Once reupholstered and recaned, these chairs, chaise lounges and sofas, which are incredibly geometric in shape, make for timeless pieces, relevant aesthetically even after seven decades.

Do you love reading about interiors and are on a constant lookout for expert advice? In our July issue, we are celebrating the top architects and interior designers of the industry to give you an insight into their world along with an inspirational guide to spruce up your homes. Get your hands on the latest issue right here!

This has been adapted for the website from a story that was originally published in Hello! India’s July 2022 issue.