Arc Sideboard by Bateye

Loving the look of this Arc Sideboard by Bateye, a design company based in Portugal.

Looks like azulejos, but isn’t. The blue and white is classic while the gold gives it a dramatic surprise. 

Shivani Dogra

I was intrigued with these images of cosy yet stylish spaces styled by Shivani Dogra. From working with NPR to becoming this sought-after interior designer, Shivani’s work is testament to her own personal style. From her portfolio, these are some of my favourites.

I really like the black and white scheme that she came up with for this resort. The use of handlooms adds a sense of earthiness and manages to look terribly chic at the same time. This is a look we could easily copy in our own homes.

 

This picture (below) was for a guesthouse in Delhi. Shivani used the art and accessories collected by the owner over the years to great effect, making the space look homely yet elegant with a global feel.

I like how Shivani frames antique or vintage Indian cloth and transforms them into art. Another idea that is so steal-worthy (and easy to do).

and this, a fascinating resort project in the hills of Arunachal Pradesh.

Read more about Shivani and her work and see lots more gorgeous photos here.

All images copyright Shivani Dogra

Peace Silk Travel Essentials From Apoccas

I was happy to hear from Apoccas of their new range of hand-woven scarves that not only look beautiful, but also support rural communities in Thailand.

In their own words:

Available in a selection of colours, these prestigious scarves uniquely use the up-cycled outer part of the high end Eri silk reject cocoons which would otherwise go to waste - the yarn originates from the silk worm farm of an NGO on a mission to educating ‘Hill Tribes’ children.

They also have some very pretty bracelets and throws on their site. Take a look here.

Images via Apoccas. 

Punjammies

I came across Punjammies on the Bright Side Project site and fell in love instantly, first with the concept and then with the name (how clever!). The story of how Punjammies came about is incredible and here’s what their website says:

In February of 2005, International Princess™ Project founder Shannon Keith went on a trip to India that opened her eyes to devastation of lives happening on the streets and in the brothels. After visiting a red-light district, she could not forget what she saw - young girls sold by their families, orphans picked up off the street by pimps, even young mothers just trying to feed their children. Many were held against their will. Others were trapped by economics. Those who escaped the brothels often returned just to survive. 


Compelled by the magnitude of this reality, Shannon and her team of volunteers founded International Princess™ Project to advocate for these women, give them opportunities to restore their broken lives and empower them to live in freedom. The traditional Indian Sari, worn in even the darkest places in India, became the inspiration for International Princess™ Project. The sari’s bright colour and beautiful design are fit for princesses.

Women who leave the brothels need occupational training and job opportunities to help them find dignity, self-worth and hope for a future outside of the red light districts. When women become a part of an International Princess Project sewing center, they take the first step toward supporting themselves in a dignified way. 


PUNJAMMIES™, pajamas made from the beautiful Indian fabrics by women employed at sewing centers in India, are exported to the U.S and sold as a premium-brand of sleepwear. Proceeds from these sales go back to paying the ladies fair trade wages, money towards their living expenses, holistic support and restoration, funding towards their children’s schooling and operational support for the program.

Text & Images via Punjammies website. Visit them here.

Aboubakar Fofana

I’m loving the work of Aboubakar Fofana, a textile designer from Mali. Indigo is one of my favourite colours and his exquisite work with the natural dye has led to a beautiful range of linen and other textiles.

Read more here.

Images via here.

Katharine Watson :Block printed cards

Katharine Watson creates these beautiful block printed cards, hand-carved on linoleum blocks with patterns inspired by India and Indian architecture.

I’ve recently become obsessed with block printing and stamps and have picked up some blocks to experiment with. Business cards and greeting cards were on top of my list – perhaps you’ll get a block printed Christmas cards from me :)

Look at these lovely designs! I’d frame these or keep them in a hand-painted box to look at. And send a whole bunch out to people who appreciate this traditional art form, even with a contemporary twist.

On her Etsy shop, she’s got coasters, cards, monograms, scarves…

and a line of Christmas cards and coasters too.

And from me to you…

Thank you for being such sports! The encouragement I have received has been terrific and I’m looking forward to a more vibrant blog in 2013! Cheers!

See more of Katherine’s work here. Visit her blog (I’m going through every post now, to the detriment of impending deadlines…)

All images via Katherine Watson.

AA Living

I recently heard from AA Living, a concept store about their new range of lighting ‘Chaste’. I loved these so much and thought you would like them too. The ‘Chaste’ lights are made from sustainable and recycled paper – mulberry or recycled newspaper. What an excellent use of old newspaper, don’t you think?

 

Of course, AA Living has a lot more than lights. Check out their range of trays, home furnishings and other accessories. AA Living’s first flagship store was set up in Mumbai’s Napean Sea Road over 15 years ago and their range is now available online.

and the cutest chairs (which might do better with arms, no?)

See more of their range here.

Images via AA Living

Sponsor Welcome : 3mik.com

I’m delighted to welcome a new sponsor to my blog. 3mik is an online platform for sharing all things Indian. They have a range of products on their site including many of the popular brands that we love. From clothing, to furniture, to books and electronics, visit 3mik to see if they have what you are looking for (chances are they will). Here are some of my favourite products on their site:

Bicycle Table Lamps from Zanzaar

Hand painted Kashmiri boxes

Truck bags from Nir Home Studio

Karunavan notebooks

Lungi Totes from Pure Ghee Designs

 

And I know who these Kathakali eye masks from Play Clan would be ideal for…

Visit 3mik here.

Images via 3mik. Images are copyrighted to the respective brands.

Love…Swati Argade

Swati Argade’s clothes are on at the top of my wish-list. They are elegant, beautifully tailored and they come with a sensibility that I’d pay good money for. Swati is a US-based designer who works with co-operatives and textile producers in India to create this one-of-a-kind handloom clothing range.

Her first range - Belle Khadi- did very well and that encouraged her to keep going. Look at these images and then tell me if you don’t want one right away!

I’d love this turquoise khadi jacket. You see this material on men’s kurtas everywhere (I’m sure Mr. R has one stashed away, too scratchy to use), but as a jacket, oh!

A gorgeous dress from the ‘Bengali Girl’ collection

My favourite range might well be the Ikat one

Her bio says that she created a line for FabIndia in 2007. I haven’t seen anything in stores like this recently, so perhaps it is time FabIndia reintroduced her clothes, no?

Read more about Swati’s intriguing work and see lots more gorgeous photos here.

Images via Swati Argade.

Love…SotoMoto

Forget Anthropologie, I’m moving into SotoMoto. I just discovered this fun, colourful store via a post on MDC and they have such ridiculously beautiful things.

Rajee, here’s an idea for you – kantha-clad trunks :)

Now, if I had one of those trunks, I’d start packing right away :)

Images via SotoMoto.

Designer Barry Dixon’s home and garden

I am always curious to see how creative people are inspired and this feature on Traditional Home left me with several ‘aha’ moments. Designer Barry Dixon lives in an Edwardian house surrounded by quiet gardens and hills. The house is full of charming details but it is the land outside that takes my breath away.

In his designs, Dixon takes inspiration from the simple things – patterns on cocoa tins, cantaloupe skins, old tree barks, china patterns. The images below remind me of how we can find inspiration everywhere around us. Colours, palettes, patterns – there are all there right in front of us, if only we open our eyes and look.

See more beautiful images here.

Photography by Matthew Benson. Images via Traditional Home

{In our home} La Woodstock Froggie

I was super-excited to win this tiny amigurumi frog by Italian Etsy seller La Woodstock.Amigurumi is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small stuffed animals. My froggie is so cute – the knitting is impeccable.

We both wear grass green sweaters.
We both love red handbags.
We are sisters!
This tiny little frog is crocheted with 100% cotton yarn and stuffed with fiberfill, her eyes are made with small black plastic beads
Her body is about 3.5 cm long (except legs).
Her little red handbag with a white hand-stitched W will come along too as they belong together forever

Source: La Woodstock

She is tiny – the size of a finger and my 3 yo loves, loves her. Here, she’s going for a ride in a bright yellow truck.

Thanks to the BrightSideProject and La Woodstock for this delightful giveaway! Love.

CoppyCat

Sneha Arora is an apparel and product designer and CoppyCat is her new label. From funky stationery, photo frames, framed bow-ties, to really beautiful cushion covers, there’s something for everyone here. Take a look.

and my favourite…

For more, visit their Facebook page. Thanks, Sneha.

Images via CoppyCat