A bench is the simplest piece of furniture imaginable, in its elemental form. These supremely useful and versatile seats can be found in every style – contemporary or traditional, cushioned or firm, dressed up or dressed down. It’s not a stretch to say there’s a bench for every room; not only is the entryway or a living room the obvious territory for it but it can also be used in transitional spaces. We’ve rounded up a gamut of choices that can pack a strong visual punch into your homes –
The curvy form of the Tight bench is created via a coating of wooden sheets. Price on request. Image credits – æquō
#1 Tight Bench by æquō
The Tight collection by æquō carries in it a subtle yet magnetic charm. The curvy form is created via a coating of wooden sheets that formidably contain blocks of recycled wood nailed along the tensions in the shapes.
The FAT collection is inspired by soft furnishings and minimalistic and organic forms. Price on request. Image credits – Bombay Design Lab
#2 FAT Collection by Bombay Design Lab
Inspired by soft furnishings, and minimalistic and organic forms, the FAT collection of benches by Bombay Design Lab is at once elegant yet relaxed and playful, luxurious yet approachable; detailed with richly-textured fabrics in the colour palette of monochromatic earthy hues with a dash of contrasting blue tones. The pieces appear monolithic in nature, and the lack of visible hardware or joints communicates a dynamic illusion of a singular material.
Taking cues from nature’s effective shapes, the Shapeshifter bench has an organic, abstract design that is purposefully whimsical. Price – ₹66,760. Image credits – Daera
#3 Shapeshifter Bench by Daera
Shapeshifter’s Bench from the Daera Lunar collection has an organic, abstract design that is purposefully whimsical. The juxtaposition of the black stained planks of the live-edge Neem against the perfectly round blue ball acting as the leg creates a very interesting visual. Taking cues from nature’s effective shapes, this solid Neem wood bench lends an extra edge.
Also Read: 10 Statement Chairs That Are Must-Haves For Your Dining Space
The ‘Splice It Up’ bench flaunts the art of metal braiding with its complex weaves. Price – ₹48,896. Image credits – Eitri
#4 Splice It Up Bench by Eitri
‘Splice It Up’ Bench by Eitri is part of a contemporary collection celebrating joy in the forms of metal craft. It flaunts the art of metal braiding with its complex weave, featuring brass straps of uniform width that crisscross to form a bold, open lattice, supported on metal legs.
The Adel bench by Baxter has an interlocking form and is upholstered in leather. Price on request. Image credits – Baxter, available at Sources Unlimited
#5 Adel Bench by Baxter
The stunning Adel bench by Baxter, available at Sources Unlimited has an interlocking form and is upholstered in leather. This eclectic style with curved features introduces fluidity and warmth, and also adds a fun touch of personality to any space.
The Pench collection is a study of minimalism, inspired by the horns of a deer. Price – ₹49,500. Image credits – Escape by Creatomy
#6 Pench Collection by Escape by Creatomy
The Pench bench by Escape by Creatomy draws inspiration from the flow of animal movement. The seat’s stance is slightly tipped forward, like a tiger on the prowl. The Pench collection is a study of minimalism, inspired by the horns of a deer. It is an extension of these influences and works as a sculptural piece or just a conversation starter.
The Pebble bench collection is inspired by the stacking of pebbles, using solid oak wood, which is ebonized to black. Price – ₹1,52,000. Image credits – Gunava Design
#7 Pebble Bench by Gunava Design
The Pebble bench collection by Gunava Design is inspired by the stacking of pebbles. It’s made using solid oak wood, which is ebonized to black. Brass accents are added to the legs and the seat to bring an added dimension to the colour palette.
The imperfect textures of a wooden log for the Tronco bench have been replicated manually by crushing with knees, elbows and hammers. Price on request. Image credits – White Domus
#8 Tronco Bench by White Domus
The Tronco Bench by White Domus is a contemporary take on the staple wooden log bench. The imperfect textures of a wooden log have been replicated manually by crushing with knees, elbows and hammers. It is an exceptional sculptural bench perfectly suited indoors and outdoors.
The Eda-Mame bench by Scala Home is a furnishing element that is inspired by the form of a soybean. Price on request. Image credits – Scala Home
#9 Eda-Mame Bench by Scala Home
Shaped by an organic development and inspired by the form of a soybean, the Eda-Mame bench by Scala Home is a furnishing element with a strong impact. It is created by a sculptural design that can give great incisiveness to a space.
‘Us and Them’ bench is a striking monochromatic combination of marble stones that makes a remarkable addition to any home. Price on request. Image credits – Within
#10 ‘Us and Them’ Bench by Within
The use of black Marquina and Statuario marble for the ‘Us and Them’ bench by Within, is a striking monochromatic combination that makes the piece a remarkable addition to any home. The versatility of the design language makes the pieces multiply and come together in different forms.
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Designing a bare shell apartment poses a significant challenge at most times since everything needs to be customised. And it becomes even more challenging when it needs to be done in the middle of a pandemic. When the interior designers at Décor My Place took on the featured project, it was during the peak of the COVID pandemic in May-June 2020. It took them around two months just to complete the design, including planning the layout, making 3D models, and scheduling the electrical and plumbing work, among other tasks.
The design covered the foyer, three bedrooms, living room, kitchen, utility balcony, terrace, staircase, and dining. The comprehensive scope of work ranged from designing sofas to civil work and material selection, such as tiles for all the bathrooms and flooring, besides execution of all aspects such as floor tiling, bathroom tiling, waterproofing, plumbing, electrical work from scratch, and fabrication for the staircase, terrace pergola, glass stair railing, and glass partitions for the bathroom.
With their extensive experience in designing customised apartment interiors for customers, the team at Décor My Place didn’t let the pandemic stop them from executing the project to perfection. Let’s tour the project to see the immaculate finishes and the beautiful custom features that make the design unique and memorable.
The holy month of Ramadan slowly draws to a close, and the festival of Eid al-Fitr is almost upon us. After a month of patience and moderation, the celebratory spirit rings stronger than ever. Gifting has always been a special part of Eid al-Fitr and this year, we’ve put together a list of serveware, scented indulgences, and more, all of which would make the perfect gifts for your loved ones this festive season.
#1 Arabesque & Star Coffee Cup (Set of Two)
Available at Ecru. Price – ₹ 3,345
#2 Mud Infused In Oud – Perfume and Candle
Eid Gift Box (customisable), available at Naso Profumi. Price – ₹6,500
#3 Silver Arabesque Istikanas (Set of Six)
Available at Ecru. Price – ₹ 21,187
#4 Ceylon Tea Set
Available at Good Earth. Price – ₹20,000
#5 Seher Bakhoor Burner
Available at Ira Udaipur. Price – ₹68,000
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Here, we see another seating area in the expansive living space, with the beautiful vertical garden creating a lovely backdrop through the large glass doors. The doors can be slid open to step out for a breath of fresh air.
The stunning interiors are impressive, but the beautiful courtyard completes the house, elevating its style and making it a dream home for any millionaire. The exceptional design by the Rhythm and Emphasis Design Studio professionals created a perfectly crafted home that is the epitome of luxury and high living. They offer clients a suite of services, including architecture, interior design, product design, and project management, to create unique and exclusive environments based on individual requirements to deliver homes crafted with precision and care.
A coffee table is all-encompassing; an indispensable piece of furniture that combines form and function, style and service. It serves as the perfect anchor to the sofas and seating areas of a living room as well as transitional spaces. With tailored shapes and sizes, a coffee table can be fabricated in a multitude of materials and textural plays; wood, stone and marble, metal and even upholstered finishes that can pack a strong visual punch. While the choices are endless, we’ve rounded up our top picks for coffee tables that can also serve as a focal piece of your space –
The Drum Storage coffee table is a combination of a wood top and a metal base. Price – ₹ 50,000. Image credits – West Elm
#1 Drum Storage Coffee Table by West Elm
This luxe-looking coffee table is a combination of a solid mango wood top and a spun metal base. Ideal to fit across interior styles ranging from modern minimalism to vintage classic, it also has hidden storage to stash away odds and ends.
With its cantilevered design, the Oreka centre table seamlessly blends form and function. Price on request. Image credits – Tectona Grandis
#2 Oreka Centre Table by Tectona Grandis
With its cantilevered design, this stunning piece seamlessly blends form and function. The minimalist aesthetic and sleek lines make it the perfect addition to any living space, highlighting quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Made from American elm wood and stainless steel, the Tronco coffee table elevates the ambience of any kind of space. Price on request. Image credits – White Domus
#3 Tronco Coffee Table by White Domus
Made from American elm wood and stainless steel, this one-of-a-kind collection elevates the ambience of any kind of space. Inspired by crushed paper aesthetics, the coffee table blends seamlessly into the setting yet stands out as a unique point of art.
The organic shape and play of marble in the Sinta Coffee Table are balanced in equal measures of aesthetics and functionality. Price – ₹34,000. Image credits – Escape by Creatomy
#4 Sinta Coffee Table by Escape by Creatomy
The play of marble in this coffee table brings instant glamour and charm to any contemporary interior setting. The sleek organic shape of the top is supported on a central base and is balanced in equal measures of aesthetics and functionality.
The flexibility of the wood and cork composite fosters a dynamic shape for the Roots Coffee Table. Price on request. Image credits – Sollos available at Etreluxe
#5 Roots Coffee Table by Sollos available at Etreluxe
The flexibility of the wood and cork composite fosters a dynamic shape for this coffee table. The organic and architectural lines give versatility of use to this unique piece that is a perfect fit within traditional or modern interior trends.
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Rediscovering the popular word ‘biophilia’ and turning it into something for the soul, tell me (that) the idea of keeping indoor plants during and post lockdown hasn’t crossed your mind. Bringing nature in is definitely a delight, however, caring for them might not turn out to be that delightful. As humans not very well-versed with the plant kingdom, we often find ourselves in a spot— of not understanding things about plants, especially the indoor ones, they seem to give us humans a hard time.
But stay confused no more! Say goodbye to gardening woes and embrace the world of nature’s most resilient rebels. These 10 unkillable plants are about to revolutionise your green thumb game. Prepare for a crispy, short, and quirky journey through the realm of unstoppable flora!
Monstera deliciosa enjoys a rare status among the plant kingdom, making it sparsely available and a tad bit expensive than most indoor plants. Image Credits: Pexels – Anna Nekrashevich
#1 Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera Deliciosa)
The Monstera Deliciosa is the ultimate trouble-free plant. First off, it’s totally cool with lower light conditions. So, no need to fret about finding the perfect sunbeam for this plant. And when it comes to watering, this bad boy is forgiving. You can water it when you remember, and it won’t hold it against you. It’s the plant equivalent of a “no strings attached” relationship. Plus, its iconic leafy holes make it look like it’s been hanging out with hole punchers at plant parties. So, if you’re in the market for an effortlessly stylish and undemanding plant, the Monstera Deliciosa has got your back.
#2 Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Don’t let the lady palm catch those UV rays! This glamorous green diva prefers a modicum of sunlight blended with a dash of shade; she’s not one to grumble in humid conditions. Known by her fancy aliases, the miniature fan palm or bamboo palm, this illustrious indoor plant belongs to the dainty palm family, sporting clusters of slender, upright green stems. Just like a good girl, this beauty takes her sweet time to grow, so don’t hold your breath. And when it comes to fertilising, save your efforts for the growing season—she’s not a fan of being overfed.
Money plants are the laid-back harbingers of greenery and good vibes to your home without any fuss. Image Credits: Pexels – Elle Hughes
#3 Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum)
Now who doesn’t want money (plant)? Money plants are easy to care for because they are like the “cool kids” of the plant world. They can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from bright to low light, and are not fussy about watering. They are like the low-maintenance friends who go with the flow and don’t demand constant attention. Plus, they are great at purifying the air, so they help keep your space fresh and clean.
#4 Christmas Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)
When it comes to plant care made easy, succulents steal the show like a global showstopper would. With their plump, vibrant green leaves and flamboyant flower colours, these little botanical wonders practically take care of themselves. Once a year, for just a few precious months, it unleashes a mesmerising bloom extravaganza, basking shamelessly in the glory of sunlight. Succulents like Kalanchoe prefer a drier existence, so be careful not to shower them with too much liquid affection. Oh, and during their vegetative phase, be a good plant parent and treat them to some delicious nutrients.
Satin Pothos are identified by their easy silver spots dispersed on average-size, dark green leaves. Image Credits: Sanni Sahil (Plantastic)
#5 Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus)
Prepare to be captivated by the dazzling silver dots! These eye-catching accents are strategically splashed across the lush, dark green leaves of the Satin Pothos, creating a stunning visual display. This delicate-looking plant is ironically as tough as nails and requires minimal upkeep. To keep this beauty thriving, offer it above-average humidity levels and bathe it in gentle, indirect sunlight. Just a word of caution: the Satin Pothos is not pet or people-friendly if consumed, as it contains toxins. Additionally, on rare occasions, it may cause skin irritation. So, while it’s a showstopper, it’s best admired from a safe distance.
Also read: Tropical Brutalism Comes To Life In This Architect’s Studio In Kochi
Introducing the marvellous, fuss-free indoor plants that possess an air of exotic charm. Renowned for their lengthy stems, luxuriant foliage, and endearing heart-shaped green leaves, these delightful specimens are often referred to as sweetheart plants. Take caution to keep them out of reach from curious pets and children who may be tempted to nibble on them. These plants thrive in humid environments, so they simply adore a bit of moisture in the air. When they’re in their sprouting phase, it’s advisable to provide them with nourishment. And here’s a quirky tip: they appreciate being watered with lukewarm water. The heartleaf philodendrons are incredibly resilient and vigorous growers—each leaf measuring approximately two to four inches, and their stems can extend up to an impressive four feet in length.
#7 Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli)
The Pencil Cactus is the “set it and forget it” plant. First off, it’s a desert dweller, so it will thrive on neglect of watering; only a little bit of water every now and then and your Pencil Cactus would be just fine. It’s like having a plant that gives you space in the relationship. The plant is temperamentally a sun-worshipper that craves the spotlight. But don’t worry, it won’t throw shade if you can’t provide direct sunlight. It’s like having a plant that’s understanding of your lighting limitations. Plus, its pencil-like stems add a touch of quirky elegance to any space. So, if you’re looking for a plant that’s as independent as it is stylish, the Pencil Cactus is your go-to green companion.
Snake plants are distinctive in appearance; the leaves are tall and upright, grading from darker in the centre and lighter on the rims. Image Credits: Pexels – Ja Kubislav
#8 Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
The Snake Plant, also known as the “tough guy” of the plant world, is a breeze to take care of. Forget about sunlight struggles, this plant is content with both bright light and low light conditions. It’s like the ultimate adaptable roommate. The Snake Plant can go for weeks without a drink, making it the champion of drought resistance. Not to mention that it’s a natural air purifier. It’s like having a green superhero silently fighting off pollutants in your space. So, if you’re looking for a sidekick that can handle any living situation, the Snake Plant is your plant soulmate.
Peace Lily has a lush dark green appearance with sculpted even-sized leaves. Image Credits: Pexels – Büşranur Aydın
#9 Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum species)
The peace lily is the “easy mode” of plant care. It’s practically on autopilot! This green diva thrives in low light, so you can forget about finding the perfect spot by the window. It mostly stays playful even if you don’t water it on a schedule; only a droop a little to indicate that it needs water. The peace lily will forgive your forgetfulness and bounce back like a champ. It’s like having a houseplant that’s perpetually chill and always ready to forgive your neglect. Who needs high-maintenance when you have a peace lily? It’s the lazy gardener’s dream come true!
#10 Moth Orchids (Phalaenopsis)
Easy peasy Moth Orchid squeasy! They’re like the cool kids who don’t need constant attention. With their water-storing superpowers, they can survive with fewer sips. They’re also the flexible ones when it comes to light—bright, indirect light is their jam, but they won’t throw a fit in slightly dimmer spots. Plus, they take their time to grow, so no rush on repotting.
Also Read: 10 Things You Need To Know About Being A Plant Parent
Let’s do away with the fresh anxiety that every new year brings! Today we are here to celebrate home refurnishing with a few wonderful ideas that inspire and appeal. Not everything in life has to be extravagant or cost you a truckload of money.
Elegance is not found in expensive affairs. It is how we choose to make use of the things around us and what we make out of them. The last two years of the pandemic have brought enough challenges to us as a society! So much so that some of us have learned to make do with the little things in life.
This piece is all about inducing such small changes in our everyday surroundings and changing the definition of elegance. Professional looks do not require a tremendous amount of cost or effort but focus on changing any one particular aspect of your home. So, let’s check out these inspirations to bubble up the creativity!
The best part of the designer door skins from Evolve India is they are easy to install, whether for commercial or residential entrances. The Pines design, seen here, was used to give a commercial entrance a chic upgrade.
All the designer door skins from Evolve India come in a standard 8 feet by 4 feet size mounted on MDF. They can be customised according to specifications. The company offers worldwide shipping. So, if you want to give your home entrance a quick revamp, all you need to do is contact the team.
In September, Spanish decor brand Lladró celebrated its 70th anniversary with the opening of its brand-new boutique store in New Delhi. Apart from Delhi, Lladró has stores across Gurugram, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata, making India its third-largest market globally. The inauguration of the flagship store on MG Road strengthens the brand’s presence from Valencia to India, which dates back almost 23 years.
Spread across 475-square metres, the three-story boutique in Delhi is Lladró’s second-largest store in the world. The store is designed as an open layout with soothing, pastel tones of sage, and peach to mirror the brand’s design sensibilities; textured walls, and gold podiums add detail to the store. While the entire space was designed in-house, the furniture was sourced from Gurugram-based design studio – House of Vandana. The furniture pieces were chosen to complement the décor and design of the store, opting for soft, rounded furniture that fills the space without crowding the open layout.
The “Spirit of India” collection comprises porcelain sculptures of a wide range of Hindu deities that are crafted with utmost precision to capture the heightened expressiveness of their faces. (Image Credit: Rohit Mendiratta, The Matter Studio)
The layout is quite similar to a museum wherein the pieces are organically displayed on glass shelves and podiums. There are catalogues available which help customers understand the brand’s creative process, while a small kit placed on site helps them visualise their favourite pieces in different settings.
Lladró also has a dedicated VR section in the store that takes customers through the brand’s creative process. Customers can take a virtual tour of the factory in Valencia— experiencing the process from start to finish.
Lladró’s new store provides a unique VR experience with a station that provides glimpses of the brand’s creative process. (Image Credit: Rohit Mendiratta, The Matter Studio)
The different sections across the three floors in the store are dissected with curtains instead of walls which allows customers to effortlessly navigate their way through the store, from one floor to the next. Beginning on the ground floor, this section highlights the “New Concept” line’s modern inventiveness including works produced in collaboration with worldwide artists and designers such as Jaime Hayon, Luca Nichetto, and Naoto Fukasawa.
As you move onto the second floor, you are greeted by heritage pieces from Lladró’s celebrated “Spirit of India” series. This collection encapsulates the ideals and traits of Hindu iconography combining a wealth of detail, colours, and expression. The beauty of these artworks is that they are made with great precision and reverence. Apart from these pieces, another piece worth mentioning is the Darth Vader sculpture, one of the last in the series.
The limited edition Paradise Vase Sculpture in Lladró’s ‘High Porcelain Collection’ displays a tropical theme in the jungle with animals, birds and human figurines. (Image Credit: Rohit Mendiratta, The Matter Studio)
Lladró’s “High Porcelain” collections are laid out beautifully on the third floor alongside a collection of “New Classics”. Here one can find a selection of more contemporary products that are designed in a matte finish. There is also a vibrant selection of table and barware collections along with giftables in a white matte finish. The third floor also includes a bar counter space and a showroom that allows clients to visualise their pieces in a variety of different settings while enjoying a drink.
Lladró’s famous Seasons Chandeliers sit on the ground floor of the store along with the ‘Queen of the Nile’ sculpture and other bespoke porcelain pieces from the ‘New Concept’ line. (Image Credit: Rohit Mendiratta, The Matter Studio)
The collection of pieces displayed throughout the store are part of Lladró’s popular themed collections which include bespoke chandeliers, mirrors, vases, and decorative sculptures to name a few. Some of the noteworthy pieces include the striped, black and white animal mask sculptures from the “Firece Potraits Collection”, and the Queen of the Nile sculpture from the “High Porcelain Collection”, to name a few. Cristina Egido, Global Marketing Director of Lladró, shares that the new Lladró boutique caters to different tastes and likings. “There is a Lladró for everybody, whether you like plain colours, something with a bit of pop, or even something bold. We have it.”
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The brand consistently collaborates with gifted artists and designers from all over the world to create one-of-a-kind pieces like the famous “The Guest” sculpture created by Spanish interior designer Jaime Hayon. This sculpture is a faceless character that acts as a blank canvas allowing prominent designers to use their design sensibilities to give it a face allowing each piece to tell a different story. Some of the artists that have collaborated on the sculpture include Gary Baseman, Tim Biskup, Camille Walala, Kzeng Jiang, Ricardo Cavolo, and Henn Kim among others.
‘The Guest’ is a faceless sculpture created by Jaime Hayon over ten years ago. (Image Credit: Rohit Mendiratta, The Matter Studio)
Most of the pieces displayed in the store are produced in limited numbers, meaning once they’ve run out of stock, they’ve really run out! Apart from the pieces on display, the store also has a few remarkable, one-of-a-kind pieces that are solely meant to be enjoyed. The custom-built Niagara Chandelier by Bodo Sperlein is one such example. Hanging from the fourth floor, the 15-foot-long chandelier was designed specifically for the Delhi store and is unfortunately not available for sale. Another striking piece is the award-winning Mokuren Chandelier designed by Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa.
Also Read: Bay Window Comes To Hyderabad With Unmatched Luxury Home Decor And Contemporary Furniture
The new store is the only one to showcase the award-winning Mokuren Chandelier by Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa. The furniture was sourced from Gurugram-based House of Vandana. (Image Credit: Rohit Mendiratta, The Matter Studio)
Lladró has been consistently reshaping the way we look at porcelain art. Going strong for over seventy years now, the brand has implemented its unique knowledge of porcelain art from its only factory in Valencia to create meticulously crafted porcelain pieces that have redefined elegant spaces. From enchanting sculptures to exquisite lighting solutions, the brand’s exceptional pieces elevate home décor turning it into captivating pieces of art. Lladró’s commitment to timeless elegance and sculptural artistry has made them a sought-after brand for those seeking to adorn their living spaces with unparalleled beauty and creativity.
*Design Pataki was part of a press trip to Lladró, New Delhi
Comfortable white sofas opposite the console in the foyer create a cosy conversation space. Besides a view through the window with white blinds, the only accessories in the area are gold-rimmed glass tables and a narrow white shelf frame with built-in lighting that adds depth to the bare white wall behind the sofa. A potted plant in a gold planter stand adds a splash of colour and a natural element that complements the view of the greenery through the window.
This apartment is proof that white interiors can be warm and welcoming. Besides introducing gold elements to elevate the classiness of white, the designers have used the perfect mix of texture, lighting, and complementary neutral tones throughout the apartment to create a cohesive look and execute a design that brings warmth and cosiness to the home.
Kreative House, known for the design and execution of luxury, green, high-end residences, is a one-stop shop for all architectural and interior design services. The team comprises architects, interior designers, civil engineers, research assistants, and surveyors. They provide their clients with comprehensive services with unmatched attention to detail, ensuring every project is executed per their needs and to suit their personalities. The firm takes up interior and architectural projects with a minimum budget of forty lakh and eighty lakh rupees, respectively.
