Shivani Dogra Interiors: Transforming spaces with her love of color.

In my obsessive trawling of the internet for pretty homes I've come across and written about countless gorgeous spaces. In all these rooms, while there are always some elements that appeal to me, there are some features I would tweak out if I actually had to live in them. Not so in the spaces designed by Shivani. Her style really resonates with me--perhaps it's because she's a Delhi girl like me, perhaps it's because she's traveled India extensively, perhaps it's because she has that deep-seated appreciation for Indian design. Whatever the reason, her spaces (and words) really speak to me--she manages to infuse traditional Indian design into contemporary settings without making it appear over-the-top or kitschy: real spaces for living in, not set designs for a photoshoot, to put it bluntly. Do you see yourself living in these rooms? Take a number, because I'm moving right in! (I wish!) :)

I can totally see myself curled up on that chaise lounge with a good book!

Shivani had this to say about her style as an interior designer:

"I love colour and the dramatic effect it has on moods and space. For every project that I undertake, it’s important for me to wander around its environs a bit, explore the space I’m redoing, learn about its inhabitants –their stories, its story. Much like a good novel, the space becomes a world that I inhabit for the length of a project and miss when it’s over. I love taking rooms from drab and unexciting to full of life. I’d much rather source locally and draw inspiration from India’s rich arts and crafts traditions, with their unabashed love for colour. I usually incorporate the outdoors as part of an interior scheme, matching and harmonizing colours with the natural surroundings."

 Love the clutter-free bedroom. Those colors and textures are all I need! 

Sigh. Can I admit that I'm at a loss for words here? I'll take it all, Shivani, thank you!

In case you're as impressed with her work as I am, please be sure to check out her Website and Blog for more!  Shivani's work has already received some great press, including features in BBC GoodHomes India, DNA and on one of my favorite blogs of all time, An Indian Summer. Shivani, thank you for sharing your story and work with us. I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of your work on the web. Keep inspiring and all the best!

Shivani can be reached at:

Website | Blog

Aarti Verma's Wearable Art: a Designer Profile

I had promised you a trip to hip n' happening Mumbai this week and I'd like to end the week with Aarti Verma's gorgeous art. Aarti has been working as an art teacher for the past year (lucky students!) and has recently completed a course in fashion designing. Now she is all set to launch her career as a fashion designer and has recently started retailing within Mumbai. Here are some of her hip n' trendy creations...

Hand-painted totes.

Details. I love the retro vibe!!! Aren't they adorable!

Aarti blogs at Art Meets Fashion....it's so refreshing to see a fashion blog with Indian clothes...kurtas (tunics) and stuff that we don't see out here. I miss the colors and the simple street fashion of India.

Her gorgeous totes. All hand-painted!!!

Details of a kurta top! isn't that something?

Her designs are selling like hotcakes! No wonder!!!  :)

She also creates her unique line of jewelry.....hand-crafted ceramic pendants,

and rings.

I love this!! Her inimitable style....

A new venture.....gorgeous hand-painted cushions! Drool! I have a feeling we're going to be seeing a lot more of Aarti, don't you?  :)

Interested in some wearable art? You can reach Aarti at: blog, facebook. Go say hi to Aarti. Our young artists need all your encouragement!

Bon weekend, my lovelies...I'll see you Monday!

Romancing the stone: Amrita Ghosh

Lovely readers, hello, how are you? Are you ready to step off the wheel and take a breather? Then come join me and we can go visit a very talented young lady in Bangalore. In addition to her day job in telecommunications, she is a trained dancer, she can churn out the most compelling prose, she composes poetry--lovely thought-provoking haiku, captures beautiful photographs, and designs jewelry! It is in her capacity as a jewelry designer that I would like to introduce her to you today, though I would highly recommend that you visit her blog to get to know her better...

Some of you may have already met Amrita Ghosh via Aparna's blog; though I'm sure you wouldn't mind visiting her again, would you? :) As always I do have a a little interview lined up....

GB: Was this your career of choice (did you train to be a jewelry designer?) if not, what inspired you to take the leap of faith?


AG: It wasn't a career of choice. It was like a happy accident, a leap of faith, you can say. Growing up, I had a natural inclination towards art. For example, I am a trained dancer and I love dabbling in poetry. I often designed my own clothes, bags, and, jewellery. I would design for friends and family, on a one off basis. I had a natural eye for cut, color and clarity. It was more like a hobby, art for passion. Then, last year, I was taking a break from work, and, as if by some internal compulsion, I started working on some designs. Before I knew it, I had a full-fledged line of custom, hand-made jewellery, and, Ambrosia was born. So, no, I have no formal training in this field; I romance the stone as I like it. Since then, I have gone back to pursuing a full time career in Telecom & Technology, however, designing custom, hand-made jewellery is a passion that I am dedicated to following. Unlike before, when it was very random, I now try and devote some disciplined time to designing on a regular basis.

GB: All your pieces have a distinctive "feel" to them...do you design in "collections" or is it more instinctive for you?

AG: It's a mix of both. I usually make only one of each piece. However, sometimes, they fall into a broad set of collections like 'Shells', 'Silver Wire Work', etc. and, sometimes, I am guided only by the unusualness of a stone, or, perhaps, there's a story behind a particular piece I picked up, like a Lava stone, or a shocking green Turquoise, or a fossil. It depends entirely on my mood and, sometimes, also the season, which is a fairly standard practice in the designing world.

GB: Where does the inspiration come from?

AG: From everywhere! To narrow it down though, mostly from nature, art, and, random ideas in my head. Inspiration often comes in fits and bursts; you can't force it. And, then once that happens, I get restless till I have the ideas translated into actual pieces.

GB: What next, you'd mentioned plans of setting up an online store...when is it going to make a debut? because after seeing these droolicious pieces, I'm sure everyone will want to know how to get hold of them...... :)

AG: As of now, I have only been selling, by word of mouth. However, I do have plans to launch an online store, primarily to reach a bigger audience overseas. I have also been in discussions with some retail outlets, and, actively considering testing the bigger domestic market via that route. However, I'd love to get feedback; and, if people want to know more about my jewellery, prices, how to buy them, etc, they can email me or reach out to me via my blog.
 

Tempted? good...go drop in and say hi, I'm sure Amrita would like to get to know you better as well.

Amrita, thank you so much for sharing a facet (pun unintended) of your personality here. I have a feeling we'll be hearing OF you more often in the coming years. Best of luck in all your endeavors....... :)

Designer Crush....

on Portland, OR-based Jessica Helgerson. Want to know why? here's why.....

Linked via.

Her dining room.

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Aren't those mirrors such a lovely feature? How dramatic must they be in person!!??!! I'm really loving the look/idea of unframed mirrors on a wall. However, while the look above is fabulous, its still a little too "designer" for my taste. I have blogged about some ancient Indian designs that incorporate mirrors as art.....I really need to do something about it and soon!! :)

Meanwhile, be sure to check out her portfolio. There's much more inspiration to be had!!!

Some serious eye candy: jewelry designed by Dori Csengeri

When I first saw Dori Csengeri's work I was spellbound...the curves, the intricate embroidery, the colors-- they were all very familiar and yet, exotic. A quick search (oh, google! how I love thee..) led me to the Israeli designer's website and a major drool fest ensued....I'll stop gabbing and let the pictures do the talking...

Look how detailed the clasp is. I Like!!

 

To quote Emeril--"Ooh yeah, Baby!" Aren't they exquisite? So these are all embroidered, on leather and she uses semi-precious stones. They're not cheap by any means (even on eBay the sell upwards of $300- yes, I checked!) But they sure are droolworthy. Oh well, a girl can dream. I think what attracted me to her work was that it is somehow reminiscent of Zardozi work- what with the tight curls and all. Do you get the Zardozi-meets-Tibetan design vibe here??  And I can swear that I've seen some pretty ornate "rakhis" on the stands that have the same look (obvi. not as polished as her work, but still). Whatsay? am I the only one who sees the connection?

 
Images from: Charm & Chain; designer Dori Csengeri can be found here.

Designer Profile: Deepali Kalia

Good morning friends, I hope yesterday's sneak peek whetted your desire to meet the designer I would like to introduce you to--Deepali Kalia. Deepali is a textile designer who has been running her own business for the past four years; and judging by the testimonials posted on her site, she's pretty good at what she does.

If you're like me, you've been seeing these rad cushions with sea-creature inspired motifs cropping up everywhere....that's what led me to Deepali's store- Filling Spaces. Enter exhibit 1.......

Aren't they simply gorgeous? I'd find it hard to pick just one.

Oh, I'm not done with her utterly delicious pillows just yet......

Yup, there's more.....

Filling spaces carries an extensive line of home furnishings including throws and drapes.....

Fabric....

"Khadi"-work curtains....

A close up of the embroidery....

Sometimes, when you see pictures of pretty things, its hard to visualize the end product...

not in this case... the room pictured above was designed by designer Cheryl Janis, using textiles designed by Deepali. 

Deepali's store, Filling Spaces is located in Portland, Oregon. Stop in and say hi to Deepali- she blogs over at The Mood Board. Many thanks to Deepali for providing the pictures and inspiration for this post.

Designer profile sneak peek....

Dear citizens of the blogosphere (blogizens??--I love this word), please tune in tomorrow for a new designer profile...here's a sneak peek at one of her inspiration boards....

You're going to love her work. She retails at her own store, and will soon be available online...she does handle custom orders, so if you're on the lookout for something luxurious, this is for you.....

Designer Profile: Sarita Handa

I came across Sarita Handa's work in an older issue of House Beautiful. Headquartered in Gurgaon, India, she is a name to be reckoned within the home textile industry. You've probably come across her work in the following stores: Garnet Hill, Pottery Barn, Federated, Neiman Marcus, and Target.  Here is a sampling of what she has to offer....

I love the soothing colors and the tone-on-tone workmanship. Don't you think this is the perfect summer palette....

A more detailed look at the textures..

Pretty shades of blue.......

If that wasn't enough, wouldn't you love to have some drapes made of this:

Or this....

 Sigh! my all time favorite- paisleys!!!

Saving the best for last..............I die!! If I could just get my hands on this bedspread......... :)

Now wasn't that some fabulous eye-candy? Visit her on the web here.