Room for Change

A treasure trove of antiques and artifacts,her factory has pieces sourced from across India,one which Anand restores and lends a new identity to. So,while the temple columns support a book shelf,the boats serve as a seater and the chests make for centre/side tables. “These are rare pieces,which I came across during my travels. I noticed that there was a dearth of such pieces in Chandigarh,so I decided to ship them,” tells Anand,whose prized possession is a six and half feet tall 17-year-old statue of Lord Krishna carved out from a single piece of log. There are similar Ganesha statues in smaller sizes too. “These are works that are produced only once a year. They take months to peel,dry,smoothen and carve,” says Anand.

She agrees that there is a level of curiosity when it comes to interiors among residents of the city,but people are not aware of the options. “For instance,the Mughal period is back with a bang in Delhi. Opulent pieces of furniture are in demand,” says Anand,adding how the haveli look,with carved pillars,arches,and inlay work is in fashion. In the business of furniture for 10 years now,she says that the demand for something different is there. “But one needs to work in tandem with the architect and interior designer to get the right look,” feels Anand,who is now looking forward to source boats made of walnut wood from Srinagar,a work exclusive to Kashmiri karigars.

Synthetic is out,so is sunmica and plastic,and Nirmal Mahesh Chand of Kidar’s Gallery is well aware of it. She is into sourcing and restoring heritage pieces of furniture for 23 years now. “These colonial pieces remind me of my childhood in the palatial Victorian houses of old Delhi,” she recalls,as she talks about her work,all made by her team of special workers in Delhi. Antique French loungers,maharaja chairs,grand mirrors and vintage corners — Kidar’s Gallery is for those who likethe royal look. Interstingly,the prices are not steep. “I like it when people fill their houses with my works,and maintain them,” says Chand,who first designed her own home and then got into furniture business,which she learnt by going through magazines and books. Apart from the houses of ministers and bureaucrats,Chand has also has furnished prime spaces in Chandigarh,and ships works to Goa,Mumbai and Hyderabad. “Mostly,we sell original pieces. But if they are brittle,roughly used,then we remodel and copy,” she says.

From traditional India to the old world English country charm,Priya Jagat’s Vanity Box brings alive European concepts,something that’s new to the city. “It’s vintage,classic and country,” says Jagat,who was flooded with queries on interiors at her restaurants — Whispering Willows,Cafe Willow,Oriental Lounge and Backpackers. Inspired,and encouraged,Jagat now has a workshop and custom makes pieces,sourcing fabrics from as far as England. She also compliments the furniture with matching photo frames,cushions and lampshades. “When I went furniture hunting,I could hardly find anything that was different. Hence,I put together the Vanity Box,and here,we make an effort to create a well-designed ensemble in order to add character to the room,” sums up Jagat.