Its now the turn of fine home design

Launching their new range of styles and forms at the Forum,three Delhi-based design houses look at Indian homes and explore how they have changed over the years,resulting in ultimately incorporating the change into their own aesthetic styles as they furnish Indian homes.

The Outsider

A foreign eye to the Indian interior design market,Massimiliano Francesconi,owner of SICIS Showroom in Defence Colony,first arrived in India six years ago to research on the Indian sensibility when it comes to Mosaic,a surface application that is a product of Milan. We went through a process of promotion and research for two and a half years. Mosaic is a high decorative application and with a lot of colours and intricacies,it is very close to the sensibility of Indians. For now,its been a success story and the response we have got has been very encouraging, says Francesconi.

The two-and-a-half year old store launched its new collection comprising furniture inspired by the Queen of Byzantine (6th centure AD),which is very rich in colour and is decorative. They are not exactly created keeping in mind the Indian taste but the Baroque French style is someone familiar to them, he adds

The Nature Lover

Observing the Indian home décor taste for eight years is Vikram Goyal,owner of Viya Homes in Mehrauli,who has been dabbling in Mughal collection,among others.

However,sensing an Indian familiarity with and popularity of Indian motifs,and their appreciation for Indian contemporary designs,he shifted from product designing to interiors and,after dabbling in Bagh Collection (products with Indian motifs),created his new collection at the India Design Forum,which is inspired from nature and comprises a series of motifs like the lotus,palm leaf,African animals like the Gazelle,and so on.

People have taken a liking for Indian contemporary designs and they mix it with more modern,minimal Italian furniture. So the homes are becoming more modular,eclectic and interesting, says he,adding that Indian designs and designers have seen a rise on popularity over the years throughout the world and this has prompted many designers to add their quirks and twists to it.

The Individualist

According to Himanshu Dogra,owner of Play Clan,design and fashion brand spread across the country with two stores in Delhi,it is the eclectic and the personal touch which,even though it doesnt rank the highest in popularity,yet caters to those who are looking for personal statement than a high-brow statement. Exploring designs that involves graphics,style and utility in his works,he thinks Indian homes,Though modern and clean-lined,sometimes have one colourful object in one corner that makes for an interesting statement. It may or it wont. But a lot of people are looking for a signature style,which is personal.

The retail boom in the recent years in the country has seen a change in the way people spend. From gadgets,designer clothings to frequenting high-end gourmet diners and spas,many people are seen indulging in a perfect home.

Theres been a lot of awareness and use of international material and simplicity has set in. Earlier,there were constraints in sourcing products,now they are easily available and affordable, says Dogra,adding that when it comes to doing up homes,irrespective of their earnings,many go beyond the expensive,clean look and look for creating signature styles and themes. A lot of people are using concepts and colours very interestingly. Thats what making the difference now.

Francesconi agrees,Even though there is an option for a less expensive work,people usually go for refined,more intricate or sophisticated furniture. Dogra adds,Indians are spending big time on homes.

But has the Indian aesthetic sense in interior design over the years? Says Goyal,Earlier,there used to be those high-end homes,which would look like airport lounges with block furniture. Now Indian homes have more intimate and sophisticated space and texture. Colours are also being used to give a more cosy,intimate look. More than any of that,its all about shapes and forms.

Francesconi gives a critical view,I think that Indian aesthetic sensibility is about filling spaces and emptiness with something highly colourful,decorative,complex and rich. These elements are popular. The aim should be to avoid populating interiors. Goyal concludes optimistically,I see a trend of Indian interior design rising on its own and coming of age. To motivate them,theres appreciation for their works in the public domain too.