What is the future of design in India? This was a talking point at the India Design Week 2025 recently, as over 150 Indian and international brands were showcased. One big takeway at the expansive NSIC Exhibition Grounds in Delhi’s Okhla area was that the future of art, architecture and interiors isn’t divorced from sustainable modules. In fact, while the outdoors was celebrated by several brands, there was much attention given to incorporating traditional crafts in design, albeit with a contemporary twist.
‘Salt’ by Asian Paints
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement
Asian Paints ColourNext presented the 22nd edition of its Colour and Material Intelligence forecast and named Cardinal as the colour of the year. Also setting the tone for both design and decor in the months ahead were forecast stories from the paint major: ‘Feel More’, ‘Salt’, ‘India Everywhere’, and ‘Bad Taste?’. Elsewhere at the fair, the ID Special Project, ‘Transition: Rethinking the Chair’, featured 45 versions of this seating staple, designed by 45 different creators, including Gunjan Gupta and Atelier Ashiesh Shah.
Misha Bains, Fair Director
| Photo Credit:
Special arrangement
Fair director Misha Bains says, “India is going through a transformative era culturally at the moment, a renaissance perhaps. It’s paving the way for that unique identity for Indian design on a global platform. The next decade is surely about looking inwards rather than outwards, diving deep into the rich crafts and heritage that we have here in India. I believe that the design week in every country is not only important but imperative for the future growth of the industry and it is platforms like this that allow a global audience to interact with the local community.”
Here are some of the stand-out designs that made our list:
Stone Art: planters paradise
In tandem with the concept of sustainability and traditional crafts, Stone Art’s Sculptural Planter Collection paid an ode to the legacy of Earth and Fire. Crafted by Brijesh Bansal, the founder of the design label, the products were forged in fire and painted by hand. Each piece was shaped from locally sourced red-black clay.
Fusion of metals at Wriver
The Wriver exhibits were a testament to material exploration and sustainable craftsmanship that homeowners today seek while doing up their abodes. Designed by Harjot Singh, principal designer and art director, there were six distinct setups on the ground floor that showcased contemporary yet avant-garde interior narratives.
While the products on the first floor were about cutting-edge innovations in furniture design, an outdoor setting further enhanced the immersive experience, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of luxury furniture even. Wriver exhibited how home design needn’t just be about interior spaces. There is a whole world of creativity to be explored when it comes to outdoor spaces.
Raffia palm at Drapesy
Perfectly made up walls enhance the personality of a space. Drapesy’s showcase was a visual and tactile journey into ‘#UnseenNarratives: The Stories Walls Whisper.’ The exhibit delved into the craftsmanship and cultural depth behind each wallcovering, positioning walls as storytellers rather than mere surfaces. As Arte’s trusted dealer, Drapesy curated globally acclaimed collections, introducing Indian architects and designers to world-class luxury wallcoverings. The brand also launched its Luster, Merino, and Icarus Collection at the event.
A-Class Marble from Zambia
Marking its fifth appearance at India Design ID, A-Class Marble unveiled its latest theme, ‘Art Alchemy,’ crafted by Poonamchand Suthar of Theme Design Studio. The event also marked the launch of Angelo White, an exquisite marble sourced from the brand’s own quarries in Zambia, Africa. What stole the show, however, was the outdoor installation called ‘Interlocking Ideals’ designed by Rajiv Parekh of Red Architects. This thought-provoking piece transformed the Preamble of the Indian Constitution into a three-dimensional crossword puzzle that could give a unique twist to a private garden.
Persian artistry by Hands Carpets
Reputed for tracing the lineage of Persian artistry in the art of hand-knotted carpets, this brand’s newest collection featured overlapping techniques in botanical silk that was everything intricate and nuanced. The brand also exhibited their Knotion Collection, made in collaboration with the Slovenian industrial designer Nika Zupanc. And of course there was a range of their signature Persian carpets that are a living testimony to the details a human hand can create.
Plüsch invites Bullfrog
Designed by JMA Mumbai, renowned for bold, modern disciplines with traditional narratives, Plüsch’s presentation celebrated the fluidity between indoor and outdoor spaces. The brand unveiled a sleek and sophisticated Eggersmann kitchenette while introducing Bullfrog, the German indoor-outdoor furniture brand. While kitchens and wardrobes remain central to Plüsch’s identity, this showcase highlighted the brand’s continual evolution, bringing curated and distinctive lifestyle solutions to the Indian market.
Klove Studio x Rooshad
Rezon Luxury Silverware unveiled two exquisite chandeliers in collaboration with Klove Studio, known for their artisanal blown glass lighting. The luxury silverware brand also joined forces with Rooshad Shroff to reimagine the classic chessboard in silver and gold merging Indian craftsmanship with modern luxury.
The designs fit into the design moodboard suited to large homes where space would not be a constraint in exhibiting the details of these intricate handcrafted creations by finest silversmiths of India using traditional techniques. The brand also showcased its Lily of the Valley and Safari Line collections. Kalyani Saha Chawla, the founder and CEO of Rezon Luxury Silverware, said, “My journey with Rezon began with a deep reverence for nature, its intricate details, and the breathtaking beauty of its flora and fauna. This profound connection has been the guiding force behind every creation.” Expressing their enthusiasm on the collaboration, Founders at Klove Studio, Prateek Jain and Gautam Seth stated, “We are thrilled to partner with Rezon on this exciting project. Their expertise in creating exquisite silver home accessories perfectly complements our passion for crafting novel artisanal blown glass lighting.”
The writer is a Delhi-based lifestyle journalist.
Published – March 07, 2025 04:33 pm IST
