An art gallery? A museum? This is actually a retail store. A futuristic, almost mystical reflection of India’s heritage, Soulstory’s bold new venture in Kolkata exhibits a repository of world-class Italian furniture. Second in line after the Mumbai store, founders Narendra Bachhawat and Mukesh Toshniwal brought in Abin Chaudhuri, principal at Abin Design Studio to […]
An art gallery? A museum? This is actually a retail store.
A futuristic, almost mystical reflection of India’s heritage, Soulstory’s bold new venture in Kolkata exhibits a repository of world-class Italian furniture. Second in line after the Mumbai store, founders Narendra Bachhawat and Mukesh Toshniwal brought in Abin Chaudhuri, principal at Abin Design Studio to craft a sculptural 16,000 sq ft space that is rooted in traditional Indian artistry.
Drawing inspiration from Fatehpur Sikri and temple complexes, the space marks a departure from a typical decor store and interprets Indian cultural elements through abstraction. The result? An otherworldly experience, which is ornate yet minimalist.
An immersive dream
“The project was conceived during a visit to Milan, where the vision of merging Italian craftsmanship with India’s rich heritage took shape,” shares Abin, who conceptualised the design through initial sketches exploring concepts around the rich ornamental language prevalent in traditional temple stonework and mouldings. Resulting in a sculptural abstraction of the same, walls are enveloped in intricate Plaster of Paris (POP) mouldings, centred around the interplay between intricate textures and clean lines, offering an exquisite and immersive experience throughout the space.
Owing to a ‘blank canvas’ approach, the design uniquely conquers the challenge to add character into the design, without competing for attention. An all-white canvas, from floor to ceiling, maintains a subtle ambience, despite the density of moulding ornamentation.
A harmonious curation
Every corner of the showroom has been designed with intention, offering a place where culture, history, and design meet in perfect harmony. The continuous linearity of the wall mouldings and the sculptural placement of products on a clear, white floor guides the flow of movement, while the soft cove lighting maintains a focus on the display.
Every product is curated to showcase its own identity while the overall design language ensures a smooth and harmonious transition between spaces. Moreover, the design embraces sustainability with its use of natural materials and minimalist aesthetic, minimising excess and focusing on the beauty of craftsmanship.
Artfully integrating modern aesthetics while honouring Indian architectural and cultural heritage, the space intends to become a place where visitors can enjoy a moment of calm and contemplation. Blurring the boundaries between art and commerce, it offers an experience that is as much about design as it is about the shopping experience.
The best of Indian and global architects, designers and cultural experts make their way to the country’s most definitive design week. India Design ID 2025 is poised to be a convergence of intellect and creativity, bringing together preeminent thought leaders for a three-day symposium of incisive discourse. The much-anticipated ID Symposium from 20th – 22nd […]
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Design that holds the power to shift perspectives. Design that lays the cornerstone for thinking tirelessly about the new and the future. Design that simply makes you stop and think. Kohler Bold Design Awards, also colloquially known as KBDA, with creative partner ELLE DECOR India has knocked yet again. KBDA 2024, the conversation will move […]
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Phoenix Palladium, Mumbai’s premier shopping and lifestyle destination, unveiled a remarkable addition to its collection of iconic art – Salvador Dalí’s celebrated bronze sculpture, Cosmic Rhinoceros. Launched by Gayatri Ruia and art connoisseur Shalini Passi, this striking piece encapsulates the mall’s longstanding commitment to delight and further elevate the Palladium experience for its shoppers.
A lobby flooded with natural light, exuding nothing but pure joy. A space filled with smiles and an odyssey of intricate details from the trophy wall to the bridge. Designed by Atelier Astil, the primary school lobby in Bengaluru goes far beyond aesthetics, it shapes the minds of young children through architecture. An ode to […]
Textures, colours, and finishes undeniably engage our senses—they invite touch, spark curiosity, and leave a lasting impression. At the Coast to Coast Veneer Experience Centre in New Delhi, veneers transcend their typical role as retail products and take centre stage as a design-driven medium of expression. This 10,000 sq ft space, conceptualised by Prashant Kochhar, […]
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It’s a Sunday afternoon, and you’re cosied up on a couch. Soft sunlight warms your cheeks while the rustle of leaves rocks you in and out of a slumber. At Earthy Elegance, a clubhouse in Pune’s leafy landscape puts its guests right in the lap of nature. Rest, reflection, and rejuvenation meet at this leisure […]
It’s a new world for retail and design in Bengaluru with the General Items store by Tiipoi’s Spandana Gopal alongside sourcing consultant Malini Malik. A former school provisions store in Ulsoor, Bengaluru, has metamorphosed into an artistic store of curious objects; where its ‘general items’ name is derived from its original avatar that sold notebooks […]
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Nothing brings loved ones closer than the festive season. With a slight nip in the air and Christmas right around the corner, spending some quality time with friends and family indoors with festive delicacies sounds so warm and comforting. Doesn’t it?
It’s winter and we wouldn’t miss a second to declare that it indeed is the season to fire up some soul-comforting recipes. The place of origin for it all? Our kitchen! While you fill your wardrobe with snug sweaters and restock your pantry with hot chocolates and marshmallows, embrace spicy blues, bright greens and easy […]