For many of us, words like ‘tradition’ and ‘ancient’ spark doubts of archaism instead of trust. But a handful of home decor and lifestyle brands are adeptly balancing present-day sensibilities with time-tested Indian wisdom. How? Think brass martini glasses and terracotta-coated copper goblets that make the old school cool again. So, whether it’s Delhi-based A Clay Story bringing age-old pottery practices to the table, Jaipur’s Ellementry quirking up the most mundane bronze homeware items, or Himêya that uses ethically-sourced cotton and natural dyes for bed and bath linen, brands are revisiting and paying homage to our roots. But, can these ancient values really be beaten into new forms to fit into our homes for a more holistic lifestyle? Revati Jayakrishnan of Rare Studios says, “People today relate to these materials which often act as a medium to communicate ethos and values of the past.”
Here are 10 brands that are carving a contemporary niche for traditional materials and motifs:
