|
Magazine
LIVING SPACES
Inspired by nature
RESHMA KULKARNI
|
Tania Deol talks about her successful career in furniture and home accessory design and her latest collection, “Jewels in the Forest”.
|
heritage in contemporary lines: The eclectic “Jewels of the Forest” collection.
Having been content to stay in star-husban Bobby Deol’s shadow and playing a devoted mom to Aryamaan and Dharam for all these years, Tania Deol is now emerging as her own person, by venturing into furniture and home accessory designing. She talks about her ambitious venture, on the eve of the launch of her latest line “Jewels In the Forest”. Excerpts from a conversation…
What made you delve into designing furniture and home accessories?
I have always been high on aesthetics and have always appreciated beauty of design in any form. But I identify the most with space aesthetics. I find myself automatically drawn to beautiful spaces, whether it is a hotel, a church, a museum or a beautiful piece of architecture. I enjoy the smallest things — be it a stunning old bench in a flea market or a quaint lamp in someone’s home. It is this draw that has lead me in my path to design of spaces.
How much is your childhood responsible in shaping the aesthetic sensibilities required for this calling?
I have been artistically inclined from a young age. In fact, my siblings, especially my sister, are also similarly inclined since we grew up amongst beautiful surroundings with parents who enjoy the finer things that life has to offer. We have travelled extensively from a young age and thus been exposed to a vast heritage of various cultures that has only solidified my attraction to aesthetics.
Did you receive any formal education in furniture and accessory designing?
Yes, I did a course in interior design at the prestigious Rachna College of Architecture in Mumbai; then I worked with architect and interior designer Sunil Jasani. In fact, I have also done a GIA certified course in jewellery design and a summer course in the History of Art. All of these have only helped me hone my skills in furniture and space design.
Now, as a professional, how do you keep yourself updated and continually inspired to create something unique?
I travel a lot and draw tremendous inspiration from new cultures and forms of art and architecture. I also update myself by visiting various furniture shows and art exhibits from time to time. Like any spirited designer, I follow global design trends be it through books, magazines or the Internet.
What is your design philosophy? What kind of furniture/accessories do you like to create and what buyer-segment are they targeted at?
My design philosophy is to make the most of history by weaving it with the present. Roughly translated, that means, I love designing pieces that are a modern day marriage of old world heritage and contemporary practical design. All my pieces have almost always got both these elements since I enjoy taking the best out of the classical and fusing it with the clean look of modern design. My creations are designed to appeal to anyone who has an eye for detail and a passion for antique furniture with a modern twist.
Tell us about “Jewels in the Forest” — the reason behind the name as also what the collection comprises of…
“Jewels in the Forest” is my latest collection and is available at my favourite store in Mumbai — Good Earth. The collection has received an overwhelming response. It is an eclectic mix of furniture, comprising units, coffee tables, consoles, mirrors, poufs, artistic candle stands, stunning ornate chandeliers, trays and occasional tables amongst a host of other pieces of accessories. Since I have a lot of movement in the design of these pieces and have embellished them with mirror and semi precious stones in the form of accented flowers, butterflies and nature elements, the visual of a bejewelled forest comes to mind and thus the name. Apart from this line, I do custom-make pieces from time to time for various architects and interior designers who I collaborate with on a regular basis. My custom-pieces are also available through Good Earth.
How supportive has your family, especially your husband Bobby, been of this venture?
I have a highly supportive family who hugely encourage my design and ambitions. I get inputs from everyone, including my eight-year-old son Aryamaan who is very artistic! Bobby is very supportive; he loves hearing about my work day and quite often, gives valuable inputs with his out-of-the-box suggestions, which I certainly employ if they suit the vision for the project.
How challenging was it to start off a venture as ambitious and time-consuming as this, considering that the Deols are a traditional family (or so it is said) and also, that you’re a full-time mom?
My family is traditional where it is important and that is, in its values — something that I completely align with. As far as my working is concerned, they are more supportive than most families and in fact, are very proud of the work I do. They often step in to tell me how much they love my pieces. They are also a family with a superb aesthetic sense; especially my father-in-law (Dharmendra) who has a collection of design magazines that would rival any library! As far as balancing being a mother and wife with my career goes, I credit it to my routine and fastidious time management. I firmly believe in fulfilling all aspects of one’s life, be it as a wife, a mother, a daughter, a daughter-in-law or a career woman. It is what makes me a complete woman!
What’s next? Are you working towards a new line?
The festive season later this year will see a new collection from me. It is in the pipeline and you can expect some unique and exciting pieces.
* * *
Forest grandeur
Tania Deol's latest furniture and home accessories collection called "Jewels in the Forest", captures the grandeur of the forest in detailed, ornate and embellished furniture.
Using teak wood, pine, coloured mirror, wrought iron, deco-paughe, fibre, acrylic me- dium, crystals, semi-precious stones, the col- lection consists of ornate mirrors, coffee tables, chairs, sofas, chandeliers to stone candle bases, candle stands, tissue boxes, a variety of trays, photo frames, throws, cushion covers, elaborate statues, among other things.
The collection is characterised by silver and gold leafing. It boasts of a wide array of colours and designs to choose from and includes hand-painted furniture, to dark wood, copper and gold pieces.
The collection is an artistic blend of antique and contemporary styles. It is a collection where "old meets new" and "sophistication meets classic".
"Jewels in the Forest" re?ects Tania's signature "glitter and shine" style. Crystals, semi-precious stones, embellishments, superfuities are a distinguishing element of all of Tania's creations. But what sets this collection apart from her other works is its treatment, where she has tried to use newer materials and medium to give a fresh and stylistic look.
Starting at Rs. 650 and going up to a couple of lakhs, Tania Deol's range is available at Good Earth, in Raghuvanshi Mills Lower Parel and Good Earth, Opposite JW Marriott, Juhu (both in Mumbai).
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Magazine
|
