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Decor sans border

VISTAS A view of the ZAK trade fair in New Delhi

Planning to overhaul your interiors and exteriors too? Well, this could have been an interesting place to start at. New Delhi's Pragati Maidan was the venue of the sixth Interior Exterior Expo 2006 and International Furniture Fair this past week. Organised by ZAK Trade Fairs and Exhibition, the Expo aimed at covering minute details of what one needs to design their homes. So the Expo's portfolio included the collection of home and bathroom accessories, furniture to suit various requirements be it home, office, antique settings, gardens with enough options on flooring and bedding, lamp and lighting, even with interior designers and consultants too, all under one roof.

The exhibition had furniture, handicrafts and furnishings not only from domestic dealers but also from countries like Sri Lanka, Korea, Malaysia and China. However, the highlight of the event was the Made in Pakistan Pavilion, where 24 big players from that country displayed their furniture collection.

Pakistani touch

Syed Zakir Ahmad, Managing Director and Chairman, ZAK Exhibitions, said, "Through this exhibition we intend to bridge the gap between Indian and Pakistani décor, providing the Indian audience with never before seen products from across the border."

Also hogging the limelight was a collection of saris and dress materials from across the border.

The furniture had a wide variety. Silver creations exclusively from Jodhpur and Udaipur were recreations of the original Victorian designs and had a royal look to them. Also, there was metal-kraft furniture of wrought iron.

"Durable and cheap `metal kraft' provides a complete sofa set with centre table at Rs.15000," said Yogesh, the designer. The furniture list also included the special space saver furniture keeping in mind the requirements of smaller homes.

Another attraction at the Expo was ethnic carpets from Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Baluchistan and Shiraz.

"The quality of products seems to be good, but the best part is the variety of choice here," said Bhupesh, a visitor when asked. For those who have missed out, it is an annual affair and shall return next year, promise the organisers.

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