When Mobilia approached me to collaborate on a furniture collection, I was inspired to go back to my roots. I wanted to create a collection that gave a nod to my family’s rich Indian heritage but put a contemporary twist on it, this was the genesis for the Modern India collection.
India is known for its heritage, artistry and beauty, but little did I know until we visited India, the youth of India have high style and the architecture of the cities are glassy and modern. This contrast really inspired the collection along with their use of carved wood, intricate weaving, metal work, and marble. The introduction of the exotic marbles helps elevate the collection and gives it presence and strength.
Most people don’t think of India as having a long history in marble, but in fact, it does. Visiting to the Taj Mahal enforced that fact, as that whole structure is made of hand carved marble that came from Makrana, Rajasthan. I love marble in all of its forms so we introduced range of coloured marbles to the collection to add even more depth and character.
The Taj Mahal is a symbol of everlasting love…set in marble
[envira-gallery id=”4195″]
Beyond the aesthetic, I am fiercely passionate about design being within reach. I’ve always believed that design is for everyone and your home should be filled with beautiful and meaningful things. This means being practical as well, using materials that are within reach but still have the strength and quality to stand the test of time.
I’ve always believed that design is for everyone and your home should be filled with beautiful and meaningful things.
Creating a mix of styles, patterns and textures in an interior is not only my signature, but makes an interior have personality and character. When thinking about your interior, be sure to start of with a statement piece and add in pieces to supplement. It can be as easy as starting with an area rug or art piece and pulling colours and textures from it for your other pieces to create a unified space. Not everything has to match, and I think that is the beauty of it, when things don’t match, but each piece has a story.
Travelling to India with Mobilia was the opportunity of a lifetime and designing the Modern India collection was magical. I hope if you take one piece of inspiration from this collection it’s that you find beauty in something you love, whether it’s travel, design, or fashion and run with it. Be creative, and don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles, furniture pieces, textures and patterns. An interior should a true reflection of who you are and I hope these pieces give you inspiration.
–
A closeup look at some of the Modern India pieces
[envira-gallery id=”4208″]
Aly Velji
For over 10 years, Calgary based, Alykhan Velji has brought an energetic flavour to the Canadian design scene. A lover of bold pattern and texture, he loves to add a hint of the unexpected to each of his projects—ensuring that each design is personalized, goes beyond the current trends, and stands the test of time.
Serving both residential and commercial clients, Aly is also a familiar face in the Canadian television industry, appearing on shows including “Designer Superstar Challenge,” “The Style Dept,” “My RONA Home” and is a resident design expert on “The Marilyn Denis Show.” Aly has received numerous awards for his designs and most recently was short listed for the 2016 Designer of The Year awards from Western Living Magazine.
India Trip Photo Album
[envira-gallery id=”4099″]
I am looking for Sadha coffee table . I have checked all stores in Quebec Toronto and Ottawa by calling them not finding this one.
I really liked this and I would like to buy it
The last one I saw in Montreal downtown which was a floor model and it was sold out in last 2 days
Hi Vibhutti,
Unfortunately, this item is discontinued, therefore, we won’t receive more stock.
Thank you