But an object is truly luxurious if you allow it to be, if you use it. When you live with beautiful things you stimulate your mind, you enjoy life a little bit more.[break]
Located behind Singh Durbar in Anamnagar, the recently launched store Urban Design aims at providing the ultimate design solution including interiors designer who can help bring your décor ideas to life. Currently with only a furniture line, it is looking to expand to accessories as well.
Rishi Saraf, the man behind the store, talks about interiors and décor with much passion in his voice. Rishi’s father, Surendra Saraf, is an interiors designer as well and it was from him that Rishi got lured into the field.
After graduating in Interiors Design from Calcutta, he worked as an apprentice under his dad for 15 years and today he’s a well established interiors designer himself.
Urban Design boasts a large collection of furniture that is all Rishi’s designs. What makes his furniture different from what you see out in the market is that the design is not easily replicable. “You are not going to find a lot of people and homes with the same furniture pieces,” says Sunaina Saraf, Rishi’s wife and partner.
This vivacious couple is extremely passionate about designing, and since their sensibilities match, working together is hardly ever a problem.
Though Sunaina is not a trained designer like Rishi, she’s got a fantastic eye for décor and knows just what works. Her clients seek out her advice from easy do it in a day tips to overall home makeovers.
“Our furniture is built to last. They are sturdy, durable and practical,” says Rishi with an exuberant smile. Having his personal factory and workers has its benefits. His employees are hard working and deliver just the result he wants.
“I can rely on my carpenters to replicate exactly what I have designed and not mess up a single line,” adds Rishi. While everything from dining tables, beds to bookshelves is available at this unique concept store they are also open to the idea of taking custom orders from clients who want to add their own element in their décor items.
While they have a lot of clients who appreciate the modern contemporary designs of their pieces, some would like to add their own touches and Urban Design caters to that genre of people as well.
“I try not to repeat designs and give each piece a fresh appeal. That way my clients get unique designs and are satisfied,” says Rishi who puts in a lot of heart, feeling and thought behind the function, design and functionality of his creations.
The fact that he doesn’t work with the same design template while creating pieces is what gives the items an exceedingly refreshing touch.
Urban Design has, since its conception, stayed true to its initial ideas. It never believed in mass production and will never venture into that.
“Most of the furniture that you see today is mass produced in an assembly line,” says Sunaina. “Almost all pieces look like replicas of some basic sample design you’ve seen before,” she adds. What we have today in the market is a steady influx of imported furniture with the same design and make in every other store.
Urban Design in that way is a breath of fresh air. The designs are modern, contemporary and have a certain personality of their own.
You can’t help but gaze at it lovingly and since it’s Rishi’s own fabrication you can be sure when you shop there that you are not just taking home a bed, table or a sofa but a piece of art.
Urban Design caters to homes and offices alike. Because of the flexibility in design the same piece can work well in a home setting or an office setting.
“Today people no longer want the clichéd desk-chair-and-cabinet combo in their office. They are being more décor conscious and want their offices to have a homey feel to it and that’s where we come in,” explains Rishi whose own office on the fourth floor of the building which harbors Casa and Urban Design speaks volumes about his personality.
“Design today is not limited to having a place to sit, dine and sleep. There is so much more to it than that. It’s about having a space that reflects your persona and makes you feel good about yourself,” says Sunaina. “Most of us work too hard and need a space to unwind at the end of a long hectic day.
The right design and setting can go a long way in helping you do just that,” adds Rishi who believes in creating office spaces that are inviting and a haven on its own.
“The pieces that you see in my store can be mixed and matched in any setting. You can use the same table in your office or at home. The difference is in the purpose it’s going to serve,” he explains further.
His expansive store at Anamnagar stands testimony to the fact that a lot of thought process has gone behind the creations. From the bright red partition walls to the intricate puzzle-like side table, everything here is a class apart. They are designs with a lot of style and panache but are a little bit on the expensive side.
“It’s expensive but affordable. We cater to people who understand that these are not mass produced pieces and when they are buying an item they can be sure that they won’t find it when they are visiting friends and relatives, like I’ve mentioned before ,” gushes Sunaina.
This sense of authenticity is what gives Urban Design its soul.
Rishi has done up a lot of personal homes and offices and stays updated on the latest international designs. He is constantly researching and in the process of creating something that his clients will appreciate.
He gives his designs a lot of time and thought and is involved in the production process from the start to the finish so that the end result is just spectacular.
“I don’t think people have enough fun with decorating. It doesn’t always have to be so serious. Design isn’t like marriage. You don’t have to commit for life,” says Rishi with a mischievous grin on his face. Décor is an ever evolving process and the pieces that you find at the store are versatile enough to move around the house.
Nothing that you find in this store is passé. Everything is beautiful and functional. Urban design’s approach to interiors is more about the wow factor without compromising on comfort and quality.
Step into the store if you are ever around the area and be prepared to be awed. The design process is hard work, but in the end I want my interiors to look inspired and relaxed, not studied,” says Rishi as a final sign off and we can clearly see he’s succeeding in doing just that.
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