Multi-brand stores: Design's new playground
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today Home issue dated May 2025)There's a design renaissance brewing in India—craftsmanship, detailing, aesthetics, and function are finally vibing in perfect harmony. The latest sign? A new wave of multi-brand stores. But not your usual shop-in-shop snoozefests; we're talking about handpicked edits that celebrate the creme de la crme of design. Here are four new spaces that'll blow your socks off (and maybe your credit card limits too).advertisementLUXE, WITH LOVE
OBJECTS OF DESIRE: Pavitra Rajaram and the collections at Nilaya Anthology
Asian Paints has long been ahead of the curve, and with Nilaya Anthology—a 1,00,000 sq ft luxury design haven in Mumbai's mill district—they're cementing that reputation. Spearheaded by creative director Pavitra Rajaram, it's less store, more cultural experience, built on three pillars: curation, creation, and experience. 'It's not just a multi-brand store, it's a cultural space, an anthology of design, craftsmanship, and storytelling,' says Rajaram.
Housing 92 makers (think Kashmiri cushions, vintage silver, and names like Cassina, Ginori 1735, and Living Divani), it's a layered, evolving edit of the best artisanal and international brands. Highlights? The Candle Library's heady aromas, The Dining Room's global ceramics, and The Cellar's glass wonders. Plus, exclusive debuts like Nilufar and a showcase from the Sabyasachi Art Foundation. There's even a chic co-working space for architects and designers.advertisementTREASURE TROVE
Raseel Gujral Ansal at Arzaani Atelier Prive. (Photographs by Rajwant Rawat)
When interior architect and purveyor of good design Raseel Gujral Ansal spotted a retail spot at Delhi's Bikaner House, she knew it was fate calling. Enter Arzaani Atelier Priv, a love letter to Indian design. 'The Bikaner House is a cultural and art hub, and I didn't want the space to be only about me,' she shares.Ansal's edit is driven by 'nazar' and 'nazariya', the eye for beautiful objects and the perspective to curate them, minus the social media hype. Everything here, from From Anantaya Jaipur, IKKIS, Nappa Dori and Rezon Luxury Silverware to Casa Paradox, Ira Udaipur, Casa Pop, The Palace Atelier and jewellery, is handpicked with heart. Nothing cookie-cutter about it. Bonus: check out the open-air rotunda exhibition space when you visit.CELEBRATING CRAFT
BEAUTIFUL SPACES: Astha Khetan and Feroze Gujral along with various areas from The House of Things Gallery
Astha Khetan, co-founder of The House of Things, knows good design when she sees it, and she has the receipts to prove it. Her newest passion project? The House of Things Gallery in Udaipur, a 25,000 sq ft space packed with treasures from over 200 Indian brands.For the launch, Khetan teamed up with Feroze Gujral for the 'Tastemaker's Edit', and organised 'An Udaipur Sojourn' with 30-plus creative minds crafting dreamy objects. Must-visit: The Pichwai House, where traditional artistry meets modern magic. 'The space celebrates the rich heritage and evolving artistry of traditional Pichwai paintings,' says Khetan.WORLD OF STYLE
Charu Munjal with her daughter-inlaw Aishwarya Munjal at CASA OMA
Charu Munjal grew up surrounded by artful handicrafts. Over the years, after marriage and motherhood, Munjal found that her love for design never went away. So, two decades ago, she started OMA, where home decor was placed front and centre. But that wasn't enough, and she's carried that love into CASA OMA, her passion project, three years in the making. Located in Delhi's Khan Market, this 6,000 sq ft treasure chest houses over 90 luxury brands, all curated with a personal touch. 'I wanted to showcase global brands that have heritage and uniqueness to their designs,' says Munjal, who often travels overseas and is well versed with top, luxury home decor brands. On one such trip in Italy, she found someone making beautiful handmade boxes and ended up spending five hours with them.advertisementNo wonder, from delicate Bernardaud porcelain to Murano glass magic, Munjal's collection at the store is a global design buffet. Plus, she's committed to solving the heartbreak of broken souvenirs by bringing top-tier craftsmanship straight to India. Her personal anecdotes about each piece make a stroll through CASA OMA feel like a private museum tour—but better, because you can actually take the art home.If design is the new cool, these spaces are its hottest hangouts. Whether you're hunting for a Kashmiri cushion or a Murano masterpiece, India's multi-brand movement proves one thing: good taste knows no borders, just better addresses.Subscribe to India Today MagazineMust Watch
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