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India Today
23-07-2025
- India Today
Are electronic locks the key to safe homes?
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today Home issue dated July 2025)If you ask me, the simple act of not misplacing house keys deserves its own Nobel Prize. After all, forget aesthetics and architectural elegance—home security often boils down to thick doors, a series of locks, and iron bars. So naturally, when I got the chance to upgrade from fumbling keys to a smart lock, I leaped at the opportunity. Here's my hands-on experience with the Godrej Advantis FEATURES, SMARTER LIVINGThe Advantis IoT9 isn't your ordinary lock, it opens remotely from practically anywhere on the planet. It speaks multiple languages—English, Hindi, and regional dialects—making it both smart and culturally inclusive. Integration with Alexa and Google Home means you can boss your lock around with your voice. Need to let someone in temporarily? Generate one-time passwords via the app. Plus, with nine access modes, ranging from wearables and biometric scans to old-school mechanical override, it practically begs you to ditch traditional keys. INSTALLATION, A MINOR SAGAGetting the Advantis IoT9 installed is straightforward, thanks to Godrej's helpful expert who arrives at your doorstep. However, if you have a vintage door, brace yourself for potential breakage, carpenter visits, and cosmetic touch-ups. I encountered some hiccups during installation, but thankfully, they were swiftly handled by the THE LEARNING CURVELet's be honest, many of us aren't exactly tech wizards, and initially, the Advantis IoT9 felt like deciphering alien technology. Every user must download an app, verify their email, and input a pin—a process that even our household's resident tech guru found slightly puzzling. But after the initial learning phase, operating the lock became a lot easier.I personally opted for fingerprint access, numeric pin, and smartphone unlocking. Each method begins with a gentle touch on the keypad to awaken the system—sometimes it accepts your fingerprint instantly; other times, patience is key (pun intended). For numeric entry, remember the sacred ritual: gentle graze, enter your pin and press '#'. Constant pin updates via the app can be annoying. And if your lock is slightly low on battery expect a 'ping' from the app every 20 minutes. Though Godrej promises improvements are on the SECURE, AND SLIGHTLY QUIRKYWith its made-in-India tag and a host of interesting features, such as temporary unrestricted access, an anti-prank alarm triggered after five incorrect attempts, and a break-in alert, the Advantis IoT9 offers substantial peace of mind. Sure, there are more than a few quirks to iron out, but has it made key-fumbling a thing of the past? to India Today Magazine- Ends
India Today
11-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- India Today
How Ritu Beri turned a 200-year-old Portuguese villa into a creative retreat
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today Home June issue)We chose this 200-year-old Portuguese villa for Escape because it's more than just a building—it's a living piece of history. The villa's soul, with its old-world charm, arches and natural light, sets the perfect tone for storytelling through design. It allows us to offer an immersive experience that goes beyond retail—inviting visitors to step into a space where time slows down and creativity DelightThis villa embodies the confluence of Indian and Portuguese architecture—arched doorways, high ceilings, carved wood, hand-laid tiles—all preserved with great care. It holds layers of memory and craftsmanship that reflect Goa's cultural richness. Its heritage reminds us of a slower, more intentional way of living, which resonates deeply with our design philosophy. Decoding The LayoutThe store is thoughtfully divided into curated zones—where each room has its own tale to share. One opens into a fashion and textiles showcase, another into a home and lifestyle corner. There's a central salon space that feels more like a lounge than a retail area, perfect for personal styling or slow browsing. We've retained the laterite walls, old beams and window details to keep the feel and soul of the villa intact. Retail TherapyAt Escape, we're retailing a mix of handcrafted fashion, artisanal home decor and collectibles, all with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and cultural storytelling. Many pieces are inspired by traditional techniques; think hand-block printing, heritage weaves, repurposed antique textiles, and design motifs drawn from local art and architecture. This has been achieved by working closely with artisans to reinterpret these traditions in a contemporary pricing is the result of thoughtful consideration. The price ranges from `1,500 for handcrafted accessories and lifestyle products and goes up to `75,000 for limited-edition fashion or statement home pieces. It's a wide spectrum, intentionally so both collectors and curious wanderers can find something special to take home. RAW A DISTINCTION | The bold red-and-white exterior, Ritu Beri's favourite colour combination, sets the tone for the boutique, which features a palette of striking hues, edgy art and playful details Subscribe to India Today Magazine- Ends
India Today
27-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 to India Today MagazineMust Watch advertisement
India Today
21-05-2025
- General
- India Today
Project Revival: Architects who are giving the past a future
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today Home issue May, 2025)ABHA NARAIN LAMBAH | 'Conservation is not only about monuments. It is about buildings people use every day'From Royal Opera House in Mumbai and Bikaner House in Delhi to the Chamba Lakhang Temple of Maitreya Buddha in Basgo, Ladakh, and the restoration of Shalimar Bagh Kashmir, conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah's (pictured above) unique approach can be found stamped on heritage buildings across the country. Lambah set up Abha Narain Lambah Associates in 1998 and specialises in architectural conservation, building restoration and retrofit, museum design and historic interiors, among other she has been photographed at The David Sassoon Library and Reading Room in Mumbai. 'We restored the original profile of the pitched tiles roof that had been demolished and replaced by a flat RCC slab, restoring the original spatial integrity of the library and restoring its interiors,' says Lambah. But, is there a building she would love to restore? 'The Watson's Hotel,' comes her quick DILAWARI | 'All historic buildings are equally good, but some suffer neglect, others wrong repairs' (Photograph by Mandar Deodhar) advertisementConservation architect Vikas Dilawari has been restoring buildings since 1990. 'I was always interested in history and was fortunate to train under architect Ved Segan, who handled the first conservation project in the country—restoration of Gaiety Theatre in Shimla,' says Dilawari. Since then, there has been no looking back. 'In the last 35 years, we have conserved at least 75 buildings, of which 19 won the UNESCO Asia Pacific Awards,' he adds. His work includes Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Byculla, Mumbai; Aga Khan Palace, Pune; Archiepiscopal Palace, Old Goa; Flora Fountain, Mumbai; and Royal Bombay Yacht Club, visited the CSMS Museum (photographed here) with him. 'I worked on it from 2019 till 2022 (for its centenary), then continued it till 2024,' says Dilawari. His work included restoring the exterior faade of the entire museum building. 'We did complete repairs of the top floor of the main building and the waterproofing of its terraces, along with repairs to the main dome and refurbishment of the key gallery under the dome from within. Also the refurbishing the two Tata galleries on the top floor and the common areas of the museum,' shares Dilawari.'I would love to restore any unloved residential buildings of Mumbai,' says the architect who thoroughly enjoyed restoring Hira Baugh in CP Tank and Lal Chimney Complex in KOHLI | 'In India we are spoilt for riches, with the vast numbers of our old historical buildings' (Photograph by Adil Hasan) Padma Shri in 1992, Sunita Kohli is an interior designer, architectural restorer and furniture manufacturer. She is known for conserving and decorating Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, the Prime Minister's Office, the bungalows of the Prime Minister's residence, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum and Hyderabad House in New Delhi. She has also designed the National Assembly Building in Thimphu, Bhutan, and conserved and decorated Naila Fort, Jaipur. All these, apart from a large number of hotels and hotel boats in Egypt and residences across India.'I was brought in to do the restoration, conservation and decoration of Hyderabad House (photographed here) for the first time in 1982 when Queen Elizabeth II had come to inaugurate the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting,' says Kohli. In 1988-89, she was brought in again, with the government giving her just nine months to complete it. 'The entire House and the gardens were restored. HH has a butterfly plan and is replete with all the idioms of Neoclassical architecture. I wanted to carefully conserve all these elements,' she shares. She not only restored the gardens designed by Lutyens but also designed, in true Lutyenesque style, the two large interior courtyards and an apparently incomplete room, which went on to become the much used Mughal Dining Room. Every room, anteroom and loggia in the House was designed, named and assigned a purpose, barring the obvious Ballroom and Banquet Hall. The Rotunda at the rear, designed to house the Nizam's concubines, was converted by Kohli into the administrative block. As of today, Kohli hopes for an army of architectural conservationists to save buildings in India from being lost owing to time and MILLER | 'I would love to restore any Art Deco building' (Photograph by Mandar Deodhar) Architect Alfaz Miller's success story is linked to the interior architecture and restoration assignment for ANZ Grindlays Fort office in Mumbai (1989). Stepping into his legacy is his daughter, Aahana Miller, now the principal architect at ABM (founded by Alfaz). 'My interest in restoration led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in Interior Architecture at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). This major is an amalgam of architecture and conservation, involving an innovative approach to transform existing buildings,' says Aahana, who during her course was fascinated by how the Japanese designed modern buildings while retaining their heritage. She joined ABM in 2018, working alongside her father who had extensive experience in restoration and adaptive took us to Blue Sea Worli in Mumbai. 'ABM undertook this transformation with a careful balance—modernising the space while preserving its essence. The banquet previously lacked a defined entryway, so we introduced a striking ACP-clad portal, flanked by two oversized urns, to create a grand first impression,' says Aahana. The building's faade, which had deteriorated over time, was completely revamped, and new outdoor lighting was installed to improve its visual appeal. 'A secondary entrance into the main banquet was designed with a stepped portal, featuring double doors and an airlock for seamless functionality,' adds Aahana, who if given a chance would love to restore New India Assurance Building, a beautiful example of Art Deco in to India Today Magazine
India Today
19-05-2025
- General
- India Today
Past perfect: The return of the heritage home
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today Home issue dated May 2025)If walls could speak, a Rajasthani haveli or a Chettinad house would read like a palimpsest, layer upon layer of memories accumulated over many generations. Today, even as modern high-rises and cookie-cutter villas reshape our social and urban fabric, heritage homes, whether period structures or new builds inspired by traditional typologies, continue to captivate architects and homeowners drawn by the allure of a slower, simpler, and more meaningful way of life. From the Kath-Khuni style of building in the western Himalayas to the evocative Indo-Portuguese influences that inform the design of Goan houses, we shine a spotlight on the enduring legacy of heritage residential architecture across the A BLANK SLATEThe Kath-Khuni building, popular in the north Indian hills, is a response to the region's climate and seismic activity. Deep stone plinths provide a solid base, projecting wooden balconies invite you to soak in panoramic views, and slate tile-covered roofs offer protection against heavy rains. 'Kath-Khuni architecture is not just an engineering style. It's a heartfelt expression of harmony between human ingenuity and the natural world,' notes Jay Thakkar, a senior associate professor at the Faculty of Design and co-founder of Design Innovation and Craft Resource Centre at CEPT University, Ahmedabad. 'Originating from Himachal Pradesh, it has a sustainable approach and deep-rooted cultural significance,' he shares. Thakkar calls them 'living entities' that adapt to the rhythms of life and nature around them. CLASSIC CHIC: Casa Caisua in Goa by Raya Shankhwalker Architects advertisementA COASTAL SURPRISEGoan architecture is often mistakenly identified as purely Indo-Portuguese. 'The two must not be conflated,' says architect Raya Shankhwalker of Goa-based Raya Shankhwalker Architects. Shankhwalker shares that Goa has rich and evolved building traditions that predate the Portuguese-era. 'The central courtyard is the defining feature of the pre-Portuguese era homes, an adaptation to the region's hot, humid climate,' he explains.A good example of Goan architecture style is Casa Caisua in Anjuna, Goa. The home was built by his maternal grandfather in the early 1900s. Now a guesthouse, the conversion accommodated key changes, executed while preserving the original facade. Internally, the characteristic high ceiling was retained, with only a discreet loft added above the washroom for added storage. The old walls have been restored to their pristine glory, complemented by an earthy and locally sourced material palette comprising laterite, polished cement floors, timber, and Goa, we head to Pondicherry, where Shankhwalker is currently restoring a Franco-Tamil villa, a style born in the 17th and 18th centuries. 'We've taken pains to restore the Madras roof, which is a defining feature of this type. We've also removed a room extension to restore the full splendour of the original pillared portico,' he A Nalukettu home by Temple Town (left); The Light House by SJK Architects (top right); reinterpretation of a Manduva house by 23 Degrees Design Shift (bottom right) SLOPING TOWARDS SUCCESSThe traditional Manduva Logili house has predominated the architecture of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for centuries. Now mostly relegated to villages, this inward-facing house type is deeply responsive to the local climate, with thick walls made of mud wattle, shaded verandahs, and sloping red-tiled roofs. The heart of the home is the courtyard where the family gathers, rituals unfold, and the house breathes.'Growing up in Telangana, I've always admired Manduva houses. The serene courtyards, sloping roofs, the earthy scent of timber and stone—they call for a slower, more grounded way of life,' says Neelesh Kumar, co-founder and partner at Hyderabad-based studio, 23 Degrees Design Shift. 'So when we were approached to transform a small farmhouse into a home for an extended family, the Manduva felt like a natural starting point. It allowed us to anchor the design in something familiar, while still giving us the freedom to reinterpret it for contemporary living.'advertisementRather than replicating the traditionally compact layout of a Manduva, where the courtyard is tightly enclosed, the volumes at the Courtyard House are gently spaced out. This allows the house to breathe, inviting light and breeze while softening transitions between the public and private GOOD DESIGN SECOND COMING: SJK architects have reimagined a typical haveli (top left and right); a contemporary Manduva-style home in Nagpur by 23 Degrees Design Shift (below left and right) In Nagpur, The Light House by SJK Architects derives inspiration from havelis, large residences with communal courtyards (chowks), projecting balconies (jharokhas), and intricate brick or stone lattice screens (jaalis), vernacular to many western and northern regions of climate-responsive dwellings, along with the timber-based Wada residential architecture, more predominant in Maharashtra, served as an inspiration for the design of the house.'The clients, a multigenerational family, held a deep nostalgia for havelis. Considering this and the regional context of Maharashtra's wada architecture, we devised an eight-foot wide linear atrium that slices through the centre, with its proportions derived from detailed studies of scale and sun movement throughout the seasons,' says Vaishali Mangalvedhekar, Partner at Mumbai-based SJK third of the balcony area is customised into contemporary jharokhas in varying configurations across the levels, creating a dynamic look. 'Much like the traditional jaalis of havelis, the lattices are also an essential climate control device that temper harsh sunlight, facilitate airflow, and serve as a rain buffer,' explains WITH THE PASTFurther south, in the vibrant city of Thrissur, Meera Pyarelal's interior design practice Temple Town has reimagined the interiors of an ancestral Nalukettu home. With its symmetrical grid plan enclosing a central courtyard, distinctive clay-tiled roof, and gabled windows, a Nalukettu home (nalu meaning four and kettu meaning halls) has all the ingredients to protect it from Kerala's oppressive hot and humid weather and heavy monsoon rains.'Having spent most of their lives abroad, the clients—three generations of a family—yearned for a home that would reconnect them to their roots in Kerala. It needed to hold space for family functions around the courtyard, like in bygone days, encouraging a return to a slower, more intentional way of life,' says Pyarelal. 'We used recycled and reclaimed wood. The furniture was exclusively custom-made using responsibly sourced teak at Temple Town. A memorable challenge was collecting every window from Karaikudi, Chettinad, well before the construction commenced. We painstakingly put them together despite the complexities posed by their different shapes and sizes.'advertisementPyarelal attributes the renewed interest in heritage homes to a broader shift in lifestyle and values. Thakkar, who's authored books on Kath-Khuni architecture, echoes her sentiment, though with a degree of caution, particularly regarding the growing preference for RCC construction in the hills. 'There seems to be a gentle shift happening, more of a slow reawakening than a complete revival. People are starting to notice and reflect on things more, asking questions, but it's really uneven,' he says. 'In some villages, traditional methods still guide temple restorations, led by rituals and master builders. These community-led projects are the truest forms of revival—not a fleeting trend but part of an ongoing continuity. It might be gradual, but it feels deeply significant.'—Kushagra Sharma is an architect and Associate Editorial Director at Epistle, a communications consultancy headquartered in Delhi. to India Today Magazine
