Latest news with #SarafFurniture
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
LGBTQ+ Employment Initiatives: Saraf Furniture to hire 500 LGBTQ+ people, ETHRWorld
Advt By , ETHRWorld Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETHRWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App Saraf Furniture has announced its plan to recruit over 500 members of the LGBTQ+ community as a part of its Pride Month employment expansion the initiative, the company plans to open 50 new offline retail outlets in the next three years. It plans to open these stores with the vision to staff them solely with LGBTQ+ employees over the next two years, according to a this initiative, Saraf Furniture aims to strengthen its ongoing diversity and inclusion to the company, it has already been employing members of the LGBTQ+ community in different capacities across its operations, and the results have been 'overwhelmingly positive'.The retention rate among LGBTQ+ employees has exceeded 90 percent, which is a testament to the organisation's commitment to offer a safe and supportive environment for individuals to thrive, as per the Saraf, Founder and CEO, Saraf Furniture, said, 'At Saraf, we understand that great design emerges from the intersection of different peoples and cultures.''We view our expansion not only as opening a new front for customers but as a means to provide opportunities, dignity, and a sense of belonging. The LGBTQ+ community has helped advance our journey in so many ways not only through their work but by their presence and culture of strength and authenticity,' added further its initiatives with diversity and inclusion at Saraf Furniture, the company will conduct sensitization workshops for current employees, strengthen collaborations with advocacy groups for the LGBTQ+ community, and improve the support systems available to the staff, the statement noted.
Hindustan Times
23-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Hindustan Times
How Gen Z draws inspiration from Indian culture and heritage in decor, interiors: Hand-painted furniture to unique art
Is there anything better than coming back to a soothing and welcoming home after a long day of work? Soft bedding, well-placed seating areas, cushy rugs, soft, calming lighting and flowy curtains all create a layered and cosy look, but in an interview with HT Lifestyle, experts share how Gen Z is getting inspired by Indian heritage and seeking out work by local artists or choosing decor pieces depicting their culture. Also read | 5 trendy decor tips to incorporate Indian crafts into modern interior design Anuradha Aggarwal, interior designer and founder of Studio Olives Cre said, 'Mostly Gen Z and young millennials between 18 to 30 today are defining a new era of design in which modernity and cultural heritage blend so effortlessly. Their influences are multi-layered, borrowing not only from traditional craft, family tradition, and native art forms but also from international subcultures, social activism, and digital narratives.' Raghunandan Saraf, founder and CEO of Saraf Furniture, added that today's youth seem to be returning to their roots but with a contemporary touch. He said, 'It looks like they are not merely furnishing houses; they are narrating tales. Picture imperial wooden trunks with brass handles, antique swing chairs basking in the sun, or intricately carved jharokhas that frame modern walls. Gen Z adopts a new meaning of luxury, not by incorporating ostentatious items but rather opting for timeless pieces rich in tradition and warm appeal.' According to Anuradha, the Gen Z generation came of age with unprecedented exposure to the world via technology that allows them to rediscover heritage and reinterpret it in ways that are both personal and universally applicable. She said, 'Whether it is through reviving traditional textiles in high fashion, using vernacular architecture in sustainable design, or remixing folk elements into digital media, their aesthetic decisions are informed by a strong sense of authenticity, identity, and innovation.' While older generations tended to see tradition and modernity as opposites, Gen Z perceive them as complementary powers, Anuradha added: 'Their own design vocabulary typically addresses different levels simultaneously — minimalist but heavily symbolic, place-bound but cosmopolitan. At the same time, digital environments, such as Instagram and Pinterest, are acting as visual libraries into which cultural memory and contemporary popular culture perpetually crash and recompose.' Anuradha said that today's generation is creating a world where the aesthetics are not only gorgeous but are also meaningful, grounded, and socially responsible. She said, 'Their creative work is heavily impacted by issues such as social justice, decolonisation, and climate change, challenging them to deploy heritage as more than just decoration but as a testimony of hope and pride.' Instead of the conventional glass coffee tables and plastic chairs, Raghunandan said youngsters are choosing 'hand-painted consoles, velvet upholstered diwans, and even classic four-poster beds'. 'Everything is understated yet sophisticated. It is not about overdoing the vintage vibe, but rather the gentle approach of mixing elements such as royal headboards with minimalist bedding and grand rosewood dining tables surrounded by sleek, modern chairs,' Raghunandan said. According to Raghunandan, the contrast of these elements creates a space that is 'personal and sophisticated'. 'It is about admiring craftsmanship and the beauty carved into every curve, and finding comfort in every corner. For Gen Z, furniture is no longer functional but something that tells a story, an expression of feelings, and deeply cherished memories. In turn, they are crafting homes that feel like history alive yet with a contemporary spirit,' he said.
Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Lavender to chamomile: Experts reveal which are the best home fragrances to help you relax and sleep better
Certain scents – such as lavender, vanilla, and chamomile – are known for their calming effects and can promote relaxation. But do you know how to use these scents in creating a restful atmosphere in the bedroom and other spaces? In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Raghunandan Saraf, founder and CEO of Saraf Furniture and Ridhima Kansal, director, Rosemoore shared some ways to incorporate scent into your home. Also read | Want your home to smell good? Check out this comprehensive guide to know the right fragrance for your interiors Raghunandan said, 'Creating a bedroom that actually fosters rest is more than soft lighting and good bedding — scent is becoming an added layer in creating a soothing atmosphere. Like the textures and colors of furniture help set the mood, the right scent can tell the body it's time to unwind and get ready to sleep.' He added, 'Pairing natural materials — such as linen, cotton, and wood — with soft fragrances contributes to a multisensory environment that feels reparative. Furniture designers are also taking note of this sensory tie-in.' According to Ridhima, smell is a strong force in 'creating the mood for a good night's sleep'. She said that beyond a pleasant atmosphere, some household scents 'have the actual potential to soothe the mind, calm anxiety, and set the body up for relaxation'. Ridhima said: 'Lavender may be the most popular sleep helper, and research has demonstrated its potential to decrease heart rate and blood pressure, instructing the body to relax. Chamomile, another old favourite, provides a gentle, herbal scent that calms the senses and is commonly associated with stress relief.' She added, 'If a more contemporary feel is desired, combinations with sandalwood, cedarwood, and frankincense provide a grounding, earthy scent that encourages relaxation. In the meantime, floral aromas such as jasmine have been found to enhance the quality of sleep through increasing slow-wave sleep, the deep stage in which the body actually renews itself.' According to Raghunandan, lavender, chamomile, Egyptian cotton, sandalwood, and bergamot are popular choices for their calming traits and stress-relieving properties. He said, 'Bedrooms now feature bedside tables with subtle niches to hold diffusers or trays for essential oils.' 'As wellness and sleep increasingly inform home design, scent is becoming part of the larger discussion of how a bedroom should feel like a sanctuary. Through a misted linen spray, a gently diffused essential oil, or a lightly fragranced candle, fragrance provides a ubiquitous means of adding comfort and relaxation to the benefits conferred by careful furniture and decor selections,' Raghunandan added. Ridhima further said that 'opting for the correct delivery vehicle also counts'. 'Diffusing the essential oils approximately 30 minutes prior to sleep can produce a steady, soothing fragrance. Or opt for scented candles or linen sprays for easy and efficient means of adding fragrance to the bedroom. With careful integration of these scents, you can turn your bedroom into a serene sanctuary, rendering bedtime not just more appealing but also more rejuvenating,' she said. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When the night is dark, it's time for a stargazing bash
There's something magical about lying under a blanket of stars, sipping something warm, and watching the sky tell stories older than time. Hosting a backyard stargazing party isn't just about watching constellations—it's about connection. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With the cosmos, with nature, and with each other. Whether you're a constellation connoisseur or a casual comet spotter, the night sky has a way of bringing everyone together. So, on this International Dark Sky Week that lasts till April 28, put away the phones, pass around the popcorn, and look up. The universe has been waiting. Starry timing is everything A successful stargazing party starts with picking the right night. 'Timing is crucial,' says Victor Chakraborty, co-founder and CEO of Astra Sitara Astronomical Observatory, Kolkata. 'The best time to stargaze is in the evening when moisture is low, or after midnight,' he adds. Clear skies are a must, so check that weather app like your party depends on it—because it kinda does. Bonus points if you can time it with a meteor shower or a lunar eclipse. Now that's cosmic planning. Set the stage for a stargazing glory Turn your backyard into a cozy observatory. Raghunandan Saraf, founder and CEO, Saraf Furniture suggests, 'Add string lights, mason jar lanterns, or glow-in-the-dark stars to create a dreamy, ambient vibe. Sheer cloth can also be used as a canopy or backdrop. Set up comfy seating with low ottomans, soft blankets, and floor cushions. Position small tables with candles or LED lights. Simple star or moon decorations on the table would enhance the dreamy effect.' Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Want to go the extra mile? Play a soft ambient or space-themed playlist in the background. Telescope? Binoculars? Use what you've got! Stargazing in a bustling city like Kolkata? Absolutely possible—if the skies are clear! Saikat Bhadra, a member of the Sky Watchers' Association, Kolkata, explains, 'Light pollution does limit the view, but you can still spot bright constellations. For the best experience, though, heading to the outskirts—away from city lights—is ideal.' 'Even within the city, a clear night sky can offer a surprisingly magical show. You don't need any fancy gear to begin—just lie back, look up, and try identifying constellations with the naked eye. However, if you're curious about spotting specific celestial wonders like the Moon or Jupiter, a telescope or a good pair of binoculars can really enhance the experience.,' he adds. Time for some starry snacks No stargazing soirée is complete without a space-themed spread. Chef Aman Choudhary from CYK Hospitalities recommends letting the cosmos inspire your menu. 'Think galaxy-glazed donuts, nebula mousse cups, or dark blue butterfly pea pasta. Use ingredients like activated charcoal, blueberries, or edible glitter to mimic the night sky. Even the savory snacks—black bean sliders or cheese bites cut into stars—can be celestial. Bonus: they taste as good as they look,' he adds.
