Getting to know the exciting new generation of Indian design.
BY AVRIL NOEL D'SOUZA | DEC 7, 2020, 16:08 IST
THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK HAS US RAVING ABOUT HER DESIGNS - GOODHOMES
2020 has forced most of us to dig deep and recalibrate and reflect. For Harshita Jhamtani it was the same. The main difference, instead of sitting around wondering what next to do, she set out on an exploration journey that led to some extensive and immersive learnings. Her growth curve as a designer has truly blossomed this year. She has spent her time perfecting her craft that of creating minimal designs that focus on function and the relationship it has with the senses. An architect at heart, Harshita has metamorphosed into an Avant-garde product designer with an extensive and impressive design range under her belt. And she does it all by hand. Her namesake firm, Harshita Jhamtani Designs is just a year old, but in this short period, she has explored materials, finishes, textures and forms to create bespoke silhouettes. From furniture to lighting, storage to accessories…her caliber has us shook! Yes, her range is impressive, but what truly makes her work stand out, is the purist approach to form, function and style.
Harshita Jhamtani, Architect and Founder, Harshita Jhamtani Designs Harshita Jhamtani, Architect & Founder, Harshita Jhamtani Designs. Her passionate take on design is beautiful, “When I started HJD (the abbreviation for her firm), I figured I didn't want to get into mass manufacturing and wanted to explore more of Indian crafts, hand-building techniques, one-of-a-kind products, and work around sustainability. The word 'sustainable' is thrown around very loosely by brands these days and I wanted to do something about it. It's not just the product material that has to be sustainable but also the process behind making it. The amount of water, electricity, labour that goes into making the product and even wastage. Everything should be accounted for. Which also means not running behind half-yearly trends.”
The blush variant from the Wilo range of terrazzo wall lights is the best seller. A number of designers and architects have commissioned this piece for their sites.
Nude, from the wilo range of wall lights is another variant. We absolutely love this terrazzo beauty.
We love the detail and the thought gone into perfecting the circular shape of this light
A look at how the Nude variant of the Wilo light sits perfectly on a wall. Kudos, Harshita!
Harshita’s process is inspiring. Her deep understanding of a subject translates to the creation of a design that showcases a mature patina. The contours are delicate and moody, the subtle and yet exaggerated forms allow us to indulge in some major shadow play, and the texture she finishes things off with is a sensorial treat. When we came across her table lamp, we almost mistook it for a legacy piece. After doing a double-take, we looked past the gritty texture, the mature form and the delicate contours, to see, admire and love, a modern light fixture.
This delicate blush table lamp revels in it's mature patina and gritty texture of design. The colour morphs from blush, to grey to off-white...depending on the time of day. It's just the way Harshita has handcrafted this lamp. Photograph: Avril Noel D'souza
And the list goes one. the Cactus side table, from the Earth collection, is handmade and created entirely out of terracotta. Harshita’s homage to the humble clay and her admiration for the cactus led her to this creation. The marriage of an unusual material with an unusual form. The Cactus has three levels that mimic the form and structure of the desert beauty. The simple materiality of terracotta is celebrated here. Harshita’s interpretation has resulted in the creation of a work of art that is functional. Its rooted design is such new parlance, and we love it!
Cactus is a three level side table that is unusual in its form and materiality. Harshita perfects the narrative.
This handcrafted side table is also available in a handpainted variant. It's so different and we love the way the colours pop against the terracotta.
Harshita is part of the growing community of designers and architects who realise the importance of celebrating and advocating sustainable materials and design habits. Her young firm has taken this cause to heart and everything that comes out of her design labs are responsible and thoughtful designs. From the materials to the creation techniques, down to the artisans, she works with…there's a conscious narrative behind every little step. Truly, we can’t wait to see what next is in store for the young designer.
For more details, visit www.harshitajhamtani.com or the Instagram handle, @harshitajhamtanidesigns
Related Tags: Harshita JhamtaniConsumer DurablesGen X of Indian DesignAvant-Garde Décor DesignNew Indian Designers2021 Designers to Watch Out ForCactus Side TableTable LampDelicate PatinaDécor Trends for 2021
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