The Embroidered Home

What does Saniya Kantawala, the interior designer do when her client expresses a passion for natural materials and handwoven detailing? Go all out, experiment and celebrate natural weaves in various materials and craftsmanship. That is the story of the creation of fashion designer Yogita Kadam’s apartment by Saniya Kantawala.

Saniya is the principal designer and founder of the eponymous practice Saniya Kantawala Design (SKD), an interior design firm based out of India and the UAE. When the client, a fashion designer Yogita Kadam wanted a home that reflected her aesthetic sensibilities, and love for natural materials, especially rattan and cane, the interior designer made sure that the home had them all.

Having designed Yogita Kadam’s boutique along with residences for her family members earlier, team SKD had a comfortable rapport with her. Coming from a creative background, the homeowner contributed to various design elements. Thus, this collaboration of the client and the designer was driven by a sense of mutual comfort and respect.

Though a commerce graduate from the HR College of Commerce, Saniya, the designer found her calling in design. Working under the counsel of renowned architect Ashiesh Shah in Mumbai, she learned the importance of direct and effective coordination for executing design projects. After graduation, she pursued a diploma in interior design from Rachana Sansad and established Saniya Kantawala Designs when she was just 22. Saniya also specialises in visual merchandising and light design, having completed certifications from UAL, Central Saint Martins (London) and Eli Sava (Barcelona).

The 278-square-metre interior crafted by Saniya Kantawala Design (SKD) is rich with the subtle intricacies of embroidery in its design scheme. Every segment of Yogita’s home had aspects of handmade or material textures added to a palate that is soothing to the eye. A subtle approach in terms of the material palette and muted colour scheme highlights its spatiality, focusing more on form, texture, and light. In particular, Rattan has been woven into the design scheme to accentuate cosy yet spacious interiors.

The dining wall features a floral mural by Zahabiya Gabajiwala (ZA Work Design) that is earthy and soulful. The breakfast counter features artwork that the homeowner’s artisans have customised, and the ethnic motif tiles are from Bharat Flooring.

The counter also features embroidered artwork that the homeowner’s artisans have customised. Harshita Jhamtani Designs used the leftover Rattan from the project to make the lamps above the counter.

In the master bedroom, instead of paint, wallpaper from The Pure Concept has been used in the cabinet doors and walls behind the bed to embed more character. A rattan headboard by Wicker Story was customised and installed on-site, tying into the design theme. A rich blue lamp from Cotton & Satins and an open book with an exciting quote flanks the bed.

“The concept of an ‘Embroidered Home’ has been embraced throughout the interior spaces and informed the selection of materials in furniture and art. Since the homeowner is also a fashion designer, the central concept for using embroidery has emerged from the same. Considering the restricted square footage, creating a sense of expanse and keeping the spaces balanced was imperative.”

“The focus has largely been on creating an efficient layout with generous internal volumes and connecting the common areas without architectural barriers,” says Saniya, the designer who has conceptualised and brought to fruition this house that proudly celebrates handwoven and handmade with materials that are dear to the homeowner.