Venue: NSIC Ground, Okhla
Date: 16-19 February, 2017

Interior design has baffled many of us. In a bid to get it just right, we have scoured home decor books, appealed to the carpenter, called our moms, visited the markets, and picked up stuff that we thought would look cool. But somehow it was either a compromise on our pocket, or comfort, or just wasn’t us.

As if a panacea to our design woes, India Design 2017 is a four-day long exhibition that showcases a variety of home / office decor and design elements and ideas. With a mix of over 100 established and upcoming designers and brands showcasing their new designs and collections, it is a place to see the latest design trends.

We were invited to review this event and when we reached, the first thing that impressed was the full parking. It is obvious that people take design way more seriously now than in the last decade. The three marquees inside had a host of stalls by Indian as well as foreign designers.

Italy was the focus country and we saw bespoke chandeliers, furniture and accessories that highlighted the subtle luster and the relaxed style this country is known for.

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The Indian ware covered the whole gamut – classical crafts to contemporary designs. The handmade carpets with intricate designs – for instance a whole forest with an old temple – were awe-inspiring. The traditional chakki (millstone) base had got a smart new look in the form of a chandelier. We also loved the light bulbs arranged like the solar system. A few stalls carried paintings and other wall art. Art and interior design had blended seamlessly here and it was difficult to classify one from the other.

What added to the fun were the pop-up restaurants inside the exhibition. We were invited to lunch at The Park here. Our souls were also very happy to come across an outlet of our all time favourite Flury’s here. We stocked ourselves with their rumballs that we otherwise miss in Delhi.

Design fairs are not uncommon in Delhi and we remember a particularly nice exhibition organized by Dastkar. However, that covered traditional handicrafts. What is unique about India Design 2017 is the amalgamation of tradition with contemporary that aptly reflects where we in India stand right now. So, if you are looking to splurge on your home / work area or just want to soak yourself in some good design, this is the place.

The exhibition is on till Sunday 19th and is ticketed at Rs. 300.