IRON OUT THE DETAILS
Metal is trending in 2017. Making it the perfect time to look at The Lohasmith, a Noida-based brand specialising in brass, copper, iron and steel pieces.
If the 2017 editions of Salone Del Mobile in Milan and Maison et Objet in Paris are anything to go by, this is the year of metal. Closer home, husband-wife duo, Meghna and Karun Malik have set up a metal haven, The Lohasmith in 2016. “The idea came from our shared desire to start something that made highend yet affordable decor products exclusively for India. Plus, Indian consumer’s tastes are more global now, so we realised that it was essential to strike while the iron was hot,” says Meghna. It took them close to a year to design and produce their first line of products.
INDIA INSPIRED DESIGNS
“We draw a lot of our inspiration from emerging India,” says Meghna. They use traditional handcrafting techniques in modern applications. So, don’t be surprised
when you find traditional matharkaami craft in brass discs at the centre of a wall art or wire-weaving technique inspired by Bainth, a form of jute rope and cane weaving, in planters and baskets. “Our biggest challenge initially was conceptualising a comprehensive range of products almost exclusively in metal and ensuring quality of material while working to keep our price points within a pre-set range,” says Karun. The other issue they faced was changing the mind-set of the buyer to make them understand how metal can be used in different parts of their home.
A WIDE PRODUCT RANGE
They have on offer mirrors, wall art, accent tables, shelves, serveware, outdoor and garden products, vases, candles, candle holders, centerpiece bowls and table sculptures. They primarily experiment with finishes on steel, copper and brass, complementing them with glass, leather, rope and wood. According to the husbandwife team their most innovative product is their movable Test Tube Vase with 20 bud holders and their range of diamond-inspired mirrors that mimic cuts of the stone.
LOOKING AHEAD
The duo has recently developed gorgeous fruit shaped metal candle holders filled with a high-quality scented wax by Niana Home Fragrances. They have also been working on a range of side and accent tables topped with metal, glass and marble. Besides this they have introduced a variety of pieces in pure brass using a hand-applied hammering technique to bring out its unique texture evocative of centuries old jewellery and other ornaments.
PRICE `825 to `15,000 (retail line), prices vary for custom pieces AT www.thelohasmith.com