Melding Inspirations
Transforming hard metal into distinctively beautiful designs is The Lohasmith, a brainchild of two self-taught designers Karun and Meghna Malik. A chat with Meghna....
Tell us something about your journey as a designer?
When my husband and business partner Karun and I moved into our first home, we learned that there were limited home decor options and styles available. We found it difficult to get well-designed products that allowed us to celebrate our home. That’s when I first started to design custom furniture and accessories for my own space, and then in late 2015, The Lohasmith came to life.
What are the themes that you take while working?
Our predominant material is metal in the form of mild steel, stainless steel, brass and copper, and you will see this theme across all our products and designs. We are also
influenced by Scandinavian designs. We have found that opulent Indian textures, treatments and colours like gold and bronze combined with clean European design is our most recurring theme.
What are your inspirations and why?
Inspiration comes from everywhere and for us nature is the strongest form of inspiration. We take ideas from forms and shapes of what we see around us and combine those with our design stories. Sometimes, what is ordinary can be made into something extraordinary by a unique application.
What’s your personal style?
My personal style is simple and classic, with a dash of whimsy usually brought into my outfits with some fabulous shoes! Less is more is a rule I follow when dressing and I strongly believe accessories are everything to uplift an outfit.
Give us a brief about Lohasmith?
The Lohasmith was born out of a desire to cater to the evolving aesthetics of the modern Indian. Both of us being self-taught in design, use our combined experiences and perspectives to make products that are beautiful, functional and exceptionally well made. The products straddle the confluence of artistry and craftsmanship, incorporating simplicity with geometric precision.
“My personal style is simple and classic, with a DASH OF WHIMSY USUALLY BROUGHT INTO MY OUTfiTS WITH some fabulous shoes! Less is more is a rule I follow when dressing and I strongly believe accessories are EVERYTHING TO UPLIFT AN OUTfiT.”
Which part of India has influenced you and why?
Uttar Pradesh is at the top of the list with its variety of metal crafting techniques, being a source of constant influence and inspiration specially with moulding, cutting and spinning metal. I also love Thathera (beaten) work from Rajasthan, which is also reflected across most of our designs. You will also see influences of filigree work from Andhra and Orissa in our designs like the Twiggy Mirror and Bowl, where individual pieces of wire have been hand-welded to create a pattern.
What is your motto?
I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy; I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it!