Little Venice

Vivek and I have finally settled down in our new home in London. It is a small house, but it is warm.

Ever since my first visit to London, I knew that I would love to live here one day, I am grateful for this chance to experience another culture in another country. Yet there is a sense of inertia within me, of wanting to stay in one place, grow roots and to hold on. In my head I should now be saving up to buy that wooden cupboard, that Smeg refrigerator and slowly build that house that I have pinned on Pinterest, but is it possible if one is on the move, living in one city and then another every 2 to 3 years? 

So having said that I did manage to bring some of my home with me :)

Some of my fav wall art, and I wish to buy some more...any leads?

My Kashmiri Namdah and Kullu Socks + Shoes

Some Sky Goodies!

And my fridge magnets!

My neighbourhood is beautiful and Little Venice is only a short walk away, so when the sun was out, I took my iPad and sat by the canal to read. lots of people and birds were out, soaking in the sun with me and it was a delightful day.

 Little Venice! 

So stay with me while I fill this space with more interesting days, slowly.

Beautiful Hand Crafted Furniture by Gulmohar Lane

I was introduced to Shweta (co-founder and creative head, Gulmohar Lane) by my husband Vivek, both their families have known each other for many many years.

Shweta wrote to me about her plans for their furniture brand while it was still in its planning stages and I took an instant liking to the name...Gulmohar Lane. I can see myself going on long walks in Gulmohar Lane, with the sunny skies and cool breeze, perhaps with a comforting book to read.

http://www.gulmoharlane.com/pages/about-us

I love the way the brand has shaped up and their collection of furniture is stunning! Best part though? Gulmohar Lane is online and you can ask for the product to be delivered across India.

I so agree when they say that they found a gap in the furniture market and strive to fill it with quality products that are fairly priced.

Their hand tufted Chesterfield Collection of sofas, ottomans and chairs is a personal favourite, made by 4th generation master sofa makers, the quality shows in every thoughtful detail.

My all time favourite coffee table, I hope they start world shipping soon.

Look out for lighting solutions and a range of scatter pillows launching soon on their website.

This newly launched online furniture studio is sure to win your hearts with its combination of traditional techniques, natural fabrics, smart finishes and super fine aesthetics.

The brand is based out of Jaipur and ships across India.
Please check out the website here : http://www.gulmoharlane.com

Photographs used are from the brand website.

So so beautiful, sigh.

London Dreams!

My partner Vivek and I moved to london on the 31st of January 2015. 

This is my 17th day in London and I finally have some time to put down my thoughts here. This is a big move for both of us, I have to say that since I have to remind myself every day, that yes it is a big move...even though it doesn't feel like it yet.

How did we end up here? Well Vivek was offered an internal transfer to the London office with the company he currently works with and we said yes.

We have found the tiny tiny flat that we will be renting here, but we move into it only by 1st of March, so there is time before we call it our home.

So I am here, sitting in a company provided service apartment, in London over looking the cold grey and wet London skyline, writing my first blog for the year 2015.

Anek Designs of course continues, thanks to my Father who has stepped in to help run the workshop and handle production. The workshop therefore is now located in Sikanderpur, Gurgaon, close to my Parent's home. I have no idea if my Dad really wanted to get involved or not, did he volunteer or did I just assume that he would be the one to manage the workshop, since he is retired from his job with the bank? I am still wondering about this...but it doesn't seem like he has a choice now :)

I cannot think of anyone, other than My Dad, managing Anek Designs as I would have run it. I say that since I know we are alike in a lot of ways, easily flustered, panicky, impatient and emotionally, thoroughly involved. So the workshop is small, the tailors are new, and the business a little unorganized (thanks to me), but we continue with the production and hopefully will find our feet very soon. 

Can I just slip in that we are looking for a reliable driver, so if you know one in Gurgaon...please get in touch :D I might as well add that we are also looking to outsource hand work and fabric suppliers and for anyone who wants to help!! 

Back to being in London. Vivek and I are here for a few years hopefully and we intend to learn the difference between Zucchini, Courgette and Tori among other things like travelling and getting a hang of the famous English Humour.

We will be living in Maida Vale, this is where we are renting a flat and the area looks lovely. I can't wait to explore the neighbourhood. You can check out some images for Maida Vale here: https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=maida+vale+london&espv=2&biw=1366&bih=624&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=SBDiVOGQJNLPaLKigZgE&ved=0CDIQsAQ

The flat is old and it will take some effort and time to make it pretty and photo ready. 

I will be uploading images of the progress I make with the house, here on my blog, which I promise to be more regular with, now that I have all the time. Thank you Papa!!

Friends on Etsy : Studio Bommai

It is always wonderful to have friends open Etsy Shops!!! Ambika my batch mate from design school has opened the cutest little shop ever called Studio Bommai! 

What does she sell? Hand painted wooden 'golu' dolls from Indian mythology!!!

Saraswati Devi

Lakshmi Devi

My favourite, a pair of devotees!

Do check out here shop here, it will be the most adorable shop you may have seen in a while!

new skirts on Anek Designs!

have you seen them on our facebook page and etsy shop yet?

i am in love with our new reversible kantha free size free spirit skirts! they comfortably fit waist sizes upto 38 inches and are 34 inches long. my awesome niece agreed to model them for us and she is 5 ft 6 inches tall!

our model :)

do let me know what words/ style come to your mind when you look at these? what else would you like anek designs to make?

waiting for monsoons...

its cloudy and grey outside and I am desperately waiting for it to start pouring now!

i love it when the skies are grey...it makes all other colours of bulidings, trees, cars, clothes pop. i also made some pretty block printed cushions in grey recently and then went ahead an mixed up all the greys and neutrals on the front page of my etsy shop here is a screen shot :)

lots of new products have been added!

shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/anekdesigns

i am here...

...after so long!

facebook has taken the joy out of blogging for me, but every now and then, i meet lovely customers who got to know about my brand and I through this lovely space and so how can i not come back to blogging??

i posted these pictures of my home and office on my facebook page recently...

 i shoot anek products on my ironing board... ;)

 the bench by the window never really has any space to sit!!

  this is really my work and storage room...when i have guests though, i call it guest room.

  my super messy office, anek designs' store room. this is the reason you only see tight shots!

my living room which is almost devoid of my own products...since my husband won't let me use any!

 the lone phulkari cushion you see on the sofa is a sample piece.

 

i have been blogging about my home ever since i moved to pune after marriage, i must, at some point share with you the evolution of my living space, the additions of furniture piece (there haven't been so many) and some decor items. i have lived in 4 houses (all rented) in my four years of marriage...all my homes have given me so much love and joy. i am so grateful!

will be here sooner that you expect me to be, till then...meet me on facebook!