Raw Luxury

July 15, 2018July 22, 2021

The right dose of Brutalism in the form of an industrial chic architectural style forms the perfect backdrop for displaying gorgeous luxe furnishings at the flagship showroom of RR Decor in New Delhi, designed by the talented Aarti Aggarwal of Knock On Wood.

Text: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Andre Fanthome, courtesy Knock On Wood

A beautiful play of rustic and soft textures welcomes you to the studio of RR decor, compelling you to browse through the fine furnishings in a setting that surprises you every step of the way.

Designer Aarti Aggarwal, the creator of furniture brand Knock On Wood, says that the adage of ‘nothing is a coincidence’ often rings true. Here, she is referring to the crossing of paths with Rohit Khemka, the owner of brand RR Decor at the Hemtextile Fair 2017 where the two collaborated on a stall design. Their partnership even won them an award — apparently, the industrial design aesthetic of Knock On Wood enhanced the luxe factor of the fabrics at the RR decor stall. The result was a visual treat.

Naturally, Rohit wanted this wining duo to come together once again to create something exemplary and therefore commissioned Aarti to redesign RR Decor’s flagship showroom at Okhla, New Delhi. The brief for the design of the showroom was handed over in a golden plate… “It was to design a space in line with the Knock On Wood ethos of creating a raw industrial look and to keep everything raw and reveal elements and materials in their original nature,” smiles Aarti. Thankfully, as it was a fully functional studio, the design team didn’t have to work on any structural changes. The 1,300-square-foot space is one large L-shaped area with a 16-foot-high ceiling, therefore Aarti decided to visually break the showroom into various zones.

The adda (embroidery frames) installation is a montage of the brands old and new collections. The addas have been hung from the ceiling with fish net threads that are practically invisible and give the installation a floating feel. This area also reiterates the atmosphere of a studio.

The entrance sets the mood for the entire studio and displays an intricate, luxurious and beautiful tale of RR Decor and its range of furnishings. Here a story wall has been created with images of artisans printed on wood and the wordings have been cut out in wood — this manifests itself as one of the main highlights of the studio. “Rohit is a textile designer and has been instrumental in reviving Bhagalpur silk in India. Hence, we also displayed a table loom, which is close to his heart, in a glass case. This goes on to speak about the importance of the craft. A quote from the designer on the wall further personalizes the space,” explains Aarti. Right next to it is an exquisite installation which Aarti likes to refer as the “adda” wall. This showcases fabrics from RR Decor’s old and new collections and reiterates the feel of a studio. The patterns here progress from left to right. The addas (embroidery frames) are hung from the ceiling with fish net threads which are practically invisible, giving them a floating feel.

If you face the rest of the studio from the entrance, you’ll actually notice the brief come to life. There are two discussion areas in the showroom which are partially screened off from each other by a green wall that goes all the way up to the 16-foot-high ceiling. The eight-inch-wide discussion table is made of six-inch square cross sections of pine wood joined together on an MS base. A subtle yet an intricate pattern emerges on the table top as a result. Eight chairs accompany the table, all dressed up in different colours dyed in ombre. The second discussion table is a plank of raw wood with live edges and matching stools to sit on, where the natural cracks have been stitched together with copper wire, a detail that is derived from fabric stitches. Close to this table, tassels hung on frames have been mounted from the ceiling. These 8-inch- to 10-inch-long frames with mounted art works add to the royal feel. The third area has a bed — to display RR Decor’s soft furnishing range — which is crafted in the striped wood series and blends well with the overall decor.

The green wall divider separates various activities at the store.

As for the primary aim of a studio — the display units — walls that are clad in oxidized MS panels have been used to highlight the fine fabrics of RR Decor. The rust on the panels emphasizes the indigos of the brand’s latest range. The mild steel along with raw burnt wood becomes the perfect foil for plush velvets. The racks are crafted in a combination of mild steel and burnt pine wood. Taking the look a step ahead, the various brand names showcased at RR Decor have been engraved on the pine panels of the racks. The fabrics are highlighted by LED track lighting throughout the store, creating focal points instead of uniform lighting.

The attention to detail in every aspect of the studio helps reassure a visitor of the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality. And truly, when one comes out of the store, it is with a feeling of having experienced something bespoke, something that words fail to convey, but threads would!

CONCEPT
To redesign a 1,300-square-foot studio for a furnishing brand with a raw industrial look. To keep everything raw and in their original nature.

MATERIALS
Walls: Oxidized MS Panels
Floor: Cement tiles, distressed wood
Furniture Cross sections of pine wood and raw wood
Pillars: Handmade wooden printing blocks
Display units: Mild steel and burnt pine wood
Lighting fixtures: Track lights

FACT FILE
Project: RR Decor’s flagship showroom
Client: Rohit Khemka
Location: Okhla, New Delhi
Area: 1,300 sq ft
Principal designer: Aarti Aggarwal
Design team: Knock On Wood

A smart and unique custom-made installation — colourful cloth clips held on metal wires.

view of the studio from the bed furnishing section — the 16-foot height of the space comes to full view here. Note the structural pillar that has been smartly decorated with the tools of the trade: handmade wooden printing blocks.

A story wall with images of artisans printed on wood, with text cut out in wood becomes a design highlight of the entrance foyer-like space. A quote from Rohit on the wall personalizes the area with his signature. The glass box holds a table loom that is close to Rohit’s heart.

A closer look at the green divider, and the handmade wooden printing block display on the pillar. Note the nine-foot-high loom-shuttle, which, besides displaying colourful threads, also provides an artsy touch to this area.

The discussion area is partially screened off by a green wall that goes all the way up to the 16-foot-high ceiling.

A view of the bedroom setting from the discussion table.

In the bedroom furnishing space, the wall on the right is made of different strips of wood joined together. The wood strips project out in parts to act as shelves for a towel and bed sheet display. The fascinating bespoke artwork above the bed are wood cut-outs of all tools used in the textile design industry.

The striking chandelier at the bedroom setting is made from rope-dyed ombre — it took 120 ropes to make this composition.

Tassels are displayed/hung on frames which have been mounted from the ceiling. The 8’ to 10’ long frames also features art works adding an element of colour and softness to the otherwise industrial display unit.

Aarti Aggarwal, Andre Fanthome, Brutalism, Deepa Nair, Flagship Store, industrial chic, Knock on Wood, luxe furnishings, New Delhi, RR Decor