For her new Mumbai apartment, Sonam Kapoor has crafted a maximalist ode to India's craft heritage. In London, her Notting Hill townhouse tells the story of how the Bollywood star has fashioned a home away from home and combined global influences with Indian touches.
From unique pieces found in the antique markets of Paris, to family heirlooms and celebrating Indian craftsmanship, Sonam Kapoor’s London home is snapshot of what makes her tick. Combining local influences with her heritage, it offers a blueprint for decorating expat homes without a single cliche in sight.
Spotlight your Heritage
From a cane-work bed by craftspeople in Arunachal Pradesh and exquisitely hand-carved wardrobe doors by artisans in Mumbai, to curtains featuring embroidery by the Lucknow studio of Maximiliano Modesti and the iconic Chandigarh chairs by Pierre Jeanneret, the actress’ Notting Hill pad is brimming with pieces that celebrate the diverse and rich crafts of India. Juxtaposing these with an assortment of objects by global designers, including Rose Uniacke, Allegra Hicks, Knoll and Charles Zana, she has effortlessly combined the east with the west. Walls covered in de Gournay’s majestic ‘Early Views of India’ design envelope the dining room in regal splendour.
How Sonam Kapoor Makes Room for Memories
One of Sonam’s favourite things at her London home is a pair of silver elephants that were passed down from her mother-in-law. “These kind of objects hold memories and keep one connected to one's family history,” says the star. For those of us looking to make our home in foreign lands, the celebratory power of such objects can’t be underestimated; their familiarity can bring both comfort and character.
Shop Local and Shop Vintage… Just Like Sonam Kapoor
Bringing a little bit of where you are right now into your home will create a sense of place and offer opportunities to mix and match. Home-grown brands and local talents are the perfect place to start; antique warehouses and bazaars are also great for rare finds and future heirlooms. For her London home, Sonam Kapoor scoured flea markets in Paris and in London, she found amazing pieces at the Alfies Antique Market on Church Street and Reindeer Antiques in Kensington. “I love the thrill of a good find,” she says. When buying antiques make sure the vendor is reliable and can provide details of its provenance. Today, the term ‘vintage' is used very loosely, so it is important that you build knowledge in design styles from the past and do your own research into the object you desire before making an investment.
What's Hot Now?
Decorating an expat home is not just about honouring tradition. Training the lens on what is great in your homeland, right now, is vital to adding contemporary flair. Sonam did so effortlessly by combining antiques and exceptional craft with work by current Indian designers such as a glistening dressing table by Calcutta-based Scarlet Splendour and art by a raft of artists including artwork by Jagdish Swaminathan and Ram Kumar. So do you research on who is hot in your country right now and invest in spurring new talent to greater success.
Art is Essential
The art we surround ourselves with at home speaks volumes about who we are, what we like and where we come from. Sonam Kapoor's London home and studio are full of art from some of India's most cherished contemporary artists. And as she demonstrates in her dining room, including art in one's decor is not just about what's framed on the walls. The sepia-hued de Gournay wallpaper that envelopes her dining area features magnificent depictions of regal India: from palaces and lakes, to elephants, forests and mountains, it feels like an immersion into a classical painting. Take her cue and shop for wallpaper with designs that remind you of home; they don't have to be obvious depictions, but even through colour, a detail or a pattern, you can built that visual connection.
