When Anika Mittal and Tanya Khanna decided to set up their own brand in 2010, they were clear on what it would offer: a blend of convention and modernity. The result was Amalgam, a brand that blends colour, patterns and functions to create one-of-a-kind home accessories.
Their design studio based in New Delhi works with local craftsmen to re-interpret and revive Indian crafts, and provides customised services in architecture, interiors, furniture, and lifestyle accessories.
The two young people are re-interpreting design as an amalgam of India’s rich cultural heritage and a new modern lifestyle. They have a solid grounding in design — both have Bachelor’s degrees in architecture from Sushant School of Art and Architecture, Gurgaon, and Master’s degrees from The Bartlett, University College, London.
“As architects, we are constantly designing things, whether buildings or products. We felt that traditional craft was waning in India. It’s surprising that Indian artisans are recognised across the world, yet contemporary Indian design does not recognise and appreciate Indian craft and locally available material,” says Mittal.
Khanna agrees. “We figured that the only way for Indian craft to survive was by adapting it to modern times. With the intention of blending convention and modernity, Amalgam was conceived.”
Amalgam uses the craft of inlay in coloured and composite stones, precious and semi-precious stones, and wood to create a blend of the traditional and the modern. Every product is seen as a blend of function and aesthetic, tradition and modernity, style and utility, colour and pattern.
An extensive range of products is available: furniture, home and lifestyle accessories in wood, stone and inlay in MOP and semi-precious stone — table tops, cheese platters, trays, coasters, placemats and table mats. The designers also work on customised feature walls, furniture and other home décor accessories such as specialty door handles and knobs.
With workshops in New Delhi and Agra, the duo works closely with the craftsmen, innovating with material, and experimenting with old techniques and new technology.
Mittal and Khanna agree that the influences may be many but design is a way of life; “everything around us influences us and the way we think”. Says Khanna: “Amalgam focusses on design as a customised craft to create a unique, customised product.
