Dezeen Magazine

Modern India by Alykhan Velji

Alykhan Velji's heritage and travels influence his Modern India furniture for Mobilia

Canadian designer Alykhan Velji used his first trip to India to inform this furniture and home collection for Mobilia, which includes green marble stools, brass frames and arch motifs.

Velji travelled to his ancestral home country with his mother, and came back with the inspiration for his Modern India range.

Modern India by Alykhan Velji

"This collection is pretty close to my heart as it is my first collaboration but also because I had the chance to experience India for the first time with my mom," he told Dezeen.

Modern India by Alykhan Velji

The Calgary-based interior designer, who makes frequent television appearances as a style expert, partnered with Canadian furniture brand Mobilia to produce the 15-piece set.

Modern India by Alykhan Velji

Velji put a contemporary spin on the colours, materials and patterns he found in India to form the basis of the series. Visits to Jaipur's architectural salvage warehouses and craft workshops also informed the designs.

"My effort was to create a collection that was well designed, versatile, worked together, but also so that each piece could stand alone in a room," he said.

Modern India by Alykhan Velji

Velji was particularly drawn to the country's green marble, which he used to create circular tops for brass-framed stools and tables, and the base of a round tray.

Pale marble options are also available, and the veiny stone also forms a segment of a round mirror and the counter for a console.

Modern India by Alykhan Velji

Motifs like arches and diamond inlays used on several pieces are taken from shapes found in Indian architecture.

Metal mesh forms cushion-covered chair backs and seats, and the framework for a cylindrical coffee table – referencing traditional woven baskets.

Modern India by Alykhan Velji

Founded in 1966, Mobilia has eight stores across Quebec and Ontario – which will stock different selections of Velji's items.

The designer set up his studio over 10 years ago, specialising in residential and commercial interiors. The Modern India collection marks his first furniture design collaboration with a brand.

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Modern India by Alykhan Velji
Modern India by Alykhan Velji
Modern India by Alykhan Velji
Modern India by Alykhan Velji
Modern India by Alykhan Velji
Modern India by Alykhan Velji
Modern India by Alykhan Velji
Modern India by Alykhan Velji
Modern India by Alykhan Velji
Modern India by Alykhan Velji
Modern India by Alykhan Velji
Modern India by Alykhan Velji
Modern India by Alykhan Velji
Modern India by Alykhan Velji
Modern India by Alykhan Velji
Modern India by Alykhan Velji
Modern India by Alykhan Velji
Modern India by Alykhan Velji