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An Interior Designer’s Action-Packed Day at AD Design Show 2025, Mumbai

21st November 2025, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai


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Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre looked absolutely radiant in the early morning sun. I arrived buzzing with excitement, ready to dive into the AD Design Show 2025 - the biggest design event on my calendar. As an interior designer from Bangalore, I’d been counting down to this for weeks. The energy out front was contagious, with a crowd of designers, architects, and design lovers all eager to see what’s next in the world of interiors.


Inside, the scale hit me right away. There were over a hundred top brands, international exhibits, and a sea of creative people all under one roof. Three days of design overload - exactly what I needed. Pidilite helped bring this show together, promising to shake up the Indian design scene. As soon as I walked in, I could feel that promise in the air.


The Grand Welcome: Setting the Stage


One of the first things I saw was the Bawa Pavilion, and it stopped me in my tracks. Inspired by Geoffrey Bawa’s Sandella Garden Room, this space paid homage to the Sri Lankan legend with re-editions from Phantom Hands’ Geoffrey Bawa Collection. It was calm and elegant - a perfect way to start the day and get in the right headspace.


Discovering Innovative Materials and Surfaces


Hey Concrete: Redefining the Ancient Material


I made a beeline for Hey Concrete, mainly because I’d heard they were doing wild things with a material most people ignore. They’re from Udaipur, and honestly, they’ve reinvented concrete. Their ultra-high performance concrete panels and breeze blocks look more like sculptures than building materials.


The Serene wall panels really grabbed my attention. You can pick from plain, porous, or natural textures, and the color options are almost endless. But here’s what really blew me away: these panels actually help balance indoor humidity. They soak up and release moisture on their own - no gadgets required. Plus, they’re fire-proof, termite-proof, and Green Pro Certified.


I can already picture these in some of my clients’ homes, especially for anyone who wants that industrial vibe without the hassle of heavy concrete.



Vanbros : Seven Decades of Excellence


Next up, Vanbros India. Walking into their space felt like stepping into a different era - one where every piece of furniture had a story. Vanbros has been around since 1952, and you can see the experience in their work. Their exotic veneers marquetry and carved panels are a blend of classic and modern. Also, their furniture is both stunning and built to last.


What makes Vanbros different is how they do it all - they source the materials, design the pieces, and actually build entire estates. Their Burma teak work, the tiny details in the carvings, and the cool mix of metal and veneer on their fixed furniture and wall panels /partitions really stood out.


For my luxury projects, they’re a go-to. Their stuff just screams timeless elegance.





Exquisite Furniture & Home Decor Brands


Solid Bench: Celebrating Natural Wood


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Solid Bench had a booth that felt like a breath of fresh, woody air. Based in Gurgaon, this studio turns out furniture that’s all about honoring the wood itself. The design draws from Japanese minimalism and American craftsmanship - clean lines, no fuss.


What sets Solid Bench apart? They almost never use nails or screws. Instead, they rely on old-school joinery, which makes each piece feel special and sturdy. East Indian

Teak, white oak - they use only sustainable wood, finished with natural oils that let the grain and small imperfections shine through. It’s simple, honest furniture that tells its own story.


Definitely on my list!



The House of Esthete: Luxury with Soul



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The House of Esthete showed off a collection that just feels right - where beauty and purpose actually meet. They’re rooted in Hyderabad, designing furniture and home goods that lift up everyday life without shouting about it. Their idea of luxury doesn’t need to be loud. It’s refined, but still practical, and every piece feels thoughtfully made and a conversation starter. I’m genuinely looking forward to working with them on future hospitality and high-end home projects, especially for clients who want real substance behind the style.



Furnicheer: Heritage-Inspired Contemporary Design


Furnicheer immediately stood out with their Tinted Wood™ collection. Since 2013, this

Navi Mumbai-based brand has taken Indian heritage and spun it into something fresh - blending timeless craftsmanship, sleek modern lines, and bold, inviting colors.

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Their philosophy says it all: “Stories in Wood, Crafted with care, built to last.” That hits home for me. Every piece feels handcrafted and personal, mixing classic Indian design with a contemporary twist. They use solid Tulip wood sourced from North Carolina and a mix of fabrics with a playful burst of color or warm, earthy tones. It just brings a sense of warmth and personality to modern spaces.


For anyone who loves heritage but lives in the present, Furnicheer really bridges the gap.



Jade Design Q : Sculptural Beauty Meets Functionality


Jace Design Q, led by Manasi Jade, it brought a collection that completely reimagines the materials used like terrazzo, glass, stone and metal. Each piece looks so sculptural.

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Looking forward to add their pieces in my client's homes



Textile Arts & Wall Decor


Jaakhi Tapestry: Divine Artistry


I couldn’t take my eyes off the Jaakhi exhibit. This isn’t your ordinary tapestry brand - it’s a dive into India’s mythologies and sacred traditions, reimagined as art you can actually hang in your home. Each tapestry is hand-embroidered, packed with detail, and loaded with stories that echo our cultural roots.


Their mix of using Tanjore art images and creating intricate threadwork sets them apart. What really struck me, though, is how Jaakhi treats tapestries as more than just wall décor. These are modern heirlooms, investments in both art and culture. If you want wall art with real soul - something that looks good and means something - Jaakhi’s got you covered. Plus, they customize and ship worldwide, so no matter where you’re based, you can bring this heritage home.


Find them on Etsy and Instagram (@jaakhi_tapestry).




Amore Muro: Bespoke Embroidered Wall Art


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Amore Muro, recently spotlighted on the AD List for “The Art of Making,” is all about custom, hand-embroidered wall art. Think semi-precious stones, crystal accents, and a level of detail that turns a wall into the heart of any room.


Their sisal wallpapers were a perfect balance of subtle and bold. Beautiful textures . Really looking forward to using them in my projects.


See more on Instagram (@amoremuro_)


Audio Innovation & Architectural Solutions


Xscace Speakers: Small Speakers, Huge Sound!!!


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I didn’t expect to stumble across Xscace - a Canadian audio brand that’s shaking up every idea I had about how big speakers need to be for great sound. Their Cane Slim Array speakers are almost impossibly sleek - just 7.2 inches tall and 1.6 inches wide, made from aerospace-grade aluminum with this gorgeous champagne-gold matte finish.


And these speakers pack a punch when it comes to sound. Having another option of ceiling speakers with in-built sub-woofer was just mind-blowing.


If you’re working on a space where no one wants big, clunky speakers ruining the vibe, Xscace nails it. The design blends in, almost invisible, but the sound is anything but. You can wall-mount them in minutes, no tools, no mess - cable management stays clean and simple.



Blanc White Studio: Where Art and Design Meet


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Blanc White, led by Megha S. Shah, is a contemporary art and design studio that’s all about the meeting point of organic forms, bold materials, and interior architecture. Their sculptural canvases have this rare balance: they’re minimalist but still expressive, quietly sophisticated but artistic.


They made a splash at India Design ID and seeing their work at the AD Design Show just confirmed it - they don’t just make art, they create pieces that work as both design elements and standalone artworks. If you’re after that sweet spot between art and function, Blanc White’s work delivers.


Website: Instagram (@_blanc.white)


Ucuoro: Quiet Luxury, Honest Emotion


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UCUORO, founded by Unnati Varma, launched in India with a philosophy I really connected with. For them, furniture isn’t just a product - it’s a personal statement.


Their nesting tables set on display was a good blend of modern and Indian. Looking like set of 3 flowers , made of wood and metal, they were setting themselves apart.


That’s exactly how I think design should be: emotional, memorable, and personal.



Traditional Crafts & Architectural Elements


Enviro Craft: Masters of Rattan Weaving


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Enviro Craft really knows their stuff when it comes to Rattan and PolyRattan weaving. They work magic on facades and ceilings, both indoors and out. When you mix thoughtful design with true craftsmanship, you get results that just stand out.

They don’t just stick to one thing. Their custom-made weavings show up in roofs, railings, partitions, furniture, facades, and even on ceilings, giving architects and designers loads of creative ways to bring natural materials and textures into modern spaces. Their pieces, whether traditional or totally contemporary, always add something special to the setting. Their range of products does make one think out of the box.





Jain Handicrafts: Keeping Heritage Alive


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Jain Handicrafts has been at it since 1975, hunting down and curating one-of-a-kind pieces from all over India. They’re based in Ahmedabad and have built up a real reputation for rosewood handicrafts, antique furniture, architectural salvage, and unique decorative finds.


Step into their collection and you’ll see everything from traditional woodworking and marble carvings to brass and bronze figurines - authentic treasures made by skilled hands. If you need standout antiques, original architectural elements, or Indian handicrafts with real history, Jain Handicrafts has the kind of curated selection that adds depth and character to any space.


Website: Instagram (@jain_handicrafts_)


Keynotes, Sessions & Networking


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The programming at the show was next-level. Amy Astley from Architectural Digest and Kelly Wearstler, one of America’s most imaginative interior designers, took the stage and really set the tone. Their thoughts on where design is headed, why storytelling matters, and how luxury is evolving felt spot-on and inspiring.




Looking Ahead: Partnership Opportunities


Walking around the show just reinforced what I’ve always felt: design is a team sport. Every brand I met with brought something different - expertise, creativity, real craftsmanship.


A few standouts I’m excited to explore partnerships with:


Hey Concrete for bold feature walls and striking architectural elements

Vanbros for luxury homes where custom millwork and veneer make all the difference

Solid Bench for clients who want sustainable, artisanal furniture with a story

Xscace for high-performance audio that fits right into minimalist spaces

Jaakhi for wall art that celebrates Indian heritage

UCUORO for people who appreciate understated luxury and design with heart

JADE DESIGN Q for sculptural lighting and décor that turns heads

Ekaurr for projects focused on sustainability and handmade quality

Furnicheer for contemporary furniture with a heritage twist

Hey Concrete again, this time for their innovative surface solutions


Final Reflections


At the end of the day, I felt more energized than tired. The AD Design Show 2025 isn’t just another trade fair - it’s a real celebration of creativity, innovation, and the talent shaping India’s design world.

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I’m definitely going back to the next venue. There were many sections I haven’t seen yet and conversations I want to pick up again with brands that caught my eye. If you’re a designer, architect, or just someone who loves design, this is an experience you shouldn’t miss. It’s worth the trip. The ideas, knowledge, and connections you take home will shape your work for years.


The news that the AD Design Show is heading to Hyderabad (5th-6th December) just shows how much people across India are craving great design. Honestly, it’s a great time to be in this field - so much talent, energy, and a shared passion for creating beautiful, meaningful spaces.


I’ll certainly be back, ready to discover even more brands and keep building the partnerships that will shape the future of my practice.

 
 
 
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