The Sourcebook: Insider design finds with Pooja Bihani

Kolkata is truly a place where art is not just reserved for the galleries, it’s woven into the very fabric of the city, the streets, the rajbaris, splicing together the heritage and modern. Based here, interior designer and architect Pooja Bihani’s residential projects frequently incorporate design elements and artisanal objects honouring Kolkata’s architecture and art heritage without looking dated. The spaces are a seamless blend of minimalism with deeply Indian underpinnings.

But the whole ‘less is more’ philosophy is often punctuated with bold objects, a narrative driven art piece, unique ceiling designs and sculptural furniture. Every object serves a purpose, whether it’s functional or a piece of visual story telling. Her sourcing philosophy is very meaning-led rather than object-led. “I ask where something came from, who made it, how it will age, and whether it truly belongs in the story of that space. Some of our most successful projects were shaped not by expensive pieces, but by honest materials used thoughtfully,” Pooja says.

Beautiful Homes: What are some of your go-to studios in Kolkata, where you know you will most definitely find something that catches your eye?

Pooja Bihani: Weavers Studio, a Kolkata-based textile atelier by Darshan Shah is always inspiring for textiles and nuanced craftsmanship. When we collaborated with Weavers Studio for various platforms, we discovered the depth of many Bengal weaves. Byloom in Kolkata is also known for its Bengali handloom and handicrafts. They have a beautiful sensitivity to handloom and contemporary living. I also enjoy discovering independent ateliers where the maker is closely involved in the process.

BH: What local shops and markets do you reach out to for fabrics?

PB: For fabrics in Kolkata, besides Weavers Studio, Byloom, I visit stores around Burrabazar (Bada Bazar) for trims and practical finds. It is the oldest and largest wholesale market in Kolkata for fabrics.

BH: Must-visit places for sourcing lights in Kolkata?

PB: For bespoke chandeliers or statement pieces, I prefer collaborating directly with fabricators and metal craftsmen like Kaleidoscope Lighting and of course our very own The Prana Homes.

BH: Where do you source artifacts, reclaimed goods and vintage furniture?

PB: Artifacts now we source and bespoke at The Prana Homes. Old markets around Russell Street, private collectors, estate clearances and antique dealers can yield remarkable finds. Some of the auction houses for vintage finds are Russell exchange and Sumans exchange, and Antiquana Period Furniture for vintage furniture. Sometimes the best pieces come through conversations rather than storefronts. One time at a Russell Street shop we found a beautiful collection of kenwood pieces for a very upmarket home.

BH: Any local studio that you have recently discovered for furniture and décor?

PB:Yes, Karu India for stonework and Tabula Rasa for furniture by Nithika and Annanya Agarwal in Kolkata. I’m increasingly interested in smaller independent ceramic studios and young furniture makers working quietly but thoughtfully in Kolkata. There is a fresh wave of makers focusing on honest materials and smaller-batch production, which I find very encouraging.

BH: Hidden gems for unique décor pieces in Kolkata/West Bengal?

PB: The lanes around old North Kolkata homes often reveal surprising objects through restoration yards and private sellers. A lot of the folk-art inspired décor can be found in Kumartuli which is a traditional sculptors’ hub in Kolkata. The artisans here specialise in creating massive, intricate idols for Durga Puja in Bengal.

BH: Do you have any emerging brand/studio recommendations?

PB: I would always encourage readers to watch smaller craft-led studios rather than only established names. Sudipta Saha, a pottery and ceramics artist and Onset Homes, a soft furnishings brand by Neha Jhunjhunwala. Bengal has many young ceramicists and textile labels doing sensitive contemporary work rooted in tradition.