Culture
Culture has inspired architecture from the very start. Check out various interior designers and their designs that speak cultural stories worth listening to!
Asia Society India Centre’s 9th Game Changer Awards display South Asia’s artistic vanguard
This edition of the Game Changer Awards focused on artists and art practices from India and Pakistan, with the guidance of guest advisors Nada Raza and Zarmeene Shah.
Money plant benefits: Why this humble plant is a must-have in your home
The money plant’s benefits extend far beyond aesthetics—this resilient plant can enhance your well-being, purify the air, and even attract prosperity.
The Sculpture Park is back: This time at the Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur
Curated by Peter Nagy in collaboration with the Jaipur Centre for Art, the Jaigarh Sculpture Park includes must-see works by Ashiesh Shah, Subodh Gupta, Vishal Dar and more
Trending Stories
10 Vastu plants you should grow to invite positivity and success into your home
According to Vastu expert Ashna Ddhannak, plants play an important role in energising their surroundings. Consider this guide when choosing which vastu plants to grow at home.
By AD Staff
Valentine's Day 2025: 8 iconic artworks depicting the complexities of romance
Long before February 14 became synonymous with declarations of romance, artists have expressed it through the tilt of a figure in an oil painting, the stillness of a sculpture, or the gut-punch of a performance piece.
By Kieron Marchese
2025 Love Horoscope: Valentine’s Day tarot forecasts for all 12 zodiac signs
When it comes to romance, what does 2025 have in store for you? And how can design help you in inviting more of the good stuff into your life? Read on to find out.
By Amreeta Buxani
Art
Arpita Singh’s work gets its first solo retrospective in London’s Serpentine
Curated by Tamsin Hong, the exhibition brings forward six decades worth of oil canvases, watercolours, and drawings by Arpita Singh for a global audience.
A dynamic experimental theatre and multifunctional space opens at the Kanoria Centre for Arts
The Urmila Kailash Black Box, designed by Khushnu Panthaki Hoof and Sönke Hoof of Studio Sangath, is the latest addition to the historic Kanoria Centre for Arts, and embodies the same sense of versatility and exchange as the centre—in architecture, as well as purpose.
An art lover's guide to the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025
The ultimate cheat sheet on what to listen to, see, and shop at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 if you love art.
Eleonore Cavalli of Visionnaire picks 9 of her favourite artistic collaborations
Italian meta-luxury brand Visionnaire’s art director and co-founder Eleonore Cavalli highlights the brand's commitment to art, especially for AD.
AD Visits
Explore the AD Design Show 2024 | AD India
The AD Design Show 2024 brought the design community together at Dome SVP Stadium, Worli, Mumbai, for three days of creativity and craftsmanship. Komal Sharma, Head of Editorial Content at AD India, inaugurated the event with an inspiring speech, followed by the unveiling of Assemblage n.51, a stunning central installation by Eugenio Rossi and Yaazd Contractor of The Back Studio, produced by Splendour Living. The installation highlighted the aesthetic and functional beauty of hardware against Mumbai’s evolving skyline. Key highlights included AD Discoveries, a curated showcase of over 40 exceptional brands, the unveiling of the AD List, and Power Talks by design leaders like Abha Narain Lambah and Chitra Vishwanath. Guided walkthroughs, exclusive gatherings at the AD Lounge, and the presentation of the AD X JSW Prize for Contemporary Craftsmanship to Priyanka Narula of The Wicker Story added to the vibrant atmosphere. With partners like Artize, Bombay Sapphire Creative Lab, JSW, and BMW India, the event celebrated innovation and Indian craftsmanship at its finest.Inside the Balasaheb Thackeray National Memorial | AD Visits
In front of Mumbai’s historic Mayor’s Bungalow, a subterranean memorial has quietly taken shape—bridging past and present through architecture that respects both history and the land. Every tree has been preserved, including an ancient one that rises through the Bangalore-tiled roof of the administration offices, seamlessly blending nature with design. Conceptualised and designed by AD100 Abha Narain Lambah, this space honours Balasaheb Thackeray’s artistic legacy while creating room for reflection and community. AD presents an exclusive first look, led by none other than Aditya Thackeray.Inside Actor Alaya F's Home in Mumbai | AD Visits
In just one and a half months, designer Zara Eisa art directed Jawaani Jaaneman actor Alaya F's 1,200-square-foot dream home in Mumbai’s northern suburbs. It is this home that has frequently appeared as the setting from which Alaya F broadcasts her life on social media: yoga reels, pre-party glam shots, sweet selfies in solitude. Perhaps it was that overexposure that triggered her desire for a design refresh. Earlier this year, she reached out to interior designer Zara Eisa to art direct her home so it better aligned with her idea of the big roles that even small spaces can play—in this case, an apartment that is home, office and filming location rolled into one. Creative Director: Vidhi Balasaria Producer: Harshita Nayyar Digital Editor: Harleen Kalsi Production Agency: Kinetic Stories Cinematographer: Bhavish Dhanwani (via production agency) Editor: Kushagra Tiwaree (via production agency)Inside Sonam Kapoor’s Stunning Mumbai Home | AD India
Sonam Kapoor’s Mumbai home is a magnificent layering of Tanjore paintings, Naga panels, Rajasthani jalis, zardozi embroideries and beyond. Along with AD100 designer Kavita Singh, she composes a love song to the decorative arts of India. Director/Editor: Piya Pahwa DOP: Chirag Sadhnani Producer: Harshita Nayyar Styling: Nikhil Mansata Creative Direction: Dhun Cordo and Nikhil Mansata Interior Styling: Samir Wadekar Fashion Assistant: Roshni Sukhlecha Hair: Hiral Bhatia Make-up: Namrata Soni Florals: Manisha PamnaniHushnohana: winner of AD x JSW Prize for Contemporary Craftsmanship 2023
Hushnohana: winner of AD x JSW Prize for Contemporary Craftsmanship 2023Actor Jaaved Jaaferi’s Mediterranean Inspired Mumbai Home
Jaaved's recent move to Bandra is inspired by sentimental reverence, not just for the coastal suburb but also for his two elder children, Meezaan and Alaviaa. He says, “Earlier my problem with Bandra was that, with the amount of construction everywhere, buildings are situated amusingly close together where you can open the door and ask for a cup of sugar. But when I saw this place I just fell in love’’. After hours of discussion and brainstorming, his succinct brief to Kush Bhayani of KULx Studio was to create a space with minimal sophistication. “Warm, natural, eclectic.’’ And so, Kush designed a home that hangs heavy with history…a mature, expansive twin of his family home with Mediterranean design ethos. Directed by: Piya Pahwa Produced by: Talib Chitalwala and Nidhi Panicker Videography: Rohit Mendiratta (@thematterstudio_) Words: Harleen KalsiExplore the AD Design Show 2023 | AD India
The AD Design Show 2023 opened with a bang as patrons of the art and design community gathered at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. Komal Sharma, the head of editorial content at AD, regaled everyone with a welcome speech, and inaugurated the AD Design Show 2023 with the unveiling of Shankha. This brass installation by artist Shilo Shiv Suleman was a feminine take on the otherwise masculine architectural structures, and showcased a cowrie shell in all its glory. Followed by a garment presentation ‘AGAMA’ by Sanjay Garg, founder of Raw Mango. Paying an ode to India’s textile heritage, especially kantha, the collection showcased sarees, jackets, skirts and more in mashru. The periphery of the AD Lounge became a makeshift ramp as models strutted away wearing these regal apparels. A key highlight of the event was the reimagined Lal Dera, or red tent, designed with a contemporary perspective by Sameep Padora of the architectural firm sP+a. Here’s a recap of those three fabulous days.Exclusive: AD visits the world of Heeramandi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's biggest set production
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's new Netflix series Heeramandi's spectacular set interprets a magnificent world where dance, poetry, fine arts, weaving, and jewellery-making are nurtured and a time when great artists moved freely, without any barriers. Bhansali’s earlier films Devdas (2002), Bajirao Mastani (2015) and Padmaavat (2018) were all grand, but Heeramandi is grander. It’s a brilliant spectacle, which beats them all in not just scale but also art and architecture. For seven months straight, 700 craftsmen worked at Mumbai’s Film City to erect the set on about 60,000 wooden planks and metal frames. DOP: Mahesh Limaye Visuals editor: Harshita Nayyar Edited by: Shiv KhandelwalInside Virat Kohli’s Spacious Nature Inspired Holiday Home | AD India
Virat Kohli unwinds at his wellness-chic and tech-savvy holiday home in Alibag, brought to life by globally acclaimed architects at SAOTA, led by Phillippe Fouché. Although this conscious preacher of wellness and slow living didn’t just choose any property to call home in the coastal town, he handpicked Avās Living, a community centered around a holistic luxury lifestyle, started by founder and CEO Aditya Kilachand. While being outdoors and within the vicinity of nature soothes Virat, it’s the Avās app integrated with wellness technology features such as circadian lighting, gas leak detectors, and advanced air and water filtration, among others, that truly makes him happy. “One thing that makes spending time here easy is the Avās app, which more or less organises everything for me. It gives me a customised dashboard of all the things I need while I’m here. My favourite feature is home automation.’’ That’s understandable.Inside the Iconic Scindia School in Gwalior | AD India
As the iconic school celebrates its 125th anniversary, we look at its glorious past, illustrious present, and the newly refurbished campus that holds it all together. Located atop 300-foot high Gwalior Fort Complex, home to many significant monuments, including a series of rock-cut reliefs of Jain monks, a 30-metre-high 9th century temple, a palace and museums, The Scindia School is spread over 160 acres. Founded by His Highness Maharaja Madhavrao Scindia (I) in 1897, it was known as the Sardars' School then and catered exclusively to nobility. It was only in 1933 that the school opened its gates to boys from all sections of the society and was renamed The Scindia School.
Vastu
Vastu for the kitchen: 6 tips to bring positive health and energy into the home
The kitchen is the liveliest part of any home, as it is where nourishment is created. Here us how Vastu for the kitchen can significantly boost energy.
Elephant statue Vastu: Where to place these benevolent figurines of protection in your home
When thoughtfully placed in the right direction and area of your room, the Vastu benefits of an elephant statue can be immense. Here's everything you need to know.
How to choose the right house number for your personality, as per Vastu
According to Vastu, the numbers in your life are crucial factor for your success. Consider this guide to make sure the house number you choose complements your personality and lifestyle.
Vedic flowers 101: How to infuse your living space with the energy of floral arrangements
From marigolds, jasmines, hibiscus, and lotus, every Indian flower typically found in a Vedic garden possesses healing properties, making them ideal for decorative floral arrangements in homes, parties, or wedding halls.
South-facing house Vastu: Is the direction truly inauspicious or is it just a myth?
Vastu expert Dr. Jai Madaan sheds light on what Vastu says about South-facing homes, beyond misconceptions on the direction.
Bamboo plants: Vastu-inspired placements to attract good luck
The bamboo plant is not only a visually appealing addition to any living space but also an energetic powerhouse capable of transforming the vibe of your home or office, if proper Vastu placements are followed.
Study table direction as per Vastu: Easy ways to optimise your space for success
Here are our top Vastu guidelines to ensure that your home office and your child's study area are positioned for success.
Houseplants and 2025 astrology: Here's your Zodiac-inspired green guide for the year
As 2025 begins, align your home’s energy with 2025 astrology by bringing in houseplants that harmonise the cosmos with your daily life.
How to get rid of Nazar? Here are 6 effective Vastu tips to ward off evil energies
Here's how to get rid of nazar and build a psychic shield around your home with the principles of Vastu.
Resolution-friendly interiors: Vastu-inspired tips for a successful year ahead
Discover how thoughtful design and Vastu principles can keep you inspired, motivated, and on track to achieve your resolutions this year.
From the home to the world: Meet 5 South Asian artists thriving in London
AD visits young trailblazing artists from South Asia and its diaspora in their London Studios to discover their practices and unique interpretations of a shared history.
Anonymous artist Princess Pea unveils a collection of nine new prints with Soho House
Showcased at the Soho House lounge at Art Mumbai were nine new prints by Princess Pea, serving as proposals for large sculptures she hopes to bring to life.
Vastu Shastra: Here's how you can boost the positive energy in your home, according to experts
Ashna Ddhannak gives us her best Vastu Shastra tips to ensure your home radiates good vibes and positivity.
Bangladeshi artist Ayesha Sultana honours the fragility of life in her Dubai exhibition
A window into the world of one of the most intriguing contemporary artists, the Alserkal Avenue showcase is like a memoir, where instead of words, art draws the audience into her experiences.