His saris are sheer dreams. Resplendent and deeply rooted in Indian tradition, each piece from label Gaurang Shah is a dream you would want to make your own. When we visited the designer’s restaurant, Gaurang’s Kitchen, in his hometown Hyderabad in August, there was a realisation of a dream there too. It was an embodiment of Gaurang’s long-cherished dream to open a restaurant that would bring together food from different parts of the world, with his signature twist. The world-cuisine vegetarian restaurant overwhelms with its ambience, hospitality and the experimental spread. The latest from the house of the designer is a home interior line titled Gaurang Home — “a fusion of exquisite home decor and tailored interior design”.

The debut collection from Gaurang Home, called NEEL, features custom-designed furniture, furnishings, and crockery that seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality. Gaurang is offering these pieces as part of a bespoke service.

Through Gaurang Home, the designer is making a foray into complete interior design services, providing a “concept-to-finish approach”. These services aim to create living spaces that reflect his design philosophy rooted in “authenticity, elegance, and meticulous craftsmanship”.

Gaurang Home was launched in Hyderabad at the Design Democracy Exhibition at HITEX, on October 4.

In a t2 chat before the launch, Gaurang told us that the home line is an extension of this design philosophy and shared the road ahead in his expansion plan. Excerpts:

From fashion to food to home — seems like you’re on an expansion path, but slowly… you don’t seem to be in a rush….

I believe that good things take time. Each expansion reflects my deep-rooted passion for craftsmanship and the stories behind every piece. Transitioning from fashion to food and now to home collections is a thoughtful process for me. I want to ensure that every venture upholds the same standards of quality, authenticity, and artistry that have defined my previous work. I’m taking this step by step, carefully considering how each element fits into the larger narrative of my brand.

Is expansion beyond their core area of fashion the way forward for most designers?

I believe it depends on the individual designer and their vision. For me, expanding beyond fashion is an opportunity to explore new avenues for storytelling across different mediums. Home, food, and fashion are interconnected; they all relate to how we express our identity and create spaces that resonate with who we are. As a textile artist driven by creativity, I recognise that my influence can extend into various lifestyle areas, allowing me to offer a more holistic living experience that reflects the essence of each individual and their family’s outlook on life through good home interiors, textiles, and quality living.

Tell us about the home line? Will it carry forward the same aesthetics as your fashion line?

The home line, NEEL, carries forward the same aesthetic principles that define my fashion work — celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and a timeless legacy. Each piece in the collection embodies the intricate detailing and rich narratives associated with my textile background. Just as my saris weave stories through their designs, the home collection reflects a similar ethos, integrating traditional techniques with contemporary sensibilities to create beautiful, functional pieces for everyday life.

Your saris are all about tradition and hand-weaves. How would you make a home line incorporating these yet keeping a practical price point?

Maintaining a practical price point while honouring traditional techniques is a challenge I embrace. By working directly with artisans and employing sustainable production methods, I can create pieces that are both beautiful and has timeless appeal. For me, the value of a piece is intrinsically linked to the craftsmanship and time invested in its creation. As a premium textile artist, I believe that the dedication and skill of the artisans involved in hand-weaving are what truly elevate each item. Quality takes time, and each piece reflects the immense effort and artistry that goes into its making.

Therefore, it’s important to communicate that while these handwoven saris may carry a premium price, they are worth the investment. People who appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship behind each creation are often willing to pay for the value it represents. My goal is to ensure that the home line concepts-to-finish vision continues to embody this commitment to excellence while being accessible to those who value authentic artistry to enrich living and make their home a timeless interior statement.

Your love for saris dates back to your childhood, and your passion for food is also deep-seated. How did a home line come about?

The idea for a home line was a natural progression of my lifelong interests. My childhood fascination with saris and their stories inspired me to delve into textiles deeply. Similarly, my love for food has always been about bringing people together and creating experiences that integrate forgotten food traditions with a gentle modern twist. When considering how to integrate these passions, I realised that homes are where all these elements converge — fashion, food, and family. Thus, the home line is a culmination of my journey, allowing me to create spaces that reflect warmth, tradition, and a love for craftsmanship.

What other areas do you have in mind on your expansion path?

As I look ahead, I’m excited about exploring collaborations with local artisans across creative domains, such as lifestyle accessories and decorative arts. I also envision delving into sustainable practices and eco-friendly materials, as I believe that the future of design should be mindful of our environment. Expanding into educational initiatives, perhaps through workshops and mentorship programs for aspiring artisans, is also something I’m passionate about. Ultimately, my goal is to continue fostering a community that celebrates artistry, tradition, and sustainability in all forms.