HOUSE & GARDEN

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“We wanted to design lampshades that would enhance a room – act as a focal point just as a

painting should.” Their long interest in textiles from around the world led the two founders to India where they found the inspiration to start Samarkand. The lampshades are made from vintage silk sarees and they are able to constantly ring the changes - sourcing vibrant patola ikat, stunning batik and more subdued ‘Liberty’ print sarees. Their lampshades can bring a room to

life and work equally well as part of a traditional scheme or within a contemporary setting

The last two years have been an exciting journey and they have added to the lampshades to produce a collection of interior accessories using vintage textiles. Along the way they’ve scoured the bazaars of Rajasthan, the hidden alleyways of Old Delhi and the souks of North Africa.

Samarkand’s headquarters are in a beautiful traditional barn in Devon – an unlikely home for such an exotic collection. The barn is now a treasure trove full of wonderful vintage textiles and accessories – Indonesian ikat, Swat valley wedding cushions, Banjara embroidery and antique kanthas from Gujarat. Hilly runs the online business from Devon and Carrie works with clients based in London. It’s very much a family business with Hilly’s son, Harry the Head of IT and her husband in charge of Dispatch – when he isn’t appearing in court as a barrister.

The last two years have seen them grow from a tiny start-up to the go-to destination for beautiful and unique lampshades for those in the know. They are now supplying some high profile boutique hotel chains and a growing band of interior designers both in the UK and further afield who love the eclectic vibrancy of their

product. They are also able to offer a bespoke service where they can source sarees and make shades to match a scheme.

The stock is constantly changing and evolving. Their new collection of indigo cotton voile shades brings another ‘look’ to the range and they are always adding to their stock of vintage lampbases – converted water carriers and Himalayan honey pots.

Samarkand, once a major crossing point on the great trade routes of Central Asia, now lies in modern day Uzbekistan, a melting pot of cultures – and the name reflects the essence of what Hilly and Carrie have created. By reinterpreting time-honoured skills and design with modern flair, they produce pieces with the perfect balance of tradition and contemporary style.

If Devon is a step too far from London, a selection of their shades are available from Myriad Antiques at Clarendon Cross. and they will be exhibiting at The Hand Sale at the 20th Century Theatre in Portobello from the 12th to the 14th May.

Samarkand Design is two years old this month and they have come a long

way in a short time. Founders, Hilly Grumbar and Carrie Hart had an idea, which like many before them, was born out of not finding what they wanted in the existing market – lampshades that added something special to an interior.

THE DETAILSFor more information about

Samarkand Design visit the website at samarkanddesign.com

Adding somethingspecial to your interior

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