Modern Indian Furniture with Kerala Roots
We are Nikhil and Gayathri, and this is our design language. We craft furniture that blends solid teak and traditional motifs into pieces that carry your personal stories.
This is the Vismayam chair, a piece born from the reverence we feel for Theyyam, a ritual art form from our home state of Kerala. We aimed to capture its captivating otherworldliness, from the fiery reds of its costume to the evocative silence it commands, creating a functional piece of art that binds past and present.
A complete living room setting featuring our Ramaniyam collection, which we created through a close collaboration with our client. This space showcases how we can customize an entire suite of furniture, including the sofa, center table, and TV unit, to reflect a client's personal story and cultural roots.
The beauty of our work is in the details. This close-up of our Kulam side table shows the custom-crafted brass elements that tell a story. Inspired by a tranquil Kerala temple pond, or 'kulam', these details depict lotus leaves and small figures, turning a simple table into a cherished memory.
The Thiranottam Bed, designed for the Layam residence, is a direct tribute to the Kathakali art form. The headboard's shape and fabric are inspired by the 'Thiranottam', a moment where the artist peeks over the curtain before a performance, bringing a piece of theatrical heritage into the bedroom.
Our process is a journey from a memory to a masterpiece. This video shows how the Kulam collection began as a simple sketch inspired by a childhood memory of a temple pond, and was then meticulously crafted into a finished piece with unique brass details, ready to become part of a new home.
The Ruba armchair showcases our modern Indian design language. Featuring a classic barrel back with natural rattan weaving and a solid teak wood frame, this chair was custom-made for the Dhara residence, proving that timeless elegance and comfort can coexist beautifully.
We believe furniture must be as functional as it is beautiful. For the Layam residence, we designed this custom study table that cleverly conceals a piano, providing an elegant workspace while maximizing storage and efficiency in the room.
We are Nikhil and Gayathri, the storytellers behind Tusker Katha. Our studio was born from a shared passion for designing and crafting furniture that resonates deeply with your emotions and reflects our shared Indian heritage. We love bringing your stories to life through our work.
About Featured
When you look at our pieces, you are seeing a blend of solid teak, hand-turned legs, and brass inlays. The real work happens in the sketches we share with you. Whether you want to adapt one of our signature designs, like the Kulam side table, or start with a blank page for a custom console, we make sure the joinery and finish reflect the story you want to live with.
Our Design Philosophy
We believe furniture should be more than just functional; it should be an heirloom that carries a narrative. Our design language, 'Modern Indian', draws deep inspiration from our roots in Kerala. You will see this in the form of a Kathakali artist's stance, the quiet presence of a 'Nilavilakku', or the rhythmic lines of temple architecture.
The Materials We Use
We prioritize longevity and tactility. Every piece is constructed using 100% solid teak, chosen for its strength and grain. We pair this with:
- Natural Rattan: Used for breathable, textured backrests and panels.
- Brass Accents: Hand-crafted inlays and hardware that age beautifully, developing a patina over time.
- Traditional Joinery: We use mortise and tenon joints to ensure your furniture remains stable for decades, not just years.
How We Create With You
We do not just sell furniture; we collaborate. If you are working with an architect or have a specific vision for your home, we step in to translate that into physical form. We start with a conversation, move to sketches and digital designs, and keep you involved until the final piece is finished.
Visit Us
You can explore our current collections and see the texture of our work firsthand at our studio in Koramangala. Whether you need a 7-foot sofa or a custom study table that hides your piano, we are here to craft something that feels like home.
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