As travellers today are constantly in search of unique experiences, some hospitality players are giving them an opportunity to relive in the bygone era- whether it is by using antique furnitures or interiors or providing grandeur with elegance By Kahini Chakraborty

Living the past in the present and waking up to a feeling of going through a period of nostalgia, India is home to some hospitality giants that fulfill this desire of discerning travellers. With pieces of artwork and antiques restored to enhance this story-telling process, the well known Taj Falaknuma Palace, the former residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad, has been rightfully leased by the Royal Family of Hyderabad to the Taj Group of Hotels Resorts and Palaces with the Royal Family members having personally supervised part of the palace’s refurbishment. Guest can now experience the famed Nizam’s hospitality. This sole preserve of royalty has undergone massive restoration phase to retrace the steps of the Nizams, European royalty, enchanting Begums, distinguished heads of state and kings of the palace. The palace’s 60 beautifully refurbished restored rooms allow guests to take a journey into the glided ages, where grandeur meets elegance. The property stands a testimony of large Venetian chandeliers, rare furniture, grand marble staircases and gurgling fountain, priceless statues, objets d’art, stained-glass windows, unique sketches and murals encased in ornate frames, a world-class collection of crystal as well as the Mughal, Rajasthani and Japanese gardens personally conceived by the Nizam. The Palace Library, a replica of the one at Windsor Castle, is a collector’s envy as it is home to the rarest of manuscripts, books and one of the most acclaimed collections of the Holy Quran in the country, all of which were selected and brought back by the Nizam himself. Girish Sehgal, general manager, Taj Falaknuma Palace, says, “Everything in the property has been restored which adds to the value of the heritage pieces present in the property. This has attracted a lot of travellers’ interest towards the property. Today even if you give the said amount of money to recreate the same intricate designs of the antiques, it is not possible as the fine artisery present in those days are different from now. More so the same quality of antiques are also not possible to be made. We are fortunate to have the pictures of the princess of the eighth nizam which blends perfectly into creating the ambience and décor. Taj Falaknuma Palace is well known for its largest collection of chandeliers.”

Shilpa Kosambia

After reliving the past, Sofitel Mumbai BKC gives travellers another reason to enjoy the present with its designs and facets, a perfect melange between French and Indian design inspirations. Shilpa Kosambia, executive housekeeper, Sofitel Mumbai BKC highlights, “The spaces are decorated with exquisite taste in an art-deco style. For example, the silhouettes of the hand-made crystal chandeliers in the lobby area are inspired by the beaded dresses of Parisian women who danced the Charleston in the 1920s; an era of irrepressible joie de vivre and passion after the preceding decade of war and economic depression. Using French art-deco and Indian motifs as an inspiration, the hotel features eclectic, contemporary and unique designs for furniture and chandeliers which blend effortlessly with the Indian pattern, in the flooring and the walls. With classic examples of tables, chairs and carpets, Sofitel Mumbai BKC showcases a medley of art-deco and Indian inspirations.”

Accessories to compliment

Girish Sehgal

Taj Falaknuma Palace has the largest collection of chandeliers along with wall lights, standing lights and fixtures of the same bygone era. “A significant number of pieces of furniture that remain at the property have been identified from the 1894 photographs taken by Arif Hafeez. Each one reinforces the sense of continuity that is a remarkable feature of the history of Falaknuma,” states Sehgal. While at Sofitel Mumbai BKC the accessories used in the hotel emphasise the blend between French and Indian cultures. The artwork in the lobby draws inspiration from the Stupas and Totem. The Stupas stand as witnesses to the original sandstone sculptures discovered during the excavations in India. The Totem is a collage of French culture, displayed through inlay work, which is fused with the traditional Indian culture of the rotating bells found in Buddhist temples. The wallpaper in the rooms features a ‘paisley design’ which originated in Kashmir and can be often found on Pashmina shawls. The modern reading light contrasts well with the traditional ‘jaali’ (net) used on the bedside lamp. The artwork in the rooms is a unique collection of prints under the banner of ‘A Tale of Two Cities’. Each of the paintings is custom created to showcase the historical monuments from India merging with landmarks from France. The royal scalloped drapes at the windows of the room frame the BKC skyline.

Another important aspect to compliment the antique set up is the lighting as this influences people’s mood and emotions- energising, soothing and helping people interact and making them feel at home in a hotel environment. At Sofitel Mumbai BKC, the restaurant and bedrooms have an intimate atmosphere where dim lighting is used. The highlight of Artisan’s Jazz and Blues theme is the LRF lighting. All the light fittings are customised and imported and all LED strip lights are procured locally. The candles kept at the bar counter and LED strip lights under the bar counter, illuminate the bar and give it a mesmerising effect. The So SPA at the Sofitel Mumbai BKC showcases warm lighting and the highlight of the spa is the Golden Drops of Luxury that float above the water fountain. The chandeliers in the Grand Salon Ballroom are inspired by pieces of crepe paper or confetti -a celebratory space for business or pleasure. The gold-leaf and the changing light colors around the main chandeliers add to the style and grandeur of the ballroom.

“Colour is frequently used in conjunction with pattern, and thus adds interest to a decorative scheme. Warm colours are used for antique furniture at Sofitel Mumbai BKC. The textiles used in areas are a mix of raw silk, pure silk and weaved fabrics,” mentions Kosambia.

Tips to know

Shades, tints and hues have a different impact on color, lighting and patterns used in various areas of the hotel. “While decorating interiors using antique furniture, we considered certain attributes of colours to alter the apparent size or shape of a room that add to its warmth and vibrancy. Lighting and patterns play a key role in creating the right atmosphere within an area. It is decorative as well as functional and contributes to the character of an area. Jyran – Tandoor Dining and Lounge at Sofitel Mumbai BKC, is a classic example where antique furniture is used aesthetically. The furniture consists of stools and charpaai, a local Indian village style seating made of bamboo, lounge seating on the terrace island surrounded by water and a two-ton recycled metal elephant which adds to the antique look of the restaurant. The color of the fabric used is mainly red, orange and yellow. These are warm and stimulating colours and go well with the antique furniture,” says Kosambia.