2024 Finalist
Category - Interior Design - Retail
Dhruv Chaliawala
ESSTEAM DESIGN SERVICES LLP
Jaipur Rugs by ESSTEAM DESIGN SERVICES LLP is a Top 6 finalist in the “Interior Design – Retail” category at the VOX Architecture Ideas 2024 competition — a thoughtfully detailed showroom in Surat that celebrates India’s rug-making heritage while redefining the modern retail experience.
Area: 2980 sq. ft.
Tucked in the heart of Surat’s Bhatar area, Jaipur Rugs isn’t just a store—it’s a living gallery, a sensory journey through texture, tradition, and timeless design. This 2980 sq. ft. retail space brings to life the artistry of hand-knotted rugs while staying true to the core values of the Jaipur Rugs Foundation, which uplifts rural artisans across India.
Commissioned by Kaizen, a brand committed to bringing Jaipur Rugs exclusively to Surat, the project posed an exciting challenge: how to design a commercial retail environment that feels both inviting and reverent—one that foregrounds storytelling, craft, and cultural depth.
The layout is driven by an “L – Right Angle” spatial concept that ensures intuitive circulation while maximizing visual storytelling. Custom-designed, wave-like displays guide visitors through a fluid experience, each curve drawing attention to the featured rugs as if they were fine art.
Earthy tones and soft pastels, inspired by animals, landscapes, and floral elements, dominate the palette—allowing the vibrancy of each rug to shine without distraction. Beige hues across walls, ceilings, and flooring create a soft, serene canvas for the rich textures and colors of the rugs.
One of the most iconic features of the space is the bespoke chandelier, crafted using repurposed rugs. Hanging from the double-height ceiling, it serves as both an acoustic dampener and a symbolic center—a perfect fusion of form, function, and philosophy.
Adding a layer of hospitality to the space is Kaizen Kafe, a cozy café nestled within the store. Designed to enhance the retail experience, the café reflects the brand’s customer-first approach. Traditional Indian elements and ambient lighting create a warm, welcoming mood—one that invites patrons to slow down, engage, and appreciate the heritage of handcrafted rugs at a deeper level.
Jaipur Rugs is a space where storytelling takes center stage, where craft becomes culture, and where shopping becomes an immersive journey. It’s not just a showroom—it’s a sanctuary for design, heritage, and human connection.
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