News

Jun 13, 2023

6 boutique stores in Goa that promote antiques, artisanal craft, and clean living

By Rashmi Haralalka Amidst the stunning beaches and historical landmarks, the

By Rashmi Haralalka

Amidst the stunning beaches and historical landmarks, the smallest state in India is also the home to some of the quaintest, eclectic and chic stores. We've put together a treasure trove of exquisite boutiques, each offering its own unique blend of colour, creativity and craftsmanship.

Nestled in a Portuguese heritage villa, the new resort boutique of Outhouse Jewellery expresses the region's vibrancy through an innovative melange of signature hues. For the construction, architect Nishil Shah, Principal Architect of Studio Hasta, brainstormed the vision of the heritage space along with the Outhouse co-founders Kaabia Grewal and Sasha Grewal. As a result, the dramatic construction marries Outhouse's aesthetics with the city's calm yet brimming attributes. "A holiday spirit comes alive in a palette of salmon pink, natural white and cement grey, that colours architectural elements in the store. The boutique captures a resort reverie in an experiential environment. Seen within its two rooms are unique architectural sculptures that include terracotta figurines and the iconic gemstones and monogram encrusted ceramic vases, delivering a dialogue of innovation," says Shah.

A pitched roof traditional to Goan architecture and decorative accents guide the eye in the store.

By Devyani Jayakar

By Nivedita Jayaram Pawar

By Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar

Meandering fluidic carvings on thick white-washed walls pave the way to the marvel inside. Nested between two rooms, the boutique creates a holiday mood with its lush ambience that houses an artisanal range of jewellery and bags. The outcome included elements handcrafted with local materials, such as the beige bamboo lamp, the humanoid terracotta sculptures, and customised ceramic vases.

Yellow House Parra (or YHP, as it's become affectionately known in Goa) is a concept store dedicated to the slow life, perfectly aligning with the space it occupies in an 85-year-old Goan-Portuguese home. In the store, you'll find a curated selection of independent brands, labels, and creators who mindfully make fashion, jewellery, home, and personal care products. During the rainy months from June through September, they function only as an online store. "A quintessential balcão spans across the front of the property. The store occupies around 3,000 square feet of an approx. 6,000 square feet space that includes a front garden, a well, and backyard.

The interior architecture is informed by vintage pieces, hints of Mediterranean motifs in the flooring, and other classic Portuguese influences.

By Devyani Jayakar

By Nivedita Jayaram Pawar

By Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar

Besides the balcão, the house comprises other classic features of this style of construction such as a small set of stairs leading up to curved arches, imposing pillars with seats built into its sides, and folding wood and iron doors. Inside, you'll find stunning tile work from Bharat Tiles and antique furniture that has been restored to as near its original condition as possible. We designed the store around these prominent features, so our additions are quite minimal and provide contrast to highlight the antique furniture that serves as a statement," says Saanya Khatwani — founder and design head.

A fusion of old and new, with understated elegance, set up a cohesive and inviting interior.

By Devyani Jayakar

By Nivedita Jayaram Pawar

By Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar

Sprawling across a 3,200 square feet area, Rangeela is housed in a century-old home in the lush tropical hillside of Assagao village. The late Jivi Sethi remodelled the original building in the early 90s, including long open verandahs and a grand stepped entrance flanked by two stone yali statues. The store sells everything from decorative African tribal masks to antique mirrors from Gujarat and Turkish ceramics. "In the loud commotion of north Goa, we offer a quiet haven for enthusiastic shoppers at Rangeela. The experience is centred around our leafy courtyard with colourful displays weaving between columns and plants. The courtyard mural is re-painted after each monsoon with a new motif and colours carefully selected to tie in with the merchandising story for each season. That story runs through our whole collection of home decor items, resort wear, accessories, and art. This year our theme was a fishing village by the sea, before that it was an African tribal adventure. It's important for us to have fun with these ideas and to share that joy with our customers," says Indiana Gordon, creative director of Rangeela.

Hints of biophilia and subtle nuances of hues enliven this space.

Hidden from the street, set in a beautifully restored 120-year-old house, the No Nasties flagship store sells 100% organic cotton clothing. Every product on display is climate-positive and celebrates fair trade and vegan clothing. The brand also plants three trees for every product sold, with over 100,000 trees already planted. The store interiors resonate with the brand ethos and segue the old-world charm with the new. Rooted in Goan heritage, the store celebrates arched French doors, stained glass windows, tall teak shutters, wooden beams, high ceilings and a tiled roof to keep the interiors cool during the sultry summers. Surrounded by Gulmohar trees, the No Nasties garden also grows guavas, passion fruits and mangoes. "We fervently believe in the cornerstones of our brand and our interiors reflects the same. Replete with elements that channel the rustic joy of breezy, sun-soaked holidays, it aligns with our commitment to social responsibility, sustainable practices," says Apurva Kothari, founder of No Nasties.

By Devyani Jayakar

By Nivedita Jayaram Pawar

By Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar

Spread across a 3,000 square feet area, Paper Boat Collective is a unique homegrown concept store in Goa, India. They showcase the work of Indian designers bound by the ethics of creating handcrafted organic products with a stylish yet simple presence. The store's interiors are in sync with their design philosophy of slow living. The store is housed in a characterful Portuguese home informed by a 'bohemian-chic' design grammar–just like their collection.

A foyer inspired by Bohemian elements sets the theme for the interiors of the store.

"Simplicity echoes through our store and in everything we do. Our store is designed in a way that immerses you deep into a world of timeless dresses, block-printed shirts, exquisite jewellery, handmade tableware, and more. Meandering through our space will have all your senses tickled, since you will never know what to expect. We put free flow over defined spaces, so that no two visits to the store are ever the same. At Paper Boat Collective, we want our visitors to take back experiences, not just products," says Bhagyashree Patwardhan, the store's founder & creative director.

By Devyani Jayakar

By Nivedita Jayaram Pawar

By Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar

The Siroi Lifestyle Store is a platform for Indian artisans to showcase their creations. With an intrinsic passion for design, the founder Sapna Kabra converted a 10,000 square feet heritage villa into a distinctive store that also serves as an extension of Sapna Kabra Art Studio. The store's interior reflects its owner's passion for art and beauty. "We named the store Siroi after a rare lily that can be found only in the northeastern state of Manipur and reflects our deep appreciation for Indian culture and craftsmanship.

Through Siroi, we bring together traditional and contemporary art and artefacts from all over India, creating a one-of-a-kind shopping experience for art and design enthusiasts. On display are art and antiques from all over India such as the Kunbi collection, dining crockery, accessories, furniture, and garden decor. Each item featured at Siroi reflects a discerning eye for quality and attention to detail. It is not merely a store, but a celebration of India's rich artistic heritage, brought to life by our vision and creativity," says Sapna.