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Nouveau riche Indians are all invariably houseproud, spending almost as much on doing it up for all the world to see as they do on titivating themselves. No wonder then that the shop shelves are full of interesting knick-knacks to jazz up residences. Also no wonder that a number of international names, small and big, have joined the fray. Here’s a list of some of what has hit the markets lately.

Crystals and gold

Miri is a Dubai-based luxury lifestyle store (with a presence at the Mall of the Emirates, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, and other super luxury malls) that has only recently opened at the Emporio mall in Delhi. “Old world luxury, new world majesty” is the brand’s watchword and it tries to live up to the promise by creating an Aladdin’s Cave packed with treasures kind of ambience in its stores. In the picture here is the Foglie D’Autunno, a black crystal vase jazzed up with hand-cut crystals, gold metal leaf and thread, semi-precious stones, beads, and so on. Exquisitely crafted.
(Price on request)

Fluted shapes in clear glass

Haans is a middle of the road Dutch manufacturer of lifestyle products that specialises in natural materials. Vases and votives in glass, very unusual, very streamlined, very modern, is what Haans is known for and what it supplies to FCML, the chain of lifestyle stores. In the picture is a set of three vases in black glass available for Rs 11,916-7,824 (depending on size).

A little bit of Victoriana

Hurtado is a store that stocks various, fairly exclusive lines of designer furniture and accessories from Europe and the US. One brand it’s recently launched is Maitland Smith — furniture, lighting, wall decor, accessories inspired by the English Neo Classical and Victorian eras, and characterised by an antique finish. Most Maitland Smith pieces are solid, evocative of a lost era when homes were ample and lifestyles were gracious. (Prices: Rs 30,000 and going up to Rs 8 lakh)

Japanese dolls

Hello Tokyo is a range of products imported from Japan — everything from origami cards to pop-out bouquets of flowers and butterflies, sushi plates and lacquered and wooden tableware trays and vases, and even elaborately embroidered costumes — by eminent designers like Kenzo Takada. In the picture is an emperor doll know as kokin-bina from the Meiji period circa 1868-1912.