Dp Cult

From dainty, dazzling glass knick-knacks to sturdy marble objects, home decor remains an omnipresent entity. Launched in 2022 by the sibling duo Dhruv and Jayant Talwar, Muun Homes is a multifaceted brand paying homage to Indian artisans, their indigenous techniques and an unparalleled craft from diverse regions across the country.

Tracing The Brand’s History

With a deep penchant for stellar homeware, Dhruv joined his mother’s sourcing venture that began 15 years ago, providing home decor and lifestyle accessories to international home décor brands. This endeavour led the mother-son duo to work closely with over 200 local artisans, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the industry and India’s bequeathed legacy of rich craftsmanship. Their admiration for Indian artisans was evident in their ability to source exquisite oeuvres. 

Harking on the brand’s conceptualization the founder explains, “Our interest in the creative side of product design also drove the idea of a brand, as we knew that it required a very different outlook and vision than the sourcing company, which was strictly B2B.” Talwar further reveals, “Global brands sell made-in-India products to Indians at high premiums and we wanted to break this barrier.” This vision, paired with their established repertoire of craftsmen, led to the creation of Muun Home—a brand committed to linking the gap between classic craftsmanship and contemporary verve, all while illuminating the home décor landscape. 

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Blend Of Traditions With Modern Elegance

“My brother was not fully satisfied just servicing and making products for other companies,” Talwar reveals, hinting at the early seeds of their new venture from the sourcing business. As the youngest Talwar graduated, a shift emerged when the siblings began discussing the idea of working together, realizing that their creative vision and design sensibilities were stifled within the current business model. The fusion of creative instincts and deep veneration for Indian craftsmen led to the shift from their mother-son-led sourcing business into a sibling-led brand, Muun Home. At Muun Home, the sibling duo sketch a constellation of trinkets that blends aesthetics and functionality, taking inspiration from everyday objects around us. Their collaboration with artisans who preserve time-honoured techniques across India, combined with design studios that harness innovative technology, elevates the aesthetics of each piece, seamlessly integrating tradition with modern design.

While illustrating the designs, “(The) artisans help us understand the material and its limits which helps us in the design process,” Talwar reveals. This synergy is evident in Muun Home’s earliest releases, such as the hammered glass carafe sets— featuring bottles and glasses with a distinctive hammered texture. These artisans practise the repoussé technique to craft colossal metal temple doors and ceilings. Referencing this heritage, Muun Home applies a hammering texture on glass, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship in transforming a simple object. Correspondingly, the Axel and Ezra vases, featuring tinted hammered glass, also reference this intricate technique, along with the hue being applied to the glass in its liquid form, during production. These tinted tchotchkes complement the neutral palette of a minimalistic space.

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Muun Home’s quest to redefine Indian craftsmanship lies in integrating contemporary global trends, crafting products that honour the heritage and embrace modern aesthetics with designs deeply rooted in heritage and refreshingly modern. “The idea of the brand is to create and blend Scandinavian and European concepts with the Indian culture and our heritage,” Jayant reveals, underscoring the conceptualization of each piece. Their glass ‘Diya,’ perfect for this festive season, is sturdily crafted from borosilicate and embodies this vision of fusion. As Talwar describes, “It’s something like glass, but it’s stronger,” talking about the reimagined diya. Referenced from traditional brass diyas, these minimalist glass objects seamlessly fit within a contemporary Mandir aesthetic. This harmonious blend of tradition and modernity elevates the diya into a timeless symbol, where the rich essence of Indian culture subtly intertwines with global influences.

Orchestrating Artistic Alliances

In addition to their collaboration with artisans in the country’s most remote regions, Muun Home also partners with artists and other brands. Their association with the artist Divyendu Anand—a renowned Indian sculptor and a designer for Michael Aram for about 25 years led to the fabrication of a series of hand-sculpted, esoteric pieces. As Talwar revealed, “Divyendu wanted to express his ideas and expressions through different mediums creating pieces which would fit Muun Home, while having the soul of Divyendu Anand.” The collaboration inspired the creation of the Kai bowl, crafted from marble dust and resin in Anand’s signature style. The collaboration also resulted in Ren sculptures, which portray mystical silhouettes of a man and woman. Crafted from fibreglass for robustness and exceptional heat endurance, these sculptures boast fluid forms, intricate textures, and a distinctive character, making them perfect for outdoor settings.

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Embracing Eco-Conscious Craftsmanship

The brand displays a profound reverence for sustainability, seamlessly aligning with contemporary trends while honouring ethical craftsmanship. Their commitment is palpable in the ingenious use of waste materials, from exploring packaging made of reclaimed straws to integrating recycled materials into new products. This commitment is further underscored by their exceptional marble production in a fair trade-certified unit, a rarity that sets them apart. This trade is reflected in the sturdy marble butter dishes, crafted from white and dark grey marble, exuding panache. The skilled artisans in India handcrafted each dish pairing it with a gold knife—PVD-coated stainless steel for durability and food safety. This product reflects a commitment to sustainable craftsmanship, blending traditional techniques with modern design to offer a timeless, eco-conscious product.

Muun Home‘s gamut of trinkets, from durable couches to sculpted cups, recounts a regional story where natural resources encounter artistry. The brand’s journey is a testament to the art of transforming mundane inspiration into tactile splendour, all while relentlessly embracing ethical and sustainable practices.