HouseThat - the New Destination for Global Decor Finds

Travelling to far off destinations always brings with it the exciting opportunity to explore the local markets and fairs and bring back either handmade treasures created by local artisans or other unique finds that remind us of time well spent. But one too many times, we’ve had to stop and think twice about how we were going to haul back all that shopping with the limited baggage constraints. Well, that’s where the California based online décor boutique “HouseThat” comes into play. Having been faced with a similar situation while shopping at a global handicrafts fair in India in 2015, owner and founder of HouseThat, Rajrupa Ghosh decided to resolve this dilemma by creating an online platform to bring affordable and original home decor products, curated from all over the globe to consumers worldwide. HouseThat as a platform also serves to popularize Indian craft forms like Dokra, blue pottery and terracotta ceramics to an international audience.

A Technical Product Manager with a computer science background, Rajrupa has worked for companies like eBay and HP in the Silicon Valley. She also being a design and decor enthusiast has done her fair share in getting a deeper understanding of the interior design world and never misses an occasion to visit art exhibits and decor fairs. Her new venture, HouseThat gives her the opportunity to combine her online retail business skills with her enthusiasm for all things aesthetically beautiful.

HouseThat has a diverse range of meticulously curated products , with something to fit every genre of decorating style. They source agate from Brazil, Alpaca throws from Peru, Terracotta serve ware and Dhokra items from India, and also have Mukul Goyal’s contemporary-chic sculptural serve ware just to name a few. Infact, I personally had so much fun creating style and color specific mood-boards for you’ll with their wonderful range of products.

Talking to Rajrupa on the USP of the brand she says, “Our product style is exquisite home products that reflect a deep connection to cultural heritage and authentic craftsmanship without the luxury price tags. We believe in striking a chord with the customer by providing superior quality products with a reliable shopping experience that includes great customer service, fast shipping and worry-free returns.”

In the coming months, the company plans to add more products and styles to their home accent category and soft furnishing section. Will let Rajrupa share more on this, “We are extending our home furnishings line by adding custom-made designer drapery. Users can order made-to-order drapes from our site by selecting from a wide range of premium fabric and styles, using custom dimensions and additional options for lining, tie backs etc. These drapes will be made and delivered to the customer's doorstep within 4 weeks at one-fifth the cost at other retail stores.” As for the upcoming festive season, they are restocking their entire collection and also adding more serve ware like brass chip and dip platter, terracotta appetizer server and terracotta mugs!

Since Rajrupa is an ardent décor enthusiast, I couldn’t help but ask her, her never fail decor tips and tricks. And this is what she had to say:

• “Do not overcrowd the room - I believe in clean design with few pieces of well selected furniture, decor objects, wall art etc. that reflect your taste and style.
• Lighting is really important while decorating - use natural light whenever possible and also add lamps, tea lights etc. if you want to accentuate a decorated corner or any focal point in the room.
• Houseplants are a great way to add life and calmness to any room. They fill up any awkward space in your room, and you can match the color and texture of the pots to the decor. Small potted plants work beautifully to transform any table top, shelf, kitchen/bathroom counter into a clean, creative space."

HouseThat ships all over US and internationally to Canada, UK, Europe and Australia. To get updates about their sales and latest products and collections, follow them via Facebook and Instagram. To shop these delightful finds and get your home festive ready, click here. ( And may I mention their brass and throw pillow section is my favorite!)

Thank you so much Rajrupa for reaching out to TECD. We wish you all the very best in your entrepreneurial venture.

(Image Credit: HouseThat ; Creative Moodboards and Storyboarding : Sruthi Singh) 

Latest finds from the Decor Store "Bubblewrap"

Introducing an online décor store for the urban home - “Bubblewrap”! Intrigued by the name are we? If that is a yes, then founder Bhuvnesh Joshi hit the bull’s eye with his decision to coin the brandname, Bubblewrap. The brand name not only embodies a product range that is uniquely curated but also conveys the feel of the collection which is contemporary in style. TECD had a quick tete-a-tete with Bhuvnesh Joshi about his entrepreneurial venture, Bubblewrap. 

Quoting Bhuvnesh Joshi on his transition from the advertising industry into the world of lifestyle and décor, “I am a decor, lifestyle and travel enthusiast and my years in advertising brought me closer to contemporary art and design. Looking at the beautifully designed decor products available around the world, I wanted to attempt curating aesthetically contemporary and modern decor and take it to a larger audience. I gathered while decorating my home, how generic and scattered the market is. Local stores are few and far between and charge a hefty premium for these kind of pieces. I also wanted to experience what it was like to be on the other side and take it up as a challenge to build a brand from scratch.” 

The product choices at Bubblewrap ranges from limited edition Studio Pottery, one-of-a-kind décor accessories to numerous mood lighting options at extremely competitive pricing. Built on the foundation of “Great products at great value!, the Bubblewrap team ” is continually working to further widen their reach into categories such as Designer Stationery and Furniture. 

Though the crux of Bubblewrap's ethos is minimalistic and modern, they also cater to ethnic and generic Indian Home Decor lovers. My personal favorite is the “Bubblewrap Bazaar” category and I’ve even created a mood board in a classic white and teal palette with rich brown thrown in to ground the setting. (FYI: The brass container with the stand is in limited stock and I personally think, they would be a lovely addition for the festive season with flowers tucked in them. So grab yours now!)

To browse through their entire collection, click here. You may also connect with them via their FB page and Instagram gallery.   

(Image Courtesy: Bubblewrap, Layout and text: Sruthi Singh)