Urvi Sharma Finds Inspiration in the Sights and Scents of New Delhi
New Delhi native and furniture designer Urvi Sharma moved to Providence to study at the Rhode Island School of Design. "Because I was in school, it was a soft landing," Sharma says. "I eventually learned how to drive on the wrong side of the road and immerse myself in a city small enough to feel comfortable yet big enough to offer new discoveries." As cofounder of design studio Indo, Sharma continues to draw inspiration from her hometown. The many artifacts she’s collected from the city adorn her New England home and studio.
Urvi Sharma is a furniture designer from New Delhi.
"The Masala Dabba is something my partner and I use every day while making meals. Each box is intended to create a medley of spices. Ours leans North Indian (salt, black pepper, red chili powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala) and is based on meals we’re used to making in New Delhi."
"Every time I or somebody I know returns to the U.S. from a trip home, we cannot help but bring back our favorite sweets. My homemade besan ke laddoo (balls made from gram flour, ghee, and sugar) are a constant request, and I make sure to bring back enough for me and all of my friends and family to enjoy."
"This book serves as a guide and source of inspiration for me and Manan, my life and business partner, whenever we want to discover or learn more about Indian crafts and techniques."
"Crafted by artist Aman Khanna, these masks take me back to when I was a kid, when I created different characters using clay. I love that I can incorporate these into my home now and use them as reminders to let go and allow myself to be free when designing."
"I got a silk brocade dupatta as a gift at my cousin’s wedding last year, and it’s a part of my growing collection of Indian clothes I keep on hand here in Providence. The intricate fabrics are created using gold or silver thread and are passed down from one generation to another."
Dolls of Indian Freedom Fighters and Revolutionaries by Dilli Haa
"These dolls are some of the favorite things I own from home. I picked them up right before moving to the U.S. while shopping for things to decorate my room. Every time I look at them, I think of all the history lessons I never paid attention to and now regret doing so."
Where to Stay:
The capital has an ample selection of 5-star hotels that demonstrate the best Indian hospitality has to offer. For Urvi, this level of service far exceeds anything one might find in the U.S. Between The Lodhi, The Oberoi, and The Leela hotels, there’s very little left to be desired.
Where to Eat:
According to Urvi, each Delhiite has their favorite spots to eat, a choice they’ll defend with honor. Her favorite cuisine is Mughlai street food—butter chicken, garlic naan, and every type of kabab ever invented. The designer prefers Moti Mahal (Malcha Marg), Nizam’s Kathi Kabab, and HaveMore on Pandara Road, whose rival, Gulatis, operates across the street.
Good Earth at Khan Market
What to See and Do:
To learn more about the city, Urvi suggests splitting your time between exploring markets and visiting historic monuments. Shoppers should head to Khan Market Dilli Haat, Sunder Nagar, Raw Mango, and Good Earth. Sightseers should visit the Nizamuddin Dargah, Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple, and India Gate.
Tomb of Moghul Emperor Humayun
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