When we checked out Studio Raw on Instagram, we thought this is a brand that crafts truly timeless furniture. We love that their pieces are a proper combination of traditional and contemporary elements. A slice of nostalgia but for the modern home. Founded by Sonali Raju, this Hyderabad-based studio makes statement furniture pieces. With a Bachelor of Design (Interior Design) degree from Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture & Fine Arts University, Sonali crafts furniture and decor accents with artisans who want to differentiate a home from a house.
Whether you're looking for armchairs or wardrobes—Studio Raw surely has something up its sleeve. Some of their pieces include cane and wicker works, and the brand works with local artisans to craft its pieces. As someone who strongly stands for Vocal for Local, she sources the raw material locally too. In fact, she is keen on making a strong local ecosystem where everyone can benefit from the work of each other, locally.
Three things that caught our eye on their Instagram page: Armchair With Metal Legs (it comes with vintage upholstery and wicker on the side), Custom Daybed With Geometric B/W Fabric, and a bookshelf that is done up with cane shutters and metal legs. Honestly, we couldn't take our eyes off the bookshelf!
Sonali also seeks inspiration from her travel escapades. We've been told that the progressive design that she witnessed in Italy and middle-eastern countries have stayed with her for a long time. But then her trips to Pondicherry, Telangana, Dharamshala, and Andhra Pradesh have proved that a lot can be done with local material, design, and styles. While the design is the core of Raw, it ensures the furniture is comfortable, unique, and plays a role in their customer's everyday life. Soon, the brand will launch more categories in collaboration with local craftsmen and artisans. The pricing varies from one piece to another as everything is customised.