Our studio is in the serene Western Ghats of Coorg, often called the Scotland of India. This region is renowned for its vibrant greenery, heavenly landscapes, and varied biodiversity, and it is home to some of the country's most exotic flora and fauna.

Here, I am sharing images of the stunning landscapes that inspire our work at the studio during my walks and drives with my children in the woods, the estate, and Nagarhole National Park. Additionally, Coorg is known as a prime coffee-growing region in India, and I feel fortunate to live on a beautiful organic plantation run by my husband. Our estate, Craigmore, was established by a Scotsman in the past, and my husband is a fourth-generation coffee planter.

I never tire of this view of our tank, which reflects the trees. It has a lovely little stream that runs behind it, and the kids love to take barefoot walks through it. Every morning, the tank looks different, and that is what makes this view so special.

Unlike the North of Coorg, which has rolling hills, our zone (south Coorg) is slightly flatter with lesser rainfall and thus quite pleasant throughout the year. Our winters can go up to 5 degrees Celsius, but since I moved here 11 years ago, I can feel and see the difference in climate change. The summers are longer and have become approximately 9 degrees hotter than when I first moved here. We have delayed monsoons, which go on until December, disturbing the coffee-picking season and harming the crop for the next year.

But there are a lot of pluses of living and working out of here. During the early mornings, mist drapes over the plantations, adding a mystical charm to the landscape. The only sounds that break the silence are the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves and the occasional call of a distant animal. Whether you are taking a quiet stroll through the plantations, sipping freshly brewed coffee on a veranda, or simply enjoying the stillness, the tranquillity of these estates creates an ideal setting for relaxation and mindfulness. It is heavenly!

This misty weather also makes it a perfect growing condition for wild orchids, native jungle flowers, and ferns, a constant and rich source of inspiration for my designs and colours. We coexist with the fauna that wanders these parts, such as wild elephants, bison, tigers, Malabar squirrels, and much more. 

This region produces the highest percentage of Indian coffee. The British introduced coffee to Coorg in the 18^th century, and since then, it has flourished as one of the main crops grown in the region. Other crops grown here are rice, pepper, cardamom, Areca nut and small amounts of cinnamon. The coffee estate is more than just a plantation, it’s an experience that awakens your senses and leaves you with lasting memories.

During the coffee blossom season (March to April), the entire region transforms into a wonderland of delicate white flowers. The fragrance is intoxicating, resembling the sweet scent of jasmine, and fills the air for miles around. This fleeting beauty lasts only a few weeks, making it one of the most spectacular sights in Coorg.

Pepper is also a key crop in Coorg. Pepper vines are typically grown alongside coffee plants, making the region famous for its mixed plantations. This combination of coffee and pepper contributes to Coorg’s economy and creates a unique farming system that supports the region's biodiversity. However, with noticeable climate change, many planters are diversifying their crop cultivation and moving towards planting fruit trees such as avocados and Leeches. 

Rice cultivation is another important aspect of Coorg’s agriculture. The rice grown here is typically used for local consumption.

My inspiration comes from many things, sometimes, it’s just something I dream of, but living in this natural habitat has slowly and surely changed my design sensibility and colour palette. What started as a very distinct influence of the urban, geometric and graphic in style, has evolved into what I perceive as a more mature design structure and subtle use of colour. The graphicness is still very much predominant, as that is the language of the floral patterns, I have developed, but within that, it is timelessness.

 As you can see from these images, it is hard not to stay inspired. I am in awe when I think I have discovered it all and there is nothing left to document, nature teaches me that the resources are endless. I have so much more to share about how this has played an important role in my design, so please stay tuned. I will be sharing images and writings, in parts about the flora and fauna I have discovered, and I hope it can inspire you all, too, in some way. So, until next time…toodleloo!