Β From Bali to India: A Dream in the Making π
India has always held a special place in my heart, but nothing prepared me for the rush of colour, sound, and soul that greeted me the moment we arrived. I was in search of inspiration β but what I found went far beyond what I could have imagined. From the joyful chaos of Holi, where strangers smeared vibrant colours on my face with laughter, to the quiet grace of artisans carving ancient wood by hand, every moment stirred something deep within me. This journey didnβt just inspire the Eco Village Collection β it shaped it. Each piece we've brought back tells a story. A story thatβs rooted in tradition, rich with spirit, and made to live again in your home.
I had planned a trip to India just before the world shut down in the midst of the COVID pandemic. The idea was to find pieces that would complement our collection, but with borders closed, I had to adjust. So, I turned to technology and began sourcing directly with my supplier over WhatsApp β a challenge, to say the least. With only photos to guide me, it was difficult to choose the pieces that truly resonated with me. The excitement of feeling the texture, seeing the colour and the energy of each piece drawing me in, was missing.
It took me a full 12 months to fill just one container, but the process was far from perfect. I knew I had to return to India to experience it all again.
Image: Sipping my yummy Indian Chai I was mesmerised by the intricate carving on this door... however I had to leave this one in Indiaπ. I was under strict instructions from my staff not to buy any more doors, I have such a passion for doors however we already have more than 60 in stock.Β Maybe next timeπ
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πͺ΅ Treasure Hunts & Sourcing with Soul
As sourcing vintage pieces became more challenging in Bali, I knew it was time to book my next trip back to India. Before leaving, I placed orders for beds, ensuring production would begin in time for my arrival.
Image: We have added an Indian touch to our Bedroom Collection Adding the "Rani" Four Poster Bed and the "Sundara" both beautiful beds carved from Mango Wood.Β See the Link for our Eco Village Bedroom Collection
One Container Became Two: When You Find Too Much to Loveπ
When I stepped into India, it felt like a dream come true β a world of endless possibilities opened up before me. I was like a kid in a candy store, surrounded by treasures at every turn.
I had originally planned to fill just one container, but as I wandered from one supplier to the next, I couldnβt help but fall in love with even more pieces. The beauty of the furniture is that itβs not only sustainable but often made from restored vintage or repurposed materials. Old carvings are given new life as theyβre transformed into consoles, beds, and other functional furniture.Β
So, I decided to fillΒ two containers β a decision Iβve never regretted. The Eco Village Collection is now available on our website, and Iβm beyond thrilled with each piece.Β Of course, a small part of me wants to take it all home!
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Image: I have always been passionate about Vintage furniture.Β As a teenager I would restore cast iron beds, old cupboards ect.Β Now I am still following that passion and finding amazing pieces in India and Indonesia.
The Beauty of India and it's people ππ
This was Edβs first trip to India, and what an incredible experience it was! The journey felt almost effortless β everything we wanted seemed to fall into place. The warmth and hospitality of the Indian people were overwhelming. In fact, we were invited into local homes for dinner, a gesture that truly touched our hearts.
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Image: Ed loves history.Β He was amazed with the sophisticated architecture of the grand havali's,Β forts and palaces.Β Β Always doing his research on his phone to learn more while I worked on the computer between Melbourne office and Indian Suppliers.Β Β
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Image:Β Nisha and her daughter Mitali welcomed us into their lives with warmth and generosity during our trip. They invited us into their family home for a heartfelt dinner, sharing stories and hospitality. After the heartbreaking loss of her husband to Covid, Nisha has shown incredible resilience, emerging as a powerful businesswoman. Together with Mitali, she now leads the restoration of the Rani Mahal Boutique Hotelβ a majestic, 450-year-old building that is being lovingly brought back to its former glory. Their dedication to preserving this historic landmark is a testament to their strength, passion, and family bond.
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The Blue Cityπ
Our stay in theΒ Blue City of Jodhpur, within the walls of the Mehrangarh Fort (dating back to the 1400s), was an experience like no other. Surrounded by solid stone buildings, with views of rooftop restaurants looking out over the fort perched on the hill, it was truly magical.
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Image:Β The view of the Mehrangarh Fort and the Blue City from the rooftop restaurants was breathtaking...
π° Forts, Camels & Curiosity: Our Indian Adventure Unfolds
One of the most unforgettable experiences was our camel ride in theΒ desert of Jaisalmer. It was everything youβd expect and more β from the golden sands to the incredible sunset views.Β
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We did, however, make the mistake of booking a desert glamping tent that didnβt quite match the photos onlineπit was very dirty, I did not feel safe and did not sleep.Β We later found out this is a bit of a scam.Β We quickly left early the next morning, and headed back to town and found Casa De Kaku a Boutique Hotel in Jaisalmer, beautifulΒ accommodation owned by three Indian brothers.Β Β The rooms were inspired styling by different countries this was the Moroccan room.Β We loved this hotel with a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of the Golden Fort.Β Β
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Image: It was in this roof top restaurant that I set up my βofficeβ β a desk with a view like no other. The rooftop restaurants of Rajasthan are the perfect working environment with amazing views.
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Image: This is the before shot, squeaky clean and white!Β Β We are about to head out to Holi celebrations and you will see the end results further down.Β πππ
Stepping Back in Time...
Visiting theΒ Golden Fort of Jaisalmer, built in 1156, was one of the highlights of our trip. What makes this fort so special is the construction β all the stone walls are simply put together without mortar, a necessity in the desert where water had to be carted in. Walking through its ancient walls, temples, and the King and Queenβs palace left me in awe. The architecture and history were mind-blowing. Itβs hard to believe that the fort is still inhabited to this day.Β
Image: The Golden Fort is made with no mortar, looking at this temple it is hard to believe no mortar was used.Β
π Lost in Colour: Celebrating Holi in the Heart of Jaisalmer
The highlight of our trip was experiencingΒ Holi β the Festival of Colours. This joyous celebration, marking the arrival of spring, is also a celebration of love. The night before Holi, we witnessed Holika Dahan, a ritual bonfire that signifies the triumph of good over evil. On the day itself, people of all ages smeared each other with brightly coloured powders, dancing and celebrating in the streets. We were embraced by the warmth of the locals, who made us feel like celebrities. Everyone wanted to take photos with us, and we couldnβt help but join in the fun.
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Image: This gorgeous girl made my day she was so sweetπ
Image:Β End of Holi, what fun!Β Now time to shower to try to get the colour off, it took about a week to get all the colour out of our hair.
πΏ What Makes the Eco Village Collection So Special
Our two containers have now arrived in our warehouse, and Iβm in love with the beautiful blend ofΒ Balinese and Indian pieces. The craftsmanship is stunning, especially the metal work and intricate carvings on the wood. The furniture is made primarily from old teak or mango wood, and the style of carving is unique to India. Each piece in the Eco Village Collection is not just a piece of furniture β itβs a story of sustainability and preservation. By recycling and repurposing vintage timber, weβre giving new life to these incredible works of craftsmanship, ensuring that they continue to tell their story for generations to come.
We believe in preserving the cultural artistry that might otherwise be lost, turning it into one-of-a-kind pieces that will last a lifetime. These arenβt just pieces of furniture; they are part of a living tradition, brought to life again in your home.
π¬ Your Turn: Which Piece Speaks to You the Most?
If youβd like a sneak peek at ourΒ Eco Village Collection, click the link below. Let us know which piece speaks to you the most! Weβd love to hear your thoughts.
