Aaji Mastan

Don’t expect a daydream back to the til laadoos her aaji (grandmother in Marathi) made when she was a child, and the soporific effect they had on Sundays. In fact, there will be little reference to personal stories when you ask graphic designer Falguni Gokhale about the inspiration behind Aaji’s Kitchen, a super cute miniature doll house - well, doll room - built in a 10 by 10 wooden box that displays a kitchen scene from many years ago.  

 “The idea was to bring universal nostalgia. While the blue walls could be from my grandma’s kitchen, the tea maker or barnis (jars) may evoke scenes from your family home”, says the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad graduate who currently runs a graphic art company in Pune. The  ‘chamber’ is decked with tiny copper vessels or tambat arranged against a backdrop painted by Falguni and enclosed behind a glass partition.

In the Waterworks

This mini installation, along with Aaji’s Bathroom, is her first foray into product design, both of which you can order from Either Or in Pune who'll ship the designer's works to Mumbai. In addition to copper devices, this room also has fun-size additions like a Lifebuoy soap, hand-spun towel and other accessories crafted by Falguni, who is yet unsure if a bedroom or study will follow in the series .

These cases of nostalgia are meant to be mounted on a wall or kept atop a microwave or bathroom shelf. A reminder that your past often catches up with you, and sometimes, you have to pay for it. Rs 3,500 to be precise.

Getting there: To order email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (or contact Falguni directly on 020 25653902), Rs 3,500 per room plus shipping charges to Mumbai.