On warm February morning in Jaipur, I hosted a decorative painting workshop on the terrace of Samiti One with ten pupils from Vimukti Sanstha.
Since I started my business three years ago, I’ve held a series of creative workshops in Jaipur with this artistic group of young girls - from block printing to papier-mâché - but this session focused on decorative painting, and how simple objects can be elevated through thoughtful design.
Set on the terrace at Samiti One - the apartment I designed - the workshop was designed to feel both structured and relaxed. We began with a short tour, looking at how decorative painting and murals can enhance interior spaces - particularly within the context of Jaipur’s architectural heritage.
For the workshop itself, I chose vintage wooden frames from Indian Art House as our starting point. Each had been prepared in advance, sanded and painted in a soft plaster pink, creating a cohesive base for individual expression.
We explored a few key principles of decorative painting:
- repeat patterns and rhythm
- complementary colour combinations
- proportion and placement
From there, the pupils worked independently, each interpreting the brief in their own way.
Some designs leaned towards symmetry and structure, with repeating motifs inspired by traditional Indian patterns. Others were softer and more intuitive - delicate florals and freehand detailing that felt almost textile-like in their finish.
What continues to strike me during these Jaipur workshops is how instinctive creativity can be. With minimal direction, each piece reflected both individuality and a shared visual language.
After the painting session, we visited Opera for a behind-the-scenes look at their kitchen, followed by lunch and their well-known Neapolitan pizzas - a different kind of craft, but no less precise.
These workshops form part of my ongoing work with Vimukti Sanstha, a Jaipur-based non-profit supporting girls’ education and career development.
10% of my annual profits and all income from ticketed workshops are donated to the organisation, helping to fund opportunities for young women in Jaipur.
Hosting a decorative painting class in Jaipur in this way feels like a natural extension of my work - bringing together interiors, craft and community in a setting that encourages creativity to flourish.
The Journal
Interview with CNN News18
An interview on block printing, craft and the meaning of 'home' with Surbhi Pathak for CNN's News18.
Pink Jaipur Blossom
Rani pink against crisp white cotton - the making of the second part of the Jaipur Blossom collection.
A+D Magazine Feature
A feature in Architecture + Design magazine's 'Women Championing Crafts in India', exploring Jaipur block printing, craft heritage and contemporary design in India.