Tabling her talent

v Former Indian interior designer makes exotic tablecloths and bed linen


Kavita Bahadur's search for a tablecloth for her unusual size round table led her to an interesting new profession. The former corporate interior designer now devotes her time to creating elegant table and bed linen.

"Since I could not find any tablecloths for formal occasions in the right size I bought some embroidered organza and tailored it to fit my table. Many friends who liked it asked me to make one for them and before I knew it I was in business," recalls Kavita.

Besides specialising in unusual size tablecloths, she also designed table runners, table mats, quilts, cushion covers, coasters and gift bags.

Kavita works with natural fibres like silk, organza and tissue. She uses a variety of off-whites and other pastels and some rich 'jewel tones'. Some of the tablecloths have woven patterns or are embellished with mirror work, providing a subtle dressy look, while others are more elaborate with gold thread work or crushed tissue edging.

"The design process is quite challenging because of the fixed width that the fabrics come in. To make big sizes that fall well on all sides of the table, particularly for the round tables, I have to think of ways to incorporate the joints fluidly in the pattern," says Kavita.

She makes tablecloths in 10 different sizes and also accepts orders for custom-made linen. Kavita combines rich textures like raw silk and tussar and embellishments like tassels and ribbons to create beautiful quilt sets.

All the cushion covers in a set are coordinated but each has a unique pattern. "My focus is on an excellent finish and a reasonable price. I supervise every single cut and stitch that is made and want my products to be accessible to everyone," she emphasises.

Kavita, an Indian, studied the fine arts in the U.S. and has worked as a corporate interior designer in the US and UK. At work she designed offices and hospitals and had never tried designing home accessories.

"After the birth of my daughter and our subsequent move to Dubai last year, I was contemplating a change of pace in my hectic work schedule and realised that this was the perfect thing for me.

Now I spend the whole morning sitting with the tailors and the rest of the day with my daughter and enjoy every moment of it," smiles Kavita.

"Initially I was worried that catering to the individual tastes of the myriad nationalities living in Dubai would be difficult. But I have realised that simplicity and elegance are a language everyone understands," she concludes.