A home is often more than just a space to live; it is an extension of one’s memories, values, and personality. For Swati Trivedi, her home in Baroda is exactly that. With over two decades of collecting rare and ethnic artefacts, she has turned every corner into a thoughtfully crafted space that reflects her love for art, tradition, and storytelling.
Swati’s love for home décor began when she was eight. Her father brought home paint catalogues for work, but she was drawn to the décor pieces shown in the images instead of focusing on the painted walls. She was especially fascinated by the regal metal artefacts and porcelain figures that added life to those carefully staged rooms. Over time, her interest only grew stronger.
As a young girl, she began to collect small artefacts during local shopping trips and family holidays. Newspaper cuttings and interior design magazines became her guidebooks, and she carefully saved each clipping. These clippings later helped shape the look and feel of her own home.
When Swati finally moved into her own home, she was clear that her collection would not be hidden away in cupboards or boxes. Instead, it would be part of the home’s identity. She designed spaces that would allow every piece to be seen and appreciated. Rather than hiring an interior designer, she worked directly with a carpenter and electrician who brought her sketches to life. Together, they created a handcrafted partition wall with built-in lighting to showcase her most prized pieces.
This shelf not only separates the entrance foyer from the living room but also becomes the home's focal point. On the top shelf, large brass pots from Nahar are placed, each with its own story and meaning.
Over 22 years, Swati has collected various items—blue pottery from Jaipur, heirloom brassware from her mother-in-law, and rare finds from small workshops and markets across India. The key to her home’s charm lies in how each item is placed thoughtfully to suit the mood and purpose of a space.
For instance, the entrance is meant to feel calm and welcoming. So, it features a painting of Lord Ganesha, a ceremonial brass ladle, and a serene Sleeping Buddha. In the study, a wooden table holds pottery pieces that blend beauty and utility. Even the pantry has been transformed into a visual treat by pairing porcelain containers with handcrafted blue pottery.
The balcony garden has handmade deer planters from a local workshop and bird sculptures crafted by artisans from Kamati Garden. The balance between earthy elements and polished brass gives the home a warm and grounded atmosphere.
Swati consciously chooses to support local artisans instead of purchasing mass-produced décor. She believes that handmade pieces carry a personal touch that adds depth to any space. Every item she picks up from small towns or local studios has a story of the hands that shaped it. This helps preserve traditional craft styles and ensures each piece is one-of-a-kind, making the home more meaningful and rooted in culture.
Instead of restricting décor to only display corners, Swati uses her artefacts functionally. For example, brass pots become flower holders, and painted plates are used as wall accents. This way, the décor is not just for visual appeal but also serves everyday purposes. Let art become a natural part of life rather than something separate or reserved for display cabinets.
Lighting plays a major role in how her artefacts are viewed. Swati designed her shelves with soft LED lights to create warm highlights and gentle shadows. This brings out the textures of brass, wood, and ceramic in a subtle way. Rather than using overhead lighting that flattens everything, she uses focused lighting to create depth and draw attention to finer details.
While the artefacts are diverse in origin, Swati ensures colour harmony throughout the home. She chooses earthy colours and avoids overly bold contrasts. The aim is for each piece to stand out while still blending into the home's overall colour palette. This gives the house a soothing and consistent feel, allowing the mind to rest and appreciate the details.
Swati considers how each artefact affects the energy of a space. For instance, brass items are used near entrances to invite positivity. Calm and spiritual pieces like the Buddha statue are placed in areas meant for rest and reflection. She follows basic principles of spatial balance, not as strict rules, but as quiet guides to ensure each corner feels comfortable and complete.
Creating a home filled with beauty does not always mean spending a lot of money or hiring professionals. Swati Trivedi’s home is an example of how time, thought, and care can turn simple items into powerful home décor elements. Her journey shows that a collection built over the years, placed with purpose, and chosen with love can transform a house into a home that truly reflects the person living in it.