This new Indian homeware brand is redefining the art of everyday living

There are homeware brands that focus on aesthetics, and then there are those that evoke a feeling. Saar., a new Indian small-objects studio, belongs firmly in the latter category. Designed around the art of slowing down, hosting and embracing life's quieter pleasures, the brand's debut collection, Bed & Breakfast, ca. '97, transforms everyday moments into thoughtfully crafted rituals.

Founded by Bani Kohli Jain, saar. takes its name from the Hindi word saar, meaning essence—an apt reflection of the label's philosophy. Rather than creating products simply to fill a home, Saar. designs objects that capture moods: the comfort of an unhurried morning, a lingering lunch with friends or the final drink enjoyed on a balcony as the day winds down.

"The talent here is impeccable, some of the quietest genius in the world, and we'd been putting it on planes to be admired everywhere but home. saar. is me bringing the cool factor back to where it began," says Jain.

Every piece is handcrafted in small batches across India and South Asia, celebrating regional craftsmanship while drawing inspiration from a distinctly global aesthetic. The brand's playful personality is expressed subtly—through embroidery, colour palettes and unexpected details rather than overt branding.

Unlike conventional home collections organised by product type, Bed & Breakfast, ca. '97 is arranged by mood. It begins with the morning, featuring buttery-soft cabana-striped robes in modal satin paired with matching lounge trousers that feel equally suited to slow breakfasts or answering the front door. The collection also includes embroidered mulberry silk pillowcases reading "Five More Minutes" and eye masks cheekily labelled "Noon", encouraging wearers to savour a few extra moments of rest.

Entertaining takes centre stage throughout the collection. Cocktail napkins embroidered with the words "Please Leave By Nine" add humour to dinner parties, while wavy dinner napkins, each stitched in different colours, celebrate the personalities gathered around the table. Hand-blown glass candlesticks and egg cups are intentionally designed to be mixed rather than matched, embracing the beauty of imperfect tablescapes.

The accessories are equally thoughtful. The Court Tote effortlessly transitions from tennis club to farmers' market, while the Bottle & Baguette Bag is purpose-built to carry exactly what its name promises—a bottle of wine, a fresh loaf and perhaps flowers picked up along the way.

For the dining table and bar cart, Saar. introduces whimsical pieces that elevate everyday meals. A pasta plate affectionately named the "Cute Chef", a sculptural butter dish that doubles as a jewellery tray after breakfast, lacquered brass fish-shaped bottle openers and anchovy-inspired serving forks inject personality into daily rituals. Even smoking accessories and candles receive the brand's signature playful treatment.

The collection concludes with weekend essentials designed to linger in the home rather than disappear into cupboards. A full-grain leather travel backgammon set is crafted to remain permanently on display, while intricately beaded valet boxes, sequinned trinket trays and reversible "Do Not Disturb" door hangers turn practical objects into keepsakes. Saar. also introduces curated ritual sets—including Breakfast in Bed, The Table Set, Last Call and Courtside—encouraging customers to embrace beautiful living every day, not only for special occasions.

To mark the launch, Saar. hosted an intimate evening inside an art gallery featuring an all-female exhibition of South Asian artists—a fitting backdrop for a female-founded brand dedicated to celebrating regional craftsmanship. Guests also explored the whimsical Saar. Corner Shop, inspired by charming holiday newsstands, stocked with curated finds ranging from Mykonos olive oil to handmade soaps from Barcelona alongside the label's own creations. Live hand embroidery allowed visitors to personalise their purchases, reinforcing the brand's emphasis on meaningful craftsmanship.

With Bed & Breakfast, ca. '97, Saar. offers more than beautifully designed homeware—it presents a new way of living. One where the Tuesday breakfast deserves the same attention as a festive dinner, where hosting feels effortless, and where the smallest everyday objects quietly become part of life's most memorable moments.