A note from Swathi, Founder and Designer

I’ve lived a rooted nomadic life, a sort of globetrotting homebody. Taking stories of home with me wherever I go, bringing stories back from my travels. 

Kahaani means story in Sanskrit. 

I see stories everywhere - in the skills passed on through generations of artisans, in modern art, in music and cultural traditions. I founded Studio Kahaani to bring them to life, to bring them to you. 

I loved growing up in a historic home in Ottawa and renovating alongside my father. Anyone who knows big old houses knows that they are a lifestyle, practically another (sometimes dysfunctional) member of the family. I was deeply rooted in our home life, and could be found rearranging furniture and rugs or painting and plastering from a young age. But long school holidays were always spent in India with my mother, exploring textile and jewelry traditions and temple architecture. Colours and flavours and fragrances and people that were so familiar yet different. 

I have spent over 25 years in international affairs, with one foot firmly planted in Ottawa and the other pivoting around the world. A rooted nomad, chasing galleries and art and inspiration alongside my diplomatic work. Frequent international moves also provided the fringe benefit of reconsidering and redesigning my homes wherever I moved. 

Curious by nature, I love being a multi-hyphenate. My design work is influenced by my travels and work but also my writing, dancing, painting, and culture. Creative and collected inspiration that I’m thrilled to share with you. 

I hope that Studio Kahaani becomes your destination for a lifestyle of inspired and thoughtful beauty that tells your story.