Experiencing the richness of Indian culture and its craftsmanship can often seem like a prolonged task, but stores like No-mad, an Indian lifestyle brand, bring the country’s expanse to you, offering an immersive journey. Nestled at Mumbai’s Horniman Circle, No-mad stands among its architectural marvels and old structures. Its introduction is a prominent ‘Red Door’ offering a refreshing welcome to its visitors, in contrast to the area’s historically rich culture. This particular hue of the door complemented by a gold Nandi-shaped handle — also the brand’s muse—draws from the very intrinsic elements of the Indian identity and also doubles up as a signature aspect of No-mad’s branding. Founded by Anuj Kothari, this space is No-mad’s second physical location, following four years of successful online presence — since its inception in 2018. But what truly makes it to the list of must-visit stores in Mumbai is the brand’s ability to capture the eclectic India and re-interpret it for the global taste. Described as a material library of sorts, the bounty of this store is its handmade textiles, decor accessories, furniture, stationery, and more embracing traditional Indian patterns, prints and embroideries - making for a great house-warming gift option as well. Their bright and earthy tones within the store’s minimalistic interiors contribute to the store’s eclectic ambience. This design intent is meant to focus attention on the textiles—primarily their rich textures and palette— some of which are suspended from the ceiling, almost hovering above a podium-like structure, rather than being displayed on traditional racks. The rest of the store evokes a tranquil almost dream-like atmosphere with their clever interplay of colour and lighting. While the walls may appear to have a pinkish tone, this effect is actually the result of strategically placed mirrors that reflect light and the red accents peppered throughout the store — creating a certain depth. This warm atmosphere is meant to reflect the brand’s philosophy of ‘slow living’, encouraging customers to take their time and choose items that hold personal significance and lasting value.