We are a design shop and studio based in San Francisco. Our mission is to revive and redefine 3,000 years of South Asian tradition for modern living.
In a world drowning in cookie-cutter décor and big-box blandness, Kaarhaus was estalished in 2022 as the lovechild of South Asian artistry and contemporary Scandinavian design. We're not here to sell you another mass-produced ikat prints and elephant motifs cushion cover; we're here to revolutionize how you express your heritage in your living space.
Our mission is twofold: to breathe new life into centuries-old heritage crafts and to create a platform where these artisanal skills are celebrated, not sidelined. We collaborate with master artisans across South Asia, bringing their unparalleled craftsmanship into contemporary spaces.
At Kaarhaus, we believe your home should be as multifaceted as your identity. Your living space should be more than just aesthetically pleasing – it should tell your story. We're here to help you design a space that speaks of monsoon afternoons in Mumbai and sunset cocktails in San Francisco – all at once.
We don't just reproduce traditional designs; we reinterpret them. Our designs seamlessly blend South Asian heritage with contemporary aesthetics, that would look at home in a New York loft or a New Delhi penthouse.
In an industry often shrouded in opacity, we stand for radical transparency. From sourcing to creation, we share the story behind each piece, empowering you to make choices that align with your values and vision.
Our pieces aren't just conversation starters; they're conversation facilitators. The Kaarhaus Journal features interviews with our artisan partners, deep dives into regional craft histories, and tips on incorporating South Asian design elements into various interior styles.
Darshini Shah, the founder and CEO of Kaarhaus, embodies the brand's ethos of cultural synthesis. With a decade of design experience in San Francisco and deep roots in India, she brings a unique global perspective to her work.
A graduate of Parsons The New School of Design and California College of the Arts, Darshini honed her skills at a prestigious architecture firm and a Fortune 500 company before founding Kaarhaus in 2022.
She was tired of seeing South Asian design reduced to kitschy stereotypes or watered-down 'ethnic' motifs. She believes that South Asian heritage is rich, sophisticated, and deserving of a place in contemporary design. She created Kaarhaus to be that bridge – a space where our cultural legacy can be celebrated in a modern context.
Darshini approaches each collection as a journey of discovery, aiming to create narratives that inspire others to transform their spaces into proud reflections of their identities.
If you're interested in speaking with Darshini, she is available to consult and explore how design can help empower young brands and entrepreneurs. You can email her at ds@kaarhaus.com.
