Priyanka Shah’s Shed Studio Redefines Furniture with Joyful Design

In the vibrant city of Surat, India, Priyanka Shah, the 33-year-old founder of the multi-disciplinary studio Shed, is attracting attention for her innovative approach to furniture design. Her creations blend artistry with functionality, offering a whimsical take on traditional concepts that resonate in some of India’s most notable restaurants.

Shah’s journey into the world of design began with a passion for architecture, sparked by her family’s involvement in building homes. Her artistic inclinations led her to study at the renowned Parsons School of Design in New York. There, she shifted her focus from architecture to furniture, recognizing a desire for more immediate creative expression. In 2015, she established her studio in the basement of her family’s factory, initially collaborating with a small team of carpenters and craftsmen.

Creative Inspirations and Unique Products

Shed’s debut product line drew inspiration from an unbuilt school playground project, resulting in a series of wooden tables designed around traditional Indian board games such as Navkankari and Chaupar. These designs captured the essence of playfulness, which has since become a hallmark of Shah’s work.

One standout product, known as “The Bead,” features spheres of wood that can connect endlessly, allowing for versatile uses as table legs or candle holders. This innovative piece caught the eye of a curator at the London Design Fair in 2016, leading to significant recognition for Shed back in India.

Following this initial success, Shed expanded its offerings to include a diverse range of plateware, serveware, toys, and games. Shah emphasizes the importance of play in her designs, stating, “I think all our products tend to have that playful element.” This focus on playfulness is evident in pieces like the spinning coaster at Papa’s, a popular 12-seater restaurant in Mumbai, where the chef crafts a uniquely Indian dining experience.

Signature Pieces and Cultural Resonance

Among Shed’s most notable creations are the marble carrom boards, which feature intricate designs of mythical creatures. Originally commissioned for Subko Coffee Roasters, these boards have become symbolic of Shah’s ability to blend cultural heritage with contemporary design. The carrom boards are now available in various ambitious themes, including patterns inspired by the Patola weave and the geometric beauty of South Indian architecture.

Shah’s playful approach extends to her carousel designs, which serve as artistic pieces rather than functional items. These intricately crafted carousels depict fantastical scenes, such as a cupcake carousel adorned with miniature pastries or a library carousel representing the passions of a 40-year-old aesthete. Shah describes these creations as “souvenirs of someone’s life,” capturing personal narratives within their whimsical details.

As Shah continues to innovate, her vision for Shed remains clear: to create furniture that inspires joy and invites playfulness into everyday experiences. With her unique blend of craftsmanship and artistic expression, Priyanka Shah is not only making waves in the design community but also redefining the role of furniture in contemporary life.