Designing Kitchens… And Dreams
“We love designing dreams,â says Ashish Mohnot, explaining the motivation behind his various design ventures in Goa. He and his wife Shaifali Mohnot have now opened SLEEK on NH17 in Porvorim â an extraordinary store featuring some of the most beautifully designed kitchens available in this part of the world.
Ashish was born in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. He spent his first nine years of his life in Calcutta and then eighteen years in Jodhpur. In 2001 he married Shaifali and a year later they had Morvin and Morvish, twin boys.
In 2003 Ashish and Shaifali participated in the Lokotsav Exhibition, held at the Kala Academy in Panjim in association with the Goa government and West Zone Cultural Centre of Udaipur. Ashish says, âPeople loved our stuffâ and thatâs when they decided to stay back and feel the love. For the next five years, they sold furniture in Goa from their first store, Antiques ânâ Ethinix, in Porvorim. At one point they decided that the best way to bring their business forward was to meet their clientsâ needs on an individual basis, catering to personal preferences and taste. So they started tailoring and delivering exclusively to a niche clientele in Goa. But production costs were high with goods being brought in from Jodhpur. So they finally shifted manufacturing to Goa. In addition to Antiques ânâ Ethinix in Porvorim, the couple has another furniture store in Morjim.
Their third store, which opens today, Feb. 28, features the latest in modular kitchens and kitchen furnishings. Being one of Indiaâs leading brands, Sleek, âThe Kitchen Specialistâ has all the latest designs and products to satisfy those who like to keep up with the market. Yes, it is a high-end clientele that would be most attracted to the products SLEEK is providing. But Ashish points out that you donât have to be super-rich to afford it, either. SLEEK is open to all.
Antiques ânâ Ethinix, their other showroom in Porvorim, is a place for all who appreciate originality and novelty. They donât replicate designs and they make sure they stay ahead in their game. Their USP: Offering you exactly what you have in mind while working within your budget to offer you a host of flexible offers.
They have a range of products to choose from: sofa sets, loungers, consoles, room corners, dining sets, chests, double beds, single beds, chairs, tables, stools, cabinets, pedestals, almirahs, lower sit outs. You can gift your loved ones exquisitely crafted mirrors and photo frames, decorative utility boxes, pen stands, key stands, ash trays, miniature paintings, clocks, bowls and trays, spice holders, candle stands, wine bottle holders, magazine stands, book ends, desk items and animal figures.
Well, if you do go to SLEEK and experience the clean lines and ultra-modern design of the kitchens, you might be surprised to see that Aishish and Shaifali are also behind Antiques ânâ Ethinix, with its emphasis on traditional style. I think itâs a beautiful juxtaposition that gives dimension to Ashish and Shaifaliâs business. I can see that this is a true labour of love. The family has been living in the same bungalow for the last twelve years that Antiques ânâ Ethinix is situated in. Their wares surround them: the old clocks, statues, beds, gigantic wooden elephant heads, swings, doors, windows and all the other beautiful paraphernalia from all over India as they sit down on their dining table to say âgraceâ.
Ashish Mohnot
Oh, did I also mention that in addition to being Sleekâs birthday itâs also Shaifaliâs? Happy birthday to both of you!
Opening event on 28 February, 5 pm at Sleek.
Shaifali Mohnot
Sleek
+91 9665024877/9890234877
Opp Volkswagon Showroom, NH-17,
Porvorim
Antiques ânâ Ethinix
+91 9665024877/9890234877
Plot no.1, H.No.1810, behind Chodankar Nursing Home, Alto-Porvorim, Bardez, Goa