W I T H   M E T A L   I N   M I N D . . .

by Hina Nitesh

Hardware shopping is probably the only kind of shopping I am averse to. 

For whether it is a dimly lit store or a glamorous one, they have similar looking boring and mundane pieces. And I am sure the thought is echoed in many other minds as well. But one look at the images below and there will be a change of heart...

Clockwise from top left - Serving Bowl, Soap Dispenser, Keychain, Paperweight

Mukul Goyal is the man responsible for thinking beyond the regular and bringing  'fun' in these supposedly mundane products. He studied metallurgy at IIT Kanpur but was always looking for creative satisfaction. A course in product design from NID was just what he needed. Later he even went to Domus Academy, Milan for another course in product design. 

A nameplate for the house

Today he is the Principle Designer and Director at Designwise India Ltd., a firm that he established in 1998.  His designs are sold both nationally and internationally under two distinct brands - Mukul Goyal which is a brand of giftware and home accents and Tattva® - the art hardware range. 

Door Handles

Aesthetics, quality, timelessness, functionality are some important aspects of his design philosophy though not necessarily in the right order.

For the office

His products are characterized by their simple and minimalistic designs which are beautiful to look at without compromising on the basic functional requirement. The twist in the tale is the element of surprise which they bring with them. Once discovered, it is bound to ignite a little smile or a deep laugh. 

Curtain rod and tie back back detials

Goyal manages to create a bond between the product and the user in the short while which also makes him, reach out to the product every time.

Left - Yoga bottle stopper, Right - Lotus bracket

Most of us are too engrossed in our day to day lives to find time to smile that too while performing the most mundane of tasks like opening a door. Mukul Goyal designs tease the users and transform the most mundane of tasks into fun.

Clockwise from top left - Serving Platter, Napkin holder, My Chest, Wine Bottle Holder

Apart from the quirkiness, it is the quality of the end products that is important for the designer. He believes that whether the design is good or bad, how it sells finally depends on the quality of the product. A poor quality product will never sell however good the design might be.

Lighting

He has successfully broken the mindset as far as metal and hardware design is concerned. He feels that design needs to have a timeless appeal to it and doesn't believe in following trends or creating for a particular season.

 

Cutlery

To know more about the designer check out his site

All images: Copyright Mukul Goyal

Text & creative layout copyrights: On the Design Boat   

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