Reema Kohli wasn’t always a designer. She moved to New York from England, studied finance and worked long hours on Wall Street. A vacation to a friend’s wedding in India would change her life’s direction, and lead her to create her tableware and home décor company, Peetal New York.
Kohli told NOUVEAU® she spent her vacation entranced by the skill level of artisans making items by hand in Delhi, and the experience led her to quit her job, and design her own work, with no prior background in art and design. This perspective is what Kohli said, in part, allows her to have a fresh take on the industry.
Although her company is only a year old, Peetal New York consists of two collections. Facets of Life features faceted designs said to reflect the highs and lows that one faces in life. The Lotus Collection derives inspiration from the lotus flower, a symbol of rebirth and enlightenment.
While the designs have personal meaning to Kohli, she said that the story behind her ideas is relatable, and the products are made for utility as well. Kohli added her product offers a modern look coupled with ancient manufacturing processes.
“I think people are so used to products that are mass produced. When you know the story behind an artisan who created the product, it gives the product a bit of an edge; the handcrafted provides the uniqueness of the product, and no two pieces are alike,” said Kohli. It is her mission to promote these artisans’ skills. The stories are detailed on her website and in marketing materials.
Kohli remains hands on with the production process, traveling to the Indian factories often to collaborate with the artisans in creating the final product.
Peetal means brass in Hindi, and its highly malleable nature makes it widespread in the use of many pieces of art. Kohli’s designs fuse brass with a variety of alternate metals, such as aluminum, stainless steel, and precious stones, such as mother of pearl.
Kohli prides herself on her design’s authenticity: “Companies represent nature in the tabletop industry. I wanted to take it one step further and use nature.” For example, for her Inverted Lotus Leaf Tray, she utilizes a handpicked lotus leaf to create the mold used in the casting process, so the finished piece captures the leaf’s every minute detail. In Peetal’s Lotus Leaf Handle Rectangular Tray, the handles are casted in copper, instead of applying a copper spray to the exterior.
One product Kohli is particularly fond of is her new spin on a charger plate. The center of the charger is hollow, removing the unutilized center, allowing the consumer to place their plate on top of the ring.
Kohli said Peetal New York’s products would appeal to consumers for different purposes. Some of the décor items can be used in the home daily, while Peetal’s napkin rings or mother of pearl inlay cake stand and bread/cheese board can be used for serving cake or cheese during a special occasion, she said.
