A Swing of Memories
A Swing of Memories
Project Overview
This project began when our client, Ajin, approached Nemophilist with a heartfelt idea—to recreate the spirit of the Kerala Attukattil (traditional wooden swing) as a modern living room sofa. For him, this wasn’t just furniture; it was a memory of his Kerala roots, a tangible piece of tradition brought into his contemporary Bangalore home. The project evolved into a handcrafted collection featuring a custom sofa set, a coffee table, and a pair of side tables.
Client Background
Ajin, a professional from the leading retail industry, wanted a design that blended cultural nostalgia with modern elegance. His primary challenge was achieving the open, airy feel of the traditional Attukattil without compromising comfort. He was also deeply intrigued by the Fibonacci sequence (the Golden Ratio)—a mathematical principle symbolizing natural balance—and wanted this sense of harmony to be subtly reflected in the furniture.
Project Objectives
The goal was to create a modern yet emotionally resonant furniture set inspired by Kerala heritage.
- Reimagine the Attukattil in a functional sofa form.
- Design coffee and side tables using traditional joinery methods.
- Build drawers using wooden slide mechanisms instead of steel runners—reviving the craftsmanship of 17th-century furniture’s.
Our Approach
At Nemophilist, tradition and innovation walk hand in hand. As a second-generation furniture brand rooted in a family-owned wood industry, we collaborated with artisans from the Vishwakarma community—true masters of woodcraft. Through long design discussions, sketches, and samples, we developed a final concept that merged Kerala’s nostalgia with modern comfort.
Before the design took shape on paper, it grew through countless conversations. For almost a month, Joju and Ajin would connect after office hours—and talk deep into the night about wood grains, joinery, proportions, and design philosophy. Some calls lasted hours., drifting between creativity and friendship.
During the process, the collaboration between Ajin and Joju became legendary. Even Ajin’s wife jokes that whenever Joju calls, she knows the conversation won’t end soon—they talk like old friends catching up after years, about wood grains, design philosophy, and sometimes everything except furniture. Those calls could stretch late into the night, often ending only when real life interrupted: Ajin’s wife reminding him it was long past bedtime, or Joju’s mother appearing at the door announcing dinner like a project deadline— “The kitchen’s closing!” she’d warn, while he tried to finish one last idea about the moulding line proportion in the leg. Somewhere between those interruptions and laughter, the design took its final shape, proving that creativity sometimes needs humour as much as precision.
Product Features
- Handcrafted using sustainably sourced Rosewood (95%) and Teakwood (5%). (Heartwood)
- Mortise-and-tenon joinery for strength and authenticity.
- Multi-level hand sanding for a silky-smooth finish.
- PU (Polyurethane) polish for long-lasting protection.
- High-density foam cushions for superior comfort and support.
Challenges & Solutions
Ajin initially requested a solid rosewood top for the coffee table, but Rosewood’s natural movement made it risky for a large surface. With his consent, we subtly integrated Teak wood for better stability. Our master polisher, Manish, then worked his magic—hand-blending pigments to mimic rosewood’s deep tone and grain pattern perfectly. The result was flawless—both visually and structurally sound.
Results & Impact
The final furniture set became far more than décor—it became a memory keeper. Ajin now enjoys the comfort of a modern home filled with echoes of Kerala’s tradition. The set stands as a lifelong investment, a symbol of cultural continuity to be passed on to the next generation.
Client Feedback
“A design idea transformed into a fine piece of living room furniture. Joju listens patiently and brings your vision to life—from the log to the finished piece. Enjoyed every bit of the journey and still do, with what’s now a beautiful part of my home.”
Ajin later shared that he chose Nemophilist not only for its sustainability-driven approach, but also because Joju’s deep understanding of the Fibonacci sequence deeply impressed him. He had approached several architects and furniture sellers before, yet none could explain or apply the concept meaningfully. That technical clarity—paired with genuine passion—earned his complete trust.
Key Takeaways
This project reaffirmed our belief that furniture is emotional architecture. The connection between client and craftsman is as valuable as the material itself. Today, Ajin is not just a client—he’s part of the Nemophilist family.
When we spoke again in 2025 while drafting this case study, Ajin said something memorable:
“My friends still ask where this sofa came from. I tell them Nemophilist makes
furniture for homes that have roots—not for places that keep changing.”
Our philosophy remains simple: we don’t just sell furniture; we craft heirlooms. Nemophilist products are built for homes with stories, not just spaces with walls.
Our Privacy Polices
Client privacy is deeply respected at Nemophilist. As per request, personal details related to this project are withheld, and the original sofa design will never be redeveloped or reproduced. While we retain limited production images for internal documentation, these are kept confidential and never shared publicly. Since no original photographs are available, only blurred or rendered visualization images are used in publications.
