An interior design trend that has dominated local homes for a while is definitely the use of cane.
Cane furniture has long been extensively used in Goa, and you will find it on beaches and in homes, in various forms like chairs, sofas, tables, baskets and much more.
Cane furniture has an aesthetic of its own, even more so when it comes to Goa, and you can find cane décor in all kinds of places, including restaurants.
People also purchase cane furniture for use in their homes, and manufacturers have found innovative and trendy ways to keep the cane business running by customising cane products to meet the requirements of the public.
The process of cane weaving is one of the oldest techniques in traditional Goan crafts.
In order to make cane furniture, rattan is harvested and its bark is cut into fine strips. These are then woven into fixed patterns and designs and incorporated into furniture pieces.
A manufacturer of cane furniture in Panjim said that over time, he has improvised his cane products to suit the tastes of his customers.
Walking along 18th June Road, in Panjim, Cane Craft is a store that's hard to miss. Its gorgeous cane lamps, brightly lit, beckon passers-by and it’s hard not to enter the store.
All those lights and cane items are simply mesmerising, especially if you are one of those people who loves rustic decor!
As you walk into the store, you receive a warm welcome from Sal, the store owner, who prefers to be called just that. As he showed us around the store, he revealed that it was started in 1975 by his father.
Sal has been running the store for around 20 years. Over time, he says that he has incorporated new items, along with the traditional cane items. These include jute bags, wooden walking sticks, incense holders etc so that more people walk into the store.
He says, “My store has something for everyone, right from kids to senior citizens.”
The store has a beautiful selection of cane decor and utility items such lampshades, chairs, sofa sets, mats and laundry baskets, among others.
So, if you are looking to decorate your home or office with cane as your item in focus, then this store is your best bet. Not only is there a variety to choose from, but you can also get an item of your choice custom-made as well.
After a walkthrough of the store, we asked Sal how he spends his day at the store.
“I love what I am doing, I am eager to meet customers or people who have questions pertaining to the items I sell,” he said as he walked over to a customer who had entered the store to purchase one of the pretty lampshades on display.
On that note, Cane Craft a one-stop shop where you can get your hands on not just cane items, but also stylish, sustainable items such as jute bags for women and children, jute table covers, bamboo corner shelves and wall hangings. In fact, there's something for everyone!
DETAILS
LOCATION: Keni’s Hotel, Near Gujarat Lodge, 18 June Road, Panjim
TIMING: 10 am to 7 pm