When you step into Kalaya, it takes you on a journey of generations, where the story of culture and civilisation of the beautiful Island is portrayed in refined craft.
Words Supipi Udashashi | Photography BT Images
Kalaya was a clay vessel used by previous generations to collect and store water. It was often decorated and was both useful and beautiful, as are the items at Kalaya, the designer home store located in Pelawatte. The Store features a rich collection of uniquely designed home-ware, handmade from natural materials. Whether you are looking for the perfect gift, trying to create a warm ambiance for your bedroom with earthy toned bed spreads and pillows, or transform an ordinary chair into a beautiful seat with a batik cushion cover or deliver an elegant dining experience with designer crockery, Kalaya is the place to go.
Every nook and corner of the store is filled with objects of usual and unusual shapes meticulously designed with a contemporary touch yet preserving its ethnic beauty. The scent of flower shaped perfumed candles piques the senses, while wind chimes in the shape of small elephants beckon customers into this treasure trove. The ground floor is full to the brim with cement sculptures, wood carvings, candles, table centrepieces, rugs, door stoppers and doorknobs. In one corner is exquisite jewellery produced by Cocoshel community group using discarded coconut shells. Kalaya not only promotes local crafts but also provides a helping hand to community organisations by providing a platform to showcase their work.
Walking past the small shelf displaying a range of flavoured tea and green tea, the stairway lead us to the first floor passing a set of paintings with wooden prints on the wall. It is on this floor that the ceramic and stoneware with sophisticated designs are displayed. The store also has an extensive batik collection that includes bedspreads, cushions, pillow covers, table runners and sarongs. The topmost floor is arranged with soft furnishings designed and manufactured in Sri Lanka. Inspired by nature, the objects are adorned with designs of sea creatures and seashells. Mirrors framed with cane, cinnamon sticks, kitul(or fishtail palms) decorated the wall, with other cane products such as lampshades and other accessories placed on the ground.
Kalaya makes gift shopping a lot easier and their products are sure to please your loved ones
As an attempt to promote and preserve Sri Lankan heritage and local craft, the designers at Kalaya use natural materials when creating all products. Going that extra mile to provide a wide selection of trendy items, the artists also travel to countries such as India, and Thailand to handpick the best items. Committed to protect nature, Kalaya displays a selection of objects; all fabricated with eco-friendly materials.
Step into Kalaya, to pick that specific gift in your mind. With a great variety in what’s on offer, at Kalaya there is something to suit every taste and requirement. Step in and be inspired.
260/A, Pannipitiya Road, Pelawatte, Battaramulla
(+94 11) 278 6886
kalayahomeware@gmail.com
