HUNT

SOUK

Tasteful and elegant?that would describe Souk, which is tucked away in a little street in Nungambakkam. The store is a testament to the owner, Soumya's love of beautiful things and her passion for collecting unusual pieces. Souk's setting too is charming ? a quaint house with a veranda and delightful garden. The shop specialises in antiques and reproduction furniture. One can glimpse its offerings on the large veranda as one enters, which is strewn with furniture. Inside, it's like stepping into another world ? back into the 19th century maybe! As you meander through the shop, you find a delightful collection of artefacts and furniture. If you love antiques, then make a beeline for Souk. Soumya even adds her own quirky designer touches to some of the period pieces, giving them a funky, unique look. And, at Souk, the process of sifting through the vintage pieces and selecting stuff that you like is an added attraction!

SOUK is at 23rd Street, Dr Thirumurthi Nagar, Nungambakkam, Chennai?66677594.

RANI ARTS AND TEAK

Once you drive onto Harrington Road, you cannot miss the imposing facade of Rani Arts and Teak. Inside the store is a treasure trove for those who have a penchant for period pieces! Established in the year 2005, Rani Arts and Teak, is a retail showroom for exclusive handicrafts and hand made furniture.

Sprawled across 6,000 sq. ft., the store has a range of products to suit different budgets. They specialise in reproduction Colonial furniture. Apart from this, one can find handicrafts, jewellery, durries, paintings,

carpets, antique reproductions, textiles.

For those who love the charm and elegance of British Colonial furniture but are unable to source the authentic stuff, this is a great place. The furniture is reproduced from colonial style furniture and is hand made from reclaimed Burma teak. Rocking chairs, writing tables, consoles?you can even order and the furniture will be made as per your specifications. The store offers free design service to customers. You can scout around for antiques at their godown on Nowroji Road as well. RANI ARTS AND TEAK is at No 8 Harrington Road, Chetpet, Chennai-600031. Tel: 42327887

MUTHU FURNITURE

It started out as a small shop in Besant Nagar and subsequently moved to the outskirts of the city to the East Coast Road in Palavakkam. Today Muthu Furniture, which is now in Sholinganallur, has moved to its own premises with a glass façade and tiled flooring, giving the showroom a swankier feel ? a transformation from its early days when antiques were displayed at random, stocked choc-a-bloc. Many pieces are showcased in the showroom and customers can pick these up if they like them. A warehouse has a stock of antiques. If you like something, you can select it from here and they will have it restored for you. On one side of the spacious ground floor are imposing refurbished pillars. Don't be surprised if you get to see a bullock cart as well! Upstairs there is some exquisite old Chinese furniture and elaborate four-poster beds.

MUTHU FURNITURE is at No 51/55 KK Salai, Shloinganallur Link Road, Chennai?600119. Tel: 24531400