Jaipur Rugs Opens Mumbai Store Blending Heritage, Modern Design

Jaipur Rugs has opened a new store in Mumbai’s historic Empire Mills Compound, blending the city’s textile heritage with contemporary design. The space, designed by Dubai-based studio Roar, occupies a former warehouse, preserving its Victorian steel structure and pitched roof. Located in Lower Parel, once known as the “mill village” of Girangaon, the area’s industrial past as a hub for spinning sheds and cotton warehouses is echoed in the building’s architecture, making it a fitting location for a brand rooted in hand weaving.

Led by Pallavi Dean, Roar drew inspiration from fractal geometry, mirroring the rhythmic repetition of weaving. Cuboid volumes and stepped forms create a gallery-like atmosphere, showcasing large-format rugs and live weaving demonstrations. Dean explains that the design aimed to translate the logic of weaving into architecture, using simple geometric forms that repeat and scale throughout the space, much like the threads in a rug.

The design transforms the vast warehouse into an intuitive, easy-to-handle space. Visitors encounter origami-like metal birds suspended from the ceiling and curated displays, while a vertical rug archive with pull-out, tiled storage invites tactile exploration. Warm timber, raw steel, and reflective surfaces complement the handwoven textiles, ensuring the rugs remain the focal point. The material choices not only honor the building’s industrial heritage but also create a harmonious backdrop for the detailed craftsmanship of the rugs.