In an era of fast furniture and fleeting trends, there’s something quietly powerful about holding on to what already exists—and making it beautiful again. At the heart of this mindful movement is Singing Sparrow, the creative studio founded by Rashi Bajaj, where forgotten trunks, worn-out chairs, and antique cabinets are lovingly transformed into artful, functional showpieces rooted in vintage decor principles.
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A Love for French Aesthetics and Light-Filled Spaces
For Rashi, this journey began with a deep fascination for French décor. “I was always very fascinated with the French decor and the way they do up their spaces. It adds so much light and brightness, which I found lacking in most of the Indian homes where everything is dark and polished,” she shares. This contrast in aesthetic sparked the idea of transforming traditional furniture into lighter, textured, more expressive pieces aligned with vintage decor sensibilities.
Quick Summary
Singing Sparrow by Rashi Bajaj breathes new life into heirloom furniture through hand-painted transformations rooted in sustainability and vintage decor. Inspired by French aesthetics and a love for storytelling, Rashi revives worn pieces into expressive art. Each project is a thoughtful blend of client collaboration, eco-conscious practices, and timeless charm—celebrating the beauty of reusing what already exists.
Furniture as Storytelling and Art
It’s not just about painting over the old. Rashi sees furniture as a storytelling medium. “Distressing and textures add so much character and warmth to the place while complimenting the existing polished pieces as well,” she explains. “We took it to the next level by turning them into art pieces instead of just routine furniture.” This philosophy is central to her signature vintage decor style.
Reviving Heirlooms for Modern Homes
Vintage aesthetics are central to her design process. “The colours and textures draw me towards vintage styling and decor. The rustic and rugged finishes have their own charm and tell the story of their journey through the imperfections,” she notes. For Rashi, vintage doesn’t mean outdated. “In Indian families, we have so many hand-down pieces that have been a part of our journey through generations but unfortunately don’t fit in with the modern aesthetics. So instead of letting go of those beautifully carved pieces, we hand paint and give them makeovers to compliment the modern decor.” This creates harmony between contemporary interiors and the charm of vintage decor.
Client-Centered and Collaborative Process
Most of the furniture that Rashi works on belongs to her clients. “We usually do pieces belonging to the client,” she says. “We do advise as to which pieces will turn out better than the others, but they originally belong to the clients only.”
Her process is detailed and collaborative from start to finish. “When a client gets in touch with us, we request some pictures of the pieces they would like to get done, as well as their placement, to understand the design language and decor that needs to be complimented,” she explains. From there, she begins suggesting designs. “With a to-and-fro open communication, we finalise a theme and start designing.” For larger projects, she also visits the site in person to understand the environment more closely and tailor the vintage decor elements accordingly.
Studio Work and Signature Techniques
Once the pieces arrive at her studio, the real transformation begins. “We do the tweaks or repairs that are needed before starting the final artwork on them,” she says. “The final looks are shared with the client before we seal them. And that’s how the pieces get a new life and a new chance to shine!”
Her tools are simple, but the results are extraordinary. “The most humble sandpaper is what I swear by,” she says. “If the prep work is not up to the mark, the final finish will never be satisfactory.” Prep work is essential in achieving the detailed textures that define her vintage decor projects.
A Trunk That Tells a Story
When asked about a project that stood out, she doesn’t hesitate. “My first trunk makeover on the theme of books,” she recalls. “Being an avid reader myself, I was super excited when my client wanted me to refurbish her grandmother’s trunk in a books theme with her favourite titles.” The result was a highly personalized piece: “I turned the top into a proper book cover with 3D pages, and the bottom had different book spines. It was a challenge which I simply loved.” A true testament to combining vintage décor aesthetics to revive pieces that would otherwise be discarded.
Challenges That Come with Timeworn Beauty
Of course, the process doesn’t come without challenges. “The most challenging part is the initial prep work of the base. Some pieces have had a long journey which shows in the structure and polish, along with oil stains which sometimes are very difficult to cover up,” she says. “We do hit and trial to see what works.” Overcoming these hurdles is key to preserving authenticity in every vintage decor transformation.
Sustainability at the Core of Creativity
Sustainability is not just a happy outcome of her work—it’s a core value. “Saving good quality pieces from ending up into trash is our contribution towards sustainability,” she says. “We make our own furniture paints without using any harmful chemicals.” This eco-conscious approach complements her embrace of vintage decor, where reuse and reinvention go hand in hand.
This mindset is paired with a love for ever-evolving style. “Vintage decor is a vast segment and I come across new trends every day. The one which I personally love is the comeback of wicker. It is being incorporated in all modern designs. The play of colour is another exciting trend leaving behind the old polish.”
Tailored Solutions for Every Client
Understanding her clients is key to each project’s success. “We make sure to understand what the client likes and has in mind by sharing reference images and taking their feedback on the same,” she explains. “We create swatches of the shades before doing them on the pieces to make sure they are happy with it.” For larger projects, she plans site visits to better support the design process. “We are more than happy to experiment and design something completely different from what we have done earlier, giving a lot of choices to the client.” The idea is to combine contemporary and vintage décor principles to create designs that are timeless.
Looking Ahead: Experimentation and Artful Dimensions
Looking ahead, Rashi is excited to experiment even more. “Next, I am experimenting with different and new mediums which I can incorporate in my artwork to give it more dimension,” she shares. “I love experimenting with blended finishes and want to do more of intricate hand painting as well.” These new explorations will further deepen her signature vintage decor approach.
Inspired to give your old furniture a new lease on life?
Discover more of Singing Sparrow’s work or get in touch with Rashi Bajaj for a custom makeover that’s both sustainable and soulful. Because every piece deserves a second chance—and a beautiful one at that. Click here!
