Fashion, film, and jewelry are just some of the trades mastered by Waris Ahluwalia. But the Renaissance man defines his prolific House of Waris brand in a more simplified way. “I always say to the team, you’re not working at a fashion company or a jewelry company, you’re working at a hospitality company.”
Ahluwalia’s most recent endeavor is tea salon House of Waris Botanicals in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood. Defying café conventions, it encourages guests to unplug from the urban hustle across an intimate 120 square feet. Amid a growing population of coffee shop-coworking hybrids, the space provokes visitors to simply take a moment. “I thought my time would be better spent on working with humanity’s needs in mind versus their wants,” he says.
Reminiscent of a cup of oolong, the minimalist oasis was crafted by House of Waris in collaboration with New York-based studio Chadha Ranch. The team maximized the small footprint with features like glass doors that infuse ample daylight and a softening blush hue. “I wanted it to feel bright even if it’s tight,” Ahluwalia says. Even the few seats possess intentional narratives. The bespoke exterior bench is made from stone sourced by its maker from a quarry in New Jersey to reflect the thoughtfulness at the heart of the holistic experience.
“I like to transport people—whether it’s a movie, necklace, piece of writing, or a party,” Ahluwalia says. “My work focuses on shifting perspective and going beyond creating a space.”
Photography by Steve Freihon and Christopher Wray-Mccann
This article originally appeared in HD’s March/April 2020 issue.
