At Truffles & Ruffles, we are always drawn to brands that tell a story through their craftsmanship, values, and design. Our latest tablescape collaboration with Indu House was a perfect example of this - a meeting of beautifully curated homeware and a shared passion for artisanal craftsmanship. We were honoured to style our table with Mellisa’s exquisite wares, showcasing the skill and heritage behind each piece.
Indu House is not just about homeware; it’s about connection - to tradition, to artisans, and to a way of living that values sustainability and authenticity. We sat down with founder Melissa to learn more about the journey behind Indu House, the inspiration that fuels her work, and what’s next for this remarkable brand.
About Indu House & Its Origins
Can you share the story behind Indu House? What inspired you to start the brand?Indu House was born from a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and a desire to support artisan communities in Indonesia, emphasising the use of sustainable materials and fair partnerships with our makers. Being Indonesian myself, our mission is quite literally close to home and having grown up surrounded by the beauty of Indonesian textiles and traditional craft, I saw firsthand the skill, dedication, and cultural significance behind every handmade piece. But I also saw the challenges these artisans faced, diminishing markets, middlemen driving down prices, and a lack of direct access to global customers. I wanted to create a bridge between these artisans and a wider audience, ensuring that their work is valued and that they receive fair compensation for their work.
The name Indu is beautiful – what does it mean, and how does it reflect your brand’s philosophy?
Coming up with a brand name is probably one of the first hurdles any new business comes across. Based out of the UK and having European routes through my husband, we were inspired by past European and British explorers discovering the “new worlds” and imagined what it must have felt like to stumble across a culture foreign of your own. The intrigue and the excitement must have been exhilarating. The INDU portion of the name comes from one such explorer, a gentleman named George Windsor Earl, an English navigator and the author of works on the Indian Archipelago. He is known for coining the term “Indu-nesian” which was later adopted as the name “Indonesia”. A nod to our ambition to transport our customers to the captivating landscapes of Indonesia where every product tells a tale of generational craftsmanship and artistry. “HOUSE” holds a significant meaning for us too. Of course it speaks to our focus on homeware, but on a deeper level it is a reminder of our longer-term mission which is to create a House (physical or metaphorical) were artisans can come to collaborate, eat, drink and socialise. We want to be “for-good” before “for-profit”. This might sound naïve to some, but it’s an ambition that very much keeps us grounded and focused on what really matters, and that’s the makers we work with, and our customers here in the UK.
How does your background and personal journey influence the aesthetic and values of Indu House?
My journey has been a blend of different worlds. With my parents both being doctors, we travelled all over southeast Asia before settling back home in Indonesia. Experiencing different cultures and working in creative industries as I grew up has definitely had an impact on the aesthetics and values of Indu House. I worked in the fashion industry and later had a successful career in make-up artistry before moving to the UK to further my study. I always had a passion for interiors, possibly influenced my uncle who is an interior designer in Berlin. This has shaped Indu House’s aesthetic, which embraces both the raw beauty of traditional form and the simplicity of modern design. At the heart of it all is my commitment to ethical production, sustainability, and a respect for maker.
Brand Ethos & Craftsmanship
Sustainability and craftsmanship seem to be at the heart of Indu House. How do you ensure ethical sourcing and production?
We work directly with the makers, bypassing multiple levels of middlemen to ensure they receive fair wages and are well-supported. Too often, the makers behind beautiful products we buy as consumers remain invisible in a faceless supply chain. We want to change that. I also visit at least twice a year and put together care packages to be distributed to our weavers and their families.
In a world of automation and synthetics, we want to put hand-made back at the heart of our homes. We prioritise sustainable materials, natural fibres, plant-based dyes, and traditional weaving techniques that have minimal environmental impact. Our bamboo weavers are a great example of this; They harvest the bamboo from a nearby forest to their village. Harvest too much and they run out of material, harvest too little and the new bamboo shoots are constricted and must fight for sunlight. It is in everyone’s best interest that the forest is kept healthy and sustainable. It’s not about mass production; it’s about creating fewer, better pieces that stand the test of time.
Your designs celebrate traditional techniques—can you tell us more about the artisans you work with and the processes behind your collections?
We work with skilled artisans across Indonesia, from weavers in Bali and Lombok to terracotta potters and woodworkers in Java. Each piece is created using time-honoured techniques passed down through generations. For example, our handwoven raw cotton throw can take weeks to produce, using natural dyes derived from plants and minerals. These are skills that are at risk of disappearing, so part of our mission is to help sustain and pass them on.
How do you balance honouring heritage craftsmanship while creating pieces that feel contemporary and relevant today?
It’s a delicate balance, but it starts with deep respect for the traditional techniques while considering how they fit into modern spaces. We work closely with the makers to adapt patterns, textures, and forms in ways that feel fresh yet authentic. We listen to their option as they’re very much the experts in their craft and we work together to design something new. The goal is to create pieces that feel timeless rooted in history but not stuck in it.
Design & Inspiration
Where do you find inspiration for your collections—are there particular cultures, art forms, or moments in history that shape your designs?
When it comes to coming up with a new collection, we take inspiration from what our makers have been weaving for years, and then add a subtle twist, or a slight change in proportion to bring it closer to the Western market’s taste. There are certain colour ways that are very popular in Indonesia that I do not think will lend themselves very well here. We have so far kept to Whitewash, Dark Brown and Natural which gives a classic and non-offensive feel. The same applies to the terracotta vases, we ensure the form and finish aligns with what our customers like. I am also always keeping an eye on latest trends, attend design and fashion shows and have handful of my favourite interior designers who inspire me and would love to collaborate with.
Can you walk us through your creative process, from concept to finished piece?That’s a tricky question! We’re based in the Cotswolds, so inspiration could come from anywhere, perhaps something I saw at an rustic village pub or a little stone cottage. I might be inspired by a particular weaving technique or a material or form that I come across. From there, I would send a number of photos and a simple mood board to one of our makers and we experiment with prototyping, sampling, and refining the details. The process is very hands-on, and because everything is made traditionally, there’s a lot of back-and-forth with the artisans to perfect each piece. As you can imagine it’s very hard to do this remotely, so I make it a priority to spend as much time in Indonesia as possible (usually 8 weeks) over the summer and a couple of weeks in the winter.
What role do colour, texture, and material play in your work? Are there any signature elements that define Indu House?
I believe texture is everything. it brings warmth and character to a space. We focus on natural materials like raw cotton, terracotta, and wood, celebrating their imperfections. Our colour palette is very earthy, inspired by natural dyes and organic tones. If there’s a signature element, it’s probably embracing the beauty of handmade and imperfect things.
The Future of Indu House
How do you see Indu House evolving in the coming years? Any exciting projects or collaborations on the horizon?
We want to continue growing in a way that stays true to our values. Expanding our collections, collaborating with like-minded designers, and finding new ways to support artisan communities are all part of our vision.
As alluded to earlier, the ultimate dream would be to build an actual Indu House in various parts of Indonesia and attract the local craftsmen and women to socialise, eat, drink and collaborate. We’d love to also host workshops led by the artisans where visiting tourist can learn and experience these traditional methods first hand.
In terms of what’s coming in the horizon; we’ll be launching new collections and introducing wooden homeware and small furniture soon.
This June (2025) we’ll be celebrating our 1st anniversary at Park Fair, where we debuted Indu House to the public. We have some very exciting collaborations planed and hope to see many of our customers there. As a predominantly online store, we do miss the opportunity to interact with our customer base in person, but we have plenty of pop ups and fairs dotted throughout our calendar – watch this space.
If you could see Indu House in any home, setting, or collaboration, what would be the dream scenario?
I’d love to see Indu House pieces in spaces that truly honour craftsmanship, whether that’s a beautifully designed boutique hotel, a slow-living retreat, or a home that values thoughtful, collected interiors. A dream collaboration would be with a brand that shares our commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability.
What message or feeling do you hope people take away when they bring an Indu House piece into their home?
A sense of connection to the hands that made it, to the traditions behind it, and to the idea that home should be a space of warmth, authenticity, and meaning.
Our collaboration with Indu House was not just about styling a table—it was about honouring the artistry, care, and heritage behind each handcrafted piece. Melissa’s passion for her work is truly inspiring, and we feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to weave Indu House’s story into our latest tablescape.
We can’t wait to work with Melissa more in the future, bringing her beautiful designs into our events and beyond. For those who appreciate thoughtful, sustainable craftsmanship, Indu House is a brand to watch - and, more importantly, a brand to cherish.
