Roopa Kunkolienkar aims to preserve Goa’s unique heritage, one handcrafted piece at a time at Goa Decor
Goa Decor is a boutique that celebrates the rich cultural heritage and history of Goa through a curated collection of handcrafted products. Founded by architect and interior designer Roopa Kunkolienkar, the store aims to bring the timeless essence of Goa’s traditions, art, and architecture to modern homes. Goa Decor’s offerings range from intricately carved wooden kitchenware to the iconic Goan windows, each piece a testament to the region’s vibrant cultural legacy. Roopa’s vision is to create functional works of art that resonate with contemporary sensibilities
while honouring Goa’s history.
Roopa’s journey to founding Goa Decor began with her deep-rooted connection to the Goan way of life. Raised in a traditional Goan family, she spent her childhood summers immersed in the culture, architecture, and traditions of her ancestral homes. These experiences, filled with love and authenticity, have profoundly influenced her designs. Roopa’s passion for Goa’s history was further nurtured during her architectural studies, where she worked on projects focused on the region’s unique architectural and cultural heritage.
“Growing up in Goa, surrounded by the beauty and charm of its landscape and heritage, I always knew I wanted to preserve and promote this culture,” Roopa reflects. “It became clear to me that I could combine my expertise in
architecture with my passion for Goa’s art and history, creating products that are not just decor, but cultural statements.” The inception of Goa Decor was not immediate. Roopa initially prioritised raising he children, which meant putting her artistic and entrepreneurial ambitions on hold. However, as her children grew older and the covid-19 pandemic provided a rare window of opportunity, Roopa revisited her creative pursuits. The lockdowns allowed her the time to reflect, design, and begin the journey of turning her passion into reality. With the support of her children and the encouragement of her elder brother, Roopa found the strength to pursue her dream.
Her travels across the world, where she witnessed the pride other nations take in preserving their cultural identity through design, further fueled her desire to bring Goa’s unique heritage to the forefront. Roopa realised that, while Goa had witnessed tremendous changes over the past two decades, the cultural legacy of the state deserved to be celebrated, preserved, and shared with the world. 
“My aim was to highlight Goa’s profound legacy, its traditions, its unique identity, and its history,” she explains. “Through my designs, I wanted to evoke a sense of nostalgia, taking people back to a time when Goan life was simpler, more authentic, and grounded in tradition.”
Goa Decor’s product line is a blend of nostalgia and modernity. The store is divided into different sections, each offering culturally significant items that celebrate Goa’s rich heritage, all of which are loved by all their customers:
1. Fine Arts: This collection features 20 distinct hand-painted series, all inspired by Goa. “I had the privilege of collaborating with Prof Halarnker of JJ school of applied Arts – a Goan by origin, to create these artworks. The paintings reflect the vibrant spirit of Goa’s landscapes, culture and history,” says Roopa.
2. Goan Windows: One of the first product lines introduced at Goa Decor in early 2020, these windows are a tribute to Goa’s architectural heritage. They remind Roopa of her childhood spent in beautiful ancestral homes in Goa. Each window has a unique design, showcasing the traditional charm of Goan homes. These windows are available as the original pieces as well as part of their Fusion Décor section.
3. Sadafuli Collection: This vintage Goan kitchenware collection includes pieces made from seasoned wood, handcarved out of a single block, inspired by the traditional kitchen culture Roopa experienced growing up in her ancestral home.
4. Aaboli Collection: Showcasing a variety of Goan antiques, traditional windows, occupations, crafts and arts
− this collection includes handmade, ceramic and some printed souvenirs.
5. Fusion Décor: This section is an integration of Goan craftsmanship, vintage techniques and materials with
modern designs. Each of these sections appeals to a wide range of customers, all captivated by the beauty of Goan culture and the unique stories each piece tells.
6. Home Decor: Alongside her heritage-inspired creations, Roopa designs home decor and lifestyle accessories for purposeful living, including pieces like the Sukhasan (meditation chair), mythological and spiritual art and other bespoke furniture items.
For Roopa, one of the biggest challenges was sourcing skilled artisans who shared her vision of preserving Goa’s heritage through their work. As many traditional crafts had fallen out of favour in recent years, it was not easy to find craftsmen skilled in the ancient techniques that Roopa wanted to revive. However, the COVID-19 lockdown proved
to be a turning point, as many talented artisans were left without work. Roopa reached out to artisans she had worked with before and connected with others through her architectural practice.
She found artisans specializing in hand carving, cane weaving, woodwork, and textile crafts, and over time, built a team of skilled craftsmen who could bring her designs to life. “It took time and patience to convince many craftsmen to return to traditional techniques, especially when modern materials like plywood and laminates had become the
norm,” Roopa explains. “But with persistent effort, they began to trust the vision, and together, we began to revive
these traditional techniques,” she adds.
The artisans at Goa Decor are not just makers − they are partners in the preservation of Goa’s history. Roopa has worked closely with them, offering training and mentorship to enhance their skills. This process has been deeply fulfilling, especially asRoopa has seen firsthand how this venture has helped artisans and their families. Sustainability is at the heart of Goa Decor’s design and production processes. Roopa prioritises the use of locally sourced, natural materials like seasoned wood, cane, and handwoven cloth, which support local artisans while reducing transportation emissions. The studio also avoids harmful chemicals, using natural finishes like flaxseed and almond oil to preserve the authenticity of their vintage kitchenware.
Packaging is also thoughtfully considered, with Goa Decor opting for ecofriendly options like recycled newsprint paper, paper bags, and traditional loom-produced loin cloths. “We are committed to supporting local craftspeople and using natural, sustainable materials in every step of our production,” Roopa says. “Our goal is to create beautiful, timeless products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of Goa Decor for Roopa has been the positive impact it has had on the local
community. “What started as a passion project has grown into something that has created stability and opportunities for local artisans, especially women,” she explains. Roopa has seen firsthand how her business has allowed artisans, particularly women, to gain financial independence and confidence. 
Working with local women who have joined the team has been a source of immense pride for Roopa. Watching them grow in skill and self-reliance has been deeply gratifying, and she takes great pride in knowing that her work has not only celebrated Goa’s heritage but also empowered these women to support their families.
While Goa Decor has been an undeniable success, the journey has not been without challenges. One of the most difficult aspects of running the business has been finding artisans who can meet the high standards required for producing the intricate handcrafted items that define Goa Decor. Additionally, balancing traditional craftsmanship with modern design elements requires constant collaboration, fine-tuning, and an understanding of the evolving needs of the market.
Roopa explains that despite providing clear designs, there have been times when artisans have introduced their own
ideas, which have not always aligned with her vision. This has sometimes led to entire batches being rejected. Nonetheless, Roopa remains committed to creating high-quality, authentic pieces that reflect the true essence of Goa’s heritage. Managing a growing team and ensuring that every product is crafted to perfection can be time-consuming, but Roopa’s dedication to quality over quantity has been a key factor in the success of Goa Decor. “We prioritise quality and craftsmanship over mass production,” she emphasises. “It’s about creating pieces that are meaningful and timeless, not just something that looks good for the moment.”
From the outset, Roopa had a clear vision for her venture, but it was the unwavering support of her brother, Rajeev, that truly brought her vision to life. “He not only guided me through the challenges and potential hurdles but also helped structure the systems necessary for success. His advice, particularly his mantra to do it for the joy of it, was instrumental in building my confidence,” says Roopa.
Her associate artists, Prof Halarnkar and Namrata, introduced to her by Rajeev during the pandemic, have been invaluable partners, contributing their creativity and dedication to the project.
Roopa also credits her children, Aashna and Ronit, for their constant support, particularly in addressing technical and logistical challenges.
Although her husband, Nitin, is engaged in a completely different field, his encouragement and belief in her passion have been crucial. His involvement became especially significant during the gallery’s relocation, where his support helped elevate Goa Décor to new heights.
Roopa expresses deep gratitude for the entire team, including her parents, close friends, and well-wishers, whose support has been essential throughout this journey. She acknowledges that this venture remains a collaborative effort − a mission dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Goa’s rich heritage through its artisanal products. Roopa’s vision for Goa Decor is to create a global platform for Goan artistry, where people from all over the world can appreciate the beauty, skill, and history embedded in every piece. “We want to evolve without losing our authenticity,” she says. “The goal is to create products that are timeless yet adaptable, pieces that celebrate Goa’s history while fitting seamlessly into modern spaces.” 
For women entrepreneurs, Roopa has this advice: “It’s never too late to start. Follow your passion, and that passion will carry you through the challenges. The road may not always be easy, but your love for your work will guide you.
Be patient, resilient, and ready for hard work. The journey may take time, but it is deeply rewarding and leaves behind a lasting legacy.” Roopa’s journey with Goa Decor is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the deep desire to preserve and celebrate one’s cultural heritage.
