In a world where fast furniture often dominates the market, Sithmi Gamalath stands apart- not merely as a designer, but as a storyteller. Her creations are not just pieces to be placed in a room, they are crafted narratives, shaped by the textures, colours and memories of Sri Lanka.

This philosophy shapes every aspect of her work. Her design language blends minimalist elegance with cultural nuance. Beyond aesthetic appeal, sustainability is central to her vision. As her brand grows, she remains committed to her core ethos celebrating Sri Lanka’s rich craft heritage while embracing global design sensibilities. Raised with a deep appreciation for artistry and heritage, Sithmini’s earliest memories of design came from her father and also by watching skilled local craftsmen transfer raw timber with objects of beauty. ‘Wood has a life’ she says. If you listen closely, it will tell you what it wants to become in every curve, every join, and every finish.

Today, she has the joy of creating alongside her husband, Ravin—her best friend, soulmate, and greatest supporter—an Architect by profession. It’s a true blessing that they see eye to eye on so many things, sharing similar tastes and design styles that make building both their life and work together feel effortless.

Furniture plays a big role in styling, what do you look for in pieces?

A: I am drawn to pieces that are minimal but layered in detail, that feel lived in, yet elevated. I look for clean lines, beautiful proportions, and materials that hold character. It should feel intentional and effortless at the same time.

Some of your biggest challenges in the industry today?

Spaces that speak sophistication

One of the biggest challenges is standing firm in your design values when the market is flooded with trends and fast production. There is always pressure to create what’s “in” right now, but I am more interested in designing pieces that last and hold meaning. Working with such a diverse set of people, whether it’s clients, collaborators, or craftspeople means navigating different expectations, processes, and timelines. It can definitely be challenging at times, but it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of the work. It constantly pushes me to stay flexible while still holding on to my core values and design vision.

What inspired you to move into the industry of furniture design?

A: I have been lucky to have many people inspire me along the way, family, mentors, friends, and even chance encounters all leaving little marks that have led me to where I am today.

My father has been in the furniture industry for as long as I can remember, and I have always loved being involved, whether it was giving feedback on designs or joining him to source fabrics for upholstery. Those early experiences, though small at the time, sparked a curiosity in me that kept growing.

My mother is one of the most creative people I know. She stitches most of my clothes, and now my daughter’s too, and she is the heart of my clothing line. From fabric shopping to pairing colours and coming up with new designs, we do it all together. I realise now how much I was absorbing just by being around both of them. Their love for creating, in different ways, shaped my eye and gave me the foundation I now build on.

Simplicity in its finest form

My father’s closest friend, a furniture designer, also inspired me deeply. I used to tag along on his site visits and loved watching his designs evolve from paper to space. Today, I collaborate with both him and my father on many pieces. Another powerful experience that shaped who I am was my time at MICD Associates, interning under Architect Murad Ismail, a mentor I remain deeply grateful to this day. He threw me into the deep end, challenging me in ways that uncovered a creative side I never knew I had. These experiences have played a pivotal role in shaping the person I am today.

A: How would you describe your design aesthetic?

It is quite grounded, clean, minimal, with a quiet softness. I am drawn to calming palettes, natural textures, and forms that feel timeless without being predictable. For me, it is always about finding that balance between warmth and clarity. I also love creating spaces that feel effortless and personal, where everything has room to breathe.

That said, I also enjoy introducing a statement piece or a subtle highlight, something sculptural or unexpected, to break the uniformity and anchor the space. A feature element that adds interest without overpowering the calm. It is that contrast that often brings the whole story together.

I find designing my own spaces challenging because I love to refresh them often, switching things up to bring in fresh energy. But no matter the changes, warmth, comfort, timelessness, and understated elegance remain constant. For me, design is an organic process that evolves naturally over time.

What is one signature piece you are fond of?

A: The Ray Eames lounge chair and Ottoman have always captured my heart, it’s that perfect marriage of comfort, design, and functionality. There’s an ease to it, the way it invites you in and holds you, without ever compromising on beauty. If I were to give a local parallel, it would be the good old armchair, what I like to call grandfather’s chair, the one that’s worn just right, that carries the stories of countless conversations, quiet afternoons, and unhurried moments. Both pieces remind me that great design isn’t just about how something looks, it’s about how it makes you feel, and the life it quietly holds within it.

Where do you find your inspiration?

A: Honestly, inspiration is everywhere — you just have to stay curious and open. I am often drawn to nature, where the textures, shapes, and colours give endless ideas. Architecture and the way spaces are formed also really influence how I think about proportions and materials.

Sithmi Gamalath

I love looking at traditional crafts and contemporary art for aesthetic inspiration and new techniques, and sometimes everyday objects surprise me with clever solutions I hadn’t considered. History and culture bring rich stories that can add depth to a design, and of course, the materials themselves often guide the form and function in unexpected ways.

People’s everyday lives and how they interact with their surroundings are also a huge source, it reminds me to keep designs intuitive and meaningful. And, I have to admit, Pinterest is also a pretty good place for inspiration, it’s like a never-ending mood board with all the ideas you didn’t know you needed!

Do you think women in furniture design have a global future?

A: Absolutely. There’s a growing space for different perspectives in design, and women bring incredible intuition, sensitivity, and layered storytelling to their work. While challenges around visibility and recognition still exist in some parts of the industry, we’ve come a long way.

Visionary designers like Minnette de Silva, Ena de Silva, and Barbara Sansoni were pioneers who did remarkable work ahead of their time, even if they weren’t always fully celebrated for it. Today, there’s a real shift happening, people are more open, curious, and appreciative of diverse voices and ways of seeing.

It feels like we’re just getting started, and the future for women in design is not just promising, it’s vital and exciting.

What roles does sustainability play in your design process?

A: huge role. For me, it’s not just about using eco-friendly materials, it’s about designing pieces that people want to keep for decades, pieces that grow with a space and don’t feel disposable. That means focusing on durability, repairability, and timeless aesthetics rather than chasing trends.

I work with suppliers and craftspeople who share these values, prioritising quality, fair practices, and low-impact finishes. Sustainability also means slowing down and being intentional about what we put out into the world.

We make the most out of every material. For example, offcut pieces of wood from larger builds are transformed into smaller-scale items like chopping boards, platter boards, handle details, and trays. It’s a small thing, but it’s our way of respecting the material, reducing waste, and ensuring nothing beautiful goes unused.

What is one piece of furniture that defines your design philosophy?

A: The Wolvendaal chair is a quiet masterpiece. I’m drawn to its minimalism and clean lines, the delicate rounds of woven rattan, and the way every detail reveals itself when you take a moment to truly look. It embodies my design philosophy — creating timeless, functional pieces that grow more meaningful over time, respecting materials, and finding beauty in intentional craftsmanship. For me, it’s a gentle reminder, both in design and in life, that sometimes the answers are right in front of us, waiting to be found in the smallest, most deliberate details.

Do you see any strong trends in furniture design at the moment?

A: I’m really seeing sustainability take centre stage, more designers are prioritizing materials and creating pieces built to last and be repaired rather than replaced. Flexibility is another big trend, especially with people living in smaller spaces. Modular, multi-functional furniture that adapts to different needs is hugely popular.

I’m also noticing a real appreciation for craftsmanship and artisanal touches people want furniture that tells a story and supports local skills.

Technology is slowly but surely making its way into furniture design, with smart features like wireless charging and ergonomic adjustments becoming more common. Overall, the focus is shifting toward designs that are not only beautiful, but thoughtful, inclusive, and made with care.

.