With a name that generates instant love in artists and designers, CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow and key -black- are the four inks used in colour printing) is the first bookstore in Delhi to be dedicated almost exclusively to high-end art book.

Opened by the publishers of Roli Books, CMYK is the perfect place to spend hours looking at beautiful books on art, design, photography, architecture, lifestyle, and everything else that can be printed in a nicely bound heavy volume.

Because of their publishing background, at CMYK they understand very well that people cannot buy high-end art books like they buy any others, but they need the right space and time to look at them properly. The shop is designed around this concept: it's not a big space, but there are enough tables and stools to be comfortable while looking at books, and even the limited editions can be browsed - they provide protective soft gloves to touch the most precious books.

It is indeed a rarity to see so many beautiful coffee table books in one place, but as it usually happens with interesting stores, CMYK is not just about that. Next to the books they sell beautiful stationery, small design items, and even cool chairs (by Pantone, to be consistent with the name). Plus CMYK organises workshops and activities on weekends, and it will soon open a rooftop café which is going to open early in the morning and serve a good breakfast in the morning (something that it's not so easy to find in town).

Interestingly, CMYK is not in one of the big "posh" markets of Delhi, but in Mehar Chand Market (Lodhi Road); around the bookstore there aren't just clothing chains and expensive jewellers but rather grocery stores, dotted by a few non mainstream fabric and fashion design stores. There is something quite refreshing (and a little "happening") about the area, and we like that CMYK has chosen such a different location.

There simply isn't another place like this in Delhi, so if you are a lover of art books, CMYK is your destination. And make sure you have time to waste once you reach there, because we promise, it won't be easy to leave the store.