Four master couturiers open up about their eclectic home décor styles
Here's how these designers weave their artistic sensibilities into the realm of décor and design.
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It’s only when you’re living and breathing luxury that life becomes truly fashionable. Lucky for us, our favourite designers need not be confined to our closets only. After successfully reigning over the fashion industry for decades, the veterans of Indian haute couture have moved to designing living spaces that reflect an aesthetic sensibility synonymous with their labels, blurring the lines between fashion and home in majestical ways. Their designs are akin to artworks, but so are their bespoke silhouettes, elegant textiles, and rich tapestries that make you feel at home.
Shivan and Narresh
If it’s a larger-than-life aesthetic you are seeking, count on this flamboyant designer duo to deliver. For Shivan and Narresh, embarking on the journey of home décor and interiors found its roots with the design of Primera, Narresh’s New Delhi home, in 2017. However, their true inspiration blossomed during the pandemic, a time when the abode became the focal point of their existence. “This period of introspection and increased home-centric living fuelled our passion to reimagine a lifestyle that seamlessly blends relaxation, laid-back ambience, and indulgent well-being,” they mention.
Swimwear sartorialists, Shivan Bhatiya and Narresh Kukreja’s décor aesthetic effortlessly translates into a luxe interior brand through three fundamental design elements: artistry, boldness, and sophistication. Whether it’s wallpapers, candles, furniture and rugs, or lifestyle sensibilities and artistic prints, their designs resonate across diverse categories, creating a cohesive signature style that is almost an extension of their distinct and extravagant sartorial flair.
Shivan & Narresh Home is a harmonious marriage of contrasting sensibilities. “Shivan’s bohemian warmth converges with my (Narresh’s) preference for bold art in a minimalistic setting.” The result is a home that feels like a comforting cocoon in nature, accentuated by well-lit spaces designed for contemplation. The true essence of home, the designers believe, emerges when there’s balance—incorporating colour, art, and a sense of escape through landscaping and decorative elements, like wallpapers, furniture, home accents, and carpets. “Our personal tastes manifest in every creative output, forming what we proudly term the ‘Shivan and Narresh Universe’.”
The Delhi-based designer duo’s eponymous label embodies a luxurious holiday lifestyle. “Approaching interior design with a 360-degree perspective, we consider the emotional connection people have with getaways. This holistic approach distinguishes our designs and resonates with those who invest in the Shivan & Narresh aesthetic—a commitment to an entire lifestyle rather than just a product,” they explain.
For effortless home décor, the duo suggests investing in their statement hand-tufted wool carpets, which are easy additions to any space. “Whether in a cosy room or a spacious living area, our sculptural side tables introduce a modern touch, while our wallpapers evoke a sense of escapism, embodying the essence of Shivan & Narresh—transforming your home into a perpetual haven that seamlessly balances comfort and distinction, akin to an everlasting holiday.”
Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla
“For any artist, there is no set or defined medium for their creativity. Venturing into the realm of home décor and interiors was a natural evolution fuelled by our unbounded creativity,” the duo explains. Renowned for blending seamlessly eclectic artworks with modern silhouettes and extravagant décor, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla have undoubtedly carved a unique space for themselves in the realm of design. “The inspiration blossomed from a profound passion for beautiful homes, architecture, and art. In 1993, our journey began with a furniture exhibition at the Bajaj Art Gallery in Mumbai, showcasing a collection inspired by global architecture, from Gothic to Mughal.” The overwhelming success led the designers to establish an exclusive interior design consultancy, crafting bespoke spaces for over 30 high-profile residences in India, the UK, and Dubai.
The Mumbai-based duo’s transition from furniture to a boutique interior design consultancy was organic. “A decade ago, we introduced a limited edition furniture collection at Sussanne Khan’s store, The Charcoal Project. This venture evolved further with the inception of The Wonder Room, representing our work in furniture, interiors, and event design.”
“Our sartorial aesthetics are firmly rooted in the fabulous,” said the veteran designers who are fervent believers in creating the extraordinary, characterised by impeccable craftsmanship, hyper detailing, and an unwavering commitment to originality. “Our approach rejects conventional rules, allowing our imaginations and hearts to roam freely, resulting in the most extravagant and divinely decadent expressions in both couture and interior design.”
To a large extent, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla’s body of work begs description and defies definition. Rooted in an independent and unlimited imagination, their creations celebrate the impossibly fine and utterly original.” But that is not the extent of their design prowess—with no compromise on excellence, they utilise a diverse palette of elements like wood, brass, mirrors, textiles, sculpture, carpets, silver, antiques, and modern art—to craft timeless, luxurious spaces filled with soul and impeccable style. “Each project begins with a singular object or focal point, around which we construct a space that continually expands, to contain our vision and appetite for beauty,” the designer duo mentions.
Every Abu Sandeep home is an absolute one-off creation; what sets them apart is the fusion of originality, passion, and a holistic vision. “Our designs embrace the madness of imagination, exuding glamour and grace.” The master makers advise investing in fabulous paintings, great textiles, standout pieces of furniture, divine lighting, magical silver, and exquisite objects for those looking to elevate their humble abode. “The essence lies in curating a space that resonates with personal style, creating a home that is a work in progress forever—constantly evolving and growing with time.”
JJ Valaya
JJ Valaya has made it his mission to make homes beautiful. With every nook and corner telling an intricate and elaborate story, the maestro of maximalism has had a fascinating journey in the world of interiors that spans almost 25 years. “Our inception into the home sphere began with the creation of our signature wall tapestries, a unique offering that distinguishes us as one of the country’s exclusive design houses,” he says. These single-edition embroideries—showcased prominently at the Leela Palace in Delhi—are a testament to the beauty and craftsmanship he brings in.
As time unfolded, the designer’s pure passion for crafting spaces and interiors became more pronounced, especially during the pandemic. “The increased time spent at home prompted us to imagine a lifestyle centred around relaxation, blending laid-back atmospheres with indulgent well-being.” It was during this period that he decided to transform his passion into a standalone business. While the image architect himself contributes to the creative aspects, including mood boards, sketches, and initial designs, the other technicalities are seamlessly handled by the architectural team.
Every adjective ever used to describe JJ Valaya as a master couturier is manifested in his home décor aesthetic—grand, luxe, regal even. “Known as the ‘royal nomads’ with a penchant for art décor, our signature flair seamlessly blends the richness of royalty with a weathered, nomadic interpretation,” he explains. This fusion is further complemented by the glamour of the ’20s and ’30s art deco period, creating a multicultural statement characterised by detail, layering, and ornate opulence.
The Delhi-based designer believes that home is truly beautiful when it transcends the everyday to become an object of discovery and curiosity. “Rooted in the present, we bring together elements from the past and the future to create designs that stand the test of time.”
JJ Valaya refuses to compete blindly. “Do what you’re best at and then put blinkers on your racehorse and run your own race,” he advises. With over 33 years as a renowned fashion brand, he believes in charting his own path to stay relevant. “We have a loyal following that appreciates the unique DNA of our brand, and our strength lies in staying true to our identity.”
For those looking to invest in contemporary décor pieces to accentuate their home, the fashion designer advocates taking a holistic route. “Space management, material choices, layering with carpets, drapes, and furnishings, and the careful selection of art and artefacts all contribute to creating a home that resonates with your personal style,” he suggests. While seasoned designers can provide valuable insights, the 56-year-old urges homeowners to understand their preferences and not blindly follow trends. “What you need is a home that is going to live with you, grow with you, and something that you’re going to be absolutely proud of."
Ritu Kumar
Have a penchant for Ritu Kumar’s rich Indian motifs? Your bedsheets and crockery will love them too. The master couturier launched her dedicated home line in 2019 and hasn’t looked back ever since. “Home was always something we had in mind, our heritage is that of Indian textiles and this lends itself seamlessly to furnishing.” For her, décor and interiors have always been rooted in elaborate Indian textiles and cultural heritage. The inspiration behind this endeavour emerged from the brand’s reputation for vibrant prints. “Spanning intricately embroidered cushion covers, upholstery, object d’arts to tableware and dinner sets, our collections incorporate Indian textiles, patterns, and prints sourced from across the country,” says the designer.
While initially, Ritu Kumar’s foray into interiors was a small-scale accessory line accompanying the main collections, it consistently reflected her commitment to celebrating Indian craftsmanship. With RK Home, the fashion designer aims to evoke nostalgia, providing a haven of comfortable luxury that mirrors the country’s rich cultural legacy. “Our unique style blends ancient artisanal traditions with a contemporary vocabulary, creating an exceptionally opulent and diverse aesthetic for this collection,” she explains.
The Ritu Kumar ethos journeys back to history and borrows from India’s remarkable artistry and architecture. “I think every brand has a signature flair and we have developed one that is very rich and in-depth.” The 79-year-old’s background in art history and museology, coupled with her deep understanding of traditional crafts has created a modern and innovative way to keep the brand relevant in today’s landscape, and her unique handwriting becomes the hallmark that distinguishes her creations.
When considering contemporary décor pieces to invest in, to upgrade your home, the Delhi-based fashion designer recommends focusing on essentials that add character. “Cushions, quilts, table mats, or even a distinctive cup and saucer can instantly transform a space. These smaller pieces carry the trademark Ritu Kumar touch, infusing your home with the charm, vibrancy, and timeless elegance of the diverse tapestry of India,” she concludes.
Also Read: Couturier Sabyasachi Mukherjee on his grand foray into the beauty world with Estée Lauder
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