“The use of white and bare, reflective surfaces in a living space can further accentuate the effect of natural light. We’ve found more people gravitating towards lime wash and plaster for an earthy, organic feel. These can be offset with a statement wall, also in muted tones, but featuring geometric or nature-inspired prints.”

- Chinmay Dhamapurkar, proprietor of Design Monks

“An easy way to make your living spaces more luxurious is to incorporate statement lighting fixtures such as profile lights and lights behind murals: These statement lighting fixtures can be the focal point of your rooms, and can add a sense of luxury and glamour.”

- Arun Kumar Chaubey, co-founder of Uniworks Designs.

Leading designers offer invaluable tips and insights to transform your working and living spaces. Their advice strikes the perfect balance between aesthetic allure and everyday functionality.

In a world where our spaces often reflect our inner selves, the art of interior design becomes more than just arranging furniture – it’s about infusing every nook and cranny with your sense of style and your innate identity. With evolving trends and styles, how do we keep our homes and offices both functional and fabulous? We turn to the expertise of top decorators for some enlightenment.

“We’re embracing luxury and opulence, but in a more muted and mindful manner. People today are increasingly realising the tremendous impact their homes and living spaces can have on their mood and emotional wellbeing. This renewed understanding has been dictating design trends we’re seeing in India and around the world,” explains Ar. Chinmay Dhamapurkar, proprietor of Design Monks.

He, alongside other design aficionados, unveil standout design currents:

1. Embrace natural light:

“Larger windows, skylights and glass doors bring in abundant sunlight, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. This not only saves energy but also creates a warm atmosphere where you can grow indoor air purifier plants which absorb indoor pollutants while releasing oxygen to aid better air circulation,” explains Arun Kumar Chaubey, co-founder of Uniworks Designs.

2. Muted, sophisticated tones:

“The use of white and bare, reflective surfaces in a living space can further accentuate the effect of natural light. We’ve found more people gravitating towards lime wash and plaster for an earthy, organic feel. These can be offset with a statement wall, also in muted tones, but featuring geometric or nature-inspired prints,” Dhamapurkar says.

3. Arched for perfection:

In a subtle nod to the return of art deco-inspired design, arches are dominating interiors across the country. “Arched doors, doorways and windows can soften a room, while arched mirrors and patterns on walls can immediately add a simple but effective architectural element,” adds Dhamapurkar.

4. Furniture with a past:

“With sustainability and upcycling dominating design conversations, we’ve found people gravitating towards heirloom and vintage pieces, or articles with a cultural backstory. These make great conversation pieces, while also being a more eco-conscious alternative to store-bought and mass-produced furniture,” says Dhamapurkar. He notes that people are recognising the importance of craftsmanship and materials that are intended to stand the test of time.

5. Statement lighting to make a statement:

“Lighting can change the entire experience of your space,” says Chaubey. “An easy way to make your living spaces more luxurious is to incorporate statement lighting fixtures such as profile lights and lights behind murals: These statement lighting fixtures can be the focal point of your rooms, and can add a sense of luxury and glamour,” he suggests.

6. Bringing the outdoors in:

Although it may sound complicated, biophilic design, which integrates natural elements and patterns into interior spaces, is a global buzzword. Interior designs are interpreting this in the form of living walls, vertical gardens, and organic materials like wood and stone to create a harmonious and calming atmosphere. Not surprisingly, rich and dark green is a favoured accent colour, and botanical wallpapers are back in vogue again.

In the realm of architectural and interior design, there lies a profound philosophy: spaces should be a mirror reflection of their inhabitants. They must echo personal stories, tastes, and journeys while simultaneously serving as havens of comfort and utility. As the world's architectural tapestry swiftly shifts towards contemporary aesthetics, it's essential to embrace designs that promise both timelessness and relevance. By incorporating insightful recommendations and design ethos, we can ensure that our living and working spaces transcend fleeting trends and serve as enduring sanctuaries of eternal elegance.