Tips about interior design an Interview with Prachi Agarwal.

One of Hyderabad’s top interior designer is Prachi Agarwal. She is the proprietor of the popular lifestyle & interior design store Tesor. She takes us through the journey of her career and what, in her view, is important in home design.

How long have you been practicing interior designing?

I have been in this line from the last six years.

What is it about interior designing that first fascinated you?

I have always felt that your home reflects your personality. A passion for interiors, home life and international lifestyle is what attracted me towards this profession. I love transforming spaces.

What have been the rewards of practicing interior designing?

Seeing something bare transform into something so beautiful is a very good feeling. When working with a client, I enjoy the challenge of creating their unique look. To achieve this, I formulate a design concept to fit their personality and then work around it.

Please tell us something about Tesori?

Tesori is a brand dealing with home décor accessories. Tesori was started with the idea that the right accessories in your personal space, be it your home or office, can certainly aid a wonderful living. Our philosophy is to encourage people to add something a little special to their personal space. It is a venture by KIPPL, a leading interior solutions company. It is a rapidly growing brand in the field of interior designing.

What are the main determinants in the design process for you?

Essential parts of all interior designs are the concept, colour, proportion, balance and function of design. These, when incorporated in the right way will bring out the best results. At the same time, it is very important to combine beauty with functionality.

What are the key influences in your work today?

It always starts with a concept. Keeping in mind the client’s personality, I work on a concept that sums up the individual’s lifestyle and also enhances it. Our aim is to provide everyone a better place to live and work in.

Have any other professions or types of work interested you?

I have always been creatively inclined. If not this, it would have been fashion designing for me.

What has been your biggest challenge so far?

Each project is a challenge for me. But designing my own retail store Tesori has been the biggest challenge so far.

What does it take to succeed as an interior designer?

Impeccable taste and excellent design sense to start with, alongside creativity and bright ideas. Then, you need project management and problem-solving skills. You need people skills too. After all you work with a wide range of people from clients, to architect, to contractors to laborers.

About Industry Scenario

What is the current architectural/interior decoration style that is making waves?

The latest trend in interior designing is a definite shift from the Zen philosophy that ruled design trends in the past five years to contemporary opulence. Today, people love showcasing their new stature in society, and opulence and luxury are the key words in residential design. The classical styles have made a comeback with new contemporary modern overtones. The emphasis is on detailing and accessories paly a very important role in completing the look. Chandeliers, artwork on the walls along with other embellishments are popular.

What do you think will be the future trends in interior designing ten years from now?

Design has a deeper meaning and responsibility than the superfluous trends that come and go. However, in the next ten years the most important thing in design or architecture will be green designs with sustainable materials.

Are there any changes you would like to see in the profession?

Indian design needs to advance at a faster pace in order to constantly evolve in tune with global demands and expectations. All design decisions have social, environmental and ethical impacts. Therefore, designers and design students should work within an overall framework that takes a holistic approach to socially responsible design.

About the City

How does our city affect your sensibility?

Hyderabad is a rapidly growing city. It has come a long way from the city of Nizams to the modern cosmopolitan image it now reflects. To me, this city always invokes a perfect balance of old world charm and modern living. It is a true blend of tradition with modernity.

What do you think are the most important determinants that have guided architectural development in Hyderabad?

The IT boom ten years ago in Hyderabad played a very important role in shaping what the city has turned out today. Over the past few years we have seen some beautiful buildings spring up in the Hi-Tech City and Gachibowli area. There have been some very noteworthy residential developments as well. What we need now is a well-planned urban development spread across the entire city.

Is there a particular area of Hyderabad/ Secunderabad that you’d take someone to if you were going to show them the perfect Hyderabad space or moment?

For me, the place that most reflects the sensibilities of Hyderabad would be definitely the Charminar area. That is the real Hyderabad, just the way we all love it.

What are some of the common decorating mistakes made by homeowners? What’s your advice on how to avoid or correct those mistakes?

The most common decorating mistake made by homeowners is mixing of too many decorating styles and colors. Stick to one theme or you can choose a different style for each room. Its also very important to purchase the right furniture and to place it in the right way. Do not clutter! Too much furniture or pieces that are too big or overpowering can make a room look or feel much smaller than it actually is.

What would be your recommendation for “what to do first” in a decorating project?

The first and foremost thing in a decorating project is to understand the client’s budget, personality and their lifestyle needs. Based on that, we arrive at a concept and choose a style that reflects who they are and how they want the world to percieve them.

What advice do you have for someone with a new house to decorate and perhaps a limited budget?

Home decorating on a limited budget can be challenging but also rewarding. First of all, choose a style that you like, from contemporary, to classical, to Victorian, etc. Then decide on a wall color to fit the look of each room. Buy some furniture. You would be surprised at the vast range of furniture available these days to fit every pocket. Finally add the accessories – a nice lamp, few artwork for the walls, a rug in the living room and some small artefacts here and there.

What decorating techniques/ideas/projects would you recommend to a homeowner who wants to rev up the look of a bedroom or living room for Summer, without spending a fortune?

Summer demands a fresh and cool look into your home. So lighten up. Replace your dark color upholstery, curtains and accessories with fresh looking summery colors. You can even repaint your walls in a light pastel shades. Maintain fewer items in the room. Use colors like white, beige, baby pink or sky blue.

Many people like the idea of updating their interiors for the seasons. What techniques do you use to transition your home from winter into spring/summer?

Everybody wants to do that today. Changing the décor of the home according to season helps to bring a fresh and warm look. Basically it’s all about the play of colors and textures. Use darker colors in the winter on the walls, upholstery and drapes. You can use more of dark wood and leather in the winter. Whereas, when spring arrives, replace all this with light colors and keep the décor minimalistic.

Most of us are always eager to know what the “latest” colour, design, and furnishing trend is. Can you comment on what you see in trends and how homeowners might create interiors that are up-to-date but classic?

Trends can be good in obtaining direction but the thing with “latest” is that you never know if it will stand the test of time. The best thing to do is to stick with the classics and perhaps use the latest color and furniture trend in small doses.

Some people are baffled about where to place colour. If their favorite color is blue for example, they don’t know if they should buy a blue sofa, paint the walls blue, or order blue carpeting. Can you comment on using favorite colors and ways to incorporate them into home decor?

Choosing colours is one of the the most important elements in decorating. What is challenging is choosing a colour scheme. You can go for a bold complimentary color scheme or use a monochromatic scheme, i.e. use the same colour in different shades.

Warm colours like red, orange and yellow give a warm feel to the room whereas, blue, green and purple elicit a feeeling of peace, tranquility and relaxation.

Loving a color and living with it are two different things. You can use your favourite colour in decorating but use it wisely and sparingly. Never use the same color on your walls, furniture and accessories. Create a perfect blend incorporating the right colour scheme.

Any other advice?

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Just follow your instincts and enhance your personal space.