Gauri Khan Talks About Her Entrepreneurial Journey as an Interior Designer

WHAT IS THE ONE INTERIOR DÉCOR MISTAKE YOU’D ADVISE AGAINST, AND WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO COUPLES SETTING UP THEIR FIRST HOME?

Never mix floral prints with contemporary furniture. Keep it simple, classic, and don’t mix too many styles together. 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COOLEST ITEMS WE CAN SEE AT THE STUDIO?

From a sound design perspective, the Steinway Lyngdorf Model D and the Devialet are great solutions for luxury homes. 

WHAT HAS THE JOURNEY BEEN LIKE, FROM WHEN YOU SET UP YOUR STUDIO TO TODAY?

It’s been wonderful and creative. We began with a single store, which had pieces that I collected from my travels around the world. I have access to many companies and craftsmen who do unique work, so the selection was eclectic and memorable. From there, to doing interiors for homes, offices, and hotels, designing my very own furniture line, and also expanding the store to include state-of-the-art collaborations has been a very organic process.

YOU HAVE ALSO INCLUDED HIGH-END AUDIO SYSTEMS IN YOUR DISPLAY. IS SOUND AN IMPORTANT PART OF INTERIOR DESIGN? TELL US HOW THIS COLLABORATION WITH TECHNOLOGY BEGAN.

Sound design is a key element of a luxury home, which is why we started our collaboration with the distinguished audio brand— Steinway Lyngdorf—after we met with founder Peter Lyngdorf in Delhi, in 2015. This was also the beginning of our tie-up with Monica and Harshul Parikh, founders of Trescent Lifestyles, leaders in high-end home theatre systems, delivering high performance digital sound systems that combine design artistry with perfected technology, fitting in beautifully with my mission of enhancing homes or office environments.

YOU HAVE COLLABORATED WITH MANY LUXURY BRANDS. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THEM.

Since the inception of my studio, it has been my effort to offer distinctive pieces that add to the aesthetic appeal of spaces. Bentley Homes, Ralph Lauren, and Roberto Cavalli, are all associations that offer the best in international design with master craftsmanship.

WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN PROCESS?

It always begins with the client’s brief for the space. They are going to use it, so it starts with understanding their vision, and the design direction evolves from that.