Decorating Guides
My Life in Design: Ravi Vazirani
Self-taught interior designer Ravi Vazirani tells Houzz why less is always better and being ‘trendy’ isn't necessarily a good thing
This series takes a look at the aesthetics, influences and practices of some of India’s biggest names in the field of architecture and design.
Designer at a Glance
Name: Ravi Vazirani
Firm name: Ravi Vazirani Design Studio
Education: Self-taught design professional
Design style: Vazirani considers his tastes to be eclectic and doesn’t restrict himself to a signature style. He believes that the room inspires the aesthetic, and this principle has prevented his work from becoming repetitive.
Photos courtesy: Ravi Vazirani Design Studio
Designer at a Glance
Name: Ravi Vazirani
Firm name: Ravi Vazirani Design Studio
Education: Self-taught design professional
Design style: Vazirani considers his tastes to be eclectic and doesn’t restrict himself to a signature style. He believes that the room inspires the aesthetic, and this principle has prevented his work from becoming repetitive.
Photos courtesy: Ravi Vazirani Design Studio
What trends do you foresee in this year?
There will be a major shift from the current trend of industrial design. Homes will be warmer, with jewel tones, as opposed to the current grey-and-white palette. The year 2016 celebrated marble and copper in a strong way, but that is on its way out, too.
Pantone’s shade of the year is Greenery. So I suspect that is going to feature a lot in homes this year.
There will be a major shift from the current trend of industrial design. Homes will be warmer, with jewel tones, as opposed to the current grey-and-white palette. The year 2016 celebrated marble and copper in a strong way, but that is on its way out, too.
Pantone’s shade of the year is Greenery. So I suspect that is going to feature a lot in homes this year.
What is the best thing about Indian homes?
In Indian homes, one can incorporate a fusion of cultures and aesthetics. The possibility of introducing crafts is limitless. We bring in so many traditional elements into our homes. Homes in the south have a particular approach to design and materials, which is completely different to spaces in the north. The vastness of possibilities is the best part of conceptualising an Indian home.
In Indian homes, one can incorporate a fusion of cultures and aesthetics. The possibility of introducing crafts is limitless. We bring in so many traditional elements into our homes. Homes in the south have a particular approach to design and materials, which is completely different to spaces in the north. The vastness of possibilities is the best part of conceptualising an Indian home.
What’s the decor style that will never go out of fashion?
Good taste. Period.
International brands or Indian?
I would say, both. Indian design is great and now starting to go places as Indian product designers are coming into their own and creating fabulous products. Designers like Prateek Jain and Gautam Seth of Klove, Nikhil Paul of Paul Matter and Ayush Kasliwal of AKFD are some of the few that are creating products that are on par with international designs.
Good taste. Period.
International brands or Indian?
I would say, both. Indian design is great and now starting to go places as Indian product designers are coming into their own and creating fabulous products. Designers like Prateek Jain and Gautam Seth of Klove, Nikhil Paul of Paul Matter and Ayush Kasliwal of AKFD are some of the few that are creating products that are on par with international designs.
What are the design mistakes to avoid?
I would say, don’t try too hard and don’t over-design. One doesn’t need everything together in one space. Just as in clothing, proportions are important. You wouldn’t dress in a size ‘small’ if you are a ‘large’. The same concept applies to your home. Don’t fill it with too much furniture or too many patterns if it’s too small a space. And most importantly, remember just because it’s ‘trendy’, doesn’t mean it’s good for your space.
I would say, don’t try too hard and don’t over-design. One doesn’t need everything together in one space. Just as in clothing, proportions are important. You wouldn’t dress in a size ‘small’ if you are a ‘large’. The same concept applies to your home. Don’t fill it with too much furniture or too many patterns if it’s too small a space. And most importantly, remember just because it’s ‘trendy’, doesn’t mean it’s good for your space.
What’s the project you are most proud of?
Every project has a story and is special to me. However, if I had to narrow it down to a recent one, I’d choose the apartment that featured in the 50 Most Beautiful Homes in India book by Asian Paints. The clients were wonderful and gave me a free hand to do as I creatively pleased.
What kind of projects do you like to take on?
I enjoy designing homes the most. Since starting my practice in 2009, the need to work productively along with my client has became essential. Budgets are irrelevant, it’s essential that we have the same approach and ideologies towards design. If that’s not the case, then I am most definitely not the designer for them.
Every project has a story and is special to me. However, if I had to narrow it down to a recent one, I’d choose the apartment that featured in the 50 Most Beautiful Homes in India book by Asian Paints. The clients were wonderful and gave me a free hand to do as I creatively pleased.
What kind of projects do you like to take on?
I enjoy designing homes the most. Since starting my practice in 2009, the need to work productively along with my client has became essential. Budgets are irrelevant, it’s essential that we have the same approach and ideologies towards design. If that’s not the case, then I am most definitely not the designer for them.
What’s your next project?
I am working on many projects but the one I am most excited about is a house in Indonesia, since Indonesia is a paradise for wood and other exotic materials.
Read more:
My Life in Design: Shabnam Gupta
My Life in Design: Ashiesh Shah
Tell us:
Are you a fan of the industrial look or a warmer-toned palette? Share your thoughts in Comments below.
I am working on many projects but the one I am most excited about is a house in Indonesia, since Indonesia is a paradise for wood and other exotic materials.
Read more:
My Life in Design: Shabnam Gupta
My Life in Design: Ashiesh Shah
Tell us:
Are you a fan of the industrial look or a warmer-toned palette? Share your thoughts in Comments below.
My beginnings were humble and confusing! I didn’t study design professionally, so initially, when I started working, everything was overwhelming. I have learnt everything on the job, which I believe is definitely much better than just theoretical learning in school. It has been an extremely exciting process and the learning curve is never-ending, as I am continuously evolving as a designer.
What is a well-designed home?
As cliched as it may sound, a well-designed home is one that makes you happy. I like homes to be calm and welcoming, but spaces and preferences are constantly evolving. Thus, there isn’t a steadfast rule. For me, a well-designed home is one that is open to constant additions and changes and which ages gracefully.