Comments
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
Amanda Peters
23 March 2017
Houzz India Contributor. I'm a freelance journalist who loves writing about all things travel, culture and design. My favourite pieces to write are the Houzz Tours, as I love exploring real homes of all shapes and sizes.
Houzz India Contributor. I'm a freelance journalist who loves writing about all things... More
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
How were your beginnings as a designer?
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.
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.
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.
Related Stories
Working with professionals
Busted! 5 Myths About Working With an Interior Designer
By Tanya Khanna
We put to bed the biggest misconceptions about working with design professionals
Full Story
Working with professionals
Can Hiring an Interior Designer Save You Money?
We dispel the biggest misconception that working with an interior designer will drive up the cost of the project
Full Story
Working with professionals
What Are the Benefits of Hiring an Interior Designer?
From furnishing working drawings to beautifying the home, find out how an interior designer plays multifunctional roles
Full Story
More Room Guides
Turn One Room Into Two With These Genius Ideas
Carve out an extra room within your home with these fab room-splitting tips and tricks
Full Story
Bedroom Guides
What Are the Ideal Wardrobe Measurements?
Here are dimensions for different types of wardrobe designs that ensure maximum functionality and storage
Full Story
More Room Guides
7 Types of Glass That Allow in Light & Privacy
These glass products and treatments will increase privacy without losing natural light
Full Story
Decorating Ideas
9 Ways to Make Minimalism Work in Indian Homes
Here are smart ways to harmoniously combine the minimalist ethos with Indian aesthetics and lifestyles
Full Story
Most Popular
Which False Ceiling Material is Better: Gypsum or POP?
Here is all you need to know about the difference between gypsum and POP before you commit to a ceiling
Full Story
Most Popular
Where to Use Which Paint?
Know your emulsions from your acrylics, and the right types for painting the home's interior & exterior
Full Story
Life
10 Bad Habits That Are Making Your Home Messier...
By Jo Simmons
...and how to break them! Tweak your mess-forming behaviours and help tidy up your interior
Full Story