My Life in Design: Simone Arora
The designer known for her luxe sensibilities tells Houzz about her journey into the field and forecasts trends for 2017
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: Simone Arora
Firm name: SIMONE
Design style: Arora defines her style as calm yet contemporary with an emphasis on matte textures and with a hint of sheen for that glamour quotient.
Photos courtesy: SIMONE and Fabien Charuau
Designer at a Glance
Name: Simone Arora
Firm name: SIMONE
Design style: Arora defines her style as calm yet contemporary with an emphasis on matte textures and with a hint of sheen for that glamour quotient.
Photos courtesy: SIMONE and Fabien Charuau
What is a well-designed home?
It is one where special attention is given to comfort, functionality and practicality, keeping in mind the lifestyle and personalities of its occupants. A home must reflect the sensibility and style of the people or person residing within it. It should be visually appealing and tranquil, a sort of retreat to relax and rejuvenate in. A home should be about a lifetime’s collection of art, objects, and memorabilia that are attached to memories and which speak of past experiences.
It is one where special attention is given to comfort, functionality and practicality, keeping in mind the lifestyle and personalities of its occupants. A home must reflect the sensibility and style of the people or person residing within it. It should be visually appealing and tranquil, a sort of retreat to relax and rejuvenate in. A home should be about a lifetime’s collection of art, objects, and memorabilia that are attached to memories and which speak of past experiences.
What trends and practices do you foresee in 2017?
Green (from lime to emerald) will dominate spaces through soft furnishings or decor accents. Following fashion cues, exotic tropical plant prints will adorn wall coverings and furnishing fabrics.
Textures woven into interiors will make for inviting homes. Texture will be used in varied forms, from brushed metal tables, throws, cushions and lighting solutions to textiles and wall coverings. Marble and metal combinations will rule, and will be seen in both kitchens and bathrooms. Lighting will be used more as an accessory; a great way to add a unique element to the decor. Grey will continue to be a favourite in 2017, in darker shades, along with white. Bronze will also remain a favourite.
Green (from lime to emerald) will dominate spaces through soft furnishings or decor accents. Following fashion cues, exotic tropical plant prints will adorn wall coverings and furnishing fabrics.
Textures woven into interiors will make for inviting homes. Texture will be used in varied forms, from brushed metal tables, throws, cushions and lighting solutions to textiles and wall coverings. Marble and metal combinations will rule, and will be seen in both kitchens and bathrooms. Lighting will be used more as an accessory; a great way to add a unique element to the decor. Grey will continue to be a favourite in 2017, in darker shades, along with white. Bronze will also remain a favourite.
One project you are most proud of?
I’m most proud of the restoration and refurbishment of my store SIMONE in Colaba. It has been my most laborious and challenging project to date. It was also a great learning experience for me. Acquiring a property in one of Mumbai’s most iconic buildings to house my dream project and retail vision was inspiring and motivating.
Being a heritage property, it entailed a lengthy process of acquiring legal permissions, documents and approvals before we could begin the job. I recall spending tedious hours on plans and at the site getting my ideas executed. I travelled extensively to source unique and one-of-a-kind merchandise to fit the concept.
I’m most proud of the restoration and refurbishment of my store SIMONE in Colaba. It has been my most laborious and challenging project to date. It was also a great learning experience for me. Acquiring a property in one of Mumbai’s most iconic buildings to house my dream project and retail vision was inspiring and motivating.
Being a heritage property, it entailed a lengthy process of acquiring legal permissions, documents and approvals before we could begin the job. I recall spending tedious hours on plans and at the site getting my ideas executed. I travelled extensively to source unique and one-of-a-kind merchandise to fit the concept.
International brands or Indian?
I like to have the option of both. In India, we have access to beautiful, well-crafted, original art and furniture pieces, both contemporary and traditional. These offerings work well for ethnic and eclectic-themed design concepts. Combined with a plethora of rich and versatile Indian textiles, they work well for regal and rustic themes to create alluring settings.
I like to have the option of both. In India, we have access to beautiful, well-crafted, original art and furniture pieces, both contemporary and traditional. These offerings work well for ethnic and eclectic-themed design concepts. Combined with a plethora of rich and versatile Indian textiles, they work well for regal and rustic themes to create alluring settings.
What kind of projects do you like to take on?
I like to take on projects where I get inspired by the attitude or general tone of clients or organisations. I like to focus on building long-term relationships with our customers rather than just having a one-time association based on a purchase. Mutual understanding, respect, trust and the general vibe matters a lot.
I like to take on projects where I get inspired by the attitude or general tone of clients or organisations. I like to focus on building long-term relationships with our customers rather than just having a one-time association based on a purchase. Mutual understanding, respect, trust and the general vibe matters a lot.
What styles will never go out of fashion?
- Classic, clean lines in interior decor are evergreen
- The use of monochromatic colours and tones, and subtle patterns on fabrics
- Neutral colour tones for wall paints with touches of accent colours
- Fine art and traditional Persian/ Kashmiri hand-knotted carpets are here to stay
- Nature inspired and eco-friendly furniture and accessories that bring tranquillity into our hectic lives and consistently remind us to preserve and protect our planet and the environment
Insight about the Indian homeowners?
Indian consumers are becoming increasingly house proud and are creating homes to express their individuality, economic and social standing, lifestyle aspirations and goals.
Where is the Indian design industry headed?
It has a bright future, as it’s attracting more and more talent every day.
Indian consumers are becoming increasingly house proud and are creating homes to express their individuality, economic and social standing, lifestyle aspirations and goals.
Where is the Indian design industry headed?
It has a bright future, as it’s attracting more and more talent every day.
Your next project?
This one is a mystery and is going to be a sweet surprise for Mumbaikars! I am working on an exciting, one-of-a-kind offering, due to be launched sometime in 2018.
Read more:
My Life in Design: Raseel Gujral Ansal
My Life in Design: Shabnam Gupta
Tell us:
What kind of a decor style do you prefer? Tell us in Comments below.
This one is a mystery and is going to be a sweet surprise for Mumbaikars! I am working on an exciting, one-of-a-kind offering, due to be launched sometime in 2018.
Read more:
My Life in Design: Raseel Gujral Ansal
My Life in Design: Shabnam Gupta
Tell us:
What kind of a decor style do you prefer? Tell us in Comments below.
I grew up in a beautiful home and was surrounded with art and interesting objects. Both my parents are artistically inclined and they greatly influenced my design sensibility. Reading books, travelling and exposure to exotic destinations also taught me a lot. When I got married to Ajay, the family was involved in the apparel textile business. My mother Zarine suggested that Ajay explore the manufacture of furnishing fabrics, as there was a void in that space in India and so began our quest to set up an entirely new company and business (D’Decor).
It was my 20 years of experience in this field, extensive travel and my natural flair for design and creativity that contributed to my sense of aesthetics. I then realised that it was time to begin my own enterprise. I needed a way to express myself, to create my own identity, and that’s how SIMONE was conceived.
What is your design style?
I prefer to work with a neutral palette with pops of colour and statement pieces. My decor elements are luxurious, keeping comfort and functionality in mind.