Soothing neutrals VS bright colours: experts tell us what works best

Ravi Vazirani: A Zen Space of Mind
“I like homes to be calm and welcoming. Don’t try too hard and don’t over-design - according to me, that is the first thing to keep in mind when doing up your space. It’s all about on-site understanding of design and detail that gives sense to the creation. A person with a preference for this kind of an aesthetic will be someone with an evolved sense of style versus a flashy taste for loud colours. Therefore, before going into the nitty-gritty of designing homes, it is very important to know the client and understand their lifestyle.

For that subtle elegance, you can also explore the possibility of introducing crafts, materials and textures which is limitless.

Ravi Vazirani’s tips for light summer décor

Design feel: Understated, minimal, Zen-like calm

My special relationship with colour: “Summer palettes should evoke a winding-down effect on walls through greys, greens and nude pinks or blush. You want to walk into a relaxed vibe. Play with pastels and lighter tones besides just whites or beiges, though they are timeless.”

Summer must-haves: “Introduce greens indoors for an element of freshness in small apartments. Materials and textures could be quick fixes for homes: an interesting rug in a neutral colour to uplift the look of floors, or a slip cover in light linens for the sofa can do wonders.

Colour code: “Have fun with colour but keep in mind that you have to live with the chosen hues. I’d rather live with subtle colours than bright hues, so I can keep changing the look from time to time.”

Shop the look: Jaipur Rugs, Atmosphere, Chunilal Mulchand Furnishings

Shabnam Gupta: Pop Goes the Colour Card
“As an interior designer, my projects include diverse spaces—urban residences, weekend homes in the countryside and hospitality projects. While each space has different requirements, what ties them all together is the play of colour and texture. One walks the tightrope with pop art, but the beauty eventually lies in judiciously using colour in the right doses. And for me, it has always been about exploring layers in design—pretty much like life itself.

My approach to designing spaces has, to a large extent, been inspired by my love for nature; it was something that began in childhood and helped cultivate my aesthetic sensibility. Apart from that, my go-to inspiration has always been Europe, the interiors of residential spaces in Indonesia, Africa and Vietnam, and the many sojourns to art galleries and flea markets across the world. Combined with my bohemian aesthetic, it all finds expression in the way I use vibrant colours, patterns, wood and metal elements. A preference of all things Indian is also evident in my work, as are vintage, industrial and handcrafted designs, which form a strong element of my aesthetic. In fact, you can expect me to ‘mess up’ a branded Italian sofa in my own vintage style!

Shabnam Gupta’s tips for bright summer décor

Design feel: Eclectic, boho, happy and soulful

My special relationship with colour: “We live in a country of colourful festivals. And for me, colour is very integral. Even if it’s a simplistic house, we render small pops of colour—say on cabinets or walls—even if the client doesn’t want to push the boundaries.”

Summer must-haves: “Opt for fresh hues like limes, yellows, soft blues, whites and taupes. Play with mulls, à la Greece’s Santorini island—think calming shades reminiscent of a seaside resort, such as turquoise teamed with limes and beiges. You can also try fiery accents with neutrals, such as coral with grey.”

Colour code: “Trends are very limiting. I prefer something timeless. Colour also depends on how experimental you are: if you live alone, I would recommend that every wall have a different colour. In addition, the quality of light also matters.”

Shop the look: Peacock Life for vintage and pop art; Chumbak for kitsch; Nicobar for breezy classics; Nappa Dori for colourful trunks and leather stationary.