Create a lush tropical tablescape with expert Lalima Chhabra

Q: What makes your work unique?

A: I don’t have a background in design. I spent hours studying flowers and how to style them right. The same goes for my knowledge in set design, which I mostly learnt on the job. With every project I have this one component at the centre of things—the openness to learn. 

Q: What does space styling mean to you?

A: I think space styling is a form of storytelling for me. Something as simple as hosting a dinner at home, can be executed in various ways. For example at my home, for all festivals I always have a theme—it helps me tell a story of that festival, with the colours and elements that hold significance. Similarly when I am styling a space I am helping a director or a homeowner tell their tale. What do the residents in the space like, the choice of colours or the heritage they come with. 

Beautifulhomes.com invited Lalima to conduct a table styling workshop for us at the latest Colour of the year launch by Asian Paints. With a tropical theme she set up a beautiful spread of accessories, in interesting layers. “I wanted to bring in the true Indian aesthetic to the table, which is often confused with traditional. I believe in bringing different things together and making them work in a fun way”, she says. The table is decorated dramatically with floral arrangements and bold pairings of materials and colours. She used the colour of the year, Transcendent Pink, in the form of napkins and flowers giving it a playful vibe. “Always keep two sentiments in mind while styling any space; playfulness and abundance. When you do that, you will make the most of your own style rather than trying to replicate a western or restrictive technique”, advises Lalima.

Take a look at the table styled by her!