In the heart of Mumbai, a city that pulsates with life and dreams, I found myself at a celebrated restaurant, not merely for a sumptuous meal, but in eager anticipation of an encounter with the enchanting Gauri Khan. Known for her prowess in interior design and entrepreneurship, Gauri Khan’s presence is synonymous with sophistication and creative brilliance.
As I waited, the ambiance of the restaurant seemed to shift, signaling the arrival of a luminary in the world of design. Gauri Khan entered, and her aura, a delicate dance of elegance and creativity, effortlessly enhanced the surroundings, making everything appear more vibrant.
Our conversation began with the genesis of her journey into interior design. Gauri revealed that her odyssey commenced organically with the renovation of her home, Mannat. The process of transforming the space ignited a passion that propelled her into the professional realm of interior design. Collaborating with a friend marked a pivotal moment, allowing her to refine her skills and gain practical experience. In 2013, she took the plunge, establishing Gauri Khan Designs, a design studio in Mumbai, becoming a curator of unique and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
“My journey in interior design commenced quite organically. It all began with the renovation of my own home, Mannat, where I discovered a deep passion for transforming spaces. The process of creating a home that reflected our family’s personal style and sensibilities ignited a spark that eventually led me to venture professionally into the realm of interior design,” Gauri Khan said.
She added, “A pivotal point in my career was when I teamed up with a friend, and together, we embarked on various interior design projects. This collaborative effort allowed me to further hone my skills and gain practical experience in the field.”
Gauri Khan further explained, “In 2013, I took a significant step in my career by establishing my design studio, Gauri Khan Designs, located in Mumbai. This marked a new chapter where I could channel my creativity and design philosophy into a diverse range of projects. Since then, I have had the privilege of collaborating with both Indian and international artists, contributing to the creation of unique and aesthetically pleasing spaces.”
Managing expectations across diverse projects, Gauri Khan explained, “requires strategic planning and effective communication. Prioritizing tasks and adhering to meticulous planning are fundamental aspects of my approach. Additionally, I emphasize a collaborative working style to ensure that all stakeholders are aligned with the project’s objectives. Clear communication plays a pivotal role in managing expectations. I make it a priority to engage in open and transparent dialogue with clients, understanding their unique vision and requirements.”
When asked about the expansion of Gauri Khan Designs to other cities and countries, she remained open to the possibility, hinting at plans that might unfold in the future. She said, “Hopefully. No plans as of now, but will keep you posted when I do have any plans.”
The conversation then turned to Mannat, the iconic residence of the Khan family. Gauri shared that her focus while designing Mannat was to create a haven where the family could be themselves. Every design element was a reflection of warmth, comfort, and the unique identity of the Khan family. She said, “The only thing I had in mind while designing Mannat was to create a place where we as a family can be ourselves. Every design element is aimed to reflect the warmth, comfort, and individuality that defines us.”
Gauri’s collaboration with Bonito Designs unfolded as a tale of passion meeting creativity. She expressed her enthusiasm for designing spaces and spoke about the collaboration’s focus on providing a highly customized, aesthetic, and functional experience. “I have always been passionate about designing spaces, and to partner with a brand like Bonito Designs is perfect because it matches my enthusiasm for creating beautiful spaces for people to live, work, and enjoy. For the last year and a half, we have been working very closely to give the consumer a highly customized experience that is not only aesthetic but functional as well. Our latest venture, ‘World Designs,’ is a particularly intriguing concept we’ve been exploring, allowing us to incorporate global influences and individual aspirations into our creative process. Together, we are excited about the potential to redefine and elevate the world of design.”
“Certainly, facing creative blocks is a common experience for anyone engaged in a creative pursuit. In my approach to overcoming these challenges, I believe in maintaining a perpetual eagerness to learn and evolve. This involves a commitment to continuous skill enhancement and seeking inspiration from diverse sources, like travel, reading, and meeting new people,” she said while discussing creative blocks and acknowledging the common experience.
The interview delved into Gauri’s journey as a successful entrepreneur, unveiling the challenges she faced early in life. The transition to a new city, devoid of familiar faces, marked the beginning of a challenging period. However, she navigated through uncertainties with hard work, perseverance, and patience. Every obstacle became a stepping stone, and every setback was an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
“Certainly, every journey has its share of challenges, and mine was no exception. Early in life, I found myself married and relocated to a new city where we had no familiar faces. This transition marked the beginning of a challenging period that required a significant amount of hard work, perseverance, and patience,” she said.
She explained, “The process was not without its share of scrutiny and self-discovery. It took time to navigate through the uncertainties and carve out a niche for myself in the business of Design. However, every obstacle became a stepping stone, and every setback was an opportunity to learn and grow.” The evening with Gauri Khan transcended the confines of a mere interview; it was a captivating journey into the world of design, elegance, and the resilience of a woman who has not just transformed spaces but also conquered challenges to carve her niche in the business of design.
