'Eco designs in home decor are here to stay'

Interior designer Pavitra Rajaram is busy doing up celeb homes, her recent ones being homes of Shabana Azmi and Konkona Sen Sharma...

Since you have worked in Bangalore before, do people in Bangalore and Mumbai want different things in terms of home décor?
I think Bangaloreans are as well informed as Mumbaikars on the latest trends in home décor and like all homeowners, they want an aesthetic, well-planned space that reflects their lifestyle and personality and makes the most of the space on offer.

How challenging is it to come up with different themes each time?
The real challenge lies in understanding the way the client lives his or her life — do they entertain, are they religious, sporty, musical? Do they feel connected to nature, what are their technology needs, how do they see their family growing? A good designer creates a space that a client is truly at home with — the theme ultimately reflects the hopes and aspirations of the clients and once you understand the client’s sensibility it’s not difficult to evolve a theme.

What role does feng shui and vaastu play in interior designing?
Both feng shui and vaastu have proven success rates if you believe in them. We tend to follow the basic principles of vaastu in the homes that we design particularly with relation to the position of fire or agni in the house.

While doing up celeb homes, do you enjoy creative freedom?
Most of the celebrities that I’ve worked with are creative individuals who understand that good design is a collaborative process. So, not only is there freedom, there’s also creative inputs, which lead to a fabulous finished product.
  
What trends will 2011 see in terms of home decor?
In 2011, the emphasis is on bright colours in furniture and accessories with interesting finishes like lacquer and decoupage making their presence felt. Fabrics are natural and a palette of deep greys, indigos and soft teals act as neutrals. Simple white candles, fresh white flowers, my personal favourite being rajnigandha, crisp white sheets and fluffy white towels never go out of style.

Is eco architecture and designing getting popular?
Ecologically sensitive design is here to stay. From incorporating solar energy and water harvesting to using sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled wood and natural stone and teaming this with natural organic cottons and linens is not only good design, it also smart design. It is the way of the future.