Bollywood homes, heritage hotels, craft-savvy collaborations and villas for the rich and famous, the best Indian interior designers are working on exclusive projects around the world. And these names are the best of the best.
Owing to their rich histories, cultural exchanges, and geographical proximity, Middle Eastern and Indian design have more in common than we often realise. From the flourishing Indo-Mughal design movement in medieval India to the recent construction of one of the world's largest Hindu temples in Abu Dhabi, from silk to spice trade in ancient times, the cross-cultural connection and geographical proximity have influenced each other's architecture and art, then and now.
Whilst Lebanese designers Nur Kaoukji and Noor Al Sabah's brand, Ecru, has made a presence in India, Indian interior designers are also gaining traction in the Middle East thanks to a visual style that resonates with the Arab world, and of course, the affluential Indian diaspora in the region.
Celebrating our cross-cultural links, and to offer inspiration, we've rounded up the most exciting and inspiring names in the Indian interior design scene, right now; together they exemplify India's diverse design heritage and global relevance.
The Best Indian Interior Designers You Need To Know
- Vinita Chaitanya
- Gauri Khan
- Sanjyt Syngh
- Sarah Sham
- Ashiesh Shah
- Sachin and Neha Gupta
- Ambrish Arora, Ankur Choksi, and Sidhartha Talwar
- Farah Ahmed and Dhaval Shellugar
- Manit and Sonali Rastogi
- Shalini Misra
- Ridhi Khosla Jalan
- Shabnam Gupta
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Vinita Chaitanya
Prism
Vinita Chaitanya, a Bengaluru-based interior designer, has been at the helm of her design firm, Prism, since 1988. Her designs weave rich silks, traditional paisleys, exquisite Indian artefacts, and vintage European designs into a sumptuous tableaus, all while staying relevant to Indian contexts.
Vinita's homes and her glamorous lifestyle offer an insider's view of contemporary Indian luxe, embodying what she calls "livable art." Her clientele includes Bollywood stars like Deepika Padukone and South Indian billionaires.
When not designing luxury homes, private jets and yachts, Vinita influences the world of travel, fashion and design on her Instagram page. Her content is a vibrant mood board and often offers insights into the latest on the design scene. Follow her for slow living inspo and a wanderlust-inspired collection of whimsical objets d'art from around the world. @vinitachaitanya
Gauri Khan
Gauri Khan Designs
Gauri Khan, the spouse of Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan, is so much more than just another Bollywood wife. She transformed her passion for interior design from a hobby into a serious business with Gauri Khan Designs, based in Mumbai.
Her interiors infuse artistry and a unique personality into every space. From designing homes to creating a range of furniture and home decor accessories, Gauri Khan is all about opulent boho-chic decor that's elevated by nature-inspired and craft-first elements. Her Instagram handle spotlights new-age materials, trends, and of course, an insider dose of Bollywood flair. You can even catch glimpses of her luxurious villa in Dubai. @gaurikhan
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Sanjyt Syngh
Spaces + Objects
A New Delhi design firm, Sanjyt Syngh's Spaces + Objects, defines its creative philosophy with the Hindi phrase "Design Swaad Anusaar" (design according to taste). For Sanjyt, designing is like writing a story where furniture, textures and colours are characters woven into a singular narrative, with extravagent (and unexpected) flourishes adding drama. Whether creating a La La Land-style villa, a Swiss chalet, or a home for a fashion couple who loves Tiffany blue, Sanjyt brings global aesthetics to India.
He loves experimenting with style and doesn’t shy away from layered decoration. "How else do you elevate a space?" he asks. A play on the famous fashion-led IG handles, Diet Prada and Diet Sabya, his social media language is something he calls "Diet Quirk". Sharing anything and everything that has an innate connection to design – from interiors to fashion – the content is super catchy and bold, hooking and inspiring both at once. @sanjytsyngh
Sarah Sham
Esajees Atelier
Sarah Sham comes from a 130-year lineage of a family deeply connected with history, art, and antiques. Her firm, Esajees Atelier, boasts projects that are distinctive in inception, design, and execution. Her projects range from homes for India's elite (think the Ambanis' Antilia residential tower) and iconic hotels such as the legendary Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai's downtown area, and more recently, the Indian hotel brand's Dubai outpost.
In a recent Instagram post, Sarah is seen conducting a heritage walk for Apple Inc.'s CEO Tim Cook. Follow her for the latest tech-savvy lighting solutions, futuristic bathrooms, the coolest home gadgets, laminates, and everything that can make your home look smart and stylish. @essajeesatelier
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Ashiesh Shah
Atelier Ashiesh Shah
Ashiesh Shah is a Mumbai-based architect and interior designer known for his eponymous studio, Atelier Ashiesh Shah. His approach is rooted in the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, which celebrates imperfection and impermanence. Shah’s spaces are an intricate dance of contrasts—raw and refined, minimal yet richly textured. His designs embrace a restrained colour palette, allowing the natural beauty of materials like stone, wood, and metal to shine.
A master of blending modernity with tradition, Shah's work often incorporates Indian craftsmanship, such as intricate carvings or handwoven textiles, into contemporary settings. His Instagram feed is a testament to his unique style, filled with snapshots of serene spaces that evoke a sense of calm and balance. Whether it’s a minimalist urban loft or a luxury retreat in the heart of nature, Ashiesh Shah’s designs are always thoughtful, timeless, and deeply rooted in cultural heritage. @ashieshshah
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Sachin and Neha Gupta
Beyond Designs
Since 1998, the powerhouse designer duo Sachin and Neha Gupta has been crafting luxurious, richly layered spaces that blend contemporary and classical elements into stunning, one-of-a-kind interiors. Their studio, Beyond Designs, revels in the bold and the beautiful, mixing art and antiques to create iconic, opulent spaces.
Sachin's mantra, "more is marvellous," is reflected in their work. Inspired by Timothy Corrigan's lavish, layered interiors and Anouska Hempel's bold originality, Sachin and Neha’s designs revived maximalism for Indians. Their IG feed is a feast for the eyes, brimming with gilded accents, crystal chandeliers, polished veneers, and deep hues. @beyonddesignsofficial
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Ambrish Arora, Ankur Choksi, and Sidhartha Talwar
Studio Lotus
Founded in 2002 by three designers, Studio Lotus follows a motto of conscious design. Renowned for blending local culture, materials and influences, they create innovative spaces deeply rooted in tradition that have the power to redefine the new-age vernacular.
Their Instagram handle showcases heritage craftsmanship with a contemporary twist. Recently, the trio reimagined ancient carvings at Krushi Bhavan in Odisha and reconnected the Raas Hotel in Jodhpur to the historical context of the city. Their latest project, the Museum of Meenakari, showcasing the traditional lacquered jewellery art in Jaipur, has become an instant sensation. @studio_lotus
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Farah Ahmed and Dhaval Shellugar
FADD Studio
In design, we often hear the catchphrase, “think outside the box”. Farah Ahmed and Dhaval Shellugar shatter design norms with their belief that “there is no box”. While FADD is an acronym for Farah and Dhaval Design, it is also a play on the word 'fad'.
Their projects are ever-evolving, continuously exploring new ideas, concepts, and trends. This dynamic duo is known for revisiting and reinterpreting older trends in fresh and contemporary ways.
Like the designers themselves, FADD Studio's IG feed refuses to be pigeonholed into a single style. And by doing so, it offers the audience the confidence to explore their own design language. @faddstudio
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Manit and Sonali Rastogi
Morphogenesis
Since 1996, Morphogenesis, led by Manit and Sonali Rastogi, has set the benchmark for sustainable architecture, creating projects that consume 50-70% less energy than established green rating standards. Their copyrighted design process, S.O.U.L.©2019 (sustainable, optimised, unique, liveable), has earned them over 150 international and national awards.
Their projects, like the Surat Diamond Bourse, Infosys Campus in Nagpur, and the Lodsi Community Project for Forest Essentials, highlight their commitment to merging the Indian perspective with a global context. Follow Morphogenesis on social media to be inspired by their research, innovative designs, and the potential for a more sustainable future. @morphogenesis.official
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Shalini Misra
Shalini Misra Studio
Based in London, Shalini Misra is a celebrated interior architect whose work transcends traditional boundaries, creating spaces that are as intellectually stimulating as they are visually captivating.
Her design philosophy is centred around creating "homes with a soul," where every detail is carefully curated to tell a story. Misra's style is eclectic yet harmonious, mixing vintage and contemporary pieces with an artist's eye for balance and proportion.
Her projects often feature bold colours, luxurious textures, and a mix of global influences, from Art Deco to Mid-Century Modern, all seamlessly integrated into a cohesive whole. Shalini's Instagram is a treasure trove of design inspiration, offering glimpses into her latest projects, collaborations with renowned artists, and her love for art and culture. @shalinimisraltd
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Ridhi Khosla Jalan
Ridhi Khosla Jalan Studio
From running "Little Nest," a charming store for children's essentials, to building Ridhi Khosla Jalan Studio for complete home design solutions, Ridhi Khosla Jalan has made a significant impact in the design world.
But Ridhi Khosla is not just an interior designer but the O.G. Creator talks design on Instagram. Unlike typical interior design, Instagram accounts that you follow purely for inspiration, Ridhi's account is full of practical tips and actionable strategies. Whether you're looking to build a space from scratch or simply update the everyday needs of your living areas, there is something for everyone. If you want to organise your wardrobe, re-dress your windows, or even discreetly hide money in your home, Ridhi's account might have a solution for you. @ridhi.khosla.jalan
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Shabnam Gupta
The Orange Lane & The Peacock Life
Shabnam believes wholeheartedly in the power of innovation. Her design firm is called The Orange Lane, and her home décor brand, The Peacock Life, dial into her fascination with all things vibrant, cultural, earthy, and vintage. She also has quite a list of celebrity homes to her credit, including Bollywood actress Kangana's Mountain Home, actor Irfan Khan’s Artistic home, Writer's Retreat in Mumbai, and her own Peacock Life Store in Hyderabad.
Another Instagram must-follow for people who love maximalist interiors, Shabnam's feed is a splash of colour. It also demonstrates a deft hand at combining cross-cultural references: Think, a vintage oak coffee table transformed into a chic conference room, retro musical instruments in modern dens, and contemporary accents in a rustic scheme. Follow her to see how she transforms plain, vanilla spaces into eye-catching homes. @shabnamguptainteriors
