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My Design Philosophy and Process

byDarshiniStudio in Santacruz West, MumbaiStarts from600 ₹ per sq ftView full gallery

I do not believe in standard moodboards. For me, design is an intuitive conversation where your personal history meets my obsession with heritage and craft.

There is no greater compliment than when a client, especially a storyteller like Imtiaz Ali, feels a space truly reflects who they are. Our collaboration is built on years of conversation and trust, allowing me to design from intuition. This video captures his thoughts on how we created a rustic, personal office that feels like a natural extension of his creative world.

In this feature for Architectural Digest, I share a look into my creative process and what inspires me. From sourcing trips in Rajasthan to my love for reusing old crafts like Pichwai paintings, my design philosophy is about telling a larger story that is rooted in Indian heritage but feels relevant and global.

Color has the power to completely transform a space and evoke emotion. This reel showcases my "unexpected color theory" across different projects, where I use bold accents and subtle undertones to bring character and personality to a room. From vibrant oranges to calming blues, every hue tells a story.

My passion for design extends beyond interiors to creating signature products. This video unveils "Frames," a mirror I designed for Dialogues. It reflects my belief in crafting objects that are both functional and artistic, blending modern forms with traditional inspirations.

About My Design Philosophy & Process

For my interior projects, I rarely start with a visual deck. Instead, we spend time talking about the memories you want to preserve or the specific emotions you want a room to evoke. When I worked with Imtiaz Ali on his office, there were no renderings or formal presentations. He handed over the keys, and we let the space evolve organically—using materials like cow dung plaster and reclaimed wood—until it felt exactly like an extension of his creative world.

Building Spaces, Not Just Rooms

Design, to me, is about preserving the old and adapting it to fit modern life. When I walk into a new space, I am not looking for ways to fill it with furniture. I am looking for the story it wants to tell. Whether I am restoring a heritage property or designing a new workspace, my process remains the same: I listen first.

The Art of the Process

  • Conversation Over Templates: We start with honest chats. I need to know your journey before I can choose a paint color or a flooring texture. This approach ensures your space reflects you, not a trend seen on Pinterest.
  • The Hands of the Artisan: I work closely with local karigars (artisans) for everything from mural painting to custom joinery. There is an energy in hand-painted walls or a piece of reclaimed furniture that mass-produced items can never replicate.
  • Unexpected Color Theory: I love using bold accents and subtle undertones to bring character to a room. Color has the power to transform a clinical office or a standard living room into a place that feels vibrant and alive.

Why This Approach Works

My work is grounded in the belief that the most memorable homes are the ones that feel like no one else's. By stripping back the unnecessary and focusing on quality materials—like black and white marble, reclaimed hardwood, or limestone washes—we create interiors that age gracefully. It is a slow, thoughtful process, but it results in a space that feels lived-in, honest, and truly yours from the moment you step inside.

Named to the AD 100 list 8 times.Approved by the tribe
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Darshini

Studio in Santacruz West, MumbaiStarts from 600 ₹ per sq ft

I am Darshini. I design spaces that reject the stiff, generic look because they are built on real stories rather than catalogs. If you want a home or office that feels deeply personal and keeps evolving with you, I would love to help you build it.

Looking for a specific design direction?

Explore my past projects and service areas to see what fits your vision.