Behind the Scenes of My Design Process
I do not follow trends, I chase reactions. This is a look at the madness, the workshop experiments, and the stories that make my designs more than just furniture.
It all starts with a crazy idea. This clip from my TEDx talk explains the philosophy behind my Monster Collection and how we took a massive risk that led to overnight success.
It was an honor to speak at Design Conclave, sharing ideas with the visionaries shaping the future of architecture and interiors. Moments like these are a reminder that great design happens when ideas collide.
A great feature from India Today Home on Project 86, which made the cover of their January 2024 issue. This project was a journey in redefining silent luxury, and I'm so happy with how it turned out.
A fantastic spread in Hello! Magazine on Project 86, which they called a "sensory extravaganza." It was great to share the story of this collaboration and the personality we infused into the space.
I was thrilled to be featured in Livingetc, sharing my secrets for designing the ultimate home bar. For me, design is about creating spaces that enhance your life, and a great home bar does just that.
A look at my collaboration with the iconic porcelain brand Lladró for their "India Uncovered" series. We showcased how their whimsical and contemporary objects can transform a modern Indian home, like this duplex in Malabar Hills.
Behind the scenes at the workshop, collaborating with Dimensions for our upcoming showcase at India Design 2025. This is where creativity and craftsmanship come together to challenge conventions.
A shot of me and a collaborator during the creation process. These partnerships are essential for pushing creative boundaries and bringing extraordinary ideas to life.
A fun Q&A with Aux Edit where I talk about design mistakes, timeless style, and my favorite pieces. My advice? Don't follow trends. If you want timeless, you need a designer who can create something unique for you.
An article from Elle Decor about the "Party Pad" project, a Marine Lines oasis where work meets play. The feature dives into how we crafted a space that is both functional for business and stylish for entertaining.
About Behind the Design & In the Press
Everything starts with a raw idea, usually sketched out while I am pacing the workshop floor. We do not just rely on digital renders. I build clay models and bring my team to the stone quarry to test how a block of marble moves, breathes, and sounds. It is not the fastest way to work, but it is the only way to make sure that a Monster console or a hidden door actually feels like a living, breathing part of your home.
When you see a finished room in a magazine, you are seeing the result of weeks of trial and error. My work is not about picking items from a catalog. Whether it is collaborating with the legendary quarry teams for the Monster Collection or getting hands-on at the workshop for India Design 2025, my design philosophy is about pushing materials to their breaking point.
The Process Matters
I believe if you want something standard, you should hire a contractor. If you want something that disrupts the room, that is where I come in. My work often involves messy, loud collaborations. I have built Indian temples inside wooden homes in the US and engineered marble consoles that hide Bluetooth speakers. These ideas often sound impossible on paper, but they become possible when you stop trying to be polished and start trying to be real.
Why the Press Features Care
Publications like India Today, Elle Decor, and Livingetc do not feature my work because it looks nice. They feature it because it tells a story. When we covered the India Today Home issue with Project 86, it was not about matching colors. It was about creating a sensory experience of silent luxury. From the ombre wall effects to the custom furniture, every inch was engineered to make you feel something the moment you walk in.
Let’s Get Real
My design services are not for everyone, and that is by design. I take on projects where the homeowner is ready to take a risk with me. If you are tired of the same old look and want a home that feels like a conversation starter rather than a showroom, I am here to build it. Let's make something that actually has a pulse.
Karan Desai
I am Karan. I stopped caring about trends a long time ago. If you want a space that makes people stop and stare, something that actually has a pulse, that is what I build.
Looking for something specific in your space?
Tell me what you are planning and we can figure out if it is possible.
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