A niche for herself

Richa Bahl’s multicultural influences as a child led to her giving up a career in advertising for the joy of creating unforgettable spaces

How did you get into interior design?

RB: Many years back, I decided to design my first home and oversee the execution as well. The entire process was a great teacher and it was thrilling to see it all fall into place. The experience made me realize my passion and that’s how my interior design journey began. When I finished my home, a friend who had recently bought a house asked me to design it. Soon, the word spread and I did another friend’s home and it snowballed into practice for me.

How has your cultural background impacted your design philosophy?

RB: Being exposed to various states while I was growing up gave me a design ethos for myself. I love creating homes that look well-travelled – that’s very important to me as I feel the world is getting smaller. I like to create spaces that bring about nostalgia; every time I see a niche I remember my grandparents’ home. For me design has to bring about a connection; so, if you are a writer, your home needs to have a happy clutter of books and lots of coffee cups and comfortable seating with cushions.

What are the colors and materials trending in interior design today?

RB: I am not a trend follower as such and my designs are based on who I am designing for. For me, a few things will always be trendy, such as adding a lot of greens, using eco-friendly materials, and supporting local artists. I largely stick to innovation and styling around these trends. It also depends on what appeals to your eyes at what point.