Creating a home that’s sharp, stylish, and effortlessly cool doesn’t mean you need to rip the place apart and start from scratch. There are a few simple but thoroughly effective ways to get the job done. We tapped into the genius of some of the brightest minds in interior design, each sharing their signature tips and creative approaches to transform your space into a stunning personal masterpiece - without the hassle. Whether you’re all about minimalist elegance, pushing the boundaries of creativity, or letting light and nature do the talking, these experts know how to elevate your space in really impressive ways. Get ready to give your home a facelift and turn it into the ultimate bachelor-approved pad - or something the family would be proud of.
When it comes to interiors, Principal Architect and Proprietor, Rooshad Shroff, knows that less isn’t just more - it’s smarter. “My personal approach has always veered towards the minimalist. Less is more, so don’t clutter your home in a bid to make an impression, because more often than not, it’s the wrong one. Clean lines and neutral tones will always serve you well, as opposed to trends that come with a sell by date,” he says.
It's also important not to fall for fleeting trends. Instead, Rooshad suggests investing in statement pieces that truly resonate with you, “whether it’s art, furniture, or artifacts – anything that resonates with you on a personal level and enhances your space,” he shares. “And try and capitalise on the amount of natural light in a room; it serves to elevate any interior.”
Sarah Sham, Principal Designer at Essajees Atelier, also spills some secrets to creating an instant wow moments to a home that doesn’t call for major overhauls.
“The easiest way to make a bold statement is using wallpaper,” she says. “It’s incredibly easy to pick something dynamic, and within 2-3 hours - without any mess - your space is completely transformed.” Next up, she suggests plants - but not just any plants. “Tall planters, 8 or 9 feet high, add drama and scale to a room,” Sarah shares. Exotic varieties not only breathe life into the space, but also create a visual impact that feels luxurious and lush. And don’t forget to cash in on some texture. “Even if you’re going for an all-white aesthetic, play with different textures,” she advises. “It creates a tactile, textile-like vibe that’s anything but boring.”
Karl Irani, Co-Founder of Palmore Luxury Developers, knows that the devil is in the details - and it all starts with curated lighting. According to him, lighting serves as a transformative element in interior design, imbuing a space with atmosphere, accentuating architectural nuances, and introducing a dynamic sense of depth. “The thoughtful integration of natural light, ambient illumination, and focal lighting not only elevates the aesthetic and functional aspects of a room, but creates a harmonious interplay between textures, colours, and spatial proportions, turning an ordinary environment into a visually arresting experience,” he shares. Glossy surfaces might appear to scream “luxury,” but Irani says it’s time to tone it down, because that glossy finish you’re banking on will probably wear out faster than a bad trend. “Incorporating matte finishes into your interior design can profoundly elevate the aesthetic of a space, infusing it with a refined sense of sophistication, warmth, and contemporary elegance. Select matte surfaces as a base for furniture, walls finishes and flooring and add some shine through brushed brass hardware or light fittings instead for a more refined look,” he explains.
To add a final touch of understated style, Irani suggests turning to nature’s own masterpieces: crystals. When used as statement pieces, crystals infuse interiors with a rare balance of refined luxury and organic beauty. “Their vibrant hues, intricate formations, and lustrous surfaces command attention, serving as powerful focal points that bring both sophistication and serenity to any space,” he concludes.
Shantanu Garg, Creative Director at Shantanu Garg Design, on the other hand, is all about pushing boundaries and breaking the mould because ordinary just doesn’t cut it these days.
Think fresh, experimental, and downright unusual. His secret sauce? A dash of culture, a sprinkle of heritage, and a modern twist that creates a distinct visual eccentricity. “Be fresh, experimental and unusual. Try to develop touch points that have never been seen before and try to make design personal,” he says. “I believe one should build a home that’s personal to one’s taste or tells a special story. Translating a story into a design narrative renders high value in achieving the homeowner’s personality in a designed space.”