Entrepreneur, producer and a distinguished interior designer, Gauri Khan wears many hats. This year, she clocks in 13 years of being in the field of interior design. In a conversation with us, Gauri talks about how designing Shah Rukh and her home, Mannat, has been among her “most cherished experiences”, what inspires her and how she plans to take her design dreams ahead. Excerpts:
What inspired you to step into this world of design and how do you look back at your 13-year-long journey?
My first piece of work as a designer was my Delhi house. My mother had put me in charge of that. When we moved into Mannat, it was my responsibility to make the house a home. I really enjoyed the process, and designing it remains one of my most cherished experiences. There is a saying, ‘Find something you love to do, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.’ I love designing, and that’s what keeps me going.
What are your personal must-haves and goals when it comes to design?
Each project is different, but it is important to develop your internal voice as a designer. That voice is what makes your work unique. For me, the starting point is usually the story that I want the space to tell. That is the inspiration. Then, all elements of design need to come together cohesively around that narrative in a timeless, classic and, most importantly, functional way.
Gauri Khan
You’ve been in the business for 13 years, but there seems to be no slowing down for you. We believe you have plans to take your label notches higher. What’s next?
We launched a new website recently. It’s a gateway into the many facets of my design studio that showcases our projects, and a range bespoke of products. Infusing spirit into a space with objects and artistic elements has been one of the most enjoyable parts of the design process for me. It’s like accessorising your look with the right jewellery. Also, our experience centre in Delhi opens this March, and I look forward to sharing more on that soon.
A home is a reflection of the people that inhabit it. Shah Rukh and your dream home, Mannat, truly represents what one can achieve with hard work, determination and drive. What does Mannat mean to you? And which corner of your home brings you the most peace?
Mannat is more than just a house for me; it’s a place filled with memories, love, and the essence of our journey as a family. The place that brings me the most peace is the library. It’s a serene space where I often find inspiration and clarity.
People tend to associate high-profile designers with high-profile homes and celebrity homes. Will we see Gauri Khan designing a modest home?
Well, we had a shoestring design budget when we moved into Mannat, so why not? I think it’s the creativity, more than the size of the project alone, that draws me to it. You can do a lot to elevate a simple space with good lighting, textures, and paint. There is a void in India’s design industry for world-class furniture and accessories. These things seem alien to us, mainly because they are unaffordable. I want the experience centres that I am planning to create to address this and champion affordable design that is rooted in India’s rich tradition of artisanship.
Now that AbRam has grown up and Aryan and Suhana are pursuing their careers, is it easier to strike a work-life balance?
Work-life balance always came naturally to me, perhaps, because I have a very supportive family. I’ve always believed that to be successful, you must be organised and disciplined. I prioritise family time and set up meetings around those commitments, and that works very well.
Any creative endeavour has its set of challenges. Do you face moments of self-doubt or a creative block as an artiste, and how do you overcome it?
Being a designer can be stressful at times, of course. Sometimes, if I hit a block, I look at other segments of design for inspiration – art, fashion, jewellery, architecture. The key is to enjoy the journey at every step. It’s important to trust your instincts and let your style and voice find their flow and expression.
