Gauri Khan on Design: Timeless Always Wins Over Trends
At an interactive session with students at a fashion institute, Gauri Khan spoke candidly about design, discipline, and discovering one’s unique voice.
From building a personal design language to balancing creativity with client needs, the designer-entrepreneur Gauri Khan offered practical insights drawn from her journey. Her message was clear: stay original, keep learning, and let your work speak for you.
Excerpts
Q: When starting a new project, what is your first step?
Gauri Khan: The first step is always meeting the client and understanding their requirements. They are the ones who will live in or use the space, so it has to reflect their sensibilities and lifestyle.
Q: How do you approach developing a colour palette?
Gauri Khan: I like working with a lot of imagery. My preferences have evolved over time. Every decade brings a new perspective, and right now I draw a lot of inspiration from visuals to guide the mood and palette.
Q: How do you ensure your designs remain timeless?
Gauri Khan: I naturally lean towards timeless, classic designs. Interiors are not something you change often. You live with them for years. Trends come and go, but a well designed space should last.
Q: How important is branding for a design practice?
Gauri Khan: It is very important. People need to connect with your sensibility. When your style resonates consistently, that becomes your identity.
Q: What role does social media play today?
Gauri Khan: It is extremely important. It lets you showcase your work visually and helps people connect with your design language instantly.
Q: What challenges did you face early on?
Gauri Khan: One of the biggest challenges was aligning my sensibility with my clients. You are very clear about your own likes in the beginning, but understanding and adapting to someone else’s needs takes time.
Q: What advice would you give aspiring designers?
Gauri Khan: Do not say no in the beginning. Take on projects of all scales. Stay open, keep learning, and take risks. Every project teaches you something.
Q: What about formal training?
Gauri Khan: If you have the opportunity, go for it. It gives you a strong foundation. But it is never too late to follow your passion. Dedication matters more.
Q: One underrated but essential skill?
Gauri Khan: Travel. It exposes you to different cultures and perspectives. You absorb so much inspiration along the way.
Q: Designing for yourself versus clients. What is the difference?
Gauri Khan: With family, you have more freedom to guide decisions. With clients, you have to respect their preferences and sometimes adapt your ideas.
Q: How was it interacting with students?
Gauri Khan: Very inspiring. Seeing young designers experiment and stay so focused is refreshing.
Q: How can students start applying design skills in college?
Gauri Khan: Make the most of your environment. Learn from your peers and teachers, exchange ideas, and absorb as much as you can. It shapes how you work later.
Q: What helps a designer stand out?
Gauri Khan: Your unique sensibility. Read, stay aware, and keep your work original. That is what sets you apart.
Q: One essential habit every designer should develop?
Gauri Khan: Build your own design language. Keep your mind open and keep evolving your ideas.
Q: How can a space be both luxurious and practical?
Gauri Khan: It comes down to material selection. You need to know what works where. Luxury is not just about how something looks. It is also about durability and usability.
Q: How important is storytelling in design?
Gauri Khan: It is especially important in commercial projects. You need to understand the brand and build a narrative around it. In homes, it is more subtle.
Q: What role does collaboration play?
Gauri Khan: It is essential. Architects and designers bring different perspectives, and that makes the end result stronger.
Q: How do you maintain consistency while keeping projects unique?
Gauri Khan: We follow a consistent sensibility, like minimalism, but introduce variation through colours, materials, and layouts so each project feels different.
Q: How can students build a strong portfolio?
Gauri Khan: Start building your own design library. Collect elements that reflect your style and incorporate them into your work. Your individuality will come through.
Rapid Fire With Gauri
1. Luxury or Comfort? Comfort
2. Minimalism or Maximalism? Minimalism
3. Marble or Stone? Marble
4. Neutral tones or Bold colours? Neutral tones
5. Matte or Glossy? Matte
6. Warm lighting or Cool lighting? Warm lighting
7. Trendy or Timeless? Timeless
8. Client brief or Designer instinct? Client brief
9. One trend that should stop? Over reliance on Pinterest
10. One word for luxury? Comfort
