Gauri Khan reflects on her 13-year journey and the evolution of her luxury design narrative
Gauri Khan. (Photo: By Arrangement)
Gauri Khan shares insights into her design philosophy, from her personal space—Mannat, to her brand Gauri Khan Designs, emphasising the importance of balancing aesthetics with client comfort. As the brand expands into Hyderabad through a collaboration with Sussanne Khan's The Charcoal Project and an upcoming Delhi experience centre, Gauri reflects on her 13-year journey and the evolution of her luxury design narrative.
What inspired your collaboration with Sussanne Khan for this Hyderabad store, and what can we expect?
Sussanne and I have been long-standing friends, and have a shared love for design.
Over the years, I've often felt that there was a vacuum in the Indian design industry, such that luxuries like world class accessories, furniture etc. seemed alien, mainly as they were inaccessible. With Gauri Khan Designs, we wanted to bridge that gap by offering a curated selection of handcrafted creations that celebrate India's rich tradition of artisanship.
Hyderabad's refined aesthetic perfectly complements our brand. There is an entire floor in the store, dedicated to signature Gauri Khan Designs collections: bespoke furniture, home décor, soft furnishings, art, and artifacts.
I hope people enjoy visiting and seeing the collection as much as we have enjoyed putting it together.
Sussanne Khan and Gauri Khan.
Your journey into design began with redecorating your own home, Mannat. How has your personal space influenced your design philosophy?
I believe that good design should be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. This idea has shaped my approach to design, starting with Mannat and extending into every project I have worked on.
Gauri Khan Designs has evolved significantly over the past 13 years. What drives your creative process, and how do you stay updated with global design trends?
My creative process begins by observing the world around me—everything from fashion to architecture. Having studied history and art, I enjoy how design can bring a narrative to life. I like exploring trends during visits to international design fairs in Paris and Milan, social media, and magazines. But for me, true success lies in balancing design with client comfort—an approach that transcends trends and focuses on creating enduring spaces to be enjoyed by them for years to come.
How do you balance your design work with your other responsibilities?
It comes down to being clear about your priorities and managing time well. Communication is key—whether it’s with my team, clients, or family. I make sure to focus fully on whatever I’m doing at the moment, whether it’s a design project or spending time with my family. Having a strong team also helps—it allows me to stay creative without getting lost in the logistics.
Your flagship experience centre is set to open in Delhi. How will it showcase your design expertise?
The idea of my Delhi Experience Centre is to give visitors a real sense of how different elements can come together to create an inviting space with a strong design narrative. This will be an invitation-only space that is very exclusive and by appointment only. It’s an extension of what Gauri Khan Designs stands for—timeless luxury with a personal touch.
What's next for Gauri Khan Designs, and how do you plan to expand your brand's presence in the Indian design landscape?
Luxury is an experience that cannot be rushed. Gauri Khan Designs began 13 years ago and our flagship store in Mumbai stands as a testament to our commitment to meaningful design narratives. We have now collaborated with Sussanne on her Hyderabad project with a floor dedicated to our range of products. Soon, we will unveil our experience centre in Delhi. So, the whole journey has been very organic and that is the essence of the brand.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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