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But there is something more than that impacts and captivates one as one steps into a home, reflecting the character of the house.

It is the décor, selection of material, furniture, its placement, artefacts and little knick knacks that add character and style, in short its interior designing. But then it is easier said than done. While some homes look appealing even with their minimalist furniture, others with all their ornate décor, fail to exude that aesthetic appeal. What is the secret that makes some homes just stand out and make a statement ?

This is one question that every one would love to seek an exact answer about. There is no set pattern or formula, says interior designer Supraja Rao, who has decked up residential homes and designed commercial spaces across the country.

Every one need not be endowed with an artistic insight or an aptitude to transform their interiors. One simple tip is not to buy anything and everything just because it is in fashion, emphasises Ms. Rao.

The design and décor should be in tune with the personality of the owner, size of the house, she insists.

The services of an interior designer are sought for aesthetics, utilising every inch of space and to know about latest material, furniture trends which the professional interior designer would keep track of.

Interior designing as a concept grew in popularity only in the recent years. In the past, one rarely thought of discarding old furniture while moving into a newly built house but now the preference is to buy everything new, she says.

The change has been mainly due to changing lifestyles, attitudes in India and international exposure which enables one to imbibe novel ideas, furniture and décor.

Ms. Supraja says people choose to make statements through their house. A designer’s job is to understand the preference of the client and translate it into design and décor. Sometimes even a child may have own ideas about his or her room and integrating their desires with the design makes them feel good about their room.

But Ms. Rao is not for creating something that’s out of sync with present times. “Why build Rome in 2008”, is her philosophy. Buildings outlive men and it should be a relic of its era.

“Design is person specific, property specific and of course budget specific and there are no blanket rules. The basic tenet for interior designing according to me is don’t over do it. Lights, walls, fixtures, are only for dressing up.”

Exhibitions help in introducing new concepts, materials, trends and awareness. Indianness should remain at the core of any contemporary furniture décor, retaining ethnicity, native use of technique, as noticed in Japanese or Italian furniture/décor, says Supraja who likes to work with eco-friendly material.

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