Décor and the dream
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Ambica Motupalli, an award-winning designer, says interiors should take into account the user's character, passions, biases — if any — and the functionality of the space
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Ambica Motupalli
Many a time, interiors are done to reflect a theme or replicate a chosen design. Whether the décor mirrors the individuality of the user or the character of the room is debatable.
While designs can be chosen by surfing the Net, perusing books or by enlisting the services of an interior designer, the essential thing to consider is the user's individuality, feels interior designer Ambica Motupalli of Design Spot. According to her, the interiors would necessarily have to reflect the personality of the user and this should be evident in the colours chosen, the kind of décor opted for, the manner of arrangement, to name a few.
Essential character
With over 18 years in the interior design segment, Ambica focuses on bringing out the essential character of the room as well as the user while deciding on the décor.
“Invariably, each individual has a concept of a dream home with sometimes divergent ideas. It is important to design a home that comes closest to this dream, keeping in mind practicality as well as the essential character of each room”, she says.
Given the varied functionality of individual rooms, Ambica starts with understanding the requirements as well as bias, if any, of her clients.
“If any feature, as in a particular colour or material, is passionately sought for by the user, the same is incorporated into the setting in a manner that it does not seem out of place or jarring. By incorporating such elements, the user's individuality as well as expectations are met.”
Essentially, Ambica tries to demarcate the formal areas from the family section “as this requires a different décor, both in terms of comfort and the elements such as material, colours and features used.” For instance, a formal living area could bring in plenty of silk, embellishments, panelling, heavy lighting in the form of chandeliers and light-coloured fabrics.
New forms: A captivating mix of wood, fabrics and lights.
A family area would, on the contrary, call for comfortable seating “allowing you to stretch your legs and this would call for use of materials and colours that will not show dirt and can withstand rough usage.”
Out of place
Chandeliers and silks would be out of place here, according to her.
“The accent is on low seating, soft colours, brighter prints, all of which appear cheerful yet comfortable.”
While such demarcation and choice of décor reflect the essential character of the room, Ambica also insists on an interior reflecting creativity and freshness.
“Even if thematic décor is opted for, there needs to be an element of creativity, again reflecting individuality in its representation.”
Thus, a period style decor would not augur well for Ambica unless a bit of blending with different styles is in place to reflect that creativity.
“Depicting a style in total can, after a period, tend to become heavy and boring with a need to revamp the décor in a different style. But by introducing subtle innovations and creativity, there is a novelty to the décor.”
In the same vein, Ambica feels that a décor must necessarily exude the element of freshness as “it can otherwise appear dull and boring, lacking in life.”
While her first choice is to bring in this element through fresh flowers, it may not always be practical to retain flowers on a daily basis.
She incorporates the element of freshness through floral paintings, floral prints and, if the décor permits, a bit of greenery.
“Plants bring in the freshness of outdoors, but they require regular maintenance and are hence a good choice only for those who can sustain it”, she says.
Ambica can be contacted on 098453 42172.
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NANDHINI SUNDAR
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