‘My Design Philosophy Has Always Been About Balance’: Gauri Khan On New Project Delhi Experience Centre

In this column, interior designer Gauri Khan elaborates on her design sensibility, and how she strikes the right chord to create opulent spaces that are timeless, functional, and personal

01 October 2025 10:52 AM

I have always believed that design is not just about how a space looks but it is about how it makes you feel. This belief has always guided me and is the backbone of everything that I create—including my latest project, the Delhi Experience Centre. The essence of true luxury lies in investing time and attention to detail, and that is exactly how this intimate space was envisioned—where design speaks through texture, finish, and form, and where every detail sparks a conversation about how interiors can transform everyday living.

My design philosophy has always been about balance. For me, glamour and comfort must coexist, and that is why I always opt for silhouettes and materials that are timeless, elegant, and inviting. It’s not loud, but it lingers with quiet sophistication.

I have always wanted clients to understand design at their own pace and that is why I work with a ‘by-appointment’ model. Design often carries an air of intimidation, but this space softens it. I want them to explore freely, to connect with pieces that resonate, and to leave with ideas that feel personal. Among the pieces here, one stands out personally—the sculptural console with horse-head detailing. Horses have always symbolised grace and strength for me, and I wanted to capture that sense of fluidity in a piece that feels more like a narrative than an object. Building this space came with its own set of challenges. Every texture, from marble to metal, had to align with a larger story. Because our furniture line is customisable, the layout needed to remain fluid and adaptable while retaining a strong brand identity.

Gauri Khan at Gauri Khan Designs Experience Centre in Delhi
Gauri Khan at Gauri Khan Designs Experience Centre in Delhi

I am currently working on a limited-edition capsule that blends contemporary art with furniture, to create functional pieces that are also conversation starters. There are new collaborations with luxury lifestyle brands in lighting and textiles, too, adding fresh dimensions to what this space offers.

Looking back, certain projects have shaped me deeply. Designing the Kala Ghoda flagship for Falguni Shane Peacock, the Manish Malhotra stores in Dubai and Mumbai, and Arts Café in Mumbai—all remain close to my heart. What excites me today is the paradigm shift I observe in Indian clients. More than ever, people are looking for homes that reflect who they are, not just what’s trending. There’s a growing appreciation for craftsmanship, customisation, and storytelling, where clients want their homes to be an extension of their personal choices. I feel there is a certain semblance of luxury in being able to create such timeless yet expressive living spaces.

I believe design in India is moving towards immersive experiences. We are learning to weave light, texture, and narrative into our spaces in ways that move beyond function. In the coming years, interiors here will become more sensory, more layered, and more emotionally resonant, while drawing strength from India’s rich design vocabulary.

Published At:

Recent Stories

  1. A Tech-inspired Home
  2. Sarita Handa’s Modern Loom
  3. Green Glamour
  4. Forged In India Made For The World
  5. Yohan Poonawalla: Legacy In Motion
  6. The Heart Of Swiss Watchmaking
  7. Rolls-Royce Phantom Centenary
  8. ‘He Trusted His Own Vision’: Manish Malhotra On Giorgio Armani
  9. Six Luxe Accessories To Sparkle in the Festive Season
  10. Whispers Of Blue At JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort In Maldives
  11. A Quiet Re-Invention: Dejhoor, Borla to Mookuthi, How Ancient Jewellery Is Appearing In A New Avatar
  12. ‘My Design Philosophy Has Always Been About Balance’: Gauri Khan On New Project Delhi Experience Centre
  13. ‘His Clothes Were Never Loud’: Raghavendra Rathore On Armani’s Vision
  14. Inside The inaugural Saudi Arabia Jewellery Exposition Presenting 200 exhibitors From India
  15. Cover Story: Giorgio Armani – The Man Behind The Empire