The Studio by Nandita Manwani

Why Interior Designers need to think Beyond the Box.

Interior Designers

I had written on this topic some time back on this blog, an updated version of the post was published on Times of India Online . I am replicating the post here for the readers of this blog


The Pandemic of the BOXES – Why Interior Designers need to think beyond the box.

The boxes have taken over, where we live – BOX, our entertainment – BOX (think TV), our breakfast – BOX (think breakfast cereals, tetrapack milk), our lunch – BOX (think Swiggy), our travel – BOX (think Car), Our work space – BOX (think Cubicle), our gateway to the world – BOX (think cellphone). The other day I was asking a client her requirements for interior design and not surprisingly she said Kitchen (BOX), Wardrobes (BOX), TV Unit (BOX) and Foyer Unit (Another BOX). “So, do both you and your husband have a 9 to 6 job”? I ask. “& who cooks at home”? “What about the kids – how old are they”? Do your parents stay with you? no”? “How often do they visit and how long do they stay”? A little offended with the questioning she says “Why are you asking me this”? and I say “it’s not the box madam, I need to design your house based on your life. The boxes will come, but much later.” While we had a great discussion after that, what was clear was that the general impression of Interior Design too in minds of home makers is sadly – BOX

We had a different problem 10 years back, the Home Interiors industry was fragmented, unorganized and it was difficult to find someone to do the job professionally. A part of that problem today has been done away with angel funds churning the wheels of young startups in the field of modular furniture and furniture aggregators. The young ones have deep focus and hunger to capture the untapped potential in this so called “high margin” business and slogans of “we do it in 45 days” and “get a lower quote and we will match it” are not uncommon. But dig a little deeper and one finds that the hunt for hypergrowth and the desire to be acquired by the likes of an IKEA is driven by volume and unfortunately VOLUME again equals BOX – Modular boxes of standard size and shape that can be manufactured in bulk, driving economies of scale, order books, valuations and investor wealth. The appreciation of the lifestyle needs of the residing family and the accompanying design element beyond just the boxes still remains a far-fetched dream.

So What Now??

Now that that the “cat is out the bag” – you are left wondering what you as a home owner should be doing. I think it finally boils down to awareness. Once you are aware what you are missing and ask for it then the industry in the long run is bound to cater. The fact that customers are fine with factory made boxes & expect no more from their designers & service providers reflects the state of maturity of our industry and customer expectations and only time and awareness can change that. We use this tag line in our business – “when you work with a designer then expect more than just boxes & carpentry”. I do hope that appreciation grows and the industry is forced to truly deliver on the promise of good design – that of a good LIFE

 

Signing off

Nandita

Nandita Manwani is among the leading women Interior Designers in Bangalore and is the founder of The Studio by Nandita Manwani

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Articles

Apartment interiors, Home Interiors Bangalore, Interior Decorators in Bangalore, Interior designer bangalore, Interior Designers in Bangalore, Top Interior Designer in Bangalore, Top Interior Designers in Bangalore, Turnkey home interiors

Tips and tricks to convert your rental home into a place of your own

Home Interiors and Decorators   This one is for readers who have or are in the process of renting out

Houzz Magazine

One of our Interior Design Projects in Bangalore featured by Houzz Magazine

One of our projects was recently featured by Houzz Magazine. Read all about it here 30 Kitchen Cabinets With Contrasting

Interior Designers in Bangalore, Sofa in Bangalore

Selecting the “right” sofa for your home. My article in Deccan Herald today

The subject article was featured in Deccan Herald today. You can also read it at http://www.deccanherald.com/content/445623/selecting-sofas-safe-way/. The free text is

Best Interior Designers in Bangalore, Interior Design Center

Honored to be recognized as the Top Interior Design Firm of the Year 2022

Two updates that happened over the last few days which we are very exited about The Architecture & Interior Design

Getting the maximum value from your interior designer, Interior Designers in Bangalore

The “missing“ REAL value of an interior designer.

Sometime back on this blog I wrote on a couple of topics, one around whether you really need an interior

Elder friendly Interior Design, Interior Designers in Bangalore

Elder Friendly Home Interior Design

This subject has been close to my heart and I had written this article a long time ago. Glad to

Interior Designers in Bangalore

New Q&A Module for you to ask your questions

This blog today hosts over 3500 Q&A on home interiors under different posts. For some of the more popular posts

Home Interior Designers, Home Interior Maintenance

Home Interiors Maintenance Tips – The “Anti Wrinkle Cream” for your home

After spending a bomb on interiors in terms of resources, time and love – it’s painful to see things slowly

Island Kitchen, Modular Kitchens

Island Kitchen at my latest home interior project in Bangalore

Modular kitchen at a project that I handed over earlier this week. Clicked this on my mobile phone and it

Best Interior Design Companies in Bangalore, Best Interior Designers in Bangalore, Interior Decorators in Bangalore, List of Interior Designers in Bangalore, Newspapers, Top Interior Designers in Bangalore

The Experts you need when making your home – My recent article in Deccan Herald

My article below was published in Deccan Herald last Friday. The free text is pasted below. Happy reading Cheers Nandita

Island Kitchen,Kitchen Design,kitchen Interiors Bangalore,Modular Kitchen,Magazine

Kitchen Design: B&I Magazine & Siemens India Interview excerpts

Building & Interiors Magazine in conjunction with Siemens India published my interview on the subject of Kitchen Appliances for the

Home Interior Design FAQs, Interior Designers in Bangalore

2000 FAQ’s on Home Interiors and Interior Design Best Practices

Imagine a repository of 2000 Frequently Asked Questions and how to’s on interior design and home interiors….how cool would that

Kitchen Design, kitchen interior design, Modular Kitchens, Vaastu for Kitchen Design

Home Design Vaastu Shastra – Episode 2 – Best practices in Kitchen design

One of the most tricky spaces at home in terms of design is the kitchen as it needs to be
Lifestyle based design,Proud,interior design

Be Proud to be You

Lifestyle based interior design…Going beyond just making a style statement A couple of incidents in these past few months set

Interior design

Customers Don’t Trust Interior Designers. While the Industry is Booming it Struggles With A Credibility Crisis That No One Talks About

Doing up a home is a deeply emotional journey for a family, one that represents years of savings, aspirations, and
Interior design best practices in Bangalore, Interior design versus modular furniture, Interior Designers in Bangalore, Modular Kitchen, Sliding Wardrobes Bangalore, Woodwork in Bangalore

Cutting Corners to make you a Pigeon Hole

How Interior Vendors cut corners to deliver on unrealistic budgets of customers. Practices in the Interior Design Industry that you
Five Elements of Interior Design, Interior design, Interior Designers in Bangalore

The 5 Elements of Interior Design and what separates good design from the not so good

A lot of people wonder what makes a well-designed home different from, well, one that is not. I have dwelled

Furnishing, Decor Shops in Bangalore, Home Interior Shops in Bangalore, Interior Designers in Bangalore

Shopping for Interiors?? – Recommended places in Bangalore

The question about which are the best places to shop for stuff for home interiors in Bangalore has surfaced in

Related Articles

Scroll to Top
Thank you icon

Thanks for your Interest

We will get back to you on this shortly