Interview with Aakanksha Gautam — Interior Designer, Silqe Design Studio

Brief Introduction:
Silqe Design Studio is a luxury interior design studio focused on creating thoughtful, refined, and
highly functional spaces. We believe a home should not just look beautiful, but should also feel
personal, comfortable, and effortless to live in.
With over 9 years of experience in the industry, I have had the opportunity to work on residential
projects across India and the US. Our approach is rooted in understanding how people live, then
translating that into spaces that feel timeless, practical, and beautifully considered.
What makes Silqe different is our attention to detail, our focus on material quality, and our belief that
good design is not about adding more, but about making the right choices.


Key Services:
We specialise in residential interior design, including complete home interiors, space planning,
material and finish selection, 2D and 3D design, and design consultation. We also work on
commercial interiors, home theatres, and home automation.
Our focus is on creating cohesive spaces where aesthetics, functionality, and quality come together.
Notable Projects or Achievements:
We have worked on more than 50 residential projects across India, along with projects in the US. Our
work has given us the opportunity to design for different lifestyles, architectural styles, and client
requirements.
One of the things we value most is the trust clients place in us to turn their homes into spaces that
truly reflect them.
Visuals:
We would be happy to share photographs and videos of our completed residential projects.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

  1. What are the biggest interior design mistakes you see homeowners making, and how can they avoid them?
    One of the biggest mistakes I see is homeowners choosing individual elements without thinking
    about the space as a whole. They may select a beautiful sofa, a nice light, or an expensive finish, but
    the result can still feel disconnected.
    Another common mistake is prioritising looks over functionality. A home should not just look good in
    photographs. It should work well for the people living in it.
    I also see people trying to fit too much into a space. Sometimes, leaving a little breathing room
    makes a home feel more luxurious than adding another piece of furniture.
    My advice is to start with a clear plan, understand your lifestyle, and make decisions based on the
    overall space rather than individual products.
  2. How do you balance aesthetics with functionality when designing a home?
    For me, aesthetics and functionality are not two separate things. The best designs are the ones
    where they work together naturally.
    I start by understanding how the client uses the space. For example, a living room for someone who
    loves entertaining will have different requirements from one designed for a family that spends most of
    its time together.
    Once the functionality is clear, we build the design around it. The colours, materials, furniture, and
    lighting should all support the way the space is meant to be used.
    A beautiful home is one that looks good, but a truly successful home is one that also makes everyday
    life easier.
  3. What interior design trends do you think are actually worth following in 2026, and which ones are just hype?
    I think the trends worth following are the ones that improve the way we live. Natural materials, warm
    neutral palettes, layered lighting, biophilic themes, Japandi-inspired interiors, and thoughtful storage
    are all things that can make a home feel more comfortable and timeless.
    I also think people are moving towards homes that reflect their own taste and lifestyle, rather than
    simply following what is popular.
    On the other hand, I feel some trends are more about creating a visual statement than creating a
    home that is comfortable to live in. For example, making a home feel like a museum of art, using
    carving everywhere, or adding heavy panelling just because it is trending. These elements can look
    beautiful, but when they are overused, the space can start to feel dated or lose its sense of balance.
    My approach is to use trends as inspiration, but always design with longevity and timelessness in
    mind. A home should feel beautiful today, but it should also continue to feel right for the person living
    in it years from now.
  4. For someone with a limited budget, where should they spend more and where can they save without compromising the overall look?
    I would always recommend spending more on things that are difficult or expensive to change later,
    such as electrical planning, plumbing, and good-quality hardware. I also think furniture is worth investing in, especially pieces that are used every day, like sofas, beds, and dining tables. Good-quality furniture can make a space feel more comfortable, functional, and refined. I also think lighting is worth investing in because it can completely change how a space feels. You can save on decorative elements, accessories, and some smaller furniture pieces without compromising the overall look. The key is to maintain a consistent colour palette and choose materials that work well together. A limited budget does not mean you cannot have a beautiful home. It just means you need to be more intentional about where you spend.
  5. How can a homeowner choose the right colours, materials, and textures for their space without making it look outdated?
    I usually recommend starting with a neutral base and then adding character through materials, textures, and a few carefully chosen colours. Instead of using too many finishes, I prefer to create depth through a combination of wood, stone, fabrics, and subtle variations in texture. I also think it is important to consider the natural light, the size of the space, and the overall architecture before selecting colours. The most timeless interiors are not necessarily the ones with the least colour. They are the ones where everything feels balanced and intentional.
  6. What are some smart space-planning techniques you use to make a small home feel bigger and more functional?
    The first thing I look at is how the space is actually being used. Sometimes, simply improving the furniture layout can make a room feel much more spacious. I also like to use multifunctional furniture, built-in storage, and a clear visual flow between spaces. Keeping the flooring and colour palette consistent can help create a sense of continuity. Colour drenching is another technique I love using. When done thoughtfully, using the same colour across walls, ceilings, and sometimes even the joinery can make a space feel more cohesive and visually open. Mirrors are also a game changer, especially when they are placed strategically to reflect light and create a greater sense of depth. Good space planning is about making every square foot work harder, without making the home feel crowded.
  7. After 9+ years in the industry, what is one interior-design principle you wish every homeowner knew before starting their project?
    If I had to choose one principle, it would be: Design for the way you live, not just for the way you want
    your home to look.
    A home should reflect your lifestyle, your habits, and your personality. It is easy to get carried away
    by beautiful images on Pinterest or Instagram, but what works for one home may not work for
    another.
    I also believe that good design takes planning. The more clarity you have at the beginning, the better
    the final result will be.
    Ultimately, the best compliment a designer can receive is not just that the home looks beautiful, but
    that the client says, “This feels like my home.”

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