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I’m Lalit Nathe, the founder and principal designer at Lalit Nathe Designs. With a background in architecture and a passion for expressive spaces, I specialize in blending geometry, materiality, and human-centric design. Based in Maharashtra, our studio focuses on high-impact interiors that are bold, detail-driven, and timeless.
- What was the spark that led to the inception of Lalit Nathe Designs?
The spark came from a deep desire to tell stories through spaces. I’ve always been fascinated by how spatial design affects emotions and behavior. Founding Lalit Nathe Designs was a natural step to create environments that reflect both purpose and personality.
- Geometry seems to play a key role in your design language. Can you walk us through how you use geometry as a storytelling element?
Geometry is at the core of every structure—it’s more than just form; it’s rhythm and logic. I use it to create visual narratives, whether it’s through a bold line that guides movement or symmetry that brings balance. For us, geometry is a silent storyteller, creating harmony while anchoring the identity of a space.
- What role do materials like tiles, textures, and finishes play in shaping the essence of a space?
Materials are the soul of a space. Tiles, textures, and finishes define character—whether it’s a rough concrete for raw honesty or a glossy tile for a refined finish. They communicate mood, scale, and function. Each material decision contributes to the emotional and sensory experience of the user.
- How do you approach tile and surface design differently across residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces?
For residential, we prioritize warmth and personal touch. Commercial spaces need durability with visual identity, while hospitality spaces demand immersion—where surface design becomes part of the storytelling. We tailor tile usage not just for aesthetics but for context, footfall, and brand alignment.
To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it?
- Are there any material innovations or tech integrations in interiors that excite you?
Absolutely. I’m particularly excited about sustainable composite surfaces and antibacterial tiles. Integration of smart lighting with surface finishes, and even augmented reality for design previews, opens new creative possibilities while enhancing functionality.
- Can you share an example where a client’s unique lifestyle significantly influenced the final design?
We once designed a home for a travel photographer who wanted every corner to reflect memories of places visited. We translated that into custom tile murals, earthy textures, and furniture crafted from reclaimed wood. The client’s lifestyle shaped every inch—from gallery-style walls to layered global patterns.
- Where do you draw inspiration for material palettes—nature, fashion, travel?
A blend of all three. Nature for textures and tones, fashion for its seasonal boldness, and travel for cultural richness. Often, a color from a traditional textile or a texture from a stone path becomes the foundation for an entire palette.
- If your design philosophy were a tile—what would it look and feel like?
It would be a matte tile with geometric etching—neutral yet expressive, minimal but with character. It would feel smooth with subtle depth, just like our approach: quiet sophistication that reveals layers on closer inspection.
- Quick Fire (Optional Fun Section):
– Matte or glossy? Matte
– Monochrome or maximalist? Monochrome with a twist
– Symmetry or surprise? Surprise
– Favorite material to work with right now? Fluted wood panels and handmade terrazzo
