Interview With PoonamAkash: Crafting a New Chapter Beyond AMPM Designs

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Brief Introduction:

Introducing PoonamAkash, formerly known as AMPM designs, a premium global interior design hub helmed by the esteemed power couple, Poonam and Akash. With over a decade of experience in crafting exquisite living spaces, this dynamic duo is poised to embark on a new chapter of innovation and creativity.Having initially made their mark designing projects across India, Poonam and Akash have since expanded their horizons, bringing their unparalleled expertise to Europe and the UAE. As they celebrate a decade in the industry, they unveil their rebranded identity, reflecting their unwavering commitment to excellence and sophistication.PoonamAkash epitomizes the epitome of luxury, specializing in uber-luxury projects ranging from opulent mansions to prestigious high-rise apartments. Their portfolio extends beyond residential spaces to include retail establishments for luxury fashion and furniture brands, solidifying their status as leaders in the field of interior design.With a client roster boasting the biggest industrialists, celebrities, and builders, Poonam and Akash have earned a reputation for their unparalleled dedication to quality and innovation. Their multi-faceted growth is a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence, as they continue to push the boundaries of creativity and design. Today, PoonamAkash stands as a beacon of inspiration, revered for their ability to transform spaces into works of art. They are pioneers in the creation of artistic abodes, setting the standard for luxury and elegance in interior design. Whether it’s conceptualizing a lavish mansion or curating a boutique retail space, Poonam and Akash bring a unique blend of creativity, sophistication, and attention to detail to every project they undertake. Their designs are not just spaces; they are reflections of their clients’ lifestyles and aspirations, meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of timeless beauty and refinement. As PoonamAkash embarks on this new chapter, they remain steadfast in their commitment to delivering unparalleled luxury and sophistication to clients around the globe. With their unmatched expertise and visionary approach, they continue to redefine the art of interior design, shaping the way we experience and interact with our surroundings.

What inspired you to establish your studio, and how would you define your signature approach to luxury interior design? 

The studio’s establishment in Pune in 2014 was a personal, inevitable progression born from a profound, shared passion to formalize a design-led philosophy dedicated to creating spaces of the highest quality. Our signature approach is client-centric and “very open,” ensuring the final design is an authentic reflection of the client’s unique lifestyle. True luxury is achieved through a deliberate “amalgamation” of: 

• Aesthetic Balance: A sophisticated blend of aesthetics, strong design sensibility, and a harmonious, understated colour palette. 
• Functionality and Innovation: Seamlessly blending innovation and functionality to create thoughtful, highly usable, and elegant real-world spaces. 
• Detail and Styling: Perfected with precision in lighting, bespoke elements, refined detailing, and a touch of unique “quirkiness in design” for timeless elegance. 

Luxury means different things to different people — what does “luxury” truly mean to you in the context of design? 

For us, “luxury” transcends opulence; it is a concept deeply rooted in personalization and the human experience. Luxury is synonymous with bespoke—the act of tailor-making a house that is entirely unique to the client, their personality, and their well-being. This philosophy shows up through: 

• Bespoke Creation: Meticulously customizing and sketching every element, including furniture, from the start. 
• Deep Personalization: Extending the commitment to every detail, from bed linens to customized towels and even family crests. 
• Enhanced Well-being: Crafting a home specifically for the client’s individuality so they feel luxury the moment they step into their space. 
• Blending Principles: Redefining luxury by blending sustainability with opulence, innovation with timelessness, and functionality with artistry. 

How do you blend architecture and interior design to create spaces that feel cohesive and timeless? 

Our blending methodology is driven by a commitment to a singular, holistic vision, treating the interior and architecture as a unified project to ensure cohesion and timelessness. 

Blending for Cohesion:

• Complementing the Architecture: Designing the interior as a direct extension of the building’s structural and conceptual framework. 
• Unified Concept: Establishing a comprehensive design concept at the outset that ensures a natural flow between elements like massing, layouts, and technical aspects (e.g., specialized lighting design). 

Creating Timeless Spaces: 

• Bespoke and Personal: Crafting exquisite things of lasting beauty, intimately suited to the client’s personality, avoiding fleeting trends.
•  Skillful Experimentation: Deliberately selecting and applying high-quality, authentic materials, colours, and lights that age gracefully.
• The Power of Detail: Meticulous attention to detail in every transition and fixture, perfecting the fine points for a complete, refined, and enduring final space. 

What are the biggest design trends shaping the luxury segment today? 

The luxury design segment is evolving beyond simple opulence, focusing on personalized experiences, ethical responsibility, and understated elegance. The biggest trends are: 

1. The Rise of Quiet Luxury and Muted Opulence: A shift away from overt branding to subtle, refined elegance using high-quality, tactile, and natural materials like mohair and onyx to convey sophistication. 
2. Deep Personalization and Bespoke Craftsmanship: Luxury is defined by the degree of tailoring, with strong demand for customized furniture, personalized spaces, and artisanal, one-of-a-kind pieces. 
3. Sustainability and Ethical Design: Incorporating eco-friendly, sustainable, and ethically sourced materials, with luxury brands integrating practices that reflect environmental values. 
4. Integration of Technology and Nature: Seamlessly weaving Biophilic Design (natural light, plants) with “invisible” Smart Home systems that prioritize convenience and connectivity without clutter. 
5. Statement Elements and Artistic Flair: Using Statement Lighting as sculptural works of art, along with bold and rich palettes to create focal points and express artistic personality.

For clients looking to invest in a luxury home, what are some key design elements that instantly elevate a space? 

Key design elements that instantly elevate a luxury space are those that convey custom craftsmanship, integrate advanced technology, and utilize high-end, often bespoke materials—signaling intentional, non-replicable design. 

1. Statement Materials and Finishes: Using rare and exquisite materials like book-matched marble cladding, bespoke wall paneling (e.g., fluted marble, silk wallcoverings), and eco-luxury surfaces (e.g., Clay Plasters, Shou Sugi Ban). 
2. Personalized and Innovative Amenities: Integrating experiential zones and wellness features (e.g., semi-open pools, jacuzzi, vertical gardens) and seamless, smart technology (e.g., DIGITAL DOOR LOCKS, ELECTRIC TOUCH PANELS).
3. Light, Scale, and Detailing: Using Statement Lighting Fixtures as sculptural elements, maximizing ample scale and volume, and applying subtle, refined Metal Accents (gold, brass trim) to add high-end refinement.

How do you ensure your projects reflect both sophistication and the client’s personality? 

We achieve this balance by treating the process as a dedication to personalized craftsmanship and refined, timeless quality. 

1. Intimate Personalization (Client’s Personality): 

• Bespoke Design Ethos: The entire design—interior, furniture, and lighting—is completely customized to create a space with ‘a real soul’. 
• Comfort and Friendliness: Projects are sophisticated yet comfortable and friendly, ensuring the home is a functional sanctuary that is a genuine manifestation of the client’s unique vision and lifestyle. 

2. Orchestrated Sophistication (Lasting Elegance): 

• Commitment to Timelessness: Selecting enduring materials and forms that avoid fleeting trends to craft exquisite things of lasting beauty. 
• The Amalgamation of Elements: Achieving sophistication by carefully orchestrating the right blend of colours, aesthetics, design sense, proportions, crucial lighting design, and detailing. 
• Precision and Refinement: Fabricating bespoke, elegant, and clutter-free settings with attention to detail, where every element contributes to the overall refined quality.

What sustainable or innovative materials are redefining luxury design right now? 

Luxury design is being redefined by materials that are responsible, high-performing, and tactile: 

• Eco-Conscious Surface Solutions (Eco-Luxury): 

Clay Plasters: Natural, biodegradable material for Wabi-Sabi aesthetics, known for regulating humidity. 

Shou Sugi Ban (Charred Wood): Ancient Japanese technique for durable, fire-resistant, and sophisticated texture.

Sintered Stone: Revolutionary, non-porous material with high resistance to heat/stains, excellent for high-performance areas. 

Terrazzo: Enduring material praised for its durability, versatility, and minimal environmental impact. 

• Innovative Applications of Classic Materials: 

○ Leather Tiles: 100% genuine, full-grain leather for walls, floors, and ceilings, offering a luxurious, acoustically dampening surface. 

○ Semiprecious Stones: Customized applications (inlays, slabs) of Agates, Quartz, and Malachite. 

○ Urushi (Japanese Lacquer): Highly durable, bespoke surfaces created from natural tree sap for artistic finishes

What’s next for your studio – any upcoming projects, collaborations, or global inspirations we can look forward to? 

The studio’s future aim is global expansion into the sector and the continued curation of unique, large-scale residential projects worldwide, creating timeless spaces that champion experiences and emotions.

· Notable Projects

Aces of Space – Residential Project of the Year 

Project Name: Grey House 

Location: Pune 

Project Size: 6500 sq ft 

Styling by: Poonam Mehta 

Photo credit: Kuber 

Completion Year: 2021 

Project Description: 

The entire concept of 6500 sq ft grey house came along when a client basically rather than the lady of the house looking for a very cozy and a space where all is dimmed. She basically hinted that she loves the colour grey and wanted a dark space. We took the hint from there and then we took it to the hues of grey. The house has a lot of greys, a lot of textures of greys, which in a way, we joke about getting the inspiration from the very name book, “Fifty Shades of Grey”. 

A very interesting inlay has been inserted into the entrance foyer where a patch of marble has been removed and replaced with a dark mocha marble with brass insert, creating drama on the floor. The right side of the wall features a dramatic structured mirror that houses a console and is placed between two shoe racks camouflaged in a dark grey veneer. 

Powder bathroom is adjacent at entry space built by the builder had done the marble in the dark tone so we used the digital pacelead mural wallpaper that added to the texture and also done a mirror on mirror effect and suspended a really dramatic winishion mirror in front of it with a very onate classic brass lamp. Going back to the dark theme the entire look and feel seemed really luxurious. 

As you enter, you are greeted by a space that feels like a little bit of the living room itself, divided into two hearts. On the left is one heart, and on the right is another. The right side holds a fluid layout and a concept with curved sofa and the chair along with the center table placed on a circular rug grounds the entire seating area. The space opens up into the lawn and outdoor spaces where there is ample sunlight and natural light coming in which helps the space start looking a lot more interesting. The left seating is a fun reading corner or a space where family sits together for a quick conversation and is closer to the kitchen. Here we have added a pop of blue chairs that add drama to the space with an onate dragonfly studs at the back of the chair to get some more exciting elements to the space.

The entire dining area is envisioned in a way where she wanted a space for her silver decorative accessories and that’s how we got the two arched units crafted and wrapped them with wallpapers designed by Sabyasachi made by Nilaya. The dining table top was made in nice blended grey marble that brings the luxury vibe to the space. A lot of lamps and wall lamps throughout the house were used which really brought out the coziness that the client’s were always talking about.

The living area opens up to the outdoor space, which has been designed in a vintage style due to the fact that the client preferred vintage and rusticness in the house yet at the same time, they didn’t want too much in the inner areas of the house, so we implemented the style to the outdoor area. At the end of the hall the Den area is positioned, which is a compact space which the client wanted to be a home office cum TV room, for the size that it was we still experimented to go even more darker in terms of the wall colours. We have used a contrast tan sofa by bringing some colour to the space. Settled with a nice detailed leather and fabric study table which we sourced from Magus Designs, Jaipur and that really has that striking element to the space. A lot of storage along the side was structured in the space that was camouflaged in the walls with open storages for books and artifacts. 

We intended to continue the grey theme inside the master bedroom, so we went along with the shades of grey and added green to the space, in terms of the panel we decided to get a bit more classic with the TV unit and got the carving done and placed on the wall with it being painted to enhance the ambience of the space. Following the theme, the bed was chosen in shades of grey but the different texture brings out the excitement in the space. An exquisite linen textured curtain adds warmth to the space, while the wardrobes feature blue grey tinted glass that gives zeal to the walking wardrobe area. We didn’t change the beige marble laid by the builder and simply added a beige mushroom to the vanity to give the space a fluted look. 

In addition to the client’s 2 sons, they asked for an extremely dark room for one son. To accomplish this, we used a back panel with light detailing, further adding to the room’s fun theme. His room utilizes a lot of black and white elements. Fluted wardrobe’s shutters really bring transparency to a room where everything else is so dark, but the room looks amazing with those concrete lamps suspended for a dark toned room. Our little guy is much younger and more bubbly, so we made sure to incorporate his personality into his room. So we did the grey room again, but added a pop of mustard and added a dramatic rug to complete the look. 

The Guest bedroom was the only space we felt that let it break open to not to grey hues and to go more toward icy colour. We have taken this into a very simple space, just wainscoting on the wall and added interesting accessories from Obje and the art stand apart, the whole portrait of the girl is tailored in a way that it seems she is looking at you where you go. 

Every single detail from concealed spaces and skirting designs to choose of artefacts, lighting, furniture and furnishings – have been customized to perfection. The home juxtaposes a modern elegance with contemporary, young and open design that focuses on form, texture and most importantly, comfort to forever place to live in.

Location: Pune 

Project Size: 10,000 sq ft 

ARIA: A SYMPHONY OF MODERNITY AND HERITAGE 

Nestled in the verdant enclave of Koregaon Park, Pune, Aria is a sprawling 10,000-square-foot home that strikes a harmonious balance between modern minimalism and timeless heritage. Designed for a family of three from Kolhapur, this house epitomizes the convergence of evolving design eras, offering a luxurious yet easily maintainable sanctuary adorned with vintage nuances. 

Every corner of Aria has been thoughtfully curated to embody the family’s love for heritage and their desire for contemporary elegance. With its expansive spaces and refined details, the home reveals a narrative of comfort, sophistication, and an enduring connection to tradition. 

The journey begins with a foyer that whispers understated opulence. A grey-hued forest-themed wallpaper sets a serene tone, while two grand white wingback chairs and a golden statement table adorned with a fresh floral arrangement welcome both residents and guests. The vignette immediately establishes the home’s ethos—a union of nature and luxury. 

To the left of the foyer lies a temple, a serene oasis designed in pristine white and ivory. Featuring marble jaalis sourced from Jodhpur, reminiscent of Rajasthan’s iconic jharokhas, and golden floral floor detailing, the space radiates meditative tranquility. It is a modern reinterpretation of sacred architecture that speaks to the family’s spiritual roots. 

The living room, a marvel of spatial design, features a double-height ceiling that magnifies its grandeur. This area is a celebration of marble in all its glory, with warm golden-upholstered sofas and couches arranged on a vintage carpet that spans much of the floor. A statement metal chandelier presides over the room, casting an ethereal glow that highlights the intricate Indian motifs on the ivory-accent chairs and tables. Seamlessly connected to the living area is the dining space, where craftsmanship meets artistry. The dining table, a gleaming expanse of marble with golden inlays, is flanked by chairs with arched backs upholstered in ivory and gold. Overhead, a feather-like golden chandelier mirrors the regal aesthetic. Anchoring the room is a rich forest-themed wallpaper that frames a mirrored chest of drawers—a practical yet stylish storage solution. 

The island kitchen adjacent to these spaces is a study in functional modernity. Grey and white tones dominate, complemented by light wooden flooring. This space offers both style and efficiency, making it perfect for contemporary living. 

The bedrooms are accessed through a corridor where even-toned panelling camouflages the walls, subtly enhancing the spatial experience. Each bedroom has been tailored to reflect its inhabitant’s personality while maintaining a cohesive design language.

The master bedroom is a haven of indulgence, where a sumptuous bed sits against a wall half-paneled and half-adorned with nature-inspired wallpaper. At the foot of the bed, a plush lounge chair beckons for quiet moments of reflection. Across the room, a sleek dresser complements the decor, while a walk-in wardrobe with an additional dresser ensures ample storage. The ensuite bathroom is a study in refined elegance, featuring beige, dark brown, and ivory tones that exude warmth and regality.

The second bedroom, with its four-poster bed, embraces tones of beige and brown to evoke a sense of groundedness. Rattan-finish wardrobes add a tactile element, while twin dressers and a coordinating beige-toned bathroom complete this minimalist yet luxurious space. 

The daughter’s room strikes a balance between youthful vibrancy and timeless elegance. A white bed with a rattan-detailed headboard serves as the centerpiece, while nature-inspired inlays on the wardrobe doors add an artistic touch. Pops of color, introduced through wall art and textured furnishings, infuse the room with personality, making it a true reflection of its young inhabitant. The fourth bedroom is a tranquil retreat defined by a beige-toned bed set against a striking brown stone accent. Creamy light grey walls and wardrobes lend softness to the space, while the bathroom surprises with olive green tiling and furniture, creating a striking juxtaposition. 

The den is a modern reimagining of urban living, blending richness and relaxation. Leather couches, a stunning wooden center table, and a dedicated bar section with green leather swivel chairs make this room the epitome of chic comfort. The bathroom in the den continues the theme of understated luxury with golden floral detailing, seamlessly bridging modern and vintage design elements. 

The most sunlit corner of the house is the expansive terrace, a serene retreat perfect for unwinding. It features a marble-finish table paired with outdoor seating, while a striking marble wall with a cascading fountain adds a touch of regal grandeur. The design is reminiscent of palatial courtyards where the gentle sound of flowing water created a soothing ambiance. 

At its core, Aria is a masterclass in blending contrasting elements—modernity and tradition, opulence and restraint, practicality and artistry. The neutral palette of soft beige, ivory, and white provides a calming backdrop, allowing the heritage-inspired details to shine without overwhelming. The home’s spatiality plays a pivotal role in its charm. The interplay of double-height living spaces and intimate single-height bedrooms creates a dynamic flow, evoking a sense of both openness and coziness. 

Throughout, every detail, from the marble accents to the golden chandeliers, speaks to the family’s love for heritage and their commitment to a contemporary lifestyle. More than just a residence, Aria is a narrative of evolving architecture, personal passions, and familial bonds. It seamlessly weaves the family’s Kolhapuri heritage with their modern aspirations, creating a home that is as timeless as it is forward-thinking.In Aria, one discovers not just a house, but a living, breathing entity that exudes warmth, character, and soul—a perfect embodiment of modern design meeting a heritage heart.

Project Name: The Pathan House 

Location: Mumbai 

Project Size: 3BHK 

The Pathan House, located in the serene neighbourhood of Bandra, Mumbai, stands as a testament to the fusion of Victorian luxury and modern sophistication. This exquisite 3BHK home boasts a harmonious blend of opulent aesthetics and subtle contemporary elements, creating an ambiance of refined elegance.

As you step into the corridor, you are greeted by bold green accent chairs juxtaposed against a granite wall of similar hue, accentuated by a majestic chandelier that exudes opulence. The living room, divided into two sections, epitomises grandeur with a majestic white curved sofa and a modern stone center table adorned with gold accents. Facing a marble fireplace, the room offers warmth and comfort during cold winters, while a dazzling white crystal chandelier adds to its charm. The adjacent area radiates a sense of royalty, furnished with a dark olive green couch, a beige couch, and a wingback chair, surrounding a square center table, inviting beautiful conversations and cherished memories. 

The dining room exudes majesty with an eight-seater marble dining table featuring modern accents, complemented by almond brown chairs. A floral chandelier suspended above, along with black and grey mirrors mounted on light brown wooden panels, delineates a distinct boundary between the living and dining spaces. 

The master bedroom is a marvel in royal blue, tastefully incorporating rich hues to highlight its regal essence. Victorian wall mouldings, combined with beige tones, accentuate the royal blue bed and headboard, while the ensuite bathroom boasts royal blue cabinets beneath a pristine white marble countertop, creating a luxurious retreat. 

In contrast, the second bedroom embraces simplicity with a serene beige palette, epitomising understated elegance. Finally, the kids’ bedroom radiates vibrancy with subtle yellow hues and pastel green accents, featuring a bunk bed adorned with playful details, evoking a bright summery animal wonderland. 

The kitchen, consistent with the house’s tranquil ambiance, is adorned with rich hues of beige, brown, and white, offering a sense of calm and composure to visitors. Meanwhile, the sleek and modern office space features dark wooden flooring, a majestic grey wingback chair, and a plush couch separated by a contemporary glass center table, providing an ideal setting for serious discussions and productivity. 

In summary, the Pathan House encapsulates a harmonious marriage of Victorian opulence and modern sophistication. From the grandeur of the living room to the majesty of the dining area, and the tranquility of the bedrooms to the functionality of the kitchen and office space, every corner of this abode exudes timeless elegance and refined luxury, promising its inhabitants a life of comfort, style, and grandeur.