INTERVIEW WITH VASU BHATI

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• How has your personal background influenced your approach to styling homes?

Hello I am Vasu Bhati . A 23 Year Old Boy Coming from Rajasthan, a land rich with architectural heritage, intricate craftsmanship, and vibrant cultural expression, my connection to design started long before I even realized it. As a child, I was always drawn to the grandeur and beauty of old havelis, forts, and traditional Rajasthani buildings. I remember being fascinated not just by how they looked—but how they felt. The carved jharokhas, the natural cooling systems, the symmetry in courtyards—they all left a deep imprint on me. I didn’t know it back then, but those early experiences were quietly shaping how I would view spaces for the rest of my life.

During the lockdown, I was pursuing a BBA. Like many students at that time, I had a moment to reflect. That pause gave me the clarity to ask myself—Is this really what I want to do for the rest of my life? The answer was no. Business studies were interesting, but I never felt truly connected to them. What I did enjoy—consistently—was visiting historic sites, photographing architecture, and imagining how those spaces could be reimagined for today’s world while keeping their essence alive.

At the same time, I was realistic—I didn’t want to spend another 5 years studying architecture from scratch. That’s when I began researching related fields and discovered interior design. It was like finding the missing piece. Interior design offered the perfect blend of creative expression and practicality. It allowed me to engage with space, structure, aesthetics, and emotion—all without completely changing my academic path.

Now, as an interior designer working at Indesign by Fanusta, I see how that journey from BBA to design actually makes sense. My background in business helps me understand client needs, budgeting, and project management.

• Do you believe in “rules” when it comes to interior design, or is it more intuitive?

Interior design is a blend of following rules and trusting your intuition. On one hand, there are established principles that can guide us in creating a beautiful and functional space. These principles include things like balance, proportion, emphasis, movement, pattern, unity, and contrast. Following these rules can help us create a space that feels harmonious and visually appealing.

On the other hand, intuition plays a significant role in interior design. It’s about trusting your instincts and making decisions based on your personal taste and style. When you’re designing a space, you might see potential in a particular area or have a feeling about a certain color or texture. Trusting your intuition can help you create a space that truly reflects your personality and meets your needs.

In reality, good interior design often involves a combination of both rule-following and intuition. By understanding the principles of design and trusting your instincts, you can create a space that’s both beautiful and functional. For example, you might follow the rule of balance by distributing visual weight evenly in a room, but then use your intuition to decide which specific pieces of furniture or decor will work best together.                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion, interior design is a mix of following rules and trusting your intuition. Whether you’re designing an entire home or just a single room, finding a balance between rule-following and intuition can help you achieve your goals and create a space that you’ll love.

• Can you share a recent project that challenged you creatively?

In my recent project, I faced a creative challenge in designing a visually impactful space on a limited budget. To overcome this, I focused on using affordable yet eye-catching materials and accessories that added a significant impact.

Some of the strategies I employed included:

– Using vibrant paint colors: A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a space, and I chose bold, eye-pleasing colors to create a lasting impression.

– Adding decorative planters: Greenery can bring life to any space, and I selected affordable yet stylish planters that added a touch of elegance.

– Incorporating statement curtains: Curtains can make or break the ambiance of a room, and I chose affordable options with striking patterns and colors to add visual interest.

– Accessories with impact: I carefully selected decorative accessories that added a pop of personality to the space without breaking the bank.

By combining these elements, I was able to create a visually stunning space that exceeded expectations despite the limited budget. The key was to be creative with the resources available and focus on making a big impact with small, thoughtful touches.

• What’s one outdated design rule you love to break?

One outdated rule I love to break is the idea that “everything in a room must match.” I’ve never believed in that. Design isn’t about following formulas—it’s about creating feeling and personality. I actually enjoy mixing metals, woods, textures, and even styles within a space. For example, pairing a modern sofa with a vintage Rajasthani side table can create a beautiful contrast that tells a richer story.

Matching everything can make a space feel flat or overly staged. Real homes—like real people—have layers, contradictions, and charm. I believe in creating harmony, not uniformity. It’s the unexpected pairings that often bring the most character to a space

• What’s a common design myth you’d love to debunk?

A big myth I’d love to debunk is that “interior design is only for the rich.” That’s simply not true. Good design isn’t about luxury—it’s about thoughtfulness. It’s about how well a space works for your lifestyle, how it makes you feel, and how it reflects who you are.

Even with a modest budget, a well-designed room can look and feel amazing. Sometimes the most impactful changes come from simple ideas—like rearranging furniture, using natural light smartly, or adding handmade or locally sourced pieces with soul. Design is not about how much you spend, but about the intention behind each element you choose.

At the end of the day, I believe everyone deserves a space that feels like home—comfortable, functional, and uniquely theirs.

• What’s your favorite material or texture to work with right now?

At the moment, I’m really inspired by cane and rattan. There’s a nostalgic yet modern vibe to them that I absolutely love. These materials are lightweight, sustainable, and full of texture—which instantly adds warmth and character to any space.

What excites me most is how versatile they are. I’ve used cane in headboards, cabinets, partitions—even light fixtures. It brings in a handcrafted quality that connects beautifully to Indian roots, yet feels totally relevant in contemporary interiors. It’s also a great way to add depth without overwhelming a space.

For me, cane is more than a trend—it’s a way to celebrate craft, climate-conscious design, and timeless simplicity all at once.

• Have you ever turned an unexpected object into decor? Tell us about it.

Yes, I once transformed an old metal wardrobe into a unique bar cabinet for a client. The wardrobe had a worn, industrial feel with chipped paint and vintage handles, which I preserved to maintain its authentic character. To elevate its design, I added custom wooden shelving inside for bottles and glassware, integrated soft LED strip lighting to highlight the contents, and installed a mirrored back panel to create depth and reflect light.

I also updated the exterior with subtle brass accents and replaced the original lock with a sleek, modern latch to blend vintage charm with contemporary functionality. This piece became a stunning focal point—a perfect blend of rugged history and refined design.

For me, it’s all about seeing potential where others see junk, and giving objects a new story and purpose within a space

• If you could design any dream space—no limitations—what would it be?

If I could design my dream space, I would create a one-of-a-kind destination—a massive, multi-themed staycation resort where people can choose and book their experience based entirely on their mood, preferences, or the kind of vibe they’re seeking, without having to travel far or spend extra on flights and logistics.

The concept would be built on a large piece of land, thoughtfully divided into various zones—each designed to represent a unique theme or atmosphere. Whether someone is looking for relaxation, adventure, romance, or fun for the whole family, there would be a dedicated space for every kind of staycation imaginable.

For example:

Families with kids could book a stay in the Candyland Zone, where everything—from the walls and furniture to the décor and scent—would reflect a whimsical, candy-themed world. Think chocolate-shaped beds, lollipop trees, vibrant colors, playful interactive elements, and even candy-themed activities to keep children entertained.

Couples seeking romance and serenity could book the Beach Vibes Suite, which includes a private indoor beach setup. With warm sand, soft wave sounds, tropical plants, and an artificial horizon, they could enjoy the full beach experience without ever leaving the room.

For those who love luxury and tradition, there could be a Royal Haveli Stay—a majestic, heritage-inspired space with vintage décor, intricate carvings, courtyards, and cultural touches to make guests feel like royalty.

Adventure-seekers or nature lovers could choose a Mountain Retreat or a Foresty Bali Vibes Stay, complete with indoor waterfalls, wooden cabins, natural scents, and misty ambiance to simulate the outdoors in complete comfort.

For tech enthusiasts or those craving something futuristic, the Futuristic Zone would offer smart rooms with holographic interfaces, floating furniture, interactive walls, and an ultra-modern aesthetic straight out of a sci-fi film.

The entire project would be centered on personalized experiences, making it easy for guests to simply choose their mood and book their vibe—no flights, no planning stress, just a short trip to a place where everything they need is already waiting. It would be a dream escape where every kind of world is just a room away.

In short, this dream space would offer a variety of immersive, themed environments all in one location—bringing the joy of travel and discovery without the hassle or cost of going far. Just pick your theme, set your mood, and enjoy a fully curated staycation designed to transport you into a whole new world.