Talented interior and furniture designer Nitin Kohli is a man of fine taste. During the launch of his new show house at Ambawatta One in the capital city, he gets into a conversation with Anuradha Kaul and shares the milestones that mark his journey so far. 

 

It was the preview of the Nitin Kohli Home show house at Ambawatta One in the serene vicinity of The Qutub Minar, New Delhi. The eclectic mix of varied design element, all aesthetically balanced to co-exist; the space looked remarkable, and I was thoroughly impressed. While still soaking in the magnificence of the space, I was introduced to Nitin Kohli, the man behind the brand. A suave gentleman, he took me on a tour and that’s when we got talking about the creative journey over two decades, and the evolution of the tastes and preferences of luxury buyers that he has seen over the years. Here is an excerpt of our conversation.    

 

Q – Let’s take you back in time and start this interview with how your journey started about two decades ago.  

To be precise, my passion with design started when I was in school, which is nearly three and half decades ago. The back pages of my class copies always used to be full of hand sketches of different layout of my own house. And, new designs of my own bedroom. So, after graduating in economics and doing my Masters in Business Administration (as they all did in 80s and 90s), I went back to my passion for design, with my first commercial space designing project for an office.

 

I kept getting one project after another and of all different nature, and the rest is history.  

 

Q – Who has been your mentor and what’s the most inspiring learning that has stayed with you and motivates you every day?

The big secret is going to be out. Not exactly my mentor, but my wife Seetu is someone who always guides me and is very inspirational. I do always consult her while making any big decision of my life.

 

Q – Having been a part of the Indian luxury industry for many years, how do you feel the tastes and preferences of the luxury buyers today have evolved over time?

I have lived through the 80s, when nothing was available here in India. 90s was when the economy opened up and we were fortunate enough get a taste of the creme. Anything that was in short supply or what had not been seen before was considered luxury.

 

Till late 90s, we still relied upon books and magazines (smuggled) for our knowledge of interiors and furniture. Till then luxury was still untouchable for many.

 

And then, BANG. The internet exploded. The money was abundant.

 

The shift happened within a short time of five to seven years. There are many people who travel abroad frequently. Today at times, it’s the client who can educate us more on luxury. Today, luxury is opulence.

 

Q – You do a variety of things, from designing of premises, manufacturing of top of the line designer furniture to turn key projects of high-end homes – which of these is the most creatively satisfying for you?

Designing of any furniture piece is most satisfying, more so when they are appreciated and gets sold.

 

Q – In today’s day and age, people have turned very creative with their expectations and demands for their homes and spaces. Can you share some stories or examples of over-the-top creative or obscure projects that you’ve pulled off?  

For us each project is a challenge. As we define ourselves more as Lifestyle designer than interior designer. A client experiences a whole shift in lifestyle with a shift to a new premise. To mold oneself into their lifestyle and then give them a comfortable home or office is challenging. Our clients come from various cultures which has to be adapted to modern and new standards is a task.

 

Q – You have recently rebranded from your design label Furncraft D’ Collage, to rebranding your store as Nitin Kohli Home. What was the reason for this change and why was it required?

Being in the business for over 20 years, my own name was resonating more in the system than Furncraft Decollage. Whether it was clients or vendors, everyone was more comfortable saying Nitin Kohli than FDC. 

 

Q – While various projects are perhaps designed as per the demands of the client; in your own personal design space, what style defines your individual taste and preference the most?

My personal best style is eclectic. Travel over time to various parts of the world educates us and then bringing it all together aesthetically is the all-time favourite. 

 

Q – What moment in your life defined success for you, when you felt that you’ve made your mark and achieved what you set out for?  

To be a part of a happy family is most fulfilling. In career I’m still in search for it.

 

Q – Your most prized possession?  

My first cheque of Rs. 20,000.00 only, which was the advance payment of my first project in 1991.

 

Q – You must have been asked this a hundred times, but we still wish to know your idea of real luxury?

This definition keeps changing over different phases of life. Today, it’s having a home in a picturesque mountain place with loads of time.