Botanical prints & blue

Renu Chainani Garware gives NICHOLA PAIS a peek into the design trends dominating this year

Breathes there a designer with soul so generous who encourages the client’s personal taste to shine through? There is – the rare and refreshing Renu Chainani Garware. “My design mantra is that a space or object has to tell a story about the people who own it. It has to be them and not the designer. Even though we all have our signature style I think it is important to be able to adapt to what a client wants,” says the popular interior designer, whose love for design started very early, when she was studying in Switzerland. “I began to notice interiors wherever I went and I would keep redesigning things in my head everywhere and imagining what I would do differently!” she chuckles.

Over the years, her international lifestyle of travel lent a fresh and crisp vibe to her style. After acquiring an education in the subject of interiors at the KLC of Design in Chelsea Harbour, London, she launched her first luxe interiors company: Eastern Treasure Lifestyle. “My design statement has always been one of ‘international chic’ and ‘less is more’,” she shares about her 15 years’ of work experience with a roster of A-list clientele in India, the UK, US and Dubai.

Chainani Garware brings certain inherent qualities to her spaces. “Typical my interiors are cosy, homey and mostly modern with elements of the old,” she informs. At this juncture, she has chosen to revamp her brand and focus on ‘back to basics’ product lines. The new company is called Ren Home, a spin off of her first name Renu and it can also be translated as ‘love’ and ‘lotus’ in Japanese. “The lotus is very special to me because it signifies blossoming even in muddy waters - something my Buddhist practice of Namyo Ho Renge Kyo has taught me. The lotus in Hinduism signifies goddess Lakshmi’s strength and purity,” she adds.

Ren Home apparently sprung from a spot of honest soul-searching. “After being in the furniture and interior space for so many years I got so side-tracked with market trends and clients’ needs that I almost forgot why I started Eastern Treasure. To me, it was always about looking, sourcing and finding things you love.” The result: new accessories which are simple home essentials, “something that every home needs, basics that one can’t do without!”

Talking about big trends in design currently, Renu declares that botanical prints in fabric and wallpapers, palm trees, Art Deco inspired geometrical shapes and motives are dominating this year. “Teal blue, mustard, baby pink accents are must-haves. Geometric prints on floor tiles and wallpapers are hugely popular. Metal accents in brass and copper are being replaced by steel and white metal,” she adds.

Renu is personally inspired by Indian homes that are a mix of the old and new. “My friends Ricky and Laila Lamba have the most stunning home full of beautiful old and new furniture, art and accessories,” she shares.

Speaking about the home décor scenario in India today, she confirms, “Indians are becoming more and more house proud and interested in design which is so amazing. The new gen wants to live well and in trend. I would love to see more Indians use white and not be so afraid of it getting dirty!” she recommends.

For the upcoming holidays, she advises, “Go red and gold! Invest in some reusable accessories that you can bring out every year. For example, gold and red place-mats or napkin holders and table linen, some beautiful silk flowers and even an X’mas tree and decorations that can be reused. Fairy lights are a must that give any space a warm and cosy feel.” We are feeling cheery already!