Decorator index Elicyon founder Charu Gandhi shares her secrets for creating an opulent interior
The London studio, headed by architect Charu Gandhi, uses refined materials and bespoke furniture to make bold design statements
Who are they? Elicyon was founded in 2014 by architect Charu Gandhi, who’s previously worked at Allies and Morrison (where she contributed to the London Olympics Masterplan) and property developer Candy & Candy. Her studio team includes Swedish-born creative director Cecilia Halling and projects director David Harris – in a former role, he oversaw the restoration of Burberry’s Regent Street flagship.
Gandhi’s passion for design began in India, where she remembers seeing her childhood home being built. The creation of Elicyon was also inspired by her love of craft, which gave her a freedom she couldn’t find in the architecture world. ‘With architecture, you can’t say something is beautiful for the sake of being beautiful, which I found frustrating,’ she explains. ‘Interior design doesn’t complicate things.’ While at Candy & Candy, she was offered a refurbishment project at the prestigious One Hyde Park development, which marked the debut of her new studio. ‘It opened my eyes to a whole host of makers and craftspeople, particularly British ones,’ she says. That network of artisans has become an integral part of the bespoke Elicyon look. What’s their style? Contemporary opulence, with a focus on beautiful materials, warm colours and eye-catching art. ‘I aim to create exquisite “interior couture” – something that speaks to the clients’ dreams for their home and that evokes a feeling appropriate to the space,’ Gandhi explains. She cites a vast array of inspirations, from architectural icons such as Carlo Scarpa and Oscar Niemeyer to fashion and theatre design. ‘I often look to art deco, mid-century and Biedermeier periods for furniture inspiration,’ she adds. ‘But I will also dip into other stylistic influences from around the world.’ Japanese crafts are a particular passion, including kintsugi (mending broken objects with gold) and origami. What are their recent projects? A number of residences in the restored Chelsea Barracks, including a show apartment. ‘Our designs were heavily inspired by the history of the site and its links to two key materials, chalk and clay,’ says Gandhi. ‘We chose a neutral, sandy palette with luxurious natural textures, such as earthenware ceramics. These reference the annual “Collect” craft show held nearby.’ Elicyon has also designed a Mayfair apartment for an art collector couple, which explores ‘how paint colours and finishes draw the eye’: the master bedroom has a ceiling in glossy pale blue. Artworks are illuminated using picture lights hanging on bronze rails.
What are they currently working on? A lakeside house in the English countryside, a penthouse at Battersea Power Station and another apartment at One Hyde Park, inspired by Ibizan interiors and featuring pops of Yves Klein blue.
They say: ‘We always start by building a narrative behind each space – we want to create a habitable, homely environment, not a stage set.’ elicyon.com
‘I AIM TO CREATE
SOMETHING THAT SPEAKS
TO THE CLIENTS’ DREAMS
FOR THEIR HOME’