From Concept to Creation: Esha Bhandari’s Creative Process
My name is Esha Bhandari, and I am a Design Professor as well as an Interior Decorator & Designer. I have been working in this field for five years, having completed my B.Sc. in Interior Design, a Master Diploma in Kitchen Designing, and a Certified Set Designing course. My journey has allowed me to explore and experiment with various design principles and techniques, blending academic knowledge with hands-on experience. What inspired me to pursue this career was my inherent interest in art and creativity. The intricate patterns on walls, the beauty of nature, clothing designs, and wall decorations always captured my attention. Creating home decor products was not just a hobby but a passion that eventually led me to pursue a career in Interior Design. The ability to transform a space into something aesthetically pleasing and functional motivated me to delve deeper into this field.
When starting a new project, natural lighting is my primary focus. Understanding how light interacts with the space significantly influences the placement of furniture and the overall ambiance. Additionally, my goal is to ensure the space is comfortable and meets the client’s requirements, making them feel genuinely at home and at ease. Balancing functionality with aesthetics lies in the details—the small elements that collectively impact the design. Whether it’s the choice of wall paint or the texture and patterns, these elements can transform the environment. I ensure that each component, no matter how minor, aligns with the functional needs while enhancing the visual appeal. Rhythm and balance are principles I consistently incorporate into my work, creating harmony and a sense of cohesion within the space, making it more pleasant and functional.
My creative process begins with extensive case studies, market research, and literature reviews to stay updated with current trends. Once I gather ideas, I create inspirational boards for the client. The next step involves detailed designing of each furniture piece, ensuring it adds value and enrichment to the space. After finalizing all drawings, including 2D, 3D, and animations, we proceed with the execution phase. Once the furniture is in place, I focus on decor, which is the most beautiful part of the design process. Adding elements like art and plants brings the final touch to the site, creating a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing environment. Inspiration can come from various sources—patterns found in nature, clothing, jewelry, or any form of art. I often sketch these patterns and incorporate them into my designs, creating unique and personalized spaces. One of my creative habits is continuously creating home decor products and selling them. This practice helps me stay in tune with market trends, understand what people are looking for, and identify the latest preferences in design.
One common challenge I face as an interior designer is the influence of Pinterest. Clients often have unrealistic expectations based on what they see online. Overcoming this requires educating the client about the practicalities of their vision. By providing visual examples and detailed explanations, I help them understand the feasibility and potential outcomes of their desired designs. One particularly challenging project involved a client insisting on an island kitchen with a sink within a cramped 8’ x 10’ space. After exploring various solutions like breaking walls and extending backyards, nothing seemed feasible. Ultimately, I drew the plan on the floor and asked the client to move within the outlined space. This practical demonstration made them realize the impracticality of their idea, and we were able to find a more suitable solution together.
Several trends are gaining popularity in architecture and interior design. Bold wallpapers paired with simple interiors are cost-effective and allow easy customization. The use of curves in design brings a modern and joyful atmosphere to spaces. Mirrors are also a significant trend, repurposing old scraps to create larger interior views and utilizing space more effectively. One area I’m particularly excited about is kitchen gardening. It offers a blend of functionality and sustainability that I’m eager to learn more about and incorporate into future projects.
Sustainability is a crucial aspect of my designs. I prioritize reusing and renovating old furniture using paints and materials like jute. Adding plants as decor elements also enhances the sustainability of a space. Modular furniture is a top priority. Its flexibility and mobility allow for easy relocation and reuse, making it a sustainable choice. This practice ensures that furniture remains functional and aesthetically pleasing, even after moving to a new space.
Understanding the client’s vision starts with getting to know their family, hobbies, and lifestyle. By understanding how much time they spend in different areas and their expectations, I can tailor the design to meet their needs effectively. One project involved a client who needed a family room with a mirror for her daughter’s Kathak classes, an art area, and ample storage. We designed a storage unit with sliding shutters. When open, the shutters revealed the mirror; when closed, the unit displayed two wardrobe shutters with their family images and pin boards for art displays, meeting all their needs in one multifunctional space.
One of my favorite projects was a collaboration on my first freelancing project, “OMKAR.” This project holds a special place in my heart as it allowed me to use all my skills to their fullest. Each furniture piece was enhanced with details, and no area was left empty. The space featured curves, pentagons, cane, and metal artwork, creating a unique and intricate design. My advice to aspiring designers is to create their own works, arts, and patterns. Continuously sketch out ideas and build a portfolio of your unique creations. While taking inspiration from other websites is fine, it’s crucial to develop your own work and patterns. For those starting out, I recommend focusing on sustainability and modular designs, as these practices are increasingly important in today’s design landscape.
I hope people take inspiration from the decor elements of my work, understand why certain elements were introduced, and gain a deep understanding of the art. Currently, I am excited about finalizing our first Restro-Bar project, which marks my first venture into restaurant design. This project presents new challenges and opportunities to innovate, making it an exciting next step in my career.
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