Gestating eclectic designs with refinement and responsiveness irrespective of scale and domain, are key to the projects he builds. Featuring in top national and international magazines for his impeccable style of design, his projects range from sprawling townships to urban scale master plans. Bringing more than 460 projects to completion under his able tutelage, he is the founder of the globally acclaimed Interior Design and Architectural firm AUM Architects. AHL Lounge has a dialogue with Ar. Manish Dikshit, whose passion and dedication for Architecture & Design are truly inspirational.

Living Room with Wall Gallery

This inspiring designer acknowledges Ar. Ravi Sarangan of Edifice Consultants to have been his greatest source of inspiration for his sheer magnificence of design and work ethics.

Colors and Shapes adorn this vibrant bedroom corner

Signature Style

Manish Dikhshit’s signature style has been evolving over the years owing to travel influences. Paying prime focus to innovation his inclination has always been towards classical and art deco style. He defines his style of work as “global Indian design”. An eclectic fusion of form, color, and materials helps in the creation of bespoke and diverse designs.

Aesthetically Designed Bedroom

Pandemic Challenges

“The current situation bought with it a new set of challenges. Our firm would take pride in the timely completion of projects. But, the paucity of labor and material hit timelines once work commenced post lockdown. This was veritably a challenge we faced for a few months”, expresses Manish.

Every Corner of this space exudes style

Favorite Project

“Fashioning the look of a chic 10 bedroom apartment was intriguing for the sheer volume of the canvas. Leveraging the immense faith and liberty bestowed by the client we collaborated with multiple artists and vendors to tailor an impeccable apartment utilizing quite a few mediums”, says Manish

A simple yet charming Bedroom

Upcoming Trends in Architecture

Immersive technology is changing the face of design, assesses Manish. Today, the client can view his built and furnished space much ahead of time. This beforehand experience helps understand client’s requirements more effectively and brings out the best in designers too. Devising a sustainable lifestyle by infusing smart home technology is not just trendy but also the need of the hour, advices Manish Dikshit.

An Alluring Bedroom with geometric headboard

Aum Architects is a Mumbai based firm and you can build an elegant and timeless home by reaching out to them @aumarchitects or Email: [email protected]

An elegant Bar and Lounge

Interior Design as a profession is not something Akshi had to choose as a career option when she grew. She had an innate passion for interior decoration ever since she was a little girl and the joy of decorating spaces was convincing enough that Interior Designing was her ideal career path.

Classic Kirchen Space

Design Inspiration

A good interior designer can take their interior design inspiration from anything aroud them. Akshi derives her design inspiration from the simplest of things she observes in her circadian life. And simple could be as elementary as a stapler. Yes! you heard it right. Most of the time, inspiratin for designers come from very simplest of things. Eventually, the designs that she creates are for the client. It is a space they live or work in and it needs to reflect their mind. “My designs portray stories that people tell”, expresses Akshi.

Dining Space with Greek Vibes

Project to Cherish

She cherishes this contemporary themed residential space which is one of her favorites . “I had free rein over this space as the owners had given me complete freedom on my design. This home was like my canvas, I could play my mind and eventually, it reflects my flair for style and design in its true sense”.

Well stylized Console

Personal Style

“Minimalism is not a lack of something, It’s simply the perfect amount of something”, said Nicholas Burroughs. And Akshi genuinely believes in this, and put this into action in her modern interior design!

Minimalist Design Space

“I like to design spaces that are uncluttered and give its inmates the space to breathe, which I conceive is imperative in today’s chaotic world”. Akshi keeps in mind the concept of minimalism and will enchant you with her timeless aesthetics modern design.

Lovely Kids Bedroom with Carrom as Wall Accent

Akshi’s advice to readers

Apart from being an adherent minimalist Akshi’s advice to our readers is to invest in movable furniture which is the ongoing trend in this hustling world.

An evergreen Kids Bedroom

A modern Living Room styled by Jasmine Jhaveri

Jasmine’s personal favorite among Interior trends is the usage of wallpapers and sometimes she loves going bold by giving a dramatic look to the room being styled. She reveals that the current market trend in interior styling is soulful minimalism and making the most of large curvy bulbous furniture, especially sofas and armchairs. Which happens to be her own favorite too.

Another Living Room Design

Jasmine theorizes the key things you should identify before styling your room.

At first, assess what you can retain and what you can shove off the room. Take stock of other rooms to look at furniture that you currently possess. If you can blend one of the pieces into the room in question then it may work wonders, offering a perfect design solution.

Secondly, Creating a visual balance in the room is essential. You can harmonize the look using furniture, colours, or some design element. It is also imperative to identify a focal point in the room which anchors the entire space. Too many elements can cause distraction and visual noise.

Jasmine’s favorite space at home.

This beautiful bedroom is Jasmine’s favorite space at her abode.

“For the longest time, I wasn’t getting the ‘right’ wallpaper behind my bed back. I decided to have this gorgeous hand-painted wall with large peonies, off-centered against a dark plum background. I was very very picky for the right shade!”, says Jasmine

Bed Linen Complimenting the Art

Larger than Life Peonies

The rich boudoir feel with complimenting bedlinen bestow a charming look to the room. The bed with its statement wall is the focal point here. The flowers emit a Sense of femininity while the larger than life bold flowers here set against a deep. While the larger than life bold flowers set against a deep background lend a touch of royalty.

Styling done Right!

We asked Jasmine to advice our readers on styling their own homes and here’s what the ingenious stylist has to say:

“One must answer a few vital questions before they begin styling their homes:

1. How is the space going to be used – in terms of its functionality?
2. What is the budget?
3. What design styles are you attracted to? Do you see a pattern?

Chic Styling of Center Table and Sofa

Once you agree upon the look and feel, always start by layering the space. You need to understand that large pieces of furniture, wall colours and drapes are there to stay so choose the colours for them wisely – neutral is advisable.

A Contemporary Styled Bedroom

Then add key elements like art, carpets, an accent piece. You can now include a statement chair in a pop of color and then add your accessories. Mirrors, throw cushions, candles, vases, coffee table, books, and Other decorative items can be introduced later.

It’s nice to start easy and then dive into the details. Don’t get too excited as adding too many ‘spices’ at the beginning may not yield great results.

Coffee Table Styling

Last but not the least, draw your inspirations from Pinterest and Instagram. But eventually, ensure that the home reflects your essence and what YOU like!

Design is not an event. It’s to be celebrated and lived everyday, so enjoy the journey”, expresses the graceful Interior Stylist.

Discover Jasmine Jhaveri’s style and designs at:
http://jasminejhaveri.com/
@jasminejhaveridesignstudio

Interiors by Obaid Hussain Khan

He owes his great designing skills to the inspiration and teachings acquired from his father & Grandfather who is akin to the family of Nawab’s & Jagirdar’s (Landlords). They had a prodigious understanding of design and execution, their work was commendable. Here is a list of some of the prestigious projects they have worked on – The High Court of A.P, Raj Bhavan, TS Assembly House, Chiran Palace, ICRISAT, HMT, ACC Cement, State Bank of Hyderabad, Race Course, Iranian consulate, Fateh maidan Club, Nizam Club, Prabhat Theatre and Andhra University (all of which are located in Andhra/Telangana)

Besides travelling, he loves reading and cooking. And quite appreciates the company of good honest people around him. “I like to stay true to my work & my word. I dislike dishonest and unethical behaviour, can’t stand negative people specially at work”, says the young Hyderabadi designer.

Here are some thoughts the he has shared with us.

Entrance of a Restaurant

My inspiration comes from many places and many styles of work, Classical, Neo-Classical, Contemporary, Modern, and Minimal designs I work with them all. I believe design should be timeless and should survive the sloth of fast-changing times. I adopt a fusion style of work, keeping in mind that you have to be very careful and precise while at it.

My style of designing is very versatile, it depends on the type of project I am working on, and the requirements of my client. My work spectrum includes both commercial and Residential. I have done retail outlets, Hotels, Restaurants, Office spaces, Hospitals, Residential Projects, and Farmhouses.

An Interior of a Restaurant

Here is what the Designer has to say about his favorite Project:

I do all my projects with a lot of passion, they are all special to me in their own ways. For instance the designing and execution of MeBaz, Manyavar, and Jahapanah group. Another happens to be a doctors house where I was asked to incorporate lots of trophies including a giraffe and a lion.

A Residential Project

My recent favorite has been a project that I worked on for a group of friends who wanted to start a Restaurant/Pub. This was a challenging deliverable as there were ideas pouring in from four of them. “The Scam” as the Restaurant was named was an absolute delight at the end.

The Scam restaurant

Keeping the client’s comfort and taste in mind is of utmost importance. As every individual loves to see the house of his dreams. So I improvise and give my clients a worthier version of their own concept. Sometimes the demands change during the course of work and modifying at such times is a bit of a challenge. But handing over a complete project and seeing happy clients is tremendously rewarding.

A Swimming Pool Designed for a Client

Here is something Obaid Hussain Khan wishes to share with people designing their homes: “Rome was not built in a day, So take time in building your dream house. Invest patience and take professional help for great results”.