As one of the UK’s most respected interior designers, Shalini Misra’s story began in 1996, when she launched her business in the basement of her home. ‘My earliest clients were friends and acquaintances,’ she remembers. Today, she designs spaces around the world and is known for her flair for incorporating art into all of her projects.
Misra studied at the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi before specialising in urban planning at Columbia University in New York; she then explored virtual reality in architecture at London’s Bartlett School of Architecture. ‘These diverse experiences fuelled my passion for innovative design and laid the foundations for my understanding of spatial dynamics,’ she says of the experience.
‘Every space I design has a narrative. My philosophy centres on the fusion of old and new, layering lighting, textures and patterns while playing with volume. I use natural materials to promote wellbeing, and I like to preserve existing architectural features.’
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She often begins a project by looking at art. ‘A lot of my clients have big collections, and they always serve as the key element of the interior,’ Misra explains. ‘Rooms are often designed around the placement of a sculpture or a painting.’ She cites American architect Frank Lloyd Wright as a major influence, for his ‘ability to seamlessly blend nature with his creations, his innovative use of space and his attention to detail’.
What Shalini Misra’s recent projects?
A heritage townhouse in Manhattan, overlooking Central Park, and a family home in St John’s Wood, London, where the design celebrates a wealth of architectural detail and takes inspiration from Georgian architect Robert Adam. ‘The house has a long, oval gallery with a vaulted plaster ceiling ornamented in low relief,’ says Misra. ‘This Adam-style ceiling inspired a bespoke hand-knotted silk rug in the formal living room.’ The studio has also renovated a a Delhi farmhouse and an Istanbul yali, or mansion, adding a modern twist. ‘Our design reflects the client’s passion for contemporary art and modern furniture.’
Last but not least, Misra is the founder of online craft platform Curio. ‘It is a showcase for a diverse collection of furniture, art and objects by talented makers from all over the world,’ she enthuses.
What is she currently working on?
A luxurious triplex apartment in Mumbai, ‘offering a distinct living experience on each of its three floors’; plus the interiors for an 80-metre yacht in Turkey and, in a new departure, a private jet. ‘From bespoke seat design to unique carpeting and artwork, our focus is on creating an unparalleled experience,’ says Misra of the latter.
She says: ‘My design approach emphasises the synergy of details to create a unique atmosphere and energy within a space.’ shalinimisra.com
Expert advice
Shalini Misra on how artworks can be used to create more impact in your home
A room’s design can start with a captivating piece of art. Let it serve as a creative anchor, guiding the palette for the whole space – by extracting tones from it, you can craft a harmonious scheme that extends to the room’s colours and textiles.
Display your art in the room in which you spend most time. While reception rooms are a common choice for siting works of art, consider placing artworks in the kitchen or dining area as well – the heart of the home, where family time is paramount.
When curating a gallery wall, maintain visual cohesion by limiting frame choices to two colours and styles. This helps to create a more curated look without overwhelming the space.
Approach the scale and placement of artworks strategically. A sizeable piece benefits from ample space so you can appreciate it from a distance, while smaller artworks encourage a closer look. Think of the views through doorways or the voids between floors and use art as a way of inviting people through into a space.
