Interior design, interior designer, two words closely related. In other articles, we have talked a lot about interior design so in this article series, we will be discussing more about who made this interior design. Of course, we all know what an interior designer is. An interior designer is a professional who specializes in creating aesthetically pleasing and functional interior spaces. In today’s “Behind Their Success Series”, we will be discussing about someone who is often referred to as the “reigning queen of color” as she is most known for her whimsical spaces and forms infused with playful palettes! It is none other than India Mahdavi!
❝Designing is about people, not objects. It’s about giving a person a piece of ground for dreams, for moments of happiness❞ - India Mahdavi
India Mahdavi is a famous interior designer known for her vibrant use of color, eclectic style, and innovative approach to design. She was born in 1962, in Tehran, Iran and spent her childhood exploring many countries due to her father's career in diplomacy. It exposed her to different cultures and design influences, it helped her learn about different architectural styles, design aesthetics and cultural based. She often draws inspiration from her diverse experiences and incorporates elements from different cultures into her interior design projects, creating spaces that are vibrant, eclectic, and globally influenced.
In Paris, Mahdavi studied architecture at the École des Beaux-Arts and later on pursued a master's degree in furniture design at Parsons School of Design in New York City. With an architecture and design foundation and educational background, she began her career in the design industry and gained much experience working with other renowned designers and architects, including Christian Liaigre and Philippe Starck.
India Mahdavi's motivation in interior design comes from her desire to create spaces that evoke emotion, spark joy, and inspire those who inhabit them. Her approach to design is based on several key factors including emphasis on experience, cultural fusion, innovation and creativity, human-centric design and attention to details.
❝Color is a tool for composition, a way of structuring space, not a decorative accessory❞ - India Mahdavi
In 2000, she established her own interior design studio, India Mahdavi Architecture and Design, based in Paris. Since the opening of her studio, India Mahdavi has developed through her creations a certain vision of happiness and color to create spaces that evoke joy, warmth, and a sense of luxury while remaining functional and inviting. Her portfolio includes a diverse range of projects, including hotels, restaurants, retail spaces, private residences, and furniture design. Some of her notable projects includes :
1. The Coburg Bar at London's Connaught Hotel
Renovated in 2008, Mahdavi transformed the bar into a sophisticated yet inviting space that exudes timeless elegance and charm. It has a rich color palette consisting of deep blues, warm browns, and hints of gold matched with the luxurious materials and textures of the bar. The design itself incorporates art deco style with artworks adoring the walls.
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2. The Gallery at Sketch in London
Sketch is a multifunctional destination in Mayfair, London, which houses several dining and drinking spaces, including The Gallery, which is known for its unique design. With pink dominating the entire space which creates a whimsical and playful atmosphere, The Gallery's most striking feature is its eclectic seating arrangement with egg-shaped pods that serve as dining booths.
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3. The Monte Carlo Beach Hotel in Monaco
India Mahdavi was commissioned to redesign the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel in Monaco, a project that took Mediterranean inspiration and contemporary elements to update its aesthetic and enhance its appeal to modern travelers. Mahdavi prioritized the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces to take advantage of the hotel's breathtaking views!
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4. The Red Valentino store in Rome
While infusing contemporary elegance into retail spaces while staying true to the brand's identity, Mahdavi brought her bold use of color with shades of blush pink, warm neutrals, and touches of gold. She incorporated playful and whimsical elements into the design of the Red Valentino store, reflecting the youthful and dynamic spirit of the brand and adding depth and visual interest to the space by using velvet upholstery, polished marble surfaces, and rich wood accents.
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5. The Ladurée restaurant in Tokyo
India Mahdavi's design of the Ladurée restaurant in Tokyo exemplifies her talent for blending French elegance with contemporary flair that create both timeless and modern feels. With Ladurée's signature pastel colors, including soft shades of mint green, pale pink, and powder blue, the design of the Ladurée restaurant in Tokyo captures the essence of Parisian chic, with its ornate moldings, crystal chandeliers, and plush upholstery.
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❝I believe that architecture and design are about creating emotions. If you walk into a space and feel good, then I’ve done my job❞ - India Mahdavi
That is the story behind India Mahdavi’s success, the journey she went through till becoming one of the well-known interior designers till now! Who should we discuss next? Consult your dream house with Livvy Luxury Living! Contact us on Whatsapp : +62 878 6894 8000 or visit us at 18 Office Park 25th floor Suite A, Jalan Simatupang Kav 18, South Jakarta.
Content Writer : Arcelia Emmanuella Adiwinata