Redefining luxury interiors with timeless French elegance

Delhi-based Aashi Gupta has established a distinctive presence in luxury interior design with her maximalist approach, classical French influences and attention to architectural detailing. Since launching Aashi Gupta Designs in 2022, she has transformed her passion for ornate mouldings, dramatic arches and timeless aesthetics into a growing practice specialising in high-end residential interiors.

After studying product design at Nottingham Trent University in the UK and completing an additional design course in Singapore, Gupta discovered her calling during the pandemic while designing her own home. Sharing the results online generated interest and led to her first commissioned projects in Pune and Calcutta.

“I initially dreamed of opening a chain of cafés because I loved creating places where people could come together and enjoy a beautiful atmosphere. Over time, I realised it wasn’t the food or hospitality that fascinated me, but the space itself. I was drawn to how thoughtful design could shape emotions, influence behaviour and create lasting memories,” she says.

Inspired by heritage hotels, museums and historic buildings, Gupta believes interiors should reflect individuality rather than follow fleeting trends. Her design philosophy also incorporates the concept of cosmic interior design, drawing on nature-aligned proportions, classical architectural elements and emotional well-being.

“Travelling extensively, meeting people from different cultures and experiencing architecture across the world taught me that true luxury isn’t about extravagance; it’s about authenticity, craftsmanship and creating spaces that evoke emotion and stand the test of time,” she explains.

Building her practice came with challenges, particularly while managing contractors and site execution in a predominantly male environment. Gupta often had to demonstrate her technical understanding and ability to lead projects.

“In the beginning, I definitely had to work harder to earn credibility. There were moments when people assumed that because I was young and a woman, I wouldn’t understand technical details or the realities of site execution. Instead of letting that discourage me, I focused on being exceptionally well-prepared,” she recalls.

She believes competence and consistency are essential to earning professional respect. “Authority has never been about being the loudest person on-site. It’s about being the most prepared and building trust through your work.”

Today, Aashi Gupta Designs has a team of 11 full-time professionals, supported by freelancers and site supervisors. The studio has grown from projects spanning 3,000 to 4,000 square feet to expansive luxury residences measuring 15,000 to 20,000 square feet. Its clientele includes producer Nidhi Dutta, Azhar Iqubal and the family of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda. The firm is also undertaking projects in the United States.

Despite this growth, Gupta acknowledges the personal sacrifices involved in entrepreneurship. “Building a design studio isn’t a nine-to-five job. Even when you’re not physically working, you’re thinking about projects, taking client calls, addressing site issues and solving problems. I’ve sacrificed festivals, time with family and friends, celebrations and many moments that most people take for granted,” she says.

On balancing professional growth with the pressures of digital visibility, she adds, “Real growth happens offline, in client meetings, on construction sites, during project handovers and through years of consistent hard work. Social media can open doors, but it should never become the measure of your worth or success.”

Looking ahead, Gupta believes India’s luxury interiors sector will increasingly prioritise wellness, sustainability and personal comfort. Natural light, earthy colour palettes, healthier materials and thoughtful planning are becoming central to how homes are designed.

“Luxury today is increasingly about comfort, efficiency and emotional well-being rather than excess. Clients are moving away from designing homes that simply look expensive. Instead, they’re seeking spaces that make them feel content, relaxed and inspired,” she says.

Her future ambitions include expanding into hospitality through boutique hotels, wellness retreats and destination experiences, alongside strengthening the brand’s international presence.

For aspiring women entrepreneurs, Gupta offers simple advice: “Start before you feel ready. There is never a perfect time. You learn, grow and gain confidence through action, not by waiting.”

She believes lasting success comes from patience, discipline and staying true to one’s vision. “Great brands, meaningful careers and lasting reputations are never built overnight. They are created one decision, one project and one client at a time. Consistency will always outlast perfection.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Askari Jaffer

Askari Jaffer[email protected]

Askari Jaffer, Features Editor, with a longstanding interest in writing a range of stories, has earned herself a place in the field of journalism. With strong values and courage acquired from her father, who served in the Indian Defence, she reflects in her writings. A strong desire to learn about the legal system, she has focused her writing on women's challenges. She writes about the women who became successful in various fields to inspire others. She takes an interest in education, health, lifestyle, fashion and entertainment too.

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