Interior designer, movie producer (her latest hit? Romantic drama Dilwale), mum-of-three and superstar wife Gauri Khan is gearing up to attend the prestigious Maison&Objet trade fair in Paris this month.
Ahead of the bi-annual interiors and homeware industry fair, which runs from January 22 to 26, Khan,45, shared some home decor tips. Don’t live in a palatial mansion on the Palm like she does? Not to worry — here, she focuses on bringing light and space to the smaller rooms.
For a windowless room:
Mirrors are a great way to simulate windows. They help reflect light, create depth and break up continuous planes.
French doors — the ones with large glass panels — can create an illusion of looking out into an open space beyond the room. Add some bright light in the space beyond the doors and mimic sunlight.
Try a wall window. Create a window on the wall that separates the windowless room from another that has natural light.
For small apartments
When you have a small space, design should begin with need first. Think of how you spend your day and what you use the space for most.
Use all available space. For example, use the nook between closets as a desk or book storage. Create a loft bed if you have high ceilings, or storage in your staircase. An antique bureau can be used as a desk.
Statement pieces can add character to a room and can make it seem grander rather than a lot of small, cluttered furniture.
Good light can make a small room look light and airy instead of cramped. Using mirrors is a simple way to help the light bounce off.
