#TheStyleIcons: Raahul Kukreja believes that if you find yourself overwhelmed with ideas and indecision, consider hiring a professional interior stylist!

In the constantly changing field of interior design, there exists a cadre of professionals whose expertise transcends the ordinary—transforming living spaces into stunning, harmonious sanctuaries. These unsung heroes, known as interior stylists, play a pivotal role in shaping the aesthetics and ambiance of homes and commercial spaces alike. To gain a deeper insight into the art of interior styling, we interviewed eminent interior stylist Raahul Kukreja and explored his approach to styling!

Background and Inspiration:

I grew up in a small town called Alwar, Rajasthan. During my childhood, I found fascination in furniture, textiles, art, and anything related to homes. Coming from a Multani family, where we have a generational business in textiles, I believe I inherited my understanding of composition and design from my father. I distinctly remember being the only child in my town who would buy design magazines from a local shop at the railway station. The shopkeeper used to scold me, saying, “I have to get these magazines only for you, no one else in Alwar buys all this.’” That felt like an achievement. I saved 100 rupees every month to buy those design magazines, and the happiness of holding them in my hands was indescribable.

It was in 2012 when I was pursuing BBA from IIPM, Jaipur and I had to take up an internship. While interning in a corporate MNC setup I realised I am not at all meant for this and decided to move to Delhi to try my luck in design industry. Roller coaster ride starts from here as I had no one to guide me and I thought learning software like auto cad , 3ds max would make me a Designer and being a draughtsman fascinated me to a level that I thought I would be a draughtsman for this life and undoubtedly I was a pro kid in my software class.

One more good thing that happened in Delhi as I got introduced to more design magazines. I got my first design internship in a real estate for a design project and guess what as soon as I felt I am living my dream but god had different plans for me as I was thrown out of the internship in just few days. I couldn’t take that pain and couldn’t even share it with my parents in a fear that they will call me back to Alwar. I had to make my end meet , had bills to pay , wanted to party every weekend. And I took up a job in a Gym as a guest relation executive the money was good enough for me to survive in a expensive city like Delhi. Something that I thought would last only for a month or two , it took six month of my life to find a Job in design. It was worth the wait, The world around me was about to change.

As I got my first job in a creative design studio , and I got a chance to work on big fat Indian weddings, corporate events , interior design and that’s when I got introduced to interior styling . The joy of creating that very first stylised setup for a magazine cover felt like home. I was thrilled and since then I never looked back. Giving life to already existing space and lifting up the essence of the space felt so satisfactory. And carved my way to be an interior stylist & curator. “ all thanx to my rebelliousness and god for making my world thrilling , dramatic and exciting. My introduction to interior styling was transformative. Creating stylised setups for magazines became my passion, and I pursued it relentlessly. Now, as an interior stylist, I find fulfillment in giving life to spaces. This journey, fueled by determination and passion, defines my success.

Design Process:

All my work revolves around human life and psychology. My goal is to bring happiness into people’s lives through my designs. When I embark on a project, the initial and most crucial step involves understanding my client’s lifestyle and vision. I establish a friendly rapport with my clients to ensure our conversations are genuine and natural. We then proceed to conceptualisation, where we merge visuals and ideas to establish a clear foundation for everyone involved in the project. The next steps involve selection, staging, and styling. I firmly believe that the placement of accessories can significantly influence the overall mood of a space. To me, the design and style of an object contribute 50%, while the remaining 50% is determined by its placement.

Challenges and Solutions:

Every project comes with a new challenge and obstacles, and if your project is not giving you sleepless night then is it even a project? I love sleeping over the idea and thought that I have for my projects.

Are there any specific design eras, cultures, or artistic movements that influence your work? Any particular materials, textures, or colors you find yourself drawn to lately?

Nature serves as my primary inspiration, and I find the intricacies of the human mind incredibly fascinating. Understanding these aspects requires patience and an open heart to the world around us. As an earth sign, I am naturally inclined towards neutral and natural colour palettes.

Advice and Expertise:

Your home should primarily tell your unique story. If you find yourself overwhelmed with ideas and indecision, consider hiring a professional stylist. They can assist you in infusing your space with a distinct character and personality.

Is there a specific project you’ve worked on that holds a special place in your heart?

It’s challenging to pick a favorite as each project is close to my heart. One that holds significant meaning for me is from last year when I had the opportunity to style and curate a project in my hometown, Alwar, Rajasthan. The project involved an entirely sustainable ‘Mud House,’ where every detail, from linens to decor items, was homegrown and eco-friendly. Being a pottery practitioner, I incorporated existing ‘Kaagzi pottery’ vases, adding a personal touch. The project’s compelling story resonated globally, earning widespread appreciation and even featuring me on the cover of a magazine.

What do you find most rewarding about being an interior stylist?

Being an interior stylist in itself is rewarding for me, I feel extremely happy when I see how my opinion and suggestions are heard respectfully. I still remember in the early days of my career, people used to call me ‘stylish’, ‘styler’ and ‘phool wale bhaiya’, I am glad it has finally changed to “stylist”.