#TheStyleIcons: Samir Wadekar on transforming living spaces into stunning, harmonious sanctuaries

With a profound understanding of colour theory, texture, lighting, and spatial arrangements, interior stylists have the ability to create visually appealing, cohesive, and inviting interiors. In conversation with ace interior stylist Samir Wadekar, we decode the primary responsibilities and some key aspects of the role:

Background and Inspiration:

As long as I can remember, I have been attracted to the creative world of design. Although I have studied product design and art history, I unexpectedly transitioned into space styling with a chance internship at a magazine during my college years. Through a series of unforeseen events, the internship gradually turned into a full-time profession. While my formal education taught me the basics of design and helped create a strong foundation; it was the rollercoaster ride of a time at Architectural Digest (AD) where I learnt most of what I know today. After being with the magazine for almost 8 years, I branched out as a style and aesthetics consultant.

Do you have a signature style? If yes, how would you describe it.

I feel my signature style revolves around showing restraint as well as creating an eclectic space by using objects from different times and places. There is an unbelievable warmth that is subtly infused in a home by using period pieces and tribal artworks, I always enjoy using them.

Design Process:

I typically start the styling process by working with what is already available in the space. I tend to declutter and then, as I jokingly declare, re-clutter the space. The correct placement and arrangement of pieces, objects and furniture is crucial for creating a balance in the aesthetic. One must mix different textures and layer a space with different objects. I always suggest having 5 large statement pieces instead of 15 smaller artifacts.

Challenges and Solutions:

When I was at AD, we always had tight deadlines and short timelines for completing our shoots and stories. It trained me to be a lot faster when it came to making decisions, editing and curating the different objects and pieces I came across. Over the past decade, I have been able to train my eye to grasp and process a lot of information at a much faster speed.

Trends and Materials:

I have a mad fondness for the Art Deco period. I adore everything from that period; the Cartier jewelry, the Delahaye cars, New York architecture and Emile Jacques Ruhlmann furniture. My current favourite book from the period is Art Deco Style by Assouline.

A material that I am always drawn to is wood in furniture design. When I am souring for old furniture, I have discovered so many varieties that aren’t commonly used in contemporary pieces. A few examples are ebony, jackwood, calamander and maple. When it comes to colour, my eye tends to hover around jewel tones such as emerald green or ruby red.

Advice and Expertise:

1. Play around with colour and textures by using wallpapers, rugs, textiles and printed upholstery.
2. I find it charming to use handmade sculptural objects and artworks from Indian tribes such as a Warli painting or a Bastar sculpture.
3. The best way to infuse a unique character is by scattering antique or vintage pieces around your home. It could vary from an art deco table lamp to a Dutch colonial armchair.

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

One of my first freelance projects was when I worked on the decoration of a 200-year-old home in Mahabaleshwar. I am an antiquarian at heart and loved this home. We worked on different thematic bedrooms inspired by the Orient, Flora, Fauna etc. Along with the restoration architects, we played around with colonial-era furniture, artworks, killims etc. to create a truly unique space.

What do you find most rewarding about being an interior stylist?
One of the greatest privileges of my job is that I have the opportunity to meet a variety of people. All these interactions have changed my thinking and perceptions in so many ways. I also enjoy the prospect of peeping into spaces across the country. These spaces with their distinct aesthetics which range from minimal to maximalist and earthy to modern have helped evolve my personal tastes as well.