Interview with Leading Interior Designers in Chennai: Insights and Inspirations

In the vibrant, fast-growing urban landscape of Chennai, interior design is no longer just about aesthetics—it’s about functionality, sustainability, and storytelling. To understand the pulse of modern design in the city, we spoke with some of the most renowned interior designers in Chennai. From residential transformations to commercial marvels, these designers shared their journeys, inspirations, and the trends shaping Chennai’s interior scene today.

Meet the Designers

We interviewed three of the city’s celebrated names in design:

Rohini Sriram, founder of Urban Nest Designs, known for her fusion of traditional South Indian elements with contemporary chic.
Arvind Karthik, creative director at Studio Vibe, specializing in minimal, modern spaces with a focus on lighting and textures.
Divya Ramesh, principal designer at Aura Interiors, famous for her sustainable, eco-friendly home makeovers.

Understanding Chennai’s Unique Design Identity

Each designer agrees that Chennai’s interior design culture is rooted in its heritage. Rohini says, “Clients here value cultural continuity. Whether it’s a Chettinad-style wood pillar or intricate Athangudi tiles, people want a piece of their roots in modern homes.”

This sentiment is echoed by Arvind, who believes that while globalization has brought sleek, Western-style interiors into vogue, most clients in Chennai still want to integrate elements like teak wood, brass décor, and temple-style niches.

Divya adds a refreshing perspective: “There’s a conscious shift towards sustainable living. Many Chennaiites are now opting for reclaimed wood, organic fabrics, and non-toxic paints, which is encouraging.”

Challenges of Designing in a Tropical City

Designing interiors in Chennai requires sensitivity to the climate. With high humidity and heat for most of the year, interior designers in Chennai must factor in ventilation, cooling, and material selection.

“Natural airflow is a priority,” says Arvind. “We often incorporate jali screens and larger windows with cross-ventilation in mind.”

Divya points out that materials like cane, bamboo, and terracotta aren’t just aesthetic choices—they’re functional. “They stay cool and are perfect for Chennai’s weather.”

Design Philosophies That Inspire

Every designer has a distinct approach to space-making:

Rohini’s philosophy is about emotional connection. “A home should tell your story. I always ask clients to share memories, heirlooms, or travel artifacts—we then build the design around them.”
Arvind believes in ‘less but better’. “We live in a clutter-heavy world. My goal is to create spaces that breathe—where every piece has meaning and space is left for life to unfold.”
Divya champions sustainable design. “Interior design shouldn’t cost the Earth. We focus on upcycled materials, local craftsmanship, and energy-efficient layouts.”

Emerging Interior Design Trends in Chennai

When asked about current trends, the designers shared some exciting insights:

Fusion of Styles: A growing number of homeowners are open to combining rustic South Indian décor with Scandinavian simplicity.
Smart Homes: Technology integration is on the rise, especially among younger clients. Automated lighting, voice-controlled appliances, and energy-efficient smart systems are gaining popularity.
Biophilic Design: Incorporating natural elements—indoor plants, living walls, and water features—is increasingly common in Chennai homes and offices.
Maximalism with Meaning: While minimalism was dominant for a decade, many are now returning to bolder expressions—colorful tiles, statement wallpapers, and artisanal lighting.

Tips from the Experts

For those looking to revamp their spaces, the designers offer simple yet powerful advice:

Rohini: “Don’t follow trends blindly. Design around your lifestyle and your story.”
Arvind: “Focus on lighting. A well-lit room, natural or artificial, transforms everything.”
Divya: “Start small—change your cushions, repaint a wall, or bring in a plant. You don’t need a big budget to feel the change.”

Final Thoughts

This interview reaffirmed that the best interior designers in Chennai are those who listen, adapt, and design with intention. Whether blending tradition with innovation or balancing luxury with sustainability, they are crafting spaces that resonate with emotion and purpose.

Chennai’s interior design landscape is rich with heritage yet open to global influences. And as these talented designers prove, the city’s homes and workspaces are only becoming more meaningful, elegant, and inspiring.