Raseel Gujral Ansal reminisces her childhood days to tell the story of her journey as one of the most revered lifestyle décor experts in India today
Looking around at Casa Paradox, Navin Ansal’s and Raseel Gujral Ansal’s fabulous high-end homegrown furniture and furnishings store in New Delhi’s Gallery on MG, my first impression is of being in the midst of inspiration. In a flash, I see a rich burst of colours, designs and brilliant pieces of furniture that one wouldn’t find anywhere else. The impeccable styling in what I see around me is elusive but heartwarming, contemporary but so mature — like she’s nurtured all the design and decor of the pieces with tremendous care and absolute precision. The place is a rainbow of vibrant hues, yet it is a sophisticated colour palette that one witnesses, whether in consoles, centre tables, cabinets, chairs, light fixtures or any of the other object d’art.
“I am passionate about art, space and form. It’s what I want to reflect in my work,” says Gujral, who believes, quite understandably, that creativity is in her DNA. Daughter of Satish Gujral, one of the most important Indian modern artists, and Kiran Gujral, also an artist, Raseel was born in the midst of colour, canvas and creativeness. “My parents,” she says, whose design dictum and creative vocabulary is inspired by what she defines as “contemporary Indianness”, “influenced me a lot. I was exposed to a world of exhibitions, great art, inspiring designs and this was shaping my sensibilities.”
I ask her if she there are any specific childhood memories that evoked her design sensibilities, shaping the architectural contours in her mind that are so defined in her work today. “As a six-year-old, I remember going through all these amazing design and interior magazines that used to be at home. My father’s architectural work — besides his art — was there by then and my mother was already working in ceramics. So there were times, they’d ask me and my sister [Alpana, a well-known jewellery designer] to help them with research on their work. Before I knew it, even as a young girl, I was reading, studying about different cultures and the design and artistic influences,” says Gujral nostalgically.
Those memories of childhood have shaped her brands Casa Paradox and Casa Pop. Those lingering moments of understanding art and aesthetics as a youngster are now an intrinsic part of her work. “I research for almost a year before rolling out my new collections,” adds Gujral, who is considered one of India’s foremost lifestyle architects and décor experts. Is there a secret sauce to her continued success? After all, not only are her signature brands present pan-India, they are also set to launch in West Asia, and have a presence in worldclass exhibitions and fairs. “True success comes from achieving a balance between your design sentiment and commerce,” reminds Gujral.
Her designs, she stresses, are an expression of who she is and they define her. “It is easy for me to continue repeating myself but I’m driven to trying something new all the time,” she says, adding, “I like to be challenged. I don’t fear it. What I do fear is waking up one day and having nothing new to say in my designs and work. So I keep working and approaching every day with a fresh perspective.”
In the business of architecture, interior design, and décor for close to three decades, Gujral’s glowing face and radiant smile belies the stress that she would face as a businesswoman. Her mantra is having tremendous gratitude, feeling genuinely fortunate, and joyful to do the work she loves. “I used to fear how I’ll be perceived in the business, I wondered if I would live up to the exacting standards, but I realised I had to conquer fear to emerge victorious,” she smiles. It hasn’t been easy to learn life’s philosophy and it’s with her sheer maturity, grace and charm that Gujral’s continued on her journey of success.
The elegance and the sophisticated modernity in her work, she says, is reflective of all that she has learnt while growing up. “The learning,” she pauses briefly, “never stops in creativity.”
Her collection in the newly-opened Casa Paradox and Casa Pop store in Mumbai is proof of that. There’s gold leafing technique incorporated delightfully in teak wood; a seat that’s actually a throne complete with crystal accents and richly subtle embroidery; a bar with black lacquer highlights – Gujral’s vision is in tune with today’s discerning consumer. “I don’t see people compromising on their spending power when it comes to furniture. Many seek customisation, which in turn means ‘exclusivity’,” she adds.
How she punctuates the homes of her clients with her signature style of palatial, but exquisite décor, is by marrying her unique creative ability with functionality. “The primary function of a design,” says Gujral, who has just returned from Kolkata after opening a concept store in the city in a Victorian-styled, Gothic-looking bungalow, “is to define a space and not merely occupy it.” In her view, a living space’s design sentiment must accentuate excitement, comprise functionality but also exude with an air of subtle grandeur.
Grandeur, though, can have various design interpretations based on what the clients may want in homes. The hallmark of a good professional, then, is to synergise the artistic vision with the requirements made by different clients. It could well be the reason why Gujral’s Casa Paradox engages in designs that are delicately opulent and vintage, while Casa Pop looks at a young, kitschy prêt diffusion line that is colourful and unapologetically bold.
The crux of her brands’ ethos, says Gujral, is to celebrate India in all its glory. She also can’t help but notice the subtle shifts in the buying patterns of the consumers. According to her, with luxury becoming a way of life, there is a clear shift of design sensibilities and an eye for detail in Indian consumers.
In an intensely competitive environment, how does Kapoor manage to continue getting inspired? It’s simple, she says. Observe everything around you, films, art, architecture, fashion, even the natural environment and habitat around you, and then come up with your version of reality. “I have never been good at following a trend... the trends I focus on are that of the moment, a reflection of the person that I am,” she says. It’s no surprise then, that Gujral’s work, just like her personality, is contemporary, glamorous and enchanting.