When I think of great design, it’s not just about how pretty a space looks. It’s about how it feels.
A well-designed room can lift your mood, spark creativity, and even make you feel at peace after a long day.
That’s why I’ve always been drawn to spaces that carry a soul, a narrative, a story woven into their walls.
And honestly, one name that keeps coming up whenever I explore such soulful designs is Shailja Awasthi.
Now, let me be honest. I’ve seen my fair share of homes and offices that look like they’ve jumped straight out of a glossy magazine.
Perfectly aligned furniture, spotless décor, and just the right amount of lighting.
But here’s the catch. Sometimes they feel too perfect, almost staged, like they’re made for a photoshoot rather than real living.
Great design isn’t just about spaces, it’s about stories — and Shailja Awasthi makes sure every corner tells yours.
Shailja’s designs, on the other hand, are different.
They’re bold yet intimate, grand yet personal, contemporary yet rooted in tradition.
What I love most is how her work isn’t just about creating “beautiful spaces.”
It’s about creating living experiences, whether it’s a serene villa in Bangalore, a chic apartment in Kochi, or a stylish boathouse in Canada.
Each project feels like an original piece of art, designed not just for the eyes but for the heart.
So, if you’ve ever walked into a place and felt an unexplainable connection, you’ll know exactly what I mean when I say: Shailja Awasthi designs spaces that breathe life into living.
Quick Information: Shailja Awasthi
In a hurry? Here’s a crisp lowdown before you dive into the details.
| Category | Details |
| Founder | Shailja Awasthi |
| Expertise | Architecture, Interior Design, High-End Space Design & Furnishing |
| Notable Projects | Hamsa Haven (Bangalore), Artisan’s Whisper (Kochi), Elysian Fusion Retreat (Bangalore), Luminous Legacy Villa (Lucknow) |
| Global Reach | India, Europe, North America, Australia |
| Unique Offering | Fusion of antiquity & novelty, blending tradition with avant-garde design |
| Special Touch | The Inspiration Box – a curated palette of textures and materials from across the globe |
Who is Shailja Awasthi?
(Source: Shailja Awasthi)
Whenever I hear the phrase “design with a soul,” I instantly think of Shailja Awasthi.
She isn’t just an interior designer.
She’s a storyteller, a visual artist, and a creator of experiences.
The spaces she designs are more than just walls, floors, and ceilings. They’re extensions of the people who live, work, and interact with them.
Shailja is the Founder and Principal Designer of her eponymous studio, and her journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Back in 2018, she was named one of the Top 10 Designers in India by Business World, a recognition that, in my opinion, only scratches the surface of her talent.
Over the years, her work has been featured in Design Essentia, India Today Home, Business World, The Tribune, Hindustan Times, Deccan Chronicle, and even global lifestyle platforms.
That alone tells you the impact she’s been making in the world of design.
But what really sets her apart is her design philosophy.
She draws inspiration from everywhere, nature, science, mythology, art, and technology, and somehow blends them all into designs that feel timeless yet refreshingly modern.
Imagine walking into a home where the serenity of nature meets the boldness of contemporary art. That’s the kind of paradox she loves to play with.
Her portfolio is as diverse as it is stunning.
From luxury villas and apartments to treehouses, retail outlets, offices, co-working spaces, hotels, restaurants, and even educational institutions, Shailja has touched almost every sector.
She’s also worked with an eclectic mix of clients, families, celebrities, sportspersons, entrepreneurs, and corporates, each project tailored to reflect their unique personality and aspirations.
What I personally admire is how hands-on she is.
She doesn’t just stop at sketching concepts.
She’s deeply involved in every stage, from ideation and material selection to execution and final styling.
She’s even designed lifestyle products like her Lima Collection, which proves that her creativity isn’t confined to interiors but extends into everyday living.
Beyond design, Shailja also wears the hat of a leader.
She has an MBA and currently serves as the President of the Real Estate Council for the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (WICCI) in Karnataka.
That tells me she isn’t just shaping spaces, she’s also shaping the industry itself.
In short, if I had to describe Shailja in one line, I’d say:
👉 She’s a visionary who turns spaces into experiences, and experiences into lifelong memories.
Noteworthy Projects That Left Me in Awe
One thing I’ve realized about Shailja Awasthi’s work is that no two projects ever look, or even feel, the same.
Each one carries its own personality, much like the people who inhabit them.
Let me walk you through some of her creations that absolutely left me inspired.
Hamsa Haven – Bangalore (3,000 sq. ft.)
(Source: Shailja Awasthi)
This home draws its soul from the Hamsa, a symbol of protection and blessings. What I found fascinating here was how Shailja blended spiritual serenity with avant-garde luxury. Each corner feels purposeful, each design choice intentional. It’s not just a house, it’s a haven of beauty and grace.
Artisan’s Whisper – Kochi (3,000 sq. ft.)
(Source: Shailja Awasthi)
With its warm wood veneer accents and muted tones, this apartment whispers understated luxury (pun intended!). It’s contemporary, global in its design language, yet rooted in craftsmanship and sophistication. I imagine it as the kind of place where even silence feels elegant.
Elysian Fusion Retreat – Bangalore (7,000 sq. ft.)
(Source: Shailja Awasthi)
This villa is a statement in itself. With clean, contemporary lines softened by modernist curves, it feels like walking through a live art gallery. The curated sculptures, unique furniture, and open communal spaces extend the home into something more, a lifestyle of celebration and simplicity.
Luminous Legacy Villa – Lucknow (10,000 sq. ft.)
(Source: Shailja Awasthi)
A project that embraces warmth and grandeur in equal measure. From the wooden tones flowing through the floors and ceilings to the intimate lounge setup, this villa exudes both elegance and comfort. It’s expansive, yes, but never cold or impersonal.
Tranquil Elegance – Bangalore (3,000 sq. ft.)
(Source: Shailja Awasthi)
This project stole my heart because of its simplicity. Designed for a couple who love books, movies, and all things meaningful, the home carries a neutral and natural color palette. The result? A tranquil, loving space that reflects their passions without overwhelming them. Sometimes less really is more.
The Sun Room – Los Altos, California (4,000 sq. ft.)
(Source: Shailja Awasthi)
Now this is what I call thinking big, literally! A 30-foot-high ceiling sunroom designed as an extension of a palatial home. What makes it even more jaw-dropping is the massive vertical garden that instantly blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors. It’s a fresh take on luxury living, California style.
The Boat House – Lake Ontario, Canada (900 sq. ft.)
(Source: Shailja Awasthi)
Compact, chic, and oh-so-stylish. This boathouse embraces monochromatic wooden tones that instantly put the boats at center stage. The lounge corner with armchairs and side tables makes it more than just a storage space—it becomes an extra living area on the water. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind spending entire weekends here with a book and some coffee.
Each of these projects shows a different side of Shailja’s creativity, from spiritual homes to international luxury retreats.
And yet, there’s one common thread.
Every design feels deeply personal, never formulaic. That’s the magic.
What Makes Shailja Awasthi Stand Out
(Source: Shailja Awasthi)
When it comes to interior designers, you’ll find plenty who can give you a “Pinterest-perfect” home.
But what makes Shailja Awasthi truly stand out is that she goes far beyond aesthetics. She designs for emotion, experience, and timelessness.
Here’s what sets her apart from the rest:
- The Inspiration Box: This is genius, honestly. Imagine a curated palette of materials sourced from all over the world. Italy, Japan, Germany, India, and beyond, brought together for you to see, touch, and feel before finalizing your space. It’s not just mood boarding. It’s sensory storytelling.
- Her Global Vision: While she’s based in Bangalore, Shailja’s work spans continents, from California to Canada. She has a way of blending global design languages with local soul, making every project unique yet universally appealing.
- A Multidisciplinary Approach: Shailja doesn’t work in isolation. She collaborates with architects, artisans, sculptors, engineers, and even scientists when needed. The result? Spaces that are not only stunning but also practical and future-ready.
- Balance of Antiquity and Novelty: Most designers either go all-in on traditional or modern. Shailja does something rare. She fuses heritage charm with avant-garde boldness. A carved wooden panel may sit next to a sleek, modernist curve, and instead of clashing, they sing in harmony.
- Lifestyle Products: Beyond architecture and interiors, she designs exclusive furniture and lifestyle collections like the Lima Collection. This shows that her creativity isn’t confined to big spaces. It trickles down to the smallest details in your home.
In short, what makes Shailja stand out is her ability to create living, breathing experiences instead of just rooms and buildings.
Services That Go Beyond Just Design
One of the things I admire most about Shailja Awasthi’s studio is that they don’t stop at just designing beautiful spaces.
Their services cover the entire journey of transforming an idea into a lived reality.
- Design: Shailja believes design is more than just arranging furniture or choosing colors. It’s about challenging perspectives and bringing fresh energy into a space. She and her team spend countless hours detailing every nook and corner so that each space feels personal and perfectly finished. From cozy urban apartments to sprawling destination villas, every project feels tailor-made.
- Execute: You know how sometimes great design falls flat because of poor execution? That’s never the case here. Shailja’s team ensures that the intricacies of lighting, materials, furniture, and art pieces are flawlessly executed. Whether it’s a bold chandelier or a handpicked sculpture, every detail is meticulously woven into the design narrative.
- Style: Styling is like the final brushstroke on a painting, and this is where Shailja’s unconventional eye shines. Her ability to mix unexpected elements, retro pieces in a modern space, vintage oak in a chic office, or rustic palettes in a sleek home, is what turns ordinary rooms into extraordinary experiences. Styling isn’t an afterthought. It’s her language of beauty.
- Products: Then there’s the Lima Collection, a line of handcrafted furniture, lamps, mirrors, and décor pieces. These aren’t just functional items. They’re conversation starters. Each piece embodies Shailja’s design philosophy, allowing people to bring a slice of her creativity into their homes, even if they aren’t doing a full project.
So, whether you’re building a new home, redesigning your office, or simply wanting a single signature piece of furniture, Shailja’s services cover it all.
From concept to completion, with style in every step.
Why I Admire Her Work
(Source: Shailja Awasthi)
Now, let me get a little personal here.
I’ve come across countless design studios that wow you with their portfolios, but very few that actually make you feel.
And that’s exactly why I admire Shailja Awasthi’s work. It isn’t just about style, it’s about soul.
Her spaces have this uncanny ability to strike a balance between comfort and drama.
You walk into one of her villas, and you’re immediately drawn to the grand art piece or bold design element.
But then, you also find a cozy corner that makes you feel at home. That duality is rare.
I also love her fearless approach to pushing boundaries.
She isn’t afraid to bend the rules, mix materials that traditionally “don’t belong together,” or use mythology as inspiration for a contemporary living room.
That’s not just design, that’s storytelling.
Another thing that stands out for me is her attention to detail.
Whether it’s the curve of a staircase, the texture of a wall, or the placement of a lamp, she ensures nothing feels out of place.
And yet, instead of being rigid, her designs feel fluid and natural.
Almost like they grew into existence.
Most importantly, her work is deeply personal.
She doesn’t impose a signature “style” onto her clients. Instead, she creates spaces that reflect their lives, dreams, and quirks.
That, to me, is the hallmark of a designer who truly cares.
So yes, I admire her work because it isn’t just about creating beautiful interiors.
It’s about crafting timeless experiences that connect with people on an emotional level.
And in today’s world of cookie-cutter designs, that’s something truly special.
Contact Shailja Awasthi
If you’re as inspired as I am and want to bring Shailja’s magic into your space, here’s how you can connect with her:
Location: #11, Ground Floor, The Arcade, Brigade Orchard, Devanhalli, Bangalore – 562110 (available for global collaborations)
Email: shailja@shailjaawasthi.com
Phone: Bangalore +91-96320 49406
Website: https://shailjaawasthi.com
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn
Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful home, a striking office space, or an artistic nook that reflects you, Shailja is the person who can make it happen.
FAQs About Shailja Awasthi
Where is Shailja Awasthi based?
Shailja operates out of Bangalore, India, but her work spans across the globe with projects completed in the United States, Canada, and the Middle East.
What kind of design style does Shailja specialize in?
Her style is versatile, blending modern sensibilities with timeless elegance. From tranquil homes with neutral palettes to bold, experimental spaces, Shailja adapts her approach to each client’s personality and lifestyle.
Does she take on international projects?
Yes! In fact, some of her most notable projects include “The Sun Room” in Los Altos, California, and “The Boat House” in Lake Ontario, Canada.
Can she design smaller spaces too, or does she focus only on large projects?
Shailja works across scales. Whether it’s a compact boathouse of 900 square feet or expansive residences of over 4,000 square feet, she brings the same level of creativity and attention to detail.
What services does she offer beyond interior design?
Her expertise isn’t limited to aesthetics. She’s deeply involved in space planning, functionality optimization, project management, and creating personalized living experiences.
How can someone collaborate with her?
The first step is reaching out directly through her contact details to discuss project goals, requirements, and vision. From there, she and her team craft a tailored approach for each client.
My Final Thoughts: Why You Should Keep an Eye on Shailja Awasthi
If you’re someone who values spaces that tell stories, designs that spark emotions, and furniture that doubles up as art, then you’ll absolutely love Shailja Awasthi’s work.
Her approach is fresh, bold, and deeply rooted in creativity.
Honestly, if I were to sum it up, she doesn’t just design spaces.
She designs experiences you’ll never forget.
Thinking of giving your home, office, or even holiday retreat a personality makeover?
👉 Reach out to Shailja Awasthi and let your vision come alive.
That’s my little deep dive into the world of Shailja Awasthi.
If you’ve ever walked into a space and felt like it just gets you, then you know what her work is all about.
Until next time, may your spaces be soulful, your walls be expressive, and your furniture be conversation starters!
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