Beyond Four Walls: How Two Design Visionaries Are Reshaping Our Living Spaces in 2025

Against the backdrop of Maison Sia's elegant Delhi Flagship Atelier Launch, two design luminaries found a moment to connect and share their wisdom. Surrounded by curated pieces and inspired interiors, renowned interior designer Sussanne Khan and innovative entrepreneur Vratika Gupta, founder of Maison Sia, sat down for an illuminating conversation that transcended typical design talk. What unfolded was a rich exchange of insights on design philosophy, entrepreneurial mindset, and the transformative power of thoughtful living spaces—a fitting dialogue to mark the opening of a new design destination in the capital.

The Entrepreneurial Alchemy: Turning Vision into Reality

When asked to describe their journey as entrepreneurs in the design space, both women offered thoughtful perspectives on what drives their creative businesses.

"An entrepreneur is someone who takes a lot of risks, understands their passions, and knows how to follow them while embracing the meaning of business," reflects Sussanne Khan. "To me, entrepreneurship is about blending a bit of madness with passion and creativity—it's about taking risks with a purpose."

Vratika Gupta's vision complements this perfectly: "For me, entrepreneurship is about having a grand vision—someone with the heart, passion, and determination to stay grounded and live that vision relentlessly, day by day. It's also about solving real problems and making a meaningful impact. That's what defines an entrepreneur."

True entrepreneurship transcends mere business formation—it requires the courage to embrace uncertainty, the authenticity to honor one's passions, and the persistence to transform challenges into meaningful solutions. The most successful ventures arise when business acumen meets creative audacity, when calculated risks align with heartfelt purpose.

Home Economics Reimagined: Why Your Living Space Deserves Your Best Investment

When the conversation turned to common mistakes Indians make regarding home décor choices, both designers highlighted a critical oversight they've observed.

"What we, as Indians, don't realize is that we don't ask enough questions," Sussanne explains. "Buying a product is one thing, but knowing the whole story behind what you're buying, educating yourself about it, and understanding the value of what you're investing in is something we often miss out on."

She continues with a thought-provoking perspective: "Many tend to spend more on jewelry and cars than on their homes. Personally, I would prioritize investing in my home over jewelry and cars because that's where I spend the majority of my time. Investing in your home can truly bring peace of mind and joy."

Vratika wholeheartedly agrees: "Your home is where you live, where your life happens. Jewelry may be something you wear occasionally, and it often just ends up in a cupboard. But your home? That's where your day-to-day life unfolds, and it deserves the best investment you can make."

Sussanne and Vratika challenge us to reconsider our investment priorities with a simple yet profound realization: we invest most heavily in our homes through our time, yet often least heavily through our resources. When we recognize that our surroundings directly impact our mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall happiness, allocating resources to thoughtful home design becomes not a luxury but a necessity.

2025's Design Revolution: Where Nature Meets Neural Networks

Asked about décor trends they believe should be experimented with in 2025, both designers shared exciting predictions about the future direction of interior design.

"I think that 2025 will see the resurgence of earthy tones in interior design," Sussanne predicts. "A new color trend, Mocha Mousse, reflects this shift. After a decade dominated by grays, blacks, and whites, people are now gravitating toward the warmth and earthiness of natural tones, textures, and fabrics."

She notes that this evolution represents a desire for connection and a fresh perspective on interiors: "This trend is moving beyond minimalism, which has been extensively explored, toward deeper and richer interpretations of nature-inspired themes."

Vratika brings a technological dimension to this forecast: "The advent of AI is going to revolutionize home design from 2025 onward. Imagine creating an island, a mountain, or even a desert within your space—AI makes such possibilities a reality. It's about connecting deeply to nature and earthy tones while integrating advanced technology."

What Sussanne and Vratika are forecasting isn't merely a trend but a fundamental reconciliation between our technological future and our biophilic nature. Their vision suggests we're entering an era where our homes will no longer force us to choose between digital advancement and natural connection—instead, they'll harmoniously integrate both. The browns and earthy tones returning to our palette represent not just a visual shift but a philosophical one—a renewed appreciation for warmth, authenticity, and organic connection in an increasingly digital age.

Authentic Design: Why Shortcuts Never Lead to Standout Spaces

The host inquired about any décor hacks the designers swear by in their own practice, expecting perhaps some insider tips and tricks of the trade.

Sussanne offered a refreshingly honest perspective: "Décor hacks? Honestly, I don't believe in them. I think décor should be deeply thought out and intentional. For me, it's about diving deep into the process of creation rather than looking for shortcuts."

Vratika approach focuses on spatial awareness: "For me, space itself is a luxury. Whenever I feel stuck, I focus on creating more openness and making the space feel larger and more breathable."

When questioned about décor trends they would want everyone to ditch in the coming year, both designers took thoughtful approaches. Sussanne emphasizes: "It's a very subjective topic. Each person has their own unique taste. As a designer and creative, I appreciate all kinds of design—whether minimalist, maximalist, or nature-inspired."

In a culture obsessed with quick fixes, Sussanne and Vratika make a compelling case for the irreplaceable value of intentionality in design. Their resistance to formulaic approaches reminds us that truly remarkable spaces aren't created through shortcuts but through thoughtful consideration and authentic expression. While trends like wallpaper may come and go, the designers suggest that creating breathing room—both literally in our physical spaces and figuratively in our app

The Bespoke Home: Crafting Spaces That Tell Your Unique Story

For the final question of the conversation, the designers were asked about the dos and don'ts they adhere to when designing someone's home.

"You can't have a strict list of do's and don'ts," Sussanne maintains. "As a designer, you need to be versatile in your thinking. You must approach design in a holistic way, understanding the client's needs and finding a way to blend those needs artistically with your own vision."

Vratika agrees, adding: "It's about personifying the client's vision and giving it your best. You must bring together your thoughts and ideas to create something unique."

Sussanne concludes with a powerful insight into innovation: "That's what you should aim for—creating new things and building on concepts that haven't been explored before. Innovation is key, and sometimes, those are the things that people might not initially like, but they're worth exploring."

Sussanne and Vratika's approach embodies a profound respect for individuality within a framework of artistic expertise. Their rejection of rigid rules in favor of versatile, client-centered creativity offers a liberating perspective. By viewing home design as a collaborative journey rather than a formulaic process, we open ourselves to spaces that not only look beautiful but feel profoundly authentic—spaces that evolve from the intersection of expert guidance and personal narrative.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of interior design through the visionary perspectives of Sussanne and Vratika, one truth becomes brilliantly clear: our homes are not merely structures but dynamic expressions of who we are. The most compelling spaces will always be those created with intentional creativity, personal authenticity, and a harmonious balance between timeless natural elements and exciting technological possibilities.