Aparna Philip
Chief Designer
Just as interior design has transitioned over the years, from the quiet elegance of minimalism to the bold sophistication of mid-century modern and Bauhaus, so too has the role of women entrepreneurs in shaping the industry. For Aparna Philip, founder of Spacewise, the foray into interior design was serendipitous. What started as a passion project, decorating her own home, soon picked up momentum as friends appreciated her keen eye for style and decor sensibilities and asked for her help in doing up their homes.
Soon, Spacewise, the interior design firm was born and from then, there was no looking back! The positive feedback on the furniture Spacewise made at projects led to Spacewise expanding into a furniture store as well. This was to address the market gap Aparna observed for modern furniture with great design and high-quality finish, in the Madras of 20 years ago. Today, the interior design store named Spacewise Design Studio and the furniture store named Spacewise coexist, bringing a cohesive design and decor solution to Chennai’s discerning clientele.
Aparna reminisces that building a successful design brand has been as much about embracing evolving styles as it has been about balancing the personal and professional. Starting her business even before motherhood, she faced the intense demands of nurturing a young enterprise while raising two children. However, with family support and a dependable team, she navigated those early years with grit and grace. Her success mantra lies in consistency, adaptability, and surrounding herself with the right people, because, as she says, it truly takes a village. It is this same philosophy of balance, purpose, and thoughtful design that forms the very foundation of Spacewise.
Spacewise blends timeless aesthetics with functional design, appealing to clients who value craftsmanship and durability. “At Spacewise, we are not just about furniture, we are about creating beautiful homes. With our interior design studio and exclusive Address Home collection, we make it easy to find everything from statement pieces to complete design solutions, all under one roof in Chennai”, asserts Aparna.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
With over two decades of experience, Aparna has navigated the bespoke furniture and interior design industry with resilience, creativity, and a commitment to quality. A challenge she consistently looks forward to is ensuring the design and detail of client homes marry both the client’s personal style and Spacewise Design Studio’s touch, to deliver a final space that is as personal and comfortable as it is stylish and inviting!
Another priority for her has been educating clients about the true value of handcrafted, custom-made furniture in a market flooded with mass-produced alternatives. Aparna addressed this by introducing personalized consultations and encouraging clients design process, helping them understand the craftsmanship and long-term value behind every piece. She has turned challenges into opportunities, building a brand that transforms homes and enriches lives by staying true to the values of quality, trust, and sustainability.
Crafting Meaningful Living Experiences
What sets Spacewise apart in the competitive home decor landscape is its ability to create personalized living experiences. Under the leadership of Aparna, the brand has carved a niche by blending design excellence with deep emotional resonance, ensuring every piece reflects the client’s personality, lifestyle, and aspirations.
More than two decades of expertise in the Chennai market have led to prestigious collaborations of the Spacewise furniture brand with leading architects and interior designers, resulting in exclusive interiors for luxury homes, boutique hotels, and premium office spaces. What distinguishes Spacewise is its dedication to ethical craftsmanship and sustainability through sourcing eco-friendly materials and advocating for responsible design practices. For Aparna, the most rewarding aspect lies in witnessing the joy and satisfaction of clients when their vision comes to life. “As a woman entrepreneur in a traditionally male-dominated industry, my journey has been both empowering and inspiring“, says Aparna.
We believe luxury isn’t only about beautiful design but also about beautiful design that is practical and yet delivers an elevated experience to all the senses
Where Tradition Meets Modern Design
Spacewise celebrates India’s artisanal legacy while redefining luxury through design that honors both heritage and innovation. The brand proudly collaborates with skilled local artisans, whose expertise in woodworking, joinery, and intricate detailing has been passed down through generations. All furniture is crafted in-house at the Chennai production facility, ensuring that every piece reflects authenticity, durability, and skill that can only be honed over years spent mastering one’s craft. “While the designs are modern and elegant, the methods remain rooted in time-honored techniques. Be it hand-finishing, heritage joinery, or delicate inlay work. I believe that this balance between modern aesthetics and traditional artistry gives each creation a unique character”, adds Aparna.
Shaping the Future
Looking ahead, the brand envisions a bold and expansive future. As a premium bespoke furniture and interior solutions brand, Aparna’s vision for Spacewise is to redefine modern living by blending traditional artisanal excellence with cutting-edge technology. With plans to expand its footprint across India, Spacewise aims to reach a national clientele while continuing to offer highly personalized design experiences. The future roadmap includes strengthening its presence in key metropolitan cities and forming strategic partnerships with luxury real estate developers, architects, and interior designers to deliver turnkey interior solutions. “I aspire to collaborate with renowned international designers to launch an exclusive furniture line handcrafted in India, showcasing our rich artisanal heritage on a global stage. I want Spacewise to become a leading force in premium home decor, both in India and beyond with a strong focus on ethical practices, design innovation, and uncompromising quality”, concludes Aparna.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS:
“Spacewise has good quality modern designer contemporary furniture, you name it and they will get it done. They are professionals and I am very happy with my home interiors. Thanks team Spacewise!!”
- Sriram Raja
“Every little detail that goes into taking a house and making it into a home is what sets Spacewise apart! Your envisioned ideas will come alive here, with some new neat additions. I can’t wait to go back for more.”
- Nida Razack
“Spacewise does high quality interior work and I’m happy with that they did for my home. They have the right balance between class and comfort, without compromising on either, they deliver highly livable spaces. If you are looking for that bar counter to fit in a nook or a cranny, they got you covered. All their furnitures are customised. So even if you have a old styled home requiring a new piece of furniture, they can get you something that can blend into that. The folks at SW, surely know a thing or two about styling. I highly recommend spacewise , ‘cos they get you Italian quality furniture, that’s made right here, right now.”
- Prasanna Natarajan
“Spacewise furniture and home accessories are an integral part of my homes. The range is versatile and you will find a fabulous fit whether your requirement is for your house, your office or your weekend beach place!! I have been consistently using Spacewise for more than 15 years...Aparna Philip's designs are timeless ...blending perfectly into the intrinsic mood of every living space and enhancing it. Whatever the client brief - Contemporary, minimalistic, traditional or bohemian, Spacewise will meet every style. Even the most demanding customers will find that the Spacewise furniture offering of comfort, aesthetics, durability and price are unbeatable in the market.”
- Vinita Venkatesh
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