Nandita Manwani
Founder
The Studio by Nandita Manwani has created a distinct identity for itself in the field of Interior Design. It is one of the few “Designer Led” Interior Firms in the country and puts Good Design at the center of each assignment.
We spoke with Nandita on her 15-year journey in the field of Interior design and the distinction of being recognized as among Bangalore’s Top Interior Designers. Here is an excerpt.
The Interior design industry has seen changing trends in recent years. Can you highlight what you are observing and how is The Studio by Nandita Manwani adapting to these trends?
The interior design landscape has transformed dramatically over the past 15 years. I’ve witnessed the industry evolve from a fragmented, carpentry-focused market to the rise of modular furniture startups offering convenience and standardization. Today, the industry is largely divided between these modular players focused on factory furniture and architects specializing in custom carpentry.
However, holistic design-led interior design, where aesthetics and functionality converge, remains a niche. At The Studio, we’ve always championed this approach, prioritizing good design that enhances our clients’ lives over selling furniture. We craft spaces that reflect their unique tastes and aspirations, incorporating everything from bespoke furniture and lighting to soft furnishings and custom carpentry. Our mantra is simple: every home should not only reflect the people who live there but also be designed to elevate their way of life.
What sets The Studio by Nandita Manwani apart from other interior design companies in Bangalore?
What sets The Studio by Nandita Manwani apart is its design-led approach, a rarity in India’s interior design industry. We enter the into an engagement as a partner to help clients make their home. We are not selling anything, and the outlook is to start with a clean canvas and decide what makes sense for the home and the family who will live there – there are no catalogs or standard designs to choose from.
During the design phase every aspect of home, from lighting, furniture to décor, is carefully woven together to create a sensory harmony of the home, and it requires pieces to be hand crafted or to be bought in from a third party, then so be it. With a strict emphasis on originality, each project is a fresh canvas for the design team, resulting in bespoke homes that are truly one-of-a-kind.
How did it all start?
It all started in 2009 when I designed my own home in Bangalore. A couple of friends loved the result and asked if I could help with theirs. I pulled together the same team and took on those first two projects. While working on them, I shared my experiences on a blog - back when Blogger was still a thing!
The posts on Blogger struck a chord. Homeowners started reaching out with questions, and soon, someone asked if I could design their home - my first formal, paid project. I remember this one client, he made a deposit based on a back-of-the-envelope estimate, and we returned the extra at the end. That kind of trust still humbles me.
Later, Deccan Herald noticed the blog and invited me to write for them. I still have their cheques - unbanked, just treasured.
From those small beginnings, The Studio took shape - built on passion, integrity, trust and a lot of late nights.
What are your remarkable milestones and achievements so far as an interior designer?
We are thankful to have had many - Deccan Herald calling in to write for them, my blog getting featured in The Times of India, being recognized as one of the top Women Interior Designers in India and the Top Designers to follow by Houzz Magazine, Radio City honoring The Studio as a Business Icon and among the top Design Firms in Bangalore – all these have helped in their own way to drive our passion for good design and doing good work.
Perhaps the biggest milestone was a call from an elderly lady, she was on a wheelchair but wanted to actively pursue her life and activities around her home, she said, “will you design my home? I don’t think I will find anyone better who can”.
During the design phase every aspect of home, from lighting, furniture to décor, is carefully woven together to create a sensory harmony of the home, and if it requires pieces to be hand crafted or to be bought in from a third party, then so be it
What is next for The Studio? Are there any new offerings and announcements in the pipeline?
The Studio is preparing to launch DesignKare a platform focused exclusively on providing pure design services for both homes and commercial spaces. The mission is simple yet powerful: to make good design accessible to all. From salons to restaurants to offices, DesignKare aims to bring thoughtful, world-class design to clients globally. The launch is just weeks away, marking a new chapter in The Studio’s journey to democratize good design.
Core Design Strengths:
Design-led approach
Clean-canvas project planning – not template led
Lifestyle-based customization
Original, non-repetitive designs
High aesthetic and functional harmony
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