The concept is the most important and fundamental element for any design process. Nature has always been a source of inspiration for humans in various aspects of their lives since the dawn of creation. Interior design is no exception. Given the evidence that connecting with nature improves one's well-being, it makes sense that an interior designer could very well incorporate and emulate natural elements into their designs. Drawing inspiration from nature, Deepali Nakhare, an ace interior designer and Director of 7^th HEAVEN Design Studio, creates majestic environment with an artistic flare.

Even as a child Deepali was always fascinated by colors and patterns. She prefers everything to be artistic, which led her to pursue a career in interior design. Deepali has over 16 years of experience in the interior design industry and has completed more than 400 projects all over India. She leads a team of highly motivated designers who are capable of converting their clients' visions into reality and functionality. Despite the fact that there were several loopholes and challenging times throughout her journey, Deepali has honed herself into an astute business leader whose primary focus is to provide the best solutions for the true value of money.

Deepali speaks to the Women Entrepreneur team about her exceptional journey that started from graduating in Bachelors of commerce to following her passion and founding the 7^th Heaven Design Studio.

Introduce us to 7th heaven design studio. What are some of the most striking features about the interior design firm?

7th Heaven Interiors is a firm that specializes in elegant and conceptual design, implementation, as well as converting client visions into reality and functionality. We have a large team dedicated to developing products with minute detail and finish. Over the last ten years, we have served more than 100 clients across India.

The focus of 7th Heaven Design Studio is entirely on design; design is at the heart of any interior designing firm. Through 7th Heaven Design, I hope to provide the society with one-of-a-kind designs that cannot be replicated in any other way.

Take us through your early educational journey and industry experience. What factors motivated you to venture into the field of interior design?

I am a B.Com graduate who wanted to pursue a creative career after graduation, which led me to interior design. My first job was as a Junior Designer at Space Saver Garage Cabinets, where I learned all the technical details. During this time, I also designed a jewelry showroom for a client, which gained fame and led to many subsequent deals. I've also designed boutiques, homes, and a variety of other projects. For over a year, I was the head of the design department at Hablani Architects. In 2013, I founded 7th Heaven Interior, and I am now the Director of 7th Heaven Design Studio.

“Interior design is a field in which you must strike a balance between creativity and business”

I am a born artist and have been painting since I was a child. Colors and patterns fascinate me a lot. When you have an artistic soul, you prefer everything to be artistic, which is what drew me to interior design. As an artist, I get more satisfaction and happiness from designing things.

You possess vast industry experience. How did your entrepreneurial journey begin? Tell us about the various kinds of projects that your firm specializes in.

As a designer, I want to be free. When you work for someone, your designs may not always be recognized, and the final product may include modifications to the designs that you did not approve of. I want the designs on the site to be exactly the way I designed them and that’s the reason behind me choosing entrepreneurial route.

We work with commercial and residential properties, showrooms, hotels and resorts, jewelry showrooms, and many other types of properties. We are experts in Space Management Analysis and have also worked with VASTU CONSULTANT .

As a business leader in an ever evolving industry how do you keep yourself aligned with the various trends and technologies? Where do you draw your inspiration from?

Technology helps a designer a lot when it comes to searching for designs, new trends, and presenting ideas, but I believe that having your own unique style, having a vision, and being a skilled person with a sense of design is all that is required for a designer. Technology is extremely useful in designing home and commercial spaces. I may require technology for implementation purposes, but not for design.

Working on any project is very fascinating journey for me. Most of the time I take inspiration from nature. In one of my jewelry showroom project I have designed a leaf shaped cushion. For me nature is the best teacher. I always go for the unique designs where I also use some graphics and then convert into some wall art, furniture or any metal art.

What would be your words of advice for women aspiring to become business leaders in the interior design space?

Interior design is a field in which you must strike a balance between creativity and business. So, if you are capable of doing things on your own, go ahead; otherwise, partner with someone who can manage your business while you focus on design. But first, learn, practice, and repeat until you are confident enough to run your own business. Only then you can venture into entrepreneurship.

Deepali Nakhare, Director, Head Designer, 7th Heaven Design Studio

Deepali Nakhare, is an ace interior designer and Director of 7th HEAVEN Design Studio. Armed with over 16 years of experience in the interior design industry and having completed more than 400 projects all over India, she is known for creating majestic environments with an artistic flare.