Celebrity interior designer Sussanne Khan was recently in Kolkata to inaugurate the ABID Interiors Exhibition 2024 International Architecture and Interior Design Expo. In a freewheeling chat with My Kolkata, the creative force behind the brand The Charcoal Project spoke about what’s hot and what’s not in the world of interior designing — and more. Excerpts:
My Kolkata: According to Sussanne Khan, what are some interior design trends that will never go out of vogue?
Sussanne Khan: One trend that’s gaining traction is incorporating elements from old architecture and heritage properties into our design story. Jamavar and the Kairi, inspired by Mughal architecture, are among the most prestigious designs. These motifs, rooted in our heritage, can be modernised and continue to charm us even today.
As for colours, grey was the new white till last year. Everybody went minimalist. However, by the fall of 2024, I think everything will again become more ‘old world’. There will be a lot of influence from edgy, industrial raw materials, which are not very polished. The families of beige, cream, ebony will make a return.
Sussanne at the Kolkata event Amit Datta
What are the top three things that are ‘big yes’ for you while designing a home?
The light that enters the house, the size of the windows and space planning matter. I think space planning is the biggest key to having a great design solution. Also, considering the geographical location — whether you live by the ocean, if it is a beach house, a mountain house or a highrise — is important.
Which celebrity home (apart from your own) did you enjoy designing the most? Also, what is one element from that project that has stayed with you?
I’ve had the pleasure of working on many celebrity projects, but I am not supposed to talk about them, because each of them believed in me and so we collaborated. I think that is the crux. Whether you are a celebrity or not doesn’t really matter. Establishing a good rapport with your interior designer is key. You should always have a good vibe or friendship with your interior designer because that mutual understanding often translates into the project’s success.
The ethos of The Charcoal Project revolves around blending luxury and emotion using design as a tool. How can one achieve that?
My philosophy is to engage the senses — smell, sight, touch and hearing — in the design process. I have started doing this for a company we have collaborated with. They develop a kind of aroma that they diffuse in the air conditioning vents of the house. It’s 100% allergy free and natural, made from lavender, cedar wood, fig — it could be anything depending on the client’s choice. That signature smell becomes that smell for that home.
Design isn’t just about aesthetics. When you walk into a space and remember what it smells like, it will stay in your mind.
