House Style: Charu Gandhi

Charu was born in Delhi, went to school in Singapore and is now a Riba-registered architect whose practice capitalises on historical and cultural influences. With commissions ranging from London to Shanghai, she creates bespoke interiors for private clients, residential developers and boutique hotels. She has worked with Savills on Elicyon’s projects at the Chelsea Barracks development.

Where do you live?
My partner and I moved to Chelsea in 2015 after living in Notting Hill. We had a clear vision of what we wanted and were lucky enough to find our lovely home after looking at 16 properties on a whirlwind tour in a single day. I’d realised that to balance taking care of my son and growing Elicyon, I needed to be in an area that was better connected both to my studio and to my parents.

Can you describe your house?
It was an interesting challenge to create a home within 12 weeks that we were going to live in for the next few years – a family home, first and foremost. It was a great opportunity to design something new that symbolised a personal journey and showcased our small art and ceramic collection, particularly some of the pieces I have from Indian artists. By using wallpaper, artwork and headboards to create a focal point in each room, we really made it our own.

Do you have a signature design style?
I aim to create considered, curated and characterful spaces. This doesn’t limit us to one aesthetic in an Elicyon scheme, but instead encompasses a standard we use to build on our clients’ vision. Our work is inspired by the story of the property and the people who occupy it. I want to bring exquisite interior couture to life, something that really speaks to a client’s dreams and aspirations for their home, full of personality. Above all, a design must be authentic to the client.

Which are your favourite suppliers, shops and markets?
When furnishing a house, I really enjoy sourcing pieces from fairs, galleries and markets. Lorfords Antiques, 8 Holland Street and the Ardingly antiques fair are some of our favourites in the UK for giving an air of heritage to a space. I travel to international fairs such as Salone del Mobile in Milan, Art Basel and the TEFAF events in Maastricht and New York for projects, but I also pick up pieces for myself occasionally.

Any key figures who have influenced you?
My architectural background remains a constant source of inspiration, with a focus on 20th-century architects such as Carlo Scarpa, Tadao Ando and Oscar Niemeyer. My formative years at the Architectural Association continue to act as my strongest professional influence, and notable from that time is Rachel Whiteread’s work, which taught me about the void and negative space. That translates into my desire to leave space in my work: I am not afraid of it.

What’s the most unusual request a client has made?
Recently, we have been commissioned to create a parrot room – our client breeds endangered species. This adds a whole new level to the design process!

Are there any art pieces or furniture you’d like to own?
I have a long hit list that changes frequently. I’m currently coveting a piece of furniture by the designer Khaled El Mays, a pair of 1956 Giuseppe Scapinelli armchairs and a hand-embroidered artwork by Viraj Khanna. Also on my list are a piece by the artist Isabelle van Zeijl and jewellery by Viren Bhagat.

Do you collect original art?
I have a few works by contemporary Asian artists and I love photography. I also have a small collection of artisan glass and ceramics, and a bronze sculpture created by my dear friend Diana Peyton. I am currently eyeing up a piece by Jonas Peterson, an AI artist, to add to my collection.

If you could save only one thing in a fire, what would it be?
My jewellery. I was born in Delhi and grew up around a rich tapestry of craft – most of my jewellery is traditional Indian and inherited. I’ve come to appreciate jewellery as something meaningful through family stories. I also own pieces created by my mother, who trained to be a silversmith. She doesn’t sell her work, so the jewellery I’ve inherited from her is so important to me.

Elicyon

Pictures from top: Charu Gandhi; an Elicyon project in Chelsea; Lorfords Antiques, one of Charu’s favourite UK suppliers; and an Elicyon project in Chelsea Barracks