In the world of architecture and interior design, few voices resonate as profoundly as that of Ar. Mrunalini Nikte, the principal architect at Chafa Home. With a rich background steeped in both Indian and European influences, Mrunalini’s work embodies a unique fusion of tradition and modernity, pushing the boundaries of design while honoring cultural heritage. From her early fascination with space to her ambitious projects that merge functionality with elegance, she is redefining contemporary living spaces. In this exclusive interview, we delve into her design journey, her philosophy, and her vision for the future of Chafa Home.
TDJ: What sparked your interest in architecture and interior design?
Ar. Mrunalini: “My creative journey began in childhood, fueled by hands-on projects like paper crafts and DIY activities. A turning point was discovering Floor Plan 3D software around age 10. Designing my room ignited a passion for exploring spatial arrangements. This interest blossomed during my education at VIT’s PVP COA in Pune and culminated in a master’s degree in interior and furniture design in Florence, Italy. This experience provided a fresh perspective, emphasizing the importance of design beyond aesthetics.”
TDJ: How have your experiences in India and Italy influenced your design approach and philosophy?
Ar. Mrunalini “My education in India taught me the significance of contextual and vernacular design, highlighting cultural heritage and local materials. In contrast, studying in Italy introduced me to minimalist design and the concept of timelessness. My current philosophy blends India’s rich, maximalist beauty with Italy’s clean lines and elegance, resulting in spaces that are both contextually relevant and timeless.”
TDJ: The Chafa flower symbolizes beauty, resilience, and grace. How do these qualities manifest in your projects?
Ar. Mrunalini “The Chafa flower embodies quiet strength and elegance—qualities I strive to incorporate into my work. I focus on creating spaces that evoke emotion while maintaining resilience over time. Small design details, fluid transitions, and a balance between traditional and modern elements are crucial, creating environments that harmoniously flow together, much like how the Chafa flower enhances its surroundings.”
TDJ: How do you balance Indian heritage with European modernism in your designs?
Ar. Mrunalini “My designs reflect my personal journey, intuitively integrating the richness of Indian craftsmanship with European simplicity. For instance, using modern textiles on traditional Indian furniture creates a complementary aesthetic that celebrates both traditions harmoniously.”
TDJ: Culture and tradition play a significant role in your designs. Can you provide an example?
Ar. Mrunalini: “Cultural influences seamlessly shape my designs without feeling forced. In Project 301, I blended colonial elements like wooden arches with contemporary features such as large windows. This combination creates a subtle grounding effect, where traditional aspects enhance modern design, ensuring they feel inherent rather than an afterthought.”
TDJ: Sustainability is a hot topic today. How do you incorporate it into your projects without sacrificing luxury and aesthetics?
Ar. Mrunalini: “For me, sustainability revolves around thoughtful choices rather than strict rules. I prioritize high-quality local materials that reduce environmental impact. Custom-made furniture exemplifies this balance; it’s built to last, unique, and avoids the waste associated with mass production. It’s about creating beautiful, long-lasting spaces connected to their surroundings.”
TDJ: How do you ensure each project reflects your clients’ individuality and lifestyle?
Ar. Mrunalini “Design is a personal endeavor. I delve beyond aesthetics to understand clients’ routines and preferences. Bespoke solutions allow me to address unique needs—whether that’s a custom bar on a balcony for entertaining or tailored seating arrangements. Listening closely and integrating personal touches ensures the space feels like home.”
TDJ: What’s your process for translating a client’s vision into a tangible design?
Ar. Mrunalini “It starts with in-depth conversations to grasp their lifestyle and vision. I involve clients throughout the design process, sharing sketches, mood boards, and 3D models to maintain collaboration. This flexible approach allows clients to visualize and feel the space before it’s built, ensuring the outcome aligns closely with their dreams.”
TDJ: Can you share a challenging design brief and how you tackled it?
Ar. Mrunalini : “Project Ritu posed complexities like balancing privacy, pet-friendly areas, and an open feel. We created a dedicated pet zone on the terrace, used ribbed glass for separation, and chose water-resistant, elegant fabrics. Custom-patterned flooring and large windows kept the space bright and welcoming. This project tested my ability to blend functionality and aesthetics, resulting in a cozy, multi-functional environment.”
TDJ: How do you incorporate custom-made furniture into your projects to enhance the overall design narrative?
“My master’s degree in furniture design enables me to craft unique pieces that resonate with a client’s lifestyle. In Project Ritu, I designed pet-friendly yet luxurious furniture, making functionality and aesthetics work in harmony. Custom pieces elevate the story of a space, blending beauty and utility to create something unique.”
TDJ: What exciting trends in furniture and interior design are you currently exploring at Chafa Home?
Ar. Mrunalini “At Chafa Home, we’re delving into multi-functional furniture designs that cater to dynamic living spaces, such as convertible study desks and lounge chairs with hidden compartments. Sustainability remains key; we focus on sourcing materials locally to reduce our carbon footprint. I’m inspired by integrating Indian craftsmanship with modern designs and biophilic elements that bring nature indoors, all while embracing the refined maximalism trend for luxurious yet balanced environments.”
TDJ: Looking ahead, how do you see Chafa Home evolving in the next few years?
Ar. Mrunalini: “I envision Chafa Home transforming into a hub for experiential spaces that evoke emotions and tell stories. I’m particularly excited about designing experience centers that engage customers on a sensory level. We’re focusing on projects that blend lighting, textures, and scents to create immersive environments, as well as wellness spaces like spas and retreat centers that promote relaxation through biophilic design elements.”
TDJ: Can you tell us about one of your favorite projects to date?
Ar. Mrunalini:”Project 301, an 1800 sq ft office for Advocate Prashant Patil, stands out as one of my favorites. It harmoniously blends traditional English law office elements with a contemporary feel. Achieving a grand yet comfortable atmosphere was challenging, but the key details—arches, natural light, and sleek furniture—create an inviting space. The arched bookcase behind the main chair adds both practicality and aesthetic appeal, exemplifying how tradition and modernity can coexist beautifully.”
TDJ: How do you see your work contributing to the broader dialogue in Indian architecture and interior design?
Ar. Mrunalini: “I strive to bring a fresh perspective to Indian design by merging traditional elements with modern sensibilities. My work illustrates that old and new can coexist beautifully. By utilizing local materials and crafts, I help preserve traditional skills while making them relevant for contemporary lifestyles. I believe Indian design should honor its rich heritage while embracing future trends, resulting in spaces that feel both timeless and practical.”
As Ar. Mrunalini Nikte continues to craft environments that resonate with emotion and individuality, her journey embodies the evolution of architecture and design. With a commitment to sustainability and cultural relevance, she is not just creating spaces; she is weaving narratives that reflect the complexities of modern living, promising a vibrant future for Chafa Home and the industry at large.
