In Profile:
Key Interior and Designs

Name: Rani Ahluwalia

Company: Key Interior and Designs

Position within company: CEO and Creative Director of Key Interior and Designs

Website: www.keyinterioranddesigns.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:
Over the past 20 years, I’ve established myself as a leading luxury interior designer in London. I specialise in crafting bespoke residential and hospitality spaces. From private homes to world-class hotels, my approach combines sophistication with a personalised touch, transforming spaces into captivating realms of elegance and comfort.

How would you describe your personal design style?
My style is rich in colour and creative thinking. I really like to set my mind free and challenge myself and others to view things differently. I maximise space and often start with the lighting, which is always thought provoking and innovative. I typically create modern, contemporary interiors but I’m not shy about using my imagination and a good dose of colour. If you can introduce colour, you bring happiness into a space. Colour comes from life, from the nature around us, and I think now, more than ever, we all need that in our lives to brighten up our days.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
I find inspiration every day in nature and the colours around us. When I design something , I try to convey a message one way or another, to create visual awareness of preservation and protecting the world.

– Inspiration from everyday nature and the colours around us

– Conveying messages and stories through bold visuals and create awareness of preservation and protecting the world

– Through personal experiences and heritage surrounding a building

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
Colour and Comfort. The past few years have deeply affected people. Many are depressed, sad or lonely. And now things have sped up and life is moving so fast, People are working like machines, here, there and everywhere – and they need colour and comfort to balance that. Colour brightens up someone’s day; it’s happiness.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2024 and beyond.
For me, they are beautiful lighting, colourful interiors, equisetum rugs, resin tables and sustainable materials.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Stay true to your vision and purpose. While it’s essential to stay informed about trends and best practices, ultimately, your design should reflect your unique perspective and serve the needs and aspirations of your clients. Trust your instincts, embrace creativity, and never underestimate the power of passion and authenticity in creating truly remarkable spaces.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
The International Design & Architecture Awards hold significant importance within the design community as they recognise excellence and innovation in various aspects of design and architecture on a global scale. Winning an award from such prestigious competitions can enhance a designer’s reputation, elevate their portfolio, and open doors to new opportunities. Additionally, these awards serve as a platform for networking, collaboration, and staying abreast of emerging trends and best practices in the industry. Overall, participation in and recognition from The International Design & Architecture Awards can be highly valuable for designers seeking to distinguish themselves and showcase their talent on an international stage.

What projects are you currently working on?
We are currently working on residential projects each unfolding at its own pace. The journey is as captivating as the destination, filled with anticipation for the remarkable transformations awaiting these spaces.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
One project that really stands out to me as my favourite is Lost Property. What made it so special was its unique theme centered around lost arts and culture, which provided an incredible opportunity to create designs that not only sparked conversation but also told a story.

At Lost Property, every piece, whether it’s the lighting fixtures or the walls themselves, is based on eccentricities and reflective of the local area. It’s all about delving into the forgotten stories and bringing them back to life through design.

Throughout the project, we had the privilege of designing over 20 bespoke pieces, each meticulously crafted to fit the theme of the hotel. Our goal was to create a truly immersive experience for guests, one that would encourage dialogue about the stories behind the designs and evoke meaningful responses.

Overall, Lost Property was a project that allowed us to blend creativity with storytelling in a way that was both impactful and rewarding. It’s projects like these that remind me why I love what I do – the ability to create something that not only captivates the eye but also touches the soul.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

The most challenging project was transforming the Tower Bridge Magistrates’ Court into the Dixon Hotel. Our goal was to honour the building’s rich history while creating a vibrant, contemporary space. We focused on incorporating court elements into the design, emphasizing repurposing and sustainability.

We preserved and integrated original architectural features, striking a balance between restoration and innovation. Art played a pivotal role, adding playful charisma and bringing the building’s story to life.

This project was challenging due to the need to respect history, commit to sustainability, and have a clear creative vision.

However, seeing the Dixon Hotel come to life as a beautiful, functional space that celebrates its past and serves the SE1 community made it incredibly rewarding.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
Lighting is crucial as it shapes the ambiance, highlights key design elements, and affects the overall mood of a space. The right lighting can transform a room, enhance architectural features, and create a welcoming atmosphere. It’s an essential tool that allows us to bring our vision to life and ensure the space is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Over the next twelve months, my primary aim is to work on more creative projects and embrace new challenges. I want to push the boundaries of my design skills, explore innovative concepts, and collaborate on projects that inspire.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession?
My work place

Your favourite holiday destination?
Venice

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?
Dixon

Your favourite food and drink?
Favourite food is Japanese

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
At work

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
Lawyer

Anything else interesting?
I love Interiors with a story behind every element.