Hema Kaul: A Global Paradise

At her home away from home, designer Hema Kaul’s creative pursuits spill over to her residence in Dubai, with vintage wallpapers, furniture from Fendi, paintings by Ramesh Gorjala and luxurious drapes.

The corner you like most in your house.

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The house is spread over 12,000 sq feet. The living area is my favourite corner. As I reflect on the day when we first moved into this area, we felt a very beautiful and positive vibe here. Also, we like to eat together and share special family times. I have designed every corner of this house so you will see artworks picked by me from- Renu Kashyap to Ramesh Gorjala's mixed media. This is my labour of love, which I have created, so that my family can live in a house they can proudly call 'home'.

Do you ever feel a sense of cultural displacement while living in Dubai?

Not really, but you do miss being with the family on special occasions. However, India is just two hours away, and I come here at least twice a month.

My living room was achieved by choosing a soft silver palette with furniture from Fendi, imported from Italy. The dining room is accentuated with a wall that has a strong floral pattern, which stands out without overpowering the room.

What kind of ambient lighting does your house have?

I have kept the lighting dim, though it also depends on the mood and occasion. For rooms that are primarily used during the daytime, natural light is both adequate and inviting. We have placed a mirror opposite a window in one of my rooms where natural lighting is less and the room is dark. No matter how small the window is, it bounces more light around.

Who designed the home?

It was done stunningly by Saadiya Chowhan, a well-known home designer, daughter of Wahid, who is the Managing Director of Likproof India Private Limited. One of her first assignments was a stint as an assistant in film set design for Merchant Ivory Productions’ The White Countess, produced by her uncle, Ismail Merchant.

Are there any treasured antiques that have pride of place in your house?

Yes, Chinese porcelain lamps, with Kaolin or China clay used in their manufacturing. These lamps are delicate and translucent. You can almost see a shadow of your finger through it if you hold it up.

What are the kinds of books you have?

We have several books of different genres. Right from music and fashion to Chinese pottery and porcelain, which is my favourite. We are voracious readers. I love to unwind with books. What I am reading right now is the The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, though I also would like to re-read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. After a long day of multitasking, it’s important to stop and rejuvenate my mind and body with a good read.

How do you bring outdoors indoor?

The easy way to go about it is having plants and a waterbody inside the house. It creates a nice atmosphere.

Are your home interiors inspired by your travels?

Most of my design ideas and some of my home accessories are sourced from my trips around the world. For instance, the ceramic bought from Turkey is one of them. Overall, there is an amalgamation of Indian art, Italian furniture, collectibles and ideas from global travel, which create a cosy setting. I like to pick up interesting pieces, so Chioggia-born Sir Walter Furlan's glass scuplture (the last piece that he made, which was dedicated to Picasso) is my favourite. He has modernised Picasso's paintings and has given them a new twist.

What kind of look were you aiming for, while getting your house decorated?

I wanted my décor to look classy and elegant without compromising on comfort.

From the May 2020 issue of L’Officiel India.