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STYLING NOTES FROM SAMIR WADEKAR
Meet Samir Wadekar – the ubiquitous Mumbai-based interior stylist renowned for his distinctive approach to design and a certain magic touch when it comes to arranging objects. With an innate flair for blending contemporary aesthetics with cultural nuances, Samir transforms spaces into personalized masterpieces. His folio reflects a considered eye for detail. Where every element is thoughtfully curated to evoke a harmonious balance of sophistication and functionality.
Samir collaborates closely with The House Of Things to create a chic urban dwelling with pieces from The House Of Things x Rhea Kapoor & Ravi Vazirani design collection – The Apartment. Drawing inspiration from the diverse design tapestry, Samir brings a unique perspective by reinterpreting them in his personal style. We caught up with the stylist to get his take on the project, and glean certified hacks to decorate this holiday season.
“I start my process by narrowing down on the key pieces from a particular
collection or objects that have a very strong design language. I shortlist
the accompanying products and furnishings next and then start curating the
artworks and accessories to pair well with the dominant pieces of furniture.”
SHOP THE LOOK
What’s hanging by your bedside?
Due to my constant travels and sourcing trips, I tend to stumble upon art and accessories from different eras and in a variety of aesthetics. By my bedside, I have hung a few works from young artists that I have discovered in galleries across India. Also hanging among them are a few drawings by FN Souza (from the 1960s) perfectly paired with an old lithograph of a snake which I had acquired from Phillips Antiques.
Which area of a home do you want to restyle every time you see it?
A bookshelf! I have a strong weakness for bookshelves. There have been very few bookshelves that I have come across that haven't reshuffled. A bookshelf can instantly reveal who a homeowner is and what they have experienced through life. One tends to populate them with books on topics that they find interesting, objects that they are attracted to and pieces that capture moments that they cherish most. I use the process of elimination and grouping, and pick the best of a collection to be showcased. I love scattering small artworks across a long bookshelf to add a dramatic effect.
Which would you say was your favourite piece to style from “The Apartment”,, and why?
A setup that has still stayed with me was the dining space. I loved the texture of the wooden table, the fluting detail of the dining chairs and the undulating front of the sideboard. The simplicity of these pieces ensure that they can blend well with different aesthetics and are easy to mix with existing furniture in homes.
“I loved the texture of the wooden table, the fluting detail of the dining chairs
and the undulating front of the sideboard. The simplicity of these pieces ensure
that they can blend well with different aesthetics and are easy to mix with
existing furniture in homes.”
SHOP THE LOOK
What role did lighting play to influence the aesthetic in this shoot?
It is imperative to create a distinct mood while capturing a space on camera. The mood of the lighting is often considered an extension of the design of the space. For this shoot, the photographer Talib Chitalwala and I decided to create a moody vibe with warm lighting tones. We tried to create a different atmosphere by playing with the light and shadows. We definitely wanted to avoid bright lighting and preferred to create an evening mood.
Do you have a starting point when you’re planning a shoot? Can you describe your styling process for this shoot?
I start my process by narrowing down on the key pieces from a particular collection or objects that have a very strong design language. I shortlist the accompanying products and furnishings next and then start curating the artworks and accessories to pair well with the dominant pieces of furniture such as a sofa or dining table. I tend to build a story around it by playing around with a variety of objects, plants, rugs, etc.
For this shoot, I wanted to create a muted space with pops of personality which comes across through monotone prints and patterns. I strongly believe in using as many Indian made products in a space, as well as incorporating vintage accessories and antique objects. I was lucky to have the extensive design roster of The House of Things at my beck and call to achieve this.
“While photographing a furniture collection, one needs the key pieces to stand out
rather than the accessories used to prop up the space.”
SHOP THE LOOK
How did you ensure that your styling enhances the features of the furniture pieces without overshadowing them?
While photographing a furniture collection, one needs the key pieces to stand out rather than the accessories used to prop up the space. I chose a neutral textured palette for the walls and most of the accessories and bedding selected were muted or were strong on textures. Having statement elements such as rugs and wallpapers to add a burst of character also helps in personalizing a space. The colour palette helped achieve the moodiness that we wanted to create with the lighting.
You have an extensive background in print media. How would you say that has influenced your career till now?
While at AD, I had the privilege of visiting some of the most beautiful homes and meeting the most fascinating people in the country. I learnt everything from the people and space that I encountered. At that young age, my mind was sponge absorbing a huge amount of visual information daily. This helped me evolve my aesthetic and approach to design as well as develop my design taste. Though I am no longer a direct part of print media, the projects that I style and decorate are still featured in almost every magazine in India.
Interior trends are ever evolving. How do you stay informed of the same while still staying true to your timeless aesthetic?
I have never been fond of the word 'trend' due to its transient nature. It is far more engaging to create a space with objects that are special and unique. I often look to the past while creating a timeless space. I try to absorb as much imagery from around the world by looking at the social media accounts of Cabana, The World of Interiors, and Marc Costa for a visual delight.
Your favourite arranging hack is…
When I am arranging objects in a bookshelf or on a coffee table, I usually start by pairing fascinating books with unique decorative objects. I always include interesting pottery, indigenous Indian objects or vintage pieces to create a more curated vignette. A setup is a success when it can beguile a viewer or home owner by revealing a hidden story or by reigniting a fond memory. The best way to start the styling process would be by first establishing a general aesthetic for the space by working with either a texture (earthy or metallic), category (classic or contemporary) and vibe (minimal or maximalist). Gathering all your favourite or most significant objects and collectibles as per your selected aesthetic is the best way to start. Objects that come with a story or a history are perfect additions; having said that, every setup should have some form of restraint.
SAM WADEKAR’S HOLIDAY WISHLIST
For Samir Wadekar, good taste is like a sixth sense (or superpower!). His ability to balance textures and patterns is what makes him so sought after in the design industry. Discover how Samir lends his signature style to our newest edit, curating a collection of must-haves perfect for the holidays.
