The steep cost of traditional interior design solutions deters many middle-class individuals from achieving their desired aesthetics at home. However, DIY interior designing solutions offer an empowering alternative. With user-friendly online platforms, people can now take charge of their spaces at a fraction of the cost, embracing their creativity to personalize their homes. DIY interior designing opens a world of possibilities, allowing for experimentation with styles, colours, and materials, resulting in budget-friendly spaces that truly reflect individual tastes. Recognizing the importance of this concept, interior design leader Kanupriya Gupta is launching an e-commerce platform to provide DIY solutions, empowering those with limited budgets to create their own inspiring spaces.

Kanupriya Gupta is an accomplished Chief Executive Officer of Clarus Interiors & Designers, a leading name in the interior design industry. With a distinguished background in Green Design, Kanupriya has consistently showcased her expertise in creating sustainable and environmentally-conscious spaces. Her extensive  skill set includes proficiency in Business Planning, Team Building, Product Design, and Art Installations, contributing to her remarkable success as a business development leader. Below is an excerpt of Kanupriya Gupta’s exclusive interaction with Global Women Leader magazine.

Take us through the formative years of your life. When did you develop an inclination toward the field of interior design?

Having completed my interior design course at the New York Institute of Art and Design in December 2013, I embarked on a journey as a freelance designer, gaining practical experience and insight into materials and people's behaviours. In 2017, I formed Clarus Interiors & Designers, building a talented team, and taking on diverse projects, from financial institutions to retail spaces. Over time, we specialized in minimalist designs and innovative lighting concepts, catering to Mumbai's space constraints. My passion for delivering unique, clutter-free spaces drives me, and I relish creating aesthetically pleasing environments that align with my clients' visions.

What led you to establish Clarus Interiors & Designer? Tell us about the underlying principles that the firm stands tall on.

Establishing Clarus Interiors and Designers in 2017 was a culmination of my extensive interior design experience, allowing me to form a dynamic team and take on diverse projects. Emphasizing green design, we incorporate energy efficiency with LED lighting and solar panels, particularly in bungalows and highprofile clients' spaces. However, we redefine green design, focusing on space decluttering and strategic storage solutions to optimize functionality. Our designs prioritize spaciousness, utilizing natural light through larger windows and minimalistic ceiling features. Costeffectiveness is paramount; we avoid wasteful elements and prioritize seamless, simplistic concepts that enhance the overall aesthetics and utility of the spaces we create. This approach enables us to deliver unique, bright, and environmentally conscious solutions to our esteemed clients.

"In our new e-commerce venture, we're introducing a revolutionary online diy interior design model aimed at middle-class consumers facing budget constraints"

What strategies do you employ to overcome challenges in introducing DIY interior designing to Indian consumers through your upcoming new e-Commerce venture?

In our new e-commerce venture, we're introducing a revolutionary online DIY interior design model aimed at middle-class consumers facing budget constraints. Having witnessed numerous clients seeking interior designing services but being unable to afford them entirely, we identified the need for a more accessible solution. Our platform offers a wide range of design options tailored to standard space structures commonly found in major cities. Users can now select their preferred aesthetics, colours, and materials from a plethora of choices. Armed with approximate cost estimates, sourcing information, and execution tips, clients can confidently undertake their projects independently, with easy access to quality materials from recommended sources. By providing personalized interior design solutions at affordable prices, we empower individuals to achieve organized, aesthetically pleasing spaces that perfectly suit their lifestyles and budgets.

In your opinion what have been the biggest ‘wins’ that you have achieved so far in your professional journey?

Launching my upcoming e-Commerce venture is a momentous achievement, stemming from a genuine desire to address the needs of countless individuals who yearn for professional interior design services but face financial constraints. With unwavering determination, we have crafted an innovative solution that democratizes interior design, making it accessible to everyone. This venture aims to redefine the process, empowering users to effortlessly curate their spaces with a plethora of design options and cost estimates. We draw inspiration from the success stories of industry pioneers like IKEA in India, envisioning a future where interior designing is as simple as hailing a ride or shopping online. While uncertainty lingers, our dedication to providing an easy, DIY interior design solution fuels our belief in the venture's potential to revolutionize the industry.

KANUPRIYA GUPTA, CEO, CLARUS

Kanupriya is an accomplished Chief Executive Officer with expertise in Green Design for the interior designing industry. Armed with a Graduation Degree in Interior Design from the NEW York Institute of Art and Design, she leads Clarus, a pioneering venture focused on sustainable and innovative interior solutions.