Art is what completes any space, says Sonal Mutha in Room For More Art

Abir Pothi presents Room For More Art — a series of features on interior designers across geographic boundaries, discussing with them the nuances of their profession, their methods of sourcing and projecting art into their work, the challenges they face, and a whole lot more perspective.

Sonal Mutha: \’Art adds personality, expresses who is using a space\’

A partner and the creative head at the Bangalore-based interior design studio U and I Designs, Sonal Mutha believes that art is very personal and subjective, but has the capability to add tons of personality to any space. While the firm was founded by partner Aniketh Bafna in 2016, Sonal came on board a few years ago, and the company has since been catering to a slew of residential projects, but some upcoming and exciting commercial projects, too. As part of the design philosophy here, the focus is on creating unique and tailor-made interiors that interpret a client’s style and translate their brief seamlessly. This then means that the ethos of designing a space is refreshingly personal for Sonal and her team, going on to add value through innovative designs and high levels of craftsmanship. Many of their projects incorporate a clean, bright and uncluttered look that respects space and is enhanced by natural light. They integrate materials and styles effortlessly, such as remaining both modern yet classic, and manage to be delicate and elegant thanks to the cognizance paid to myriad artistic touches. Naturally, as per Sonal, incorporating art into any project is a wonderful way to express who the person using that space really is. The studio begins the entire process by mood-boarding the requirements with the client, and even before this, gathers details about the personality and lifestyle of the space’s end user. Utilising preferences for colour and even inherited, existing artwork, the design is then one that holistically adds the aesthetic elements as centerpieces that generate thought and conversation. Sonal emphasizes that art adds beauty to any space in a unique way, and this can range in scale from large-scale installations to even just the smallest piece of art sitting on a table top — both can vibe or amp up the look of its environs and turn the view around. Ultimately, she says, art completes a space.

Some samples of work: