Raseel Gujral on art, authenticity, and the architecture of self

Carrying a formidable legacy of creativity that is incorrigible of the interior designer, to say the least, Raseel Gujral Ansal, is causing a riot in the design world with her fresh perspective, eclectic design language and unmistakable ingenuity.

With her furniture studio, Casa Paradox, already making waves of stratospheric success, her newly launched store Arzaani—a luxury atelier at Bikaner House in New Delhi—boasts the same signature sensibilities of lineage and craftsmanship. Catching her fresh off the launch of this exquisite new space, HELLO! India spoke with the design doyenne in an exclusive conversation on defining luxury, interior trends, and her current obsessions among other things.  

WHAT IS LUXURY IN 2025?

“Luxury in 2025 is all about a post-pandemic shift towards artisanal, slow, and indigenous design,” said Raseel Gujral Ansal, delving into her affinity for honouring heritage above all else.  For her, true luxury is no longer defined by ostentation but by intention. Urging people to bring authenticity to their radar, she is driving the discourse on the return of thoughtful craftsmanship, conscious choices and details that tell a story. 

PERSPECTIVE AND PERSONALISATION

Not so much on the trendy end of the spectrum, Gujral is all about bringing back what she calls the “movement” of personalisation. We as a collective society, have found ourselves at the juncture, where we resonate with real human life stories more than anything else—be it ours or anothers. We find resonance when space is constructed as a reflection of real stories and not as a catalogue of design trends. “Insignias and monograms contribute to a customized touch, however, the biggest influence on a space comes about when it has been created within an individual's lifestyle, predilections, and reminiscences,” explained Gujral.

The resurgence of the phenomenon has been evident through a litany of examples across the world of lifestyle—from homes to hospitality—and Gujral’s call for authenticity in every design decision couldn’t be more timely. Because in her words, “It’s not just about personalisation. It’s about being authentic at the core of every action.”

COLOUR PALETTES AND MATERIALS

“Right now, I am pulled towards what is a deep, plum red,” said the designer, her excitement palpable despite the late hour of the interview. She didn’t hesitate to get specific: “It's an opulent, cold, and dark red with no yellow undertones.”  Consider your Pinterest mood board for 2025 updated.

When it comes to materials, the conversation often runs at the risk of becoming convoluted—too many textures, and too many aesthetics. However, Gujral’s lexicon of materials cuts through the clutter with clarity.  Her current fascination? The manipulation of Indian marbles to craft large monoliths. Bold, sculptural, and rooted in heritage, that speaks to her philosophy of creating spaces that are both grand and grounded.

THE FOUNDATION OF ART

With almost nary a second in the conversation about art, Raseel’s voice was sparking with pride as she let us in on a fact—“Democratisation of art? That's my trend! I coined the term a year and a half ago.” Daughter of the revered painter, Satish Gujral, art lies at the center of her design ethos, undeniably. “My father practiced public art and that's how I was able to start the whole conversation around it.”

Traversing across the umbrella of art being a trend for 2025, she attested to its comeback in the common colloquy. For Gujral, art isn’t just a decorative element—it’s foundational. While art might be a daunting field to navigate, her advice stood mindful and constant: “Ask yourself—what is my motivation for consumption? Is it ornamentation or expression or collection or is it simply to fill up empty space?

Finding the purpose is the answer to navigation.” Art may take various iterations of expression, be it landscapes, canvases, wallpapers or sculptures, which when combined with the execution of multiple designers, come under what she calls the “democracy of design.” She recalls designing a home for a couple who used a projector to cast changing artworks onto their walls—art that moved with their moods.

An example of this ethos is her wallpaper collection, Art By The Meter, which is yet another testament to their power of bridging art and home decor. “When wallpaper first started back in ’95, they were very novel, especially for India.” Thereon, came the dip in their perception of being resonated with budget motels, which then evolved into a symbol of uber luxury. Her collection stands as a testament to how artistic expression can be both accessible and elevated.

THE SUSTAINABILITY ASPECT

With sustainability’s heyday making a roaring resurgence in 2024, the designer helped us break down what sustainability means in the context of 2025. “Sustainability is not necessarily about the products—it's about the approach.

Selecting elements that are local and respond to the geography and culture of the location is the beginning of sustainable luxury,” explained Gujral. It’s less about ticking off eco-friendly boxes and more about embracing a mindful, meaningful way of creating. For those finding themselves on a constant hunt for statement pieces, Raseel offers a gentle redirection towards investing in pieces with longevity. “Upholding indigenous craftsmanship and traditional art forms is one of the most sustainable choices you can make,” she says.

QUICK TAKE FROM THE DESIGNER

“Maximalism is making a bold comeback. If there’s anything we’ve learned, it’s that time is fleeting, and self-expression is key. Interiors are becoming more daring, layered, and deeply personal. Vibrant hues, statement pieces, and curated art collections will define the luxury aesthetic of 2025. I believe in layering time with authenticity. Design shouldn’t be fleeting, it should be part and parcel of your persona.”

ADVICE TO YOUNG DESIGNERS

“As a design person, you should be like a porous sheet—let everything pass through you,” Raseel Gujral advises. “What eventually surfaces is your original design, a distilled culmination of all that you've observed.” Offering a glimpse into her own process, she reflected, “No matter where I begin, I start doing something thinking that I am doing different but I end up at myself. The process takes over, you find that you have no choice but to listen to your own voice.”

RASEEL GUJRAL’S DESIGN IN A NUTSHELL

Fearless, fabulous, monumental. (or fierce, for the sake of alliteration)

Gesticulating the course of interior design for the year 2025, Raseel Gujral continues to practice her craft and reinvent like no other. Lending you some real-time ideas to inspire, perhaps the only question that remains is, how will you make your space speak your story?