This duo is all set to change the design landscape

The colours, the art and the architecture that was once popular are making a comeback and the two cannot wait to introduce it to Chennaiites. They are bringing a new aesthetic to the design space in the city with a concept called total design.

“The way people have been looking at architecture has changed — there is a lot more reception. Interior designers look at themselves as decorators and architects as space designers. We felt like combining the two and create a concept called total design, where every space can be curated. Decorated spaces are passé and people like curated spaces that have got a personal touch,” says Sripriya.

The duo has taken inspiration from fields such as interior design, textiles and graphics. “We have travelled all over the country exploring various geographies and understanding the sensibilities of people when it comes to furniture and home decor. Even though slowly, people are happily embracing new concepts. We both are huge admirers of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, who led the pop art revolution during the 60s. Also, globally, retro style interior design and art deco are making a huge come back. We didn’t want to fall behind to reintroduce the retro art movement. That’s when Sripriya suggested the idea of a curated furniture pop up,” Rambha intervenes.

Through their initiative, Neon Attic, the duo will be organising a pop-up in Chennai on August 3 and 4. The duo believes in the visual vocabulary of pairing the practical and fanciful. “This is where the concept of total design comes in — we can convey tone and emotion to space through this. It’s bold, quirky and colourful,” shares Sripriya, who also founded the collaborative platform for art and design called The House of Folklore.

The most common design during the 70s and 80s was the bold geometric patterns and Rambha says such designs are seeing an unprecedented demand among millennials. “The kind of colours and print used in upholstery was different. Bold geometric patterns and darker colours like brown, green and orange are making a comeback. Many are opting for eclectic style, with various looks pulled together from several decades and we hope to bring in a revival in home decor,” adds Rambha.