Even before I introduce you to the amazing lady, who is a Blogger, Interior Designer, Compulsive DIYer and creator of the handicraft store, ‘IndyaKaleidoscope’, I have to tell you of my experience and interaction with her. When I started on the idea of my website, I wanted to speak to someone who had some experience in blogging. After all, being a blogger was a different ball game altogether. The only person I could think of was Preethi Prabhu. The reason being, we were classmates in high school and though not close, at least I was familiar with her. But I had my doubts, as it had been years since I last spoke to her. She was also very popular in the blogging arena and a successful interior designer. “Would she be able to make time? Would she help me? Would we hit it off well?” DOUBTS, I say! Well, I just called. She was so warm and friendly, all my doubts were forgotten and I immediately went over to her office the same day. I am still amazed, I spent nearly 3 hours with her that day, just talking, catching up, using her as a sounding board on what I wanted to do and generally offload all my apprehensions. She was just the person to help me. Her suggestions and experience as a blogger helped me set it all up. And there’s been no looking back after that. Thank you, Preethi! You have no idea how much you helped and inspired.

I have been planning to do an office tour of her space for quite some time now. Preethi’s design studio ‘Transforminions’ (such a cute name) reflects her personality, design and aesthetic sense, warm and collaborative spirit. A comfortable and inviting space, with many DIY projects, it is an inspiration. So let’s get inspired!

An engineer who worked in the IT industry for nearly eight years, she pursued her interest in interior decoration as she was working. Many of us might have experienced the lack of joy in our job. But in spite of that, many continue as uncertainty is riskier than unhappiness. But Preethi is an example for changing tracks, when she was at the peak of her career in IT. I had some questions for her and here are her answers.

StringsofHeritage- Do you have any regrets that you started late at your passion for home decor?

Preethi Prabhu- No, not at all. Every experience in life is a learning and comes in handy. When I was doing my IT job, I was very happy and gave my 100% to it. Now I do what I love and I put my 100% in that too. I enjoyed the work and grew in it. The day I felt that there was something else I need to do, I changed tracks.

StringsofHeritage – Which is your favourite piece in your office? Something which inspires you maybe?

Preethi Prabhu – Many of my pieces have a story and have seen many makeovers. The fact that I have spent so many hundreds of hours with them, re-imagining and enjoying them, it is difficult to pick a favourite.

StringsofHeritage – What would be the best time to consult an interior designer, if the house is being built?

Preethi Prabhu – Most architecture firms give design services too, so I would say while deciding the building layout. In apartments there is no much choice, in terms of layouts. The reason why you would need a designer is so that you don’t end up making expensive mistakes.

StringsofHeritage – Can you give us some suggestions on how an established home can be decorated with some Indian aspects or flavours?

Preethi Prabhu – Our ethnic arts and crafts can fit into any style of home. I have seen many westerners blend traditional Indian art and artefacts into their very modern and contemporary homes with ease. If you love something, you will automatically find a place for it in your home.

StringsofHeritage – How can someone complement the modern and the traditional? What aspects can we concentrate on?

Preethi Prabhu – The modern and the traditional always complement each other. It’s a matter of understanding that. A very modern looking sofa can be upholstered with a traditional fabric; a very ethnic looking wallpaper wall can adorn a modern art.

StringsofHeritage – When you are designing for someone else, where do you start….are you able to envision it and then work on that image?

Preethi Prabhu – There needs to be a jumping off point. A picture online that they have liked, a fabric they love or an idea. Once you have that, you build around it. Design is as much about functionality as it is about look and feel. So depending on the functionality of the space and the design inspiration, we slowly create the look we want.

Like the way the bathroom has been glammed up? Check this out.

StringsofHeritage – How would you define your decorating style? What does Preethi look for or identify in all the spaces decorated by you

Preethi Prabhu – My style, I don’t know-is being very personal, I think. When I am working on something, I live it every single moment of my life. And I ensure that me and my team create the positive vibe in a space while we work and it shows when the space is all done up.

StringsofHeritage – You are always experimenting, the different DIYs that you have…how do you get your inspiration

Preethi Prabhu – I don’t know. The inspiration just comes from constantly looking. It comes from around me, magazines, online, anywhere…

StringsofHeritage – Some values that you stand for and believe in..

Preethi Prabhu – I believe good design should be available to all. It is the reason I share what I do, on my blog and my social sites freely. Also being honest and upfront with clients is the best policy for me.

So that’s it for today. A lovely office(Thanks for the pics, Preethi), many many ideas and one amazing lady, Preethi Prabhu. Thank you Preethi, for the lovely tour.

Many times, the fear of the unknown freezes us. Inaction itself may me the wrong step that we take. So if there is something you want to pursue, today is the day. Seize it! And if you want a makeover for your home, you know whom to lookup- The Transforminions.

Lots of Twinkles to you. Have a great weekend.

Anupama.

Check out Preethi’s website.