Pracheta Mehrish's Authentic Touch Breathes Life Into Interior Spaces

Today, our lives are predominantly spent indoors, and the spaces we inhabit play a pivotal role in shaping our experiences and moods. Whether it's the comforting embrace of a well-designed home or the invigorating energy of a creatively curated workspace, the spaces we live in ourselves become reflections of our personalities, setting the tone for our daily experiences. To dig deeper into the transformative power of interior design, SheThePeople spoke with Pracheta Mehrish, the founder of The Living Influence, who began as a designer enamoured with lights and evolved into a pathbreaker in the interior design world. Through her experiences, let's explore the impact of well-curated spaces, the importance of authenticity, the rise of sustainable design, and the challenges faced by a female entrepreneur in the industry.

Embarking On A Lifestyle-Driven Journey

Pracheta's foray into the world of design was not merely a career choice, but a calling. Her journey began in Singapore, where she honed her skills in interior design. After working with architectural firms to grasp the intricacies of the industry, she embarked on the path of entrepreneurship. With a passion for lights that burned bright from the outset, her journey began with a realization—a realization of the disjointedness prevalent in the industry.  Fueled by a desire to streamline the chaotic process of product selection for her clients, The Living Influence was born.

Running all over town for products, from lights to furniture, led to confusion and loss of time. The idea of The Living Influence clicked, creating a space where quality products from trusted brands could be showcased on a single platform.

What began as a humble endeavour soon blossomed into a thriving enterprise, as Pracheta's vision struck a chord with clients seeking authenticity and innovation in their living spaces. The platform primarily started with a focus on lights, Pracheta's enduring passion, but soon expanded to include diverse elements like furniture and art. Despite initial hesitation, Pracheta embraced the challenge, turning The Living Influence into a multifaceted design hub. 

Celebrating Tradition In A Contemporary World

Minimal chic defines Pracheta's aesthetic, laying the foundation for The Living Influence's design ethos. Amidst a market inclined towards traditional and classical styles, she carved a niche with clean, understated luxury. 

"Every space has its own story to tell," she muses. "My goal is to bring that story to life through thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail."

She also emphasizes the diversity within the umbrella term 'modern,' stating, "They know that word modern, but within modern, there are like five different ranges of things, right? I think that is where I come in, and while I say I'm doing modern products, within modern, I think there are so many various styles now in interiors that you can explore."

While adhering to a modern aesthetic, Mehrish is keen on preserving and promoting India's rich heritage, as she actively seeks out partnerships with artisans and craftsmen who share her passion for quality and innovation. Through collaborations with brands like Studio Kishangad, she endeavours to preserve India's rich cultural heritage while infusing a contemporary twist into traditional craftsmanship. 

"While the designer did a very simple like a very modern-looking border around the pichwais, around those cows. So while the cows are there and the Hindu motifs are there, but if you see the border, it's modern and minimal, right? And you suddenly look at it and you're like, it's looking different, right? There's something more to it than just having that Indian touch," she explains.

Mehrish speaks passionately about the fusion of tradition with modernity: "I think the challenge is to keep it Indian, to keep it local. That's very important for me because, for me, design is all about that." This ethos is evident in the intricate designs and vibrant colours of the pichwari paintings, seamlessly integrated into modern living spaces.

Defending Premium Pricing And Design As Investment

Today, where the value of good design is increasingly acknowledged, Mehrish places a premium on the uniqueness and artistry of designer products. Drawing parallels with the fashion industry, she emphasizes the transformative impact of distinctive, high-quality pieces. Using the renowned lighting designer Arjun Rathi as an example, she talks about the value of designer products as timeless investments that elevate and distinguish a space and can define and differentiate a home. 

"It's all about having that one pathbreaker piece that makes a difference. It creates an accent and sets a tone for your space, which you know not every product will have, it's this one standout product that makes or breaks your space." 

Sustainability As A Design Ethos

Acknowledging the imperative of environmental responsibility,  Mehrish has dedicated a section for sustainable designs. Collaborating with brands employing materials like concrete and bamboo, she is committed to offering eco-friendly alternatives to conscientious consumers. She further envisions expanding this section, aligning with her commitment to fostering sustainability within the design industry. Mehrish strives to strike a harmonious balance, weaving sustainability seamlessly into the fabric of her brand. "Beyond aesthetics, I believe in the power of design to make a positive impact. Sustainability is not just a trend or fad word; it's a responsibility we bear for the environment."

Beyond merely following a trend, she also lauds brands that creatively employ sustainable practices, such as Concrete, which turns a single material into a diverse array of products.

Elevating Interior Design To An Art Form

Mehrish's approach to curating products goes beyond the mainstream. The key is differentiation—selecting pieces that stand out from the crowd, steering away from the homogeneity found in mainstream stores. By delving into the minutiae of design, she ensures that each product holds its own identity, resonating with customers who seek exclusivity.

"When I curate, the number one thing for me is that the products must be different and unique. While one can always go to big stores to shop for beautiful designs, the little, minute details in the product make all the difference.That's what makes my curation stand out - I ensure that the products I select are one-of-a-kind and cannot be found anywhere else."

Replicas, The China Conundrum And Embracing 'Make In India'

Mehrish confronts the challenge of replicas head-on. Acknowledging the presence of designers selling replicas in the market, she advocates moving away from Chinese products to preserve and promote the Indian design market. 

I want to encourage people to move away from the Chinese market because it's negatively impacting the design industry in our own country. If people keep seeing thousands of copies from China, they will not be able to appreciate better design. This is when design dies. So, I am trying to bridge the gap between the two and offer a middle ground. I'm suggesting that we can find something that is not Chinese and not too expensive - instead, we can opt for something that is made by an Indian designer, but is still affordable.

Collaborating with Indian artisans, and designers and promoting local manufacturing, Mehrish always champions the "Make in India" ethos, "When I hire new designers, the first thing I ask them is where they manufacture their products. Do they manufacture in India? Do they manufacture in China? If they are just buying parts and assembling them, it can't be considered an Indian-made product. It's not something that they are manufacturing in their own country, it's not something that empowers local craftsmen or provides job opportunities for people in their country. Instead, they are simply outsourcing to factories owned by Chinese businessmen."

Authenticity reigns supreme for Mehrish. While customization is an integral aspect of interior design, she cautions against compromising the original vision for the sake of individual preferences, and striking a balance between customization and design integrity is crucial for creating timeless and impactful spaces.

"Sometimes, the vision that a designer has is so strong, and you do see some really amazing things coming out of that strong vision. I think we should stick to that," she asserts. For Pracheta, striking the delicate balance between customization and design integrity is paramount to creating enduring, impactful spaces.

She encourages customers to appreciate and invest in the unique identity a design brings, fostering a deeper connection with their chosen pieces.

Breaking Gender Stereotypes In The World Of Interior Design

Mehrish's journey in the interior design industry has been marked by the challenges of breaking gender stereotypes. As a woman navigating a traditionally male-dominated field, Mehrish encountered scepticism and resistance. From questioning her authority to encountering sexism, she navigated her way through situations where traditional roles clashed with her position. 

Reflecting on her experiences, she said, "I think the labourers would question me initially because it's always been a male-oriented job. So they're like, 'Who's this woman trying to tell us what to do?' as they were not accustomed to a woman taking charge. It was about proving myself and establishing a sense of authority."

Her experiences also highlight the changing dynamics within the industry. She shares an anecdote where a fellow worker stood up for her when faced with rudeness, signalling a shift in attitudes. "While we say this about men, that, you know, some of them don't get it, but maybe at some point, things are changing, and even in their society, you know, they are understanding that at some point, you can't just talk to a woman like that."

Mehrish, inspired by designers like Sara Sham, has also taken on the role of a mentor, providing advice to women entering the world of design and entrepreneurship. Mehrish advises women to address conflicts respectfully and privately, ensuring that the message of respect and understanding is conveyed. As she reflects on her journey, Mehrish encapsulates its essence, stating: "As a woman in a man's world, I think I've had a good ride. I've been able to steer the ship on my own, one space at a time."