India Mahdavi, Wallpaper’s Designer of the Year 2023, has a knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Her work, spanning furniture, objects, and interiors, pulsates with vibrant colors and forms that push the boundaries of tradition. It’s a world where bold silhouettes dance with everyday objects, creating a symphony of style and personality.
A World of Colour and Form
Known for her dramatic and theatrical approach, Mahdavi’s work is often described as scenographic. Her iconic all-pink room for Sketch’s Gallery, recently reimagined with artist Yinka Shonibare, is a testament to her fearless use of color. But she’s not confined to one style. She’s also designed interiors for Rome’s Villa Medici, breathing new life into a historic space while respecting its heritage. Mahdavi’s versatility is evident in her ongoing collaboration with Gebrüder Thonet Vienna, where she reinterprets traditional furniture designs with her own unique flair.
A Parisian Oasis
Mahdavi invites us into her Paris home, a charming L-shaped apartment that reflects her eclectic style. Her home is a tapestry of different periods in her life, filled with vintage pieces, prototypes, and objects she’s gathered from her travels. Her favorite spot is a tiny corner in the kitchen, transformed into a suspended garden overlooking another. This unique space, complete with an orange velvet screen, yellow oval table, checkered curtains, and a glass light suspension, is a testament to her love for creating intimate and personal spaces.
Finding Inspiration in the Everyday
Mahdavi’s creative energy is contagious. She starts her day with a cup of coffee, listening to the news on the radio, and if it gets too overwhelming, she turns to reading. Her days often end with the soothing sounds of music and the warmth of a fireplace, surrounded by the objects that bring her joy. She doesn’t consider herself a collector, but rather someone who surrounds herself with pieces that spark her imagination and inspire her creativity.
A Love for the Art of Dining
For Mahdavi, dinner is more than just a meal; it’s a time to connect with friends, relax, and laugh. Her love for cooking is evident in her favorite Persian meal, a symphony of flavors that includes wild cherry rice with lemon and saffron chicken, all culminating in a rose water ice cream dessert. She’s also passionate about preserving traditional techniques, evident in her collaboration with Émaux de Longwy, where she transformed her signature “Bishop” stool into an intricate haute couture piece using the ancient cloisonné technique.
Looking Towards the Future
Mahdavi’s creative journey continues. She is currently working on a contemporary and modern art museum in Trondheim, Norway, and an artist’s residence in Arles, France. Her advice to the next generation of designers is to embrace their passions, be bold, and never stop exploring.
India Mahdavi is a master of her craft, transforming spaces and objects into something truly special. Her unique blend of creativity, passion, and a love for the unexpected creates a world where color, form, and stories collide, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.
