As Luxury interiors brand Zeba celebrates four decades of excellence in design, its Founders Sujata Mehta and Rajan Mehta share their insights on the industry’s future, from sustainability and technology to design trends and global expansion. In an interview with Tejaswini Paranjape, they open up about Zeba’s next chapter and the evolving interior design landscape in India.
1. What are your expectations from the upcoming annual budget 2025 in India? Would you suggest any reforms in policies for growth of interior design industry in India?
Our expectations of the Annual Budget 2025 would be high reforms which will boost the economy. The focus being fiscal stability, tax reforms and investment growth.
If the Income Tax, GST, Custom Duty rates are rationalised it would enhance the spending power of the consumer, thereby making consumables and services more affordable. This will also help the Interior designers to complete the projects at competitive prices.
The Interior Design Industry is poised for substantial growth, driven by evolving trends, technological advancements, and a shift in consumer values.
2. With the growing emphasis on sustainability in the hospitality industry, what eco-friendly design elements and materials do you incorporate into your projects, and how do you balance aesthetics with environmental responsibility?
Sustainability will play a bigger role in the interior design sector, with the global focus on environmental responsibility. Hence, Interior designers will need to give their expertise in creating green buildings, energy efficient interiors and using eco-friendly materials.
As clients demand eco-conscious interiors, interior designers will need to have a strong understanding of sustainable materials, energy efficient lighting, and water saving technologies. Recycled and up cycled materials, such furniture made from reclaimed wood or sustainable textiles, will become integral to many design projects in both residential and commercial spaces.
Also, keeping in mind that for the hospitality industry, the home textiles need to be easy maintenance as well as sustainable. This can be achieved by using fabrics which are azo free dyed, stain free so that the consumption of chemical & water for washing etc is economised.
Lastly, our textiles are over engineered with good quality raw materials, which makes it last much longer. Our rugs are hand tufted with 100% wool in beautiful designs & colours which lasts for years thus balancing aesthetics with environmental responsibility.
3. How do you envision the integration of technology, such as AI-powered design tools and smart building solutions, impacting the interior design industry in the next 5-10 years?
Technological Advancements in Design Tools is revolutionizing the way designers approach their projects. The use of design software and augmented reality (AR) will allow designers to provide virtual tours of interiors before implementation, enhancing the client experiences and allowing for more interactive and efficient design process.
AI will be used to streamline design workflows. AI algorithms can assist designers by predicting trends, automating routine tasks, and offering data driven design insights. Hence, interior designers will need to stay ahead by updating their technical skills and incorporating these tools into their practice.
It is definitely going to impact the industry in a positive way, as creating the designs the way we visualise would be much easier & quicker with a variety of options to look at. Creating a multidimensional image of each project would be practical & easy to execute, anticipating the practicality of the same.
4. What design trends do you foresee dominating the hospitality industry in the next 2-3 years, and what challenges do you face in balancing the needs of hotel owners, operators, and guests when it comes to incorporating these trends into your designs?
Design trends would be more customised specific to the city, type of hotels, guests etc. Even though it would be mostly contemporary & minimalistic, the elements of the city would be incorporated in the designs or as an accent piece. Challenges faced are & would be faced in future as well, would need to be trendy yet simple and budget friendly, keeping the owners, housekeepers & guests satisfied. This in an art that Zeba has mastered over the years due to our exposure & experience in the hospitality industry.
Customization will be dominant trend in interior design. Customers will seek personalized interiors that reflect their lifestyle, preferences, and values. This will create opportunities for interior designers to craft bespoke spaces tailored to the specific needs of the customers.
India’s luxury market is expanding, the demand for high-end residential and commercial spaces will continue to grow. Interior designers in the luxury market will need to be well-versed in the latest luxury trends, exquisite materials, and world class finishes.
India’s real estate market is anticipated to grow in major urban centres. Interior designers will have ample opportunities in real estate projects, where the role will expand from traditional décor to more complex functions as space optimization and strategic planning.
Interior designs also contribute to the overall wellbeing of the occupants. As consumers are today conscious of space utilization and the environmental impact of excess. Minimalism will be the central theme in interior design. Simple, clean lines, functional layouts and multi-use furniture will be in demand especially in smaller urban apartments.
The ability to create clutter-free, organized interiors that maximize space will be a valued skill set. In addition to smart homes, Interior designers will need to be adept at creating environments that merge technology with human-centred design.
5. What are your future plans of expansion in India and abroad?
As ZEBA looks towards 2025 and the future, we are on the cusp of a major evolution, shaped by technological advancements, sustainable efforts, and a growing demand for customization.
ZEBA envisages going beyond the hospitality industry, and reaching out to the world markets, guiding, and working with them, in designing and pulling together looks based on their requirements and personality.
As global trends influence the design landscape, ZEBA will draw from India’s diverse heritage to create designs that are embedded in tradition while being contemporary in function and aesthetics. Indigenous material, handcrafted furniture and local artistry will be integrated into modern designs, offering customers a unique blend of traditional and modern styles.
