In a world where interior design often stops at structure and layout, Shruti Tilve steps in to transform spaces into personalized havens. As an interior stylist and still-life stylist, Shruti’s journey from law to styling is as inspiring as her work itself. By blending her love for art, photography, and design, she has created a niche in the world of design, particularly in Goa, where she continues to redefine the concept of home.
From Law to Styling: A Journey of Passion and Purpose
Shruti Tilve’s professional journey took an unconventional path. Armed with a five-year degree in law from VMS College of Law, she discovered her true passion in styling and photography. Although the transition seemed unexpected, her diverse interests in art, history, and philosophy seamlessly aligned with her creative pursuits.
Traveling has always been an integral part of Shruti’s life. Not only does she collect fridge magnets as souvenirs from her journeys, but she also draws inspiration from the stories, cultures, and visuals she encounters. Her deep appreciation for nature, sunlight, and simple joys enriches her work, enabling her to bring unique perspectives to every project.
Pioneering Styling in Goa’s Evolving Market
When Goa began its journey into the social media era, the region had only a handful of photographers and stylists. Recognizing this gap, Shruti introduced the term “stylist” to Goa, particularly in food and product photography, a field she has worked in for over six years.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a significant shift, especially with the rising trend of second homes in Goa. People were no longer content with leasing homes; instead, they wanted spaces that were beautiful, curated, and inviting. Shruti identified a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between architecture and personalization, leading her to expand into interior styling and turnkey projects.
“Architects and interior designers make a house, but I turn it into a home,” says Shruti, summing up her role. She ensures spaces feel cohesive, complete, and reflective of their owners’ personalities.
Design Philosophy: Collaboration and Adaptability
Shruti’s design philosophy revolves around adaptability, evolution, and collaboration. Rather than confining herself to a singular aesthetic, she ensures her work complements the architectural foundation while reflecting the client’s vision. Whether it’s Scandinavian minimalism, Indo-Goan heritage, or luxury villa aesthetics, Shruti tailors her approach to suit the project’s unique character.
She believes in staying updated with diverse design trends while improvising to bring fresh ideas to each project. By doing so, she transforms spaces into thoughtful masterpieces that blend creativity, practicality, and harmony.
A Thoughtful Approach to the Design Process
Shruti’s design process varies depending on when she joins a project. In most cases, she steps in when the architectural and structural work is nearing completion, adding finishing touches that make the space feel warm and lived-in.
For turnkey projects, Shruti collaborates with clients from the very beginning. By creating mood boards, setting budgets, and planning purchases, she ensures the project is both functional and visually appealing. Her ultimate goal is to understand her clients’ needs, curate personalized designs, and deliver spaces they love.
“Styling a home is not just about adding decor; it’s about creating a story,” Shruti explains. This focus on storytelling ensures every project is unique, cohesive, and meaningful.
Balancing Creativity and Practicality
Balancing creativity with practicality is at the core of Shruti’s work. For residential homes, her approach is highly personal. She carefully curates items that resonate with her clients, ensuring the space reflects their taste and lifestyle.
In contrast, styling holiday villas or rental properties requires a more practical approach. Shruti focuses on sourcing durable, low-maintenance furnishings that enhance the property’s appeal while being cost-effective. By finding the sweet spot between aesthetics and functionality, she creates spaces that are both stunning and livable.
Collaborative Customization for Unique Spaces
Shruti believes that collaboration is key to translating her clients’ visions into reality. For residential projects, she takes the time to understand her clients’ personal styles and preferences, often using mood boards to align their ideas. This process ensures every corner of the home feels authentic and personal.
For villas or holiday homes, Shruti adapts her approach to complement the existing architectural design. By collaborating with architects, designers, and clients, she ensures the final outcome is cohesive and inviting.
“It’s about listening, collaborating, and paying attention to details,” Shruti says, emphasizing the importance of personalization in her work.
Overcoming Challenges with Creativity and Planning
Managing timelines, budgets, and vendors is no small feat, especially in the dynamic world of styling. Shruti often faces challenges such as delays from third-party vendors or last-minute client changes. However, her hands-on approach and meticulous planning allow her to navigate these hurdles effectively.
By maintaining clear communication with vendors and setting realistic expectations with clients, Shruti ensures smooth project execution. She also builds flexibility into her schedules, allowing her to refine spaces over time while respecting deadlines.
Staying Ahead with Trends and Technologies
To stay relevant in the ever-evolving design landscape, Shruti immerses herself in continuous learning. She keeps up with design publications, trend reports like international Architectural digest projects so she knows where the trends of the words are leaning towards, and social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest. Additionally, she attends exhibitions, design shows, and workshops to discover new materials, techniques, and ideas.
However, The most important decision Shruti makes as a stylist is knowing when to stop and to know when to stop adding things to a place so that it’s not over crowded in the name of ‘styling’Shruti is mindful of not overloading her designs with trends. She strives to balance contemporary styles with timeless elements, ensuring her projects stand out while remaining personal and unique.
The Future of Interior Styling with Shruti Tilve
Shruti Tilve’s journey as an interior stylist is a testament to the power of passion, adaptability, and creativity. By combining her love for art, travel, and philosophy with her professional expertise, she continues to redefine how spaces are styled and personalized.
Through her thoughtful approach to collaboration, innovation, and design, Shruti transforms houses into homes and spaces into stories. Her work not only reflects her clients’ personalities but also elevates the design standards in Goa and beyond.
As Shruti herself says, “It’s not just about designing a space; it’s about creating a connection.”
