Eternal Elegance

Like its graceful owner, design stalwart Rano Singh’s home exudes understated luxury, sans the decadent opulence.

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She has designed some of the top homes of India. But, design maestro Rano Singh herself is an enigma, one who keeps her private space zealously guarded and shies away from the limelight. The first thing you notice about her beautiful home in Delhi’s tony New Friends Colony, is the space. And not a space that has been cramped with things, but one that’s expansive and breathes life into this beautiful home. Along with her two talented daughters – Ashna, an art curator, and Preeti, a lighting designer-cum-entrepreneur, Rano’s home resonates her personality and style in every nook and corner.

While designing her 600 sq yd home, about 30 years ago, the designer had four guidelines – ample natural light, bringing the outdoor greens indoors, a big lobby and an imposing staircase. Rano has a clear dislike for dark interiors. In fact in many of her projects, where the houses had little natural light, she has designed in a way to get in the maximum light. Another favourite is creating pockets of greenery inside the home, as well as outside, to cut through the urban concrete jungle.