Shambhavi, The Flamingo Life
Founded by Shambhavi, The Flamingo Life’s primary objective is to create exquisite, bespoke accent furniture that transforms spaces & elevates lifestyles. Drawing from her global perspective—shaped by a Master’s in International Business from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and another in Marketing and Corporate Social Responsibility from Sciences Po, Paris—Shambhavi has created an ethos of quiet elegance and conscious living through her brand.
The Flamingo Life emerged from a vision to transform living spaces into personal sanctuaries that reflect individuality and purpose. Each piece serves as a deliberate conversation between form and feeling, meticulously crafted through bespoke workmanship and thoughtful merchandising. This is furniture with a philosophy—designed not merely to occupy space, but to shape atmospheres that resonate with meaning.
The collections are created for those who appreciate the subtle distinction between simplicity and minimalism, between richness and excess. They speak to individuals who understand that true sophistication lies not in ostentatious display but in the quiet confidence of well-considered design with soul.
Through her diverse professional experience spanning global markets and industries from strategic marketing to luxury retail, Shambhavi has infused The Flamingo Life with a unique sensibility—creating furniture that invites people to live more beautifully, more intentionally, and with greater appreciation for the spaces they inhabit.
Tune in to this intriguing conversation, part of Abir Pothi’s DTalks as Shambhavi opens up about her experiences as a designer.
Q. How would you describe your signature design aesthetic, and how has it evolved while working in India?
Shambhavi: At The Flamingo Life, our aesthetic blends simplicity, global minimalism, and timeless warmth — where Japandi influences meet the soulful textures of Indian craftsmanship.
As we have worked across cities like Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Surat, Tirupur, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Ratlam, and Hyderabad, our approach has evolved to honor individuality, ensuring every space feels global yet deeply personal.
In a market overwhelmed with mass-produced, impersonal furniture, we strive to create homes that are crafted with soul, inspired by global excellence but rooted in the authenticity Indian homes deserve. Every project is a reflection of character — not conformity.
Q. What influences and inspires your current work? Could you share some movements, designers, or elements of Indian culture that have shaped your practice?
Shambhavi: My design language is deeply influenced by the cities that have been chapters of my life — Paris, Shanghai, and Delhi — each offering a unique lens of aesthetics, from Parisian minimalism to Shanghai’s futurism and Delhi’s rich cultural layering.
My earliest sense of design came from my mother, an avid textile enthusiast, who taught me to find beauty in detail, texture, and craftsmanship. That sensitivity continues to guide my work today.
Philosophies like Wabi-sabi, Scandinavian minimalism, and the enduring spirit of Indian crafts constantly inspire me. The artisans of Jodhpur, the marble masters of Makrana, and the resourceful makers of Silvassa have profoundly shaped my approach.
Artistically, I am drawn to the clean, timeless elegance of Raja Ravi Varma’s work, and globally, designers like André Fu inspire me — those who balance quiet luxury with soul.
At its core, Indian culture’s ability to honor heritage while embracing evolution reminds me that true design must be both timeless and alive.
Q. Could you walk us through your creative process? How do you move from initial concept to final execution?
Shambhavi: Every project begins with a conversation — listening to the client’s stories, aspirations, and dreams.
From there, I build the emotional blueprint of the space before moving to drawings, material explorations, and detailed look books then plans.
The journey from concept to execution is one of collaboration — not just with clients, but also with the master artisans at our shop floor who translate visions into reality with their hands and hearts.
Q. Your work often involves collaborations with artisans and other creatives. What draws you to these partnerships, and how do these collaborations enrich your design practice?
Shambhavi: Our artisans are the invisible architects of every story we tell.
Whether it was creating elegant pieces for a Dubai-returned family’s Victorian-inspired home in Gurgaon, or earthy textures for a contemporary Bangalore home, the mastery of craftsmen from our shop floor breathes life into every project.
Their humility, heritage, and precision inspire me to design pieces that are not just beautiful, but soulful. I am only a mere storyteller in every project.
Q. Looking back at your portfolio, which project represents a significant turning point in your career, and among your recent works, what project are you most proud of and why?
Shambhavi: Several projects mark important chapters, but a few stand out.
The collaboration with Furbishy Interiors for a Bangalore client was pivotal — blending contemporary elegance with earthy tones for one of the most gracious, composed clients we’ve had.
Another soul-stirring project was for a couple in Gurgaon who returned from Dubai to begin a new phase of life as empty nesters — designing a Victorian-inspired home with lush outdoor furniture for them was a celebration of nostalgia and new beginnings.
Equally special was a villa in Ratlam designed for a family honoring their parents’ lives and values — a project rooted deeply in emotion, care, and generational love.
Across all these, it’s the deep personal bonds forged with clients that I’m most proud of.
Q. What unique challenges and opportunities have you encountered as an emerging designer in the Indian design industry, and how are you working to overcome these obstacles?
One of the biggest challenges is managing expectations in an era where global references are a click away, but translating them authentically requires patience and skill.
I have found that being brutally honest — even when it’s difficult — about what will or won’t work aesthetically is crucial.
The opportunity lies in authenticity: when you stay true to your design voice, clients not only appreciate it, they trust you more deeply.
Q. How do you approach sustainability and eco-friendly practices in your designs, particularly considering India’s traditional wisdom and contemporary environmental challenges?
Shambhavi: We approach sustainability through material longevity and emotional durability.
Sourcing locally, respecting the inherent life of materials, and designing furniture to be loved across generations is at the heart of our philosophy.
Whether it’s creating timeless outdoor spaces or working on nature-integrated villas, we embrace India’s traditional respect for nature while adapting to modern environmental realities.
Q. What’s your most exciting recent design or art discovery that’s influencing your current thinking?
Shambhavi: Recently, the exploration of brutalist simplicity fused with textured, tactile materials has been deeply inspiring.
I’m fascinated by how spaces can embody both raw strength and emotional warmth — a philosophy that’s subtly shaping the next chapters at The Flamingo Life.
Q. How do you build visibility and reach out to potential clients – what platforms and strategies have worked best for you?
Shambhavi: The strongest tool has been genuine relationships — every client we have worked with, from Delhi NCR to Hyderabad, has become part of a living network of referrals.
Instagram has helped tell our visual story, but it’s the human connection — delivering not just furniture, but emotions — that has sustained our visibility more than any platform.
Q. From your experience, what are the crucial dos and don’ts for young designers trying to establish themselves in India, and what professional forums or communities would you recommend they join?
Shambhavi: Do: Be honest, be patient, and honor the craft.
Don’t: Chase trends blindly or lose your voice trying to fit in.
Q. As you look ahead, what kind of projects or directions would you like to explore?
Shambhavi: I am excited to venture deeper into large, emotionally connected projects — like the 10,000 sqft villa by Pawna Lake — where architecture, interiors, and outdoor living merge into one poetic narrative.
Wellness spaces, soulful retreats, and nature-immersive designs are areas I’m passionate about exploring further.
Q. For aspiring designers looking to make their mark in India’s design landscape, what wisdom would you share from your journey?
Shambhavi: Design is not just about creating beauty — it’s about creating belonging.
Forge real relationships, respect the hands that bring your vision to life, and never compromise on authenticity. I have ended so many vendor partnerships where respect to fellow workers was not present and I stand by it. Their craft is what makes us grow.
Every project is a living, breathing story — and the greatest gift you can offer is to tell that story with heart, honesty, and humility.
Featuring Image Courtesy: Shambhavi
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