In a design landscape increasingly driven by speed and spectacle, Nidhi and Ketan Gupta of Kosh Furnishing Studio offer a quieter, more deliberate alternative—one rooted in material sensitivity, craftsmanship, and an evolving understanding of space. Drawing from an early immersion in the textile industry, Nidhi’s practice is shaped by an intimate knowledge of fabrics, processes, and the nuanced language of detail.
Together, the duo has built Kosh as more than a furnishing label; it is a design-led studio that approaches interiors as layered, personal narratives. Their work reflects a refined balance between global minimalism and India’s rich artisanal heritage, resulting in spaces that feel both contemporary and deeply grounded. In this conversation, they reflect on their journey, design philosophy, and the values that continue to shape their evolving practice.
Nidhi and Ketan Gupta | Founder | Kosh
As part of Abir Pothi’s DTalks series, Nidhi and Ketan Gupta opens up about their creative process, projects and design philosophy.
Q. How did your early exposure to the textile industry shape your journey into interior design, and how does that influence the ethos of Kosh Furnishing Studio today?
Nidhi and Ketan Gupta: I come from a family deeply rooted in the fabric industry, and my early years were spent around factories, observing materials, processes, and craftsmanship at a very close level. That exposure shaped my understanding of textiles and instilled a natural inclination towards design from a young age.
After completing my graduation, I pursued a diploma in Interior Design and went on to work under an architect for over three years. That experience was instrumental in refining my approach, especially in developing an eye for detail and understanding the importance of precision within a space.
Through Kosh Furnishing Studio, which I co-founded with Ketan, our intention has always been to move beyond selling products and instead create a complete design experience. We approach every home as a unique story, each concept is carefully curated, keeping in mind the client’s vision at its most fundamental level.
With over a decade of professional experience in fabrics and furnishings, my practice is deeply driven by passion and a commitment to craftsmanship. For us, design is not just about aesthetics, it is about creating spaces that feel personal, thoughtful, and enduring.
Q. How would you describe your signature design aesthetic, and how has it evolved while working in India?
Nidhi and Ketan Gupta: Our signature aesthetic is rooted in quiet luxury, where materiality, texture, and restraint come together to create spaces that feel both timeless and deeply personal. We lean towards a nuanced palette, layered textiles, and thoughtful detailing that elevates everyday living into an experience.
Working in India has enriched this language significantly. The diversity of craft, the depth of artisanal knowledge, and the cultural relationship with textiles have allowed us to evolve into a more contextually grounded practice, where global sensibilities meet indigenous techniques, resulting in designs that are both contemporary and culturally resonant.
Aurum Console | Aven Totem | Bohenne Arm Chair | Image Credit: Kosh
Q. What influences and inspires your current work? Could you share some movements, designers, or elements of Indian culture that have shaped your practice?
Nidhi and Ketan Gupta: My work is influenced by a quiet interplay of material, craft, and context. I find inspiration in the inherent tactility of textiles, the way light interacts with surfaces, and the subtle details that bring depth to a space. Rather than following defined movements, I am drawn to a more timeless design language, one that values restraint, balance, and authenticity.
Indian culture, in particular, has been a constant source of inspiration. The richness of our craft traditions, regional textiles, and the intuitive way in which materials have been used over generations continue to shape my approach. There is a certain honesty and imperfection in handcrafted work that I deeply value and strive to reinterpret in a contemporary manner.
At the same time, I am influenced by global sensibilities that emphasise minimalism and refined living, where spaces are designed to feel effortless yet intentional. This blend of indigenous craftsmanship and modern restraint allows me to create work that feels both rooted and relevant.
Q. Could you walk us through your creative process? How do you move from initial concept to final execution?
Nidhi and Ketan Gupta: My process begins with understanding the mood of the space, its intended concept, look, and overall feeling. For me, aesthetics are never a compromise; they form the core of every decision we make. Equally important is understanding the client at a fundamental level, how they live, what they gravitate towards, and the experience they seek from the space.
From there, I develop a design language that is aligned with this vision, working through materials, textures, and palettes that collectively bring the concept to life. Each element is carefully considered to ensure cohesion, rather than existing in isolation.
The execution stage is highly detail-driven and hands-on. With a strong foundation in fabrics and furnishings, I work closely with artisans and production teams to ensure that every nuance, be it scale, finish, or texture, is translated exactly as envisioned.
Ultimately, the process is about holding on to the integrity of the initial vision—ensuring that the final outcome feels seamless, elevated, and true to the intended aesthetic.
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?
Nidhi and Ketan Gupta: Collaboration, for us, is intrinsic to the design process rather than an addition to it. We are drawn to partnerships that bring depth of craft, perspective, and narrative, elements that cannot be replicated in isolation. Working closely with artisans and creatives allows us to translate ideas into pieces that carry both precision and soul.
These collaborations enrich our practice by introducing layers of authenticity and material intelligence. They push us to explore beyond the conventional, while ensuring that each creation remains rooted in craftsmanship, context, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Eden Dining Chair | Image Credit: Kosh
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?
Nidhi and Ketan Gupta: Rather than a single project, I would say our turning point came with the shift in how we positioned our work, from being product-led to becoming a design-led practice. It was a conscious decision to move towards creating complete, curated experiences, where every element within a space is thoughtfully considered. That transition defined our voice and set the direction for everything that followed.
Among our recent works, the projects I am most proud of are those where we have been able to fully realise this philosophy, where the client places trust in our vision, allowing us to shape the space holistically. These are the spaces where materials, textures, and detailing come together seamlessly, and the final outcome feels both personal and elevated.
For me, the pride lies not just in the visual outcome, but in the process, when a project reflects clarity of thought, depth of craft, and a strong emotional connection, it becomes truly meaningful.
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?
Nidhi and Ketan Gupta: As an emerging design practice in India, one of the primary challenges lies in balancing a highly discerning aesthetic with a market that is still evolving in its appreciation for nuanced, detail-driven design. There is often a need to gently shift perceptions, from viewing furnishings as functional add-ons to recognising them as integral to spatial storytelling.
At the same time, this landscape presents a compelling opportunity. India offers an unparalleled richness of craft, material, and artisanal heritage, which allows us to create work that is both globally relevant and deeply rooted. We navigate these dynamics by maintaining a clear design voice, investing in client education, and building strong collaborations with craftsmen, ensuring that each project reflects both intention and integrity.
Q. How do you approach sustainability and eco-friendly practices in your designs, particularly considering India’s traditional wisdom and contemporary environmental challenges?
Nidhi and Ketan Gupta: Sustainability, for us, is approached as a conscious design philosophy rather than a trend. It begins with mindful material selection, favouring natural fibres, enduring textiles, and processes that are inherently low-impact. We prioritise longevity in design, creating pieces that are meant to age gracefully rather than be replaced frequently.
In the Indian context, this philosophy is deeply supported by traditional wisdom, where craft practices have historically been resource-conscious, local, and inherently sustainable. We actively collaborate with such artisanal ecosystems, adapting these techniques to contemporary sensibilities while ensuring their relevance in today’s design landscape.
At the same time, we remain aware of modern environmental challenges, and continuously refine our processes, whether through responsible sourcing, reduced wastage, or thoughtful production cycles, to create work that is as considered in its impact as it is in its aesthetic.
Q. What’s your most exciting recent design or art discovery that’s influencing your current thinking?
Nidhi and Ketan Gupta: Lately, I’ve been particularly drawn to exploring how textiles can be seamlessly integrated into furniture, moving beyond their conventional use and allowing them to become an intrinsic part of the product itself. This intersection opens up new possibilities in how furniture is perceived, not just as form, but as a tactile, layered experience.
I’m also deeply interested in the value that texture brings to furniture, how the addition of textile elements can soften, elevate, and add depth to otherwise structured forms. It creates a dialogue between materiality and comfort, where craftsmanship becomes more expressive yet remains understated.
This approach is influencing my current thinking—pushing me to create pieces that feel more immersive and refined, where the richness lies in the subtle interplay of texture, detail, and form.
Q. How do you build visibility and reach out to potential clients – what platforms and strategies have worked best for you?
Nidhi and Ketan Gupta: Our visibility has grown in a largely organic and relationship-driven manner. We’ve been fortunate to have our work resonate with our clients, and that trust naturally extends into a wider network of like-minded individuals who value a similar design sensibility.
While we maintain a presence on platforms like Instagram to share our work, our most meaningful growth has come through personal referrals and long-standing relationships. This approach allows us to engage with clients who are already aligned with our philosophy, leading to more intuitive and cohesive collaborations.
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?
Nidhi and Ketan Gupta: For young designers, the most important ‘do’ is to cultivate a clear and consistent design voice, one that is rooted in understanding materials, scale, and context, rather than fleeting trends. Invest time in learning from craft, observing how spaces are lived in, and building credibility through thoughtful execution. Equally important is patience, good design practices are built over time, not instant visibility.
A key ‘don’t’ would be to dilute your aesthetic in an attempt to please everyone. In a diverse market like India, clarity of vision becomes your strongest differentiator. Avoid over-reliance on visual references without understanding their intent, and resist the pressure to prioritise speed over substance.
In terms of professional engagement, we encourage participation in platforms that foster dialogue and exposure, design exhibitions, curated showcases, and communities such as the Institute of Indian Interior Designers, along with industry events like India Design ID. These spaces offer not just visibility, but meaningful exchange, which is invaluable in shaping a long-term design journey.
Kairo Stud Table | Kosh
Q. As you look ahead, what kind of projects or directions would you like to explore?
Nidhi and Ketan Gupta: Looking ahead, we are keen to take on more end-to-end residential projects, homes where we can be involved right from the conceptual stage through to the final layers of detailing. This allows us to shape the space holistically, ensuring that every element feels cohesive and aligned with the larger vision.
We are particularly drawn to creating well-resolved, thoughtfully designed homes, spaces that go beyond surface aesthetics and truly reflect the lifestyle and sensibility of the people inhabiting them. For us, the focus is on crafting homes that feel complete, elevated, and deeply personal.
Q. For aspiring designers looking to make their mark in India’s design landscape, what wisdom would you share from your journey?
Nidhi and Ketan Gupta: Build with intention, not urgency. In a landscape as layered as India’s, it is essential to take the time to understand context, materials, craft, culture, and the way people inhabit spaces. Your work should not just be seen, but felt.
Stay rooted in authenticity while remaining open to evolution. The most enduring practices are those that develop a distinct voice yet continue to refine it through experience and collaboration. Seek depth over visibility, true recognition follows consistency and integrity.
Most importantly, respect the process. Design is not just about outcomes, but about the rigour, patience, and sensitivity that shape them. When approached with clarity and conviction, the journey itself becomes your strongest differentiator.
Cover Image: Sileia Bar Stool | Image Credit: Kosh
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