As our world grows more inclusive, interior design must refl ect the diversity of those who inhabit it. Are we creating spaces that support all lived experiences, or unconsciously reinforcing traditional, binary roles?
Take, for instance, our approach to spatial zoning. In one of our Mumbai residences, we transformed a typical 3 BHK layout into a spacious, fl uid 2BHK, prioritising openness, flexibility, and the blurring of boundaries between public and private, work and rest, function and expression. The result? A living area with three distinct zones that allow users to occupy the space in non-prescriptive, non-hierarchical ways, where a lounge can become a workspace, and a dining area can transform into a conversation nook.
We also pay close attention to the language of materials. The outdated association of "feminine" softness versus "masculine" minimalism has long dominated design trends. At Studio SB, we reject these binaries. Instead, we lean into textural layering, natural fi nishes, and a nuanced palette that brings warmth and strength together, without falling into aesthetic clichés. Oak wood, stone sheets, soft textiles, and handcrafted lighting coexist in our interiors, a quiet rebellion against the idea that elegance must look a certain way or serve a specific gendered lens.
Our focus on customisation and function-led design further supports inclusivity. This includes designing ergonomic workspaces that align with individual routines and physical needs, as well as wardrobes with lowered shelves and accessible storage solutions that thoughtfully accommodate people of varying abilities. These aren’t just design details; they’re decisions rooted in empathy and adaptability, acknowledging that no two users are alike.
Inclusivity also extends to how we design bedrooms and private spaces. In a home where a young daughter’s room was conceived as a soft retreat, we added an earthy green headboard, not pink, not stereotypical, but chosen to refl ect her individuality. In another case, a master suite was shaped with a neutral 3D wall panel, luxurious textures, and modular zones that serve partners equally, a reminder that intimacy doesn’t need gendered symbolism to feel personal.
Still, we recognise that interior design, as a profession, has a long way to go in unlearning gendered legacies. From marketing language that reinforces stereotypes to furniture designed with assumed user roles, the industry often lags behind the social conversations happening in other creative domains. As designers, we must ask: Are we refl ecting life as it is, or as it was?
The answer lies in listening before designing. The question isn't whether interior design is truly inclusive; it’s whether we, as designers, are willing to break patterns, challenge assumptions, and design with integrity for everyone!
