Essentia Environments’ Hardesh and Monica Chawla on Purposeful Design and Their Enduring Vision

Business and life partners Hardesh and Monica Chawla have been redefining luxury living through their interior design company Essentia Environments for over 25 years. However, since its inception in 1999, the two believe that the definition of a luxury home has changed. “People realise that they have to break away from artificial things. I like that they want to personalise their spaces, and that they don’t want to adopt a cookie-cutter approach,” says Monica.

 Hardesh agrees. “Earlier, people used to be outward looking, especially when it came to homes. The question was: how do we impress others? Things have changed, particularly after COVID-19. It’s become more about wellness, personal experiences, and the kind of emotions that you want your house to evoke in you. It’s more about looking inward rather than outward.” He adds, “I think the loudness quotient has also subsided a little. Earlier, people used to go for what looked expensive. The approach is now more relaxedand more personal.”

Seeking Value

When asked what their clients prioritise, Hardesh says, “They want quality [service] that is inexpensive and delivered quickly. Everybody is looking for value for money—that hasn’t changed.”

Monica adds, “Luxury doesn’t mean wanting to splurge. We respect that, and so do our clients.” Quality and functionality remain non-negotiables for Essentia. Hardesh continues, “Functionality is equally important and can never be sacrificed.”

“There are probably more non-negotiables for us as the design team than for our clients,” says Monica, adding, “We are inclined towards natural products— materials that can be buffed and maintained. Principally, we avoid faux substitutes. From the client’s perspective, quality and functionality are constants. Everyone wants a home that feels value-driven.”

While global trends influence Essentia’s clientele, Hardesh quotes writer Oscar Wilde’s take on fashion trends to make his point: “Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months.” He elaborates that a similar philosophy drives their approach towards creating spaces that stay relevant for decades.

“Hardesh says that luxury is not reserved for a select few,” says Monica, adding that fixed elements in a home should have timeless appeal. “You cannot declare something ‘iconic’ and expect everyone to aspire for the same thing. For us, every client’s personal space has to be iconic in its own way,” she says. “Take Antilia, for example.

 Everyone recognises it as an iconic building, but it would be interesting to see how the personal spaces have been designed. The real measure is whether it genuinely captures the family’s personality and lifestyle. A building’s purpose defines whether it succeeds,” says Hardesh.

Purpose drives Essentia’s long-term vision. “The way I see it, our role in nation-building lies in three things: creating employment, ensuring investments are not wasteful, and making India more beautiful one house, one space, and one public area at a time. Every project should generate activity and productivity which, in turn, creates jobs.”

Investing in her team matters most to Monica. “What drives me is the growth of our people. When I look at our team—colleagues who have been with us for 10, 15, even 20 years—I feel proud of how far they have come,” she says.

What Matters

On India’s standing in the luxury home design market, Monica highlights the country’s inherent creative and cultural richness, while Hardesh believes it comes down to hard work. “Our work ethic is another differentiator. Overseas, processes are often slower. We willingly work 100 hours a week, which is why India’s economy is growing rapidly, while other economies are stagnating. The interior design market in India is expected to reach $300 billion by 2035.”

 Hardesh adds, “People are increasingly conscious of their health. Beyond that, there is a clear shift towards sustainability. Clients are more aware about energy usage and of using greener materials. While we retain our design sensibilities, we actively integrate technology and sustainable practices where possible.”