In the world of design and aesthetics, few elements hold the power to transform a space as profoundly as the art of table styling. Kamal Grewal, a name synonymous with creating stunning tablescapes, has made this her life’s work. From humble family gatherings to becoming a certified Floral Designer and renowned interior designer, Kamal’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into the creative mind of Kamal Grewal, exploring the very essence of what it means to be a table stylist extraordinaire. From her earliest influences to the fusion of floral design and table styling, Kamal shares her secrets, techniques, and advice on how to turn any table into a masterpiece.
As the festive season shimmers into view, she dazzled attendees with her remarkable insights during an enchanting space-styling workshop held at Pure Home Living in Chandigarh.
Kamal’s journey, guided by her family’s love for beauty and the world of design, offers a unique perspective on the art of table styling. Her fusion of interior design knowledge with floral artistry creates unforgettable table settings, where every detail tells a story. Join us as we step into the captivating world of Kamal Grewal and discover the magic that happens when an ordinary table becomes a canvas for extraordinary art.
Can you take us back to the moment when you first realized your love for table styling? What sparked your interest in transforming ordinary tables into stunning works of art?
My love for table styling and floral design is definitely inspired by my mother. Better homes & gardens were her favorite magazine and I loved it too. We would always use beautiful and embroidered table covers & napkins, crockery to match, flowers to add colour.
Many people start as hobbyists, but you’ve turned your passion into a successful career. Could you share some of the key milestones that led to your journey from arranging tables for family gatherings to becoming a certified Floral Designer and renowned interior designer?
Whenever I travelled abroad, I was so fascinated by the florist shops. In the summer of 1988, I decided to enroll at Mrs. Sheldon’s School of Floral Design, USA. She was the official florist for the White House.
Flowers are an integral part of any well-designed home. In my journey as an interior designer the most rewarding time of the whole process is the set-up day. That’s where the flowers come in and I always choose them personally.
The fusion of floral design and table styling sounds fascinating. How do you marry these two art forms to create captivating tablescapes? Can you share some of your favorite techniques or design principles?
Tablescapes turn your meals into a visual experience. We eat with our eyes first and a tablescape is a sensory delight. The different colours and elements on the table make for great talking points.
My favorite technique is layering, and the most fundamental starting point is your collection of tableware at home. That is where you start to build your layers.
As someone with a background in interior design, you bring a unique perspective to table styling. How does your interior design knowledge influence your approach to creating unforgettable table settings?
With an eye for interior design, you have the advantage of knowing your colour wheel and how colours work. Proportion and perspective come naturally to me. The dining table is one space where we all gather for the same activity, hence the theme and mood can be easily curated for any cuisine.
With the festive season just around the corner, what are some of your favorite seasonal trends in home decor and table styling that people can incorporate into their celebrations?
As we gear up for the festive season, my go to season trend world be layering pattern on pattern and lots of colour play.
Could you provide some advice for those who want to create a magical atmosphere in their homes during the festive season, perhaps with a focus on incorporating florals and table settings?
For all those who would like to do beautiful tablescapes for their homes, my advice is to look around your home and you will find plenty to play with. Bring out your tableware first, mix and match linen, add some fun elements like greens from your home garden. If you are doing a very traditional set up, opt for marigolds, tube roses, lotus etc.
Given your experience, what are some common mistakes people make when trying to style their homes for the holidays, and how can they avoid them?
One of the most frequent mistakes people make is while buying flowers. They should be purchased fresh; their stems should be checked for rot, and they should be only partially blooming so you can enjoy them longer.
On the tables, floral arrangements should be made depending on the end use. You can’t have a tall arrangement for a sit-down dinner which obstructs the view.
For those who may be on a budget but still want to make their homes look festive, what are some cost-effective tips for decorating and table styling?
Forage your garden for flowers, foliage, and dry stems. They make for very interesting arrangements. Use glasses, bowls, trays as vases. Build your colour palette around your own tableware, mix and match.
Lastly, do you have any exciting projects or exhibitions coming up that we can look forward to in the near future, where we can see your creative genius in action?
In two months’ time we will be completing a residential basement that is being designed as a multi utility space. With a sports lounge, bar, card table and a dining service area all in one.
On 21st October 13, 2023, we will be showcasing all our alfresco dining products along with a tablescape of our soft furnishings at DLF Crest in Gurgaon.
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