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The rise of functional luxury indicates a cultural and emotional shift. Homes are transforming into sanctuaries where beauty coexists with comfort.

Homes are evolving into sanctuaries of elegance and purpose.
In today’s evolving design landscape, Indian consumers are moving beyond décor that is simply ornamental. A new wave of buyers are investing in pieces that don’t just look good but also add meaning and ease to everyday living. Luxury has shifted from being about excess to becoming a thoughtful balance of beauty, practicality, and purpose where each item in the home carries its weight both aesthetically and functionally.
“Luxury is not just about indulgence per se anymore for the millennial Indian consumer. It’s about investing in products that help elevate our everyday lives, things that display a harmony of beauty and function with meaning,” said Sidhant Lamba, Founder of STRROT.
Design with Intention
From sculptural consoles that double as smart organisers to statement lamps with dimmable lighting, today’s décor is all about creating experiences. “We see this shift in the way customers select items that straddle the line between art and function. Every piece is an exercise in defining a space both functionally and aesthetically,” Lamba added. This intentionality allows one piece to reshape the entire mood of a room, delivering both refinement and comfort.
The Seamless Blend
For interior designer Punam Kalra, Creative Director of I’m the Centre for Applied Arts, luxury now lives in subtle details. “The contemporary world has pushed the boundaries of luxury to include ease, comfort, and uncompromised functionalities that simply elevate the quality of life,” she explained. From a velvet chaise with ergonomic contours to marble-top coffee tables hiding clever storage, each design blends surprise with sentiment.
Kalra highlighted how luxury today speaks through experience: charging points tucked into leather recliners or integrated lighting in bar cabinets. “We are no longer talking about Murphy beds or folding tables that fit in; we are talking about boucle platform beds hiding away a secret bookshelf in style or gemstone inlaid nesting tables that ease our work-life balance,” she said.
Accessible Luxury for Modern Homes
Interior architect Anjaleka Kripalani, Founder of Angie Homes, sees the movement as part of a broader lifestyle shift. “Luxury is not merely opulence but is above having a point. We observe a growing demand for décor items that combine aesthetic superiority with relatable usability,” she said.
Clients today value quality and narrative as much as utility. “Every product we have is designed to enrich everyday lifestyle. It can be as small as a statement lounger or as large as a thoughtfully curated furnishing set,” Kripalani explained.
Living with Purpose
The rise of functional luxury reflects a cultural and emotional shift. Homes are no longer static displays of wealth; they are evolving into havens where beauty coexists with ease. A carefully chosen lamp, chaise, or rug is not only décor. It’s an extension of one’s values, setting the tone for how life is experienced within four walls. As Indian consumers lean into this philosophy, their homes are being transformed into sanctuaries of elegance, comfort, and purpose.
Delhi, India, India
September 13, 2025, 17:30 IST