Utilise light to shape space!
“Design is not about trends—it’s about emotions. Every corner of this home is crafted to move, breathe, and hold space for stillness and discovery. Our goal was to create an experience that lingers, not just a place to live.” —- Designtales.
Founded by Meghana Nimmagadda, Designtales is an award-winning boutique design studio that specialises in creating intensely individualised interior environments that leave an impression.
Tucked away in a tranquil neighbourhood of Hyderabad, this 6,500-square-foot mansion by Designtales speaks quietly—it simply unfolds. True to the designer’s philosophy, the design evokes emotion rather than conforming to trends—the space moves, breathes, and feels!
The central design concept is deceptively straightforward: utilise light to shape space. In the drawing-room, sculpted ceiling niches serve as a living sundial, capturing sunlight at various angles and generating lyrical shadows. Little Claymen sculptures sit in little crevices down the hallway, beckoning pause and meditation with subtle yet powerful gestures.
Arches appear as silent poems throughout the house, framing the master bed and reappearing near vanities, wardrobes, and even tiled surfaces. They return to the guest bedroom, a familiar yet unpredictable space.
Materiality provides a parallel story. The pooja room, crafted from brass-inlaid concrete in collaboration with Hey Concrete, embodies a beautiful philosophy that has inspired other projects. The living and dining areas are connected by Nuance’s curved concrete panels and a sculptural fake Corian pillar, which were chosen for their tactile presence as well as their visual value.
The Wicker Story chandelier floats above the dining table, a dramatic yet grounded presence. Its organic shape grounds the room without overpowering it.
The kitchen, fitted with a Valcucine modular system, exudes sophisticated functionality. Meanwhile, the children’s room is rich in details—playful handles, curved edges, and toy niches that stimulate discovery. This home does not seek attention; rather, it encourages interaction. Through arches, textures, and shifting light, it offers a subtle, timeless story that you feel as much as you see.
In conversation with the designer…
What is your design philosophy when it comes to designing residential projects?
At Designtales, every residential project begins with a story. We believe that a home should be an emotional landscape—one that reflects the identity, memories, and aspirations of its inhabitants. Our process always starts with a feeling; we often write a short poem to capture the mood we want the space to evoke. From there, we define the problems the design needs to solve and approach them practically.
We embrace eclecticism, crafting a dialogue between the past and the present. Our aesthetics lean towards quiet luxury—spaces that are effortlessly elegant, grounded in warmth, and rich in detail. But more than just beautiful, our homes are deeply functional, designed around the rhythms and rituals of everyday life. We believe that design is all about creating spaces that feel intentional, soulful, and personal.
How is technology redefining your design process?
We see the future of design not just in technology or trends but in thoughtfulness. As the world races ahead, our practice is rooted in slowing down—reimagining progress as presence. In a world where AI seems to be the future, one thing that sets us apart is our ability to express emotion… We create spaces to evoke just that!
While we embrace innovation, especially when it enhances experience or sustainability, we pair it with a deep respect for craft, local materials, and cultural nuance. Reconciling the future with identity means designing spaces that are globally aware yet emotionally grounded—infused with textures, symbols, and stories that resonate with who we are.
How do you integrate aesthetics and functionality into your designs?
As both an engineer and a designer, I naturally draw a balance between precision and poetry—between how a space works and how it feels. At Designtales, aesthetics and functionality are never at odds; they are interwoven from the very beginning.
We start by understanding the client’s lifestyle and the functional needs of the space. These formulate the design framework, while materiality, light, and spatial composition bring in beauty and emotion. It’s this layering of functionality and aesthetics that makes our spaces truly come alive.
About the Designer
Meghana Nimmagadda is the founder of Designtales, a design studio established with the vision of creating spaces that tell meaningful stories. Her design philosophy centres on evoking emotions, fostering human connection and enhancing everyday experiences through thoughtful spatial design.
Meghana holds an engineering degree from BITS Pilani, Dubai, and studied interior design at the Pratt Institute in New York. She has also studied exhibition design and retail design, which has influenced her human-centric and experiential approach to space-making.
For more details, visit: https://www.designtales.in/
