SUNU AIBARA: A MODERN DESIGN MAVEN

HELLO! GETS TALKING TO A LADY WHO BELIEVES IN AN ORGANIC AND DIVERSE APPROACH TO INTERIORS, SOMEONE WHO’S TRANSFORMED SPACES TO TELL NEW STORIES — BE IT THE VILLA OF THE KASHMIR ROYAL FAMILY IN MUMBAI, OR THE HOME OF ONE OF THE CITY’S OLDEST INDUSTRIALIST FAMILIES

- SANGEETA WADDHWANI

Designing spaces for a world where sensibilities are fast shifting calls for not just constant adaptation, but an intuitive, sensitive approach. Sunu Aibara, of Neterwala & Aibara, has created bespoke interiors for a diverse clientele for over three decades, with a view to reflecting the lives, aesthetics and driving passions of the inhabitors of the space, while also retaining its inherent charms. HELLO! speaks with the interiors exponent who sees the world as her oyster of inspiration and has the confidence to assert and convince her clients about what really works.

One sees a rich and diverse portfolio of work — from gyms to private villas to showflats in the new lifestyle-rich towers that have taken over Mumbai. Can you tell us about the most ‘daring’ idea you’ve executed?

One of the most challenging jobs was collaborating with an architect to create a beautiful Alibaug home on an extremely tricky plot. This plinth-size was only 2,200 sqft. The challenge was not only to fit all the clients’ requirements but to create a feeling of space on such a small plot.

How did you discover that transforming spaces was your calling?

I was always passionate about creative spaces, which led to frequent changes at home. And then with some encouragement from my husband, I went back to college and qualified from Sophia Polytechnic.

You designed the villa in Breach Candy, which once belonged to the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, in a contemporary style. Did you retain any elements from the old-world interiors, or did you completely reimagine the home?