Nyishi Parekh’s journey began in a strict, academically-driven household, eventually leading her to architecture and later interior design. Her studies in Florence influenced her design sensibilities profoundly, shaping her penchant for European aesthetics over others.
Meeting Suhani of Misho Designs in Florence and subsequently Sharan [Suhani’s brother and now Nyishi’s partner] back in Bombay marked pivotal moments in Nyishi’s life. Together with Sharan, she evolved Splendour Living into a comprehensive design hub, blending engineering expertise with artistic creativity. As a designer, Nyishi’s style of work is pretty maximal. Take her latest project for example, Lyla a stunning cocktail bar in Bombay that is curated with Afro-Latin and Spanish elements. The walls are adorned with intricate prints and textures. Richly hued tapestries, reminiscent of South American markets are draped across the brick surfaces. Hand-painted murals depict folklore, dancing, and vibrant street scenes. The bar is the focal point of the space, crafted from solid wood and Calcutta Viola marble, contrasting textures that ground the space. There are large columns where Nyishi used natural material like terracotta cladding reflecting both Indian and Latin American influences seamlessly. She talks to us about her sensibility and journey in design.
THE FIRST GIG
My best friend’s house in Bandra. He’s got a political background and wanted a base in Bombay. I was young and clueless, but with his trust, I dove in. Initially, I felt in over my head on site. Contractors were waiting for direction, sizing me up like, “What does this girl know?” Luckily, Sharan’s architect friend came to the rescue, shouting orders and setting things straight. It was a reality check from theory to practice. My parents ingrained a strong work ethic: work hard till you can’t. Now, there’s no escape from hard work, but I’m more confident. Still, nothing beats seeing your friend happy with their house, even if not entirely.
DESIGN SENSIBILITY
Architecturally, I adapt, from starting fresh with a bare shell to honoring the character of old spaces like the Portuguese villa we did in Ali Bagh. It’s about evoking emotions—a place should feel right, not just look good. Cities inspire me differently, but I’m drawn to mid-century aesthetics for their lived-in feel. While staying in Italy, Milan’s old-world charm spoke volumes to me— even the old bars, jazz culture. It’s about capturing that vibe, that character, which modern spaces often miss.
LYLA
At first, we were tasked with creating an American-inspired space where they could decide between Mexicali or a more Peruvian theme. We opted for a Latin American feel. The first thing that came to mind for me was Central America’s warmth. In movies, locations have a distinct light that transports you instantly—like Bombay or London. Similarly, Mexican desert scenes always exude warmth. We aimed to capture this in the space, setting the tone with warm hues as soon as you enter. The seating arrangements were curated to offer intimate or communal settings, adapting to different patron experiences.
CURATING THE WALL ART
Before finalizing the layout, I began collecting pieces to layer the space. I work closely with local artists, like Shamim Khan, who crafts stunning jute carpets painted with vibrant yet washed-out colors, perfectly fitting our theme. We intentionally included African artefacts, given the historical influence in Latin American culture. It adds depth and richness. Although I haven’t been to Latin America myself, shows like Narcos provided insights into their vibrant life and culture. We sourced various artworks globally. For instance, Ayushi Panchal’s etchings from Kochi Biennale perfectly complemented our space. Her pieces added character without overwhelming the vibrant yet toned-down color palette.
WHAT’S NEXT
In Bangalore, we worked on Pyramid Valley Foundation, transforming rooms into a cozy getaway with spa plans in the works. Apart from design, I’ve started an industrial kitchen at our design space in Maral which is my attempt at creating a vibe of a full experience; something that Indian places lack in my opinion. The space has become a hub for experimental dinners, a breather in the midst of hectic design work.
Words Hansika Lohani
Date 06.08.2024