A step inside Aditya and Rukmini's home in London
Have you ever stepped into a home that made you feel something instantly? That kind of space where warmth, personality, and vibrancy collide to create an energy that lingers long after you leave? That’s exactly how I felt when I visited Aditya and Rukmini in Walton-on-Thames.
Even though I had known them through a mutual friend, a quick tour of their house told me so much more than words ever could. Isn’t that the best kind of storytelling? Why wait to be born as a king or queen for someone else to build you a museum when you can craft it on your own and live in it every single day?
Their home is a visual delight. It had COLOR and CHARACTER. It reminded me of DOPAMINE DECOR — a trend in interior design that embraces joy, playfulness, and unapologetic self-expression through interiors.
As first-time homeowners with no formal design background, Aditya and Rukmini prove that great design isn’t exclusive to professionals, it can be achieved by home decor enthusiasts like THEM, YOU, and ME. Their home felt like a perfect candidate to start the much-awaited South Asian Homes in London series for Vaarsa London.
A Celebration of Color
The first thing that strikes you about their home is the COLOR. It’s bold, it’s vibrant, it’s full of life. Their dominant palette revolves around shades of blues —moody bedrooms, plush blue couches, bright turquoise dining chairs. But pops of pink, green, and yellow make strategic appearances throughout the house.
I love this style but know people often struggle to get it right. So, I asked them for some trade secrets. And here’s what I learned:
1. Start with a Clean Slate
Before their vision could take shape, they started with a blank canvas—white walls. Once they had a neutral foundation, they layered in personality with color, prints, and textures. Knowing wallpapers would be central to their design, they started there.
2. Take Your Time
Unlike many new homeowners who rush to furnish everything at once, they let their space evolve organically, drawing inspiration from life events and travels. A pro tip from Rukmini? Buy what you love, not what fits the space. This way the home comes together on its own and brings you joy for a longer time.
3. Compatibility Matters
Discuss your color palette. Fortunately, both Rukmini and Aditya love bright, bold hues. When couples (or housemates) have aligned color preferences, it makes designing a cohesive space so much easier. If you have a partner with different tastes, finding a common ground (or alternating statement pieces) might be key.
4. Balance the Details
Look closely, and you’ll notice their space does not overwhelm because they’ve balanced it well. A black coffee machine against a floral backdrop or a solid bed frame offsetting patterned bedding. The key? Balance.
Bringing your Personality
My favorite part of the house was how it celebrated who they are — south asian roots, joyful hearts, avid travellers.
Block-printed textiles reign supreme—as table linens, bed quilts, cushions, throws.
There was also a refreshingly modern take on south asian art, proving cultural decor can also be playful, modern, and fun.
I love travelling so admiring their custom-built magnetic wall that displayed over 100 fridge magnets from their adventures, and a bookshelf dedicated to souvenirs from 50+ countries and 49/50 U.S. states - was purely impressive! Each piece carried a memory, a place, and a story, and I could see what resonated with them about a place just by the pieces they chose to bring back - no words were required.
Before I wrapped up my visit, I asked Rukmini to show me pictures of the home before they worked their magic on it. Looking at the transformation, I had to ask: "What made you feel like this was the one?"
Her answer was instant: "For me, it was all about the floor plan. Throughout the house-hunting process, that’s the first thing I would check. I knew I could make a home look however I want, but if the floor plan doesn’t work, it will be hard to change."
So there you go - a parting pro tip and a gentle reminder that while aesthetics matter, functionality is still the core of all good designs.
Thank you Aditya & Rukmini.
At Vaarsa London, we celebrate homes that reflect their owners' personalities. From block-printed linens to handcrafted decor, our collection brings a touch of South Asian craftsmanship to modern living spaces. Explore our curated selection and start your own dopamine decor journey.
