On the heels of our 19th anniversary, we spoke to renowned decor stylists to share their favourite things, projects and Christmas props!

As 2019 draws to a close, Sonia Dutt, our Chief Creative Officer, shares how the concept of styling has evolved over the years, what’s important to her—and gets renowned decor stylists to do the same. Read on for a jolly time and inspired celebrations!

Sonia Dutt
Chief Creative Officer, ELLE DECOR India

Since starting the ‘Style’ section of the magazine, I have realised that a well-styled space is not about glossy or expensive pieces. It’s about creating a look that inspires dreams which stay with you. For a long time, I’d pinned an image on my soft board—a glass of milk on a wooden table with a folded napkin under it. It’s every precious detail stood out: the overused wood grain, the weave of a crushed linen napkin, a plain glass filled with frothy milk. That was the benchmark I wanted to achieve. It is why the styled image (see the scroll above) in a winter palette is one of my favourites.

Of course, ‘tis the season to celebrate such cherished memories and pull out Xmas decorations that have been preserved over the years. Personally, I love these glass baubles with an angel from Sia Home. My first and most beloved memory of them is of my then-five-year-old, clutching the angel in her tiny fist as she drifted off to sleep. This wave of nostalgia led me to wonder what my peers remembered this time of the year. So, we decided to ask them!

Dietlind Wolf
Cofounder, Kitchentricity

Wolf combines her acute understanding of colours and materials with her expertise as a former textile designer, long time prop stylist, chef, ceramicist and photographer.
My favourite styled space is… A Wunderkammer where the heart of a former pharmacy can be seen— the matte clay colour on the walls is matched to the furniture left in its original state. What is still missing is a painting on the ceiling inspired by those seen in Nordic churches, which depicts the history of the house and its inhabitants… a kind of modern comic.
My preferred Christmas prop is… Pomegranates
My first decor purchase… A tram stop sign purchased at an auction at the age of 13
My greatest extravagance… Japanese and Korean pottery, and Dries van Noten beauties… and saying no
Materials I love… I’d like to go back to porcelain and clay

Pavitra Rajaram
Creative Director, Pavitra Rajaram Design

After spending over two decades leading the design team at Good Earth, she diversified into an independent interior design practise focusing on styling homes, retail spaces, restaurants and boutique hotels.
My favourite styled space is… This weekend home for Falguni Nayar, the founder of Nykaa, a few years ago. It has all the elements of a classical South Indian home with a courtyard in an updated and contemporary avatar
My preferred Christmas prop is… I love a pink table all year round and especially for Christmas!
Colours on my mind… Aquamarine, apricot, charcoal and bronze
I am currently reading… Around the World in 80 Trees by Jonathan Drori. It’s part history, part science and mostly wonderful
My wish for 2020… More green, more ocean, less traffic and less clutter
One perception I wish I could change about the industry… That it’s tough to break into! I’m always looking for young talent to work with