Ashwiinii Dongare - If We Look Around With Curiosity by Keeping a Designer Mindset, I Think We Will Get Many Ideas (Interior Designer From India)

Take a maximalist approach to decorate. Colour in with yellow & grey. Rustic vogue. Be bold with the primary palate. Create a country scheme with cottage core. Rejoice with earthy, grounded shades.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

My name is Ashwiinii Donagre. I was born & brought up in a middle-class family which is living in the old ruler area in the state of Maharashtra, Dist. Beed, Tal- Shirur Kasar, Village - Khokarmoha. 

At that time in my family, no one knew about Interior Design. I did my basic education in the same village in Z.P. High School in Marathi. I was always interested in drawing, sketch in my school days. I always wanted to be an architect but somehow I did not get admission after my 12th. So I took admission to engineering at Pune university.

Simultaneously in one year drop, I found I should invest in my passion (interior

design) & I took the admission for it. I completed my 3years in this with practical

knowledge in 2015 & I pursued a degree at Pune University.

2. How did you narrow down on this career path?

Even if it doesn't happen as quickly as you’d like. Say to yourself:

I can make time to focus on my bigger career goals. I may not have as much

time as I’d like, but I can make progress, no matter how small.

Be patient with yourself. Remember, it is the baby steps you take that lead to

the bigger progress that you’re aiming for. Remember Why You’re Doing What You’re Doing in your heart of hearts, you probably know what your big goal is. And you probably know what it will take to get there. But remembering that often

means taking a time-out from the rest of the work you’re doing.

3. Where did you study from and what would you recommend to our

readers?

I completed a 3 years course in interior designing from Fergusson College,

Pune. Also, I did a one-year internship in a private firm for real corporate

experience which was much needed to start my own interior firm in the interior. I

believe rather than a degree or course, practical experience matters a lot in

this field or any field. I learned a lot more from Google, YouTube and Pinterest I

think.

4. What are the new trends to keep in mind while designing homes.

Take a maximalist approach to decorate. Colour in with yellow & grey. Rustic vogue. Be bold with the primary palate. Create a country scheme with cottage core. Rejoice with earthy, grounded shades.

It used to be that our homes were a place for part of our lives. Much of the day

was spent at the workplace, with a commute by train, bus, or car on either

end. Often, we’d have planned before and after work too: maybe an early

morning spin class, or a dinner at a favourite neighbourhood restaurant.

5. Where do you derive design inspiration from?

I took most of the ideas directly from nature. If we look around with curiosity

by keeping a designer mindset, I think we will get many ideas. I am always in

search of something new in terms of materials, home décors, lighting, and furniture.

6. What are the biggest challenges and roadblocks in this field?

There are so many challenges. It's always there in any field. The major challenge I think is to implement what you visualised as the final view of the project. Also,

fit all requirements of customers in a fixed budget and deliver projects with

maximum customer satisfaction.

7. Which is your favourite book and why?

My favourite book is Bhagwad Gita as it is. Because I learn a lot from it. I can

still connect my life with it. I believe everybody's life can be connected with it.

Ashwiinii Dongare

Interior Designer

Interviewed By Dimpy Mavar