Hidden Gems: Meet Divya Kandala and Praneel Pallegar of Desi DIY

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful DIY couple – Divya Kandala and Praneel Pallegar. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversion with them below.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As we stepped into our new home, we saw beyond the beige walls and standard fixtures. We envisioned a vibrant tapestry of colors, textures, and patterns that would reflect our Indian heritage and personal style. Our DIY journey began with small projects, like painting the walls and replacing lighting fixtures. But soon, our creativity snowballed into a full-fledged passion project. We started a blog to share our ideas and document our progress, hoping to inspire others to do the same.

As our blog gained traction, we discovered our joy in helping others transform their spaces. We started receiving requests for design advice and consultation, which eventually led to the birth of our interior design company. Our unique blend of modern design and traditional Indian elements resonated with many, and our business flourished.

Today, we take pride in creating spaces that not only reflect our clients’ personalities but also pay homage to their cultural roots. Our design philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that a home should tell a story – one that is both personal and cultural. By combining modern design principles with traditional Indian elements, we create spaces that are both timeless and contemporary.

Our journey from a builder-grade house to a thriving interior design company has been a testament to the power of creativity and passion. As Einstein said, “Creativity is contagious. Pass it on.” We’ve been fortunate enough to pass on our creativity to countless clients, and we can’t wait to see how our designs inspire others to tell their own stories through their spaces.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
With every fiber of our being, we sought to celebrate the resilience and beauty of South Asian culture through our designs. We knew it wouldn’t be easy – the path was littered with obstacles, biases, and misconceptions. But we refused to let that dim our passion.

Every time we faced discrimination or dismissal, we remembered why we started: to honor our heritage, to share its vibrancy with the world, and to create spaces that felt like home. We poured our hearts into every design, every detail, and every conversation.

Slowly but surely, our love and dedication began to resonate. Clients started to see the beauty in our unique blend of traditional and modern elements. They began to appreciate the stories, the history, and the emotions woven into every piece.

Our designs became more than just spaces – they became testaments to the power of inclusivity, empathy, and understanding. They became bridges between cultures, between generations, and between hearts.

Today, as we look back on our journey, we’re reminded that the most beautiful designs are those that come from a place of love, resilience, and courage. We’re humbled by the trust our clients have placed in us and the opportunity to share our passion with the world.

Our challenge was to captivatingly showcase the richness of South Asian culture in design, while making it appealing to diverse tastes and seamlessly integrating modern elements. Despite facing discrimination and biases against South Asian culture in various public forums, we remained resolute in our mission.

Our goal was to not only celebrate the beauty of South Asian heritage but also empower the remote artisans in India who are the custodians of this legacy. We sought to provide them with a platform to thrive and bring value to the homes we design.

Through our work, we aim to bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, creating spaces that are both culturally significant and aesthetically stunning. By doing so, we hope to not only give life to the remote artisans in India but also bring a touch of their exceptional craftsmanship to the homes we create, making them truly special and meaningful.

Our mission is to create a movement that celebrates the beauty of South Asian culture, supports the artisans who embody it, and brings joy and value to the people who experience our designs. We believe that by doing so, we can create a more inclusive, diverse, and beautiful world, one design at a time.

As you know, we’re big fans of Desi DIY. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Success to me is crafting spaces that feel like home, where love resides, memories unfold, and hearts are warmed. It’s witnessing our designs bring joy to others and knowing we’ve made a meaningful difference. It’s the smile on an artisan’s face, the pride in their work, and the love infused into every stitch. By empowering remote artisans in India, we’re not only preserving traditional techniques but also showcasing their exceptional talent in contemporary design. That’s what makes it all worthwhile – the love, the joy, and the positive impact that ripples through every space we create.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://desidiydesignstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desidiy?utm_source=qr&igsh=MzYwNHVyOThnbGs4
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desidiydivyakandala/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4tVKVL-WAd-k4ZfdzdKlnA