Community Highlights: Meet Rydhima Brar of R/terior Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rydhima Brar.

Hi Rydhima, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born in Kuwait to Indian parents, I spent my early years immersed in the Arab and Indian cultures of the East, combined with the comforts and luxuries of the West. My sharpest memories are of lush fabrics, rich colors and scents, heirloom furniture, a vibrant family life, and the deep heritage preserved in centuries-old architecture. Then, the Gulf War started. My entire world shifted as we fled to India overnight. We stayed there for three whole years, waiting. When we finally returned to Kuwait, which we had always called home, I learned firsthand how to rebuild a life. With my father being in the construction industry, I was immersed in historic design and architecture from an early age. Having spent hours studying the building material samples in his office, century old textiles and artwork, I have infused my work with the impression each piece left on me. I then moved to New York to complete my undergraduate studies in Buffalo, New York. A job opportunity took me from Philadelphia to San Francisco, where I found another kind of love: my husband. However, after getting married we decided to move once again, this time to the sunny city of Los Angeles, where we wanted to start a family and where we also bought our first home in 2015. Once we moved in, I was keen on making this first home extremely special and started to work on the design of each space. I was inspired by the current trends but also elements that I grew up with in Kuwait i.e. heavy velvet drapes, Iranian and Turkish rugs, deep+rich colors, souvenirs from back India, pillows from the Kuwaiti Souq. During this time, we also welcomed our beautiful daughter, but due to birth complications I decided to quit my corporate life and stay at home to care for her.

This was the moment in life that was almost a rebirth in many ways, as a new mother and in terms of my career where I tapped into my passion for design and started doing some part-time work. I worked for a local art gallery and then interned with a local designer. Soon after that, I was being approached by friends and family to help spruce up their homes and offices. That led to bigger projects and before I knew it, I was working with clients all over the country!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No, I would think of it as a smooth road. When you choose to change your career path in your 30s, it can be a huge transition. Leaving behind a cushy job to follow your dreams with not knowing how it will end up can be extremely terrifying. Lots of sleepless nights and stressful days, financial burdens to think about. But you try to pull through by focusing on what you love and how you can accomplish it.

Also moving into an industry where you do not know many folks in can be isolating. As you try to figure out how to run your business, find resources and learn along the way is no easy task. Interior Design is a luxury service industry, so the biggest hurdle can be to start out and finding projects and clients.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
R/terior Studio is a luxury interior design firm based in Los Angeles, CA. We focus on both residential and commercial design. My global upbringing influences my design work extensively by integrating those diverse cultural elements with the unique elements of Kuwait, India and California, particularly the landscape and relaxed sensibility of the Middle East and the West Coast. That design parallels the story of my aesthetic in which many cultures have come together to mix with the existing cultures, creating multiple elements that are distinct yet overlapping. This combination creates a story of familiar yet exotic that focuses on creating emotions specific to each space.

I’d define my aesthetic as creating a contemporary space that juxtaposes eclectic with luxe while being both editorial yet comfortable. These elements may seem contradictory but combining unexpected elements – whether it’s pairing different patterns, playing with different textures, mixing in a baroque piece with geometric lines – to mold a specific feeling while fitting within the client’s needs and goals is a key underpinning of my design. Creating luxurious interiors and exteriors that are experienced through the use of various finishes, materials, textures and statement pieces is how I love to make a dramatic statement.

This approach has led to some amazing projects all over the country – San Francisco, Austin, Houston, Philadelphia, the Berkshires and LA of course. My work has also been featured in Architectural Digest, Vogue Arabia, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, CA Home + Design, WSJ, Veranda to name a few.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.rteriorstudio.com
• Instagram: @rteriorstudio
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/r-terior-studio-west-los-angeles-4

Image Credits
Mike Carrero – Photographer Frank Francis – Photographer