Designer daughters

The same people whose laps they bounced on when they were babies were wary of giving them a free hand when it came to their homes. A reality they were prepared for. quot;People take time to trust you with their homes and money. It cannot come just like that,quot; says Sussane.

Whichis why both she and Simone went abroad to arm themselves with degrees. Simone went to Inchbald in London and Sussane went to Brooke8217;s in Los Angeles. quot;Living abroad really exposes you to new things and opens your mind,quot; says Sussane. Other than that, both designers believe that interiors cannot be taught, it has to come from within. quot;It is inborn. The eye can be trained but you cannot be taught which colours to play with,quot; says Simone. Which is why Simone makes sure she is involved with a project from start to finish. quot;Once when I had finished doing a library, I even wanted to know what books they were going to put on the shelves,quot; she adds.

In the business for eight years now, Simone started out by working with her uncle Pilai Billimoria. A few months later she set out on her own and today, she has to her credit several homes and offices 8212; including Trikaya Grey8217;s Lower Parel office. Her first independent job however was more modest. She did a beauty parlour at Altamount Road and then she did a youngcouple8217;s home in Worli. Sussane has been with Traditions Zarine8217;s company for two years now and though her client base is largely built on younger people, her resume is no less prestigious. She re-designed Paulomi Sanghavi8217;s jewellery store in Om Chambers, Kemp8217;s Corner, in just a few months.

Both Sussane and Simone however prefer commercial projects to residential. quot;It is easier and quicker,quot; says Simone. Though they do understand why some clients find it hard to make a decision. quot;You think so long before you buy a dress which you only wear a few times. But your furniture, you have to live with everyday,quot; says Simone. quot;I am sure I will find it quite difficult to make decisions when I do my house,quot; adds Sussane. Both designer daughters have similar tastes, as well. They prefer wooden floors to marble, earthy colours and accessories to heavy velvets and crystal. And Sussane 8212; who would eventually like to own a furniture store 8212; goes as far as to say, quot;I would not get involved with a project if someonewanted a gaudy look.quot;

They are also quick to point out that though they come from well-established families, they offer value for money. quot;I am used to working in a budget,quot; says Simone. And neither believe that there is any need to use expensive furniture from abroad. quot;You can get everything here. And the furniture in Mumbai is of better quality than Delhi,quot; adds Simone.

There is a downside to having such a busy career. Getting time-off is a problem. Simone says that she gets two weeks off a year while Sussane manages to take a month off. quot;I am paranoid about my work,quot; says Simone. Though neither of them are complaining. quot;It8217;s been hard work but it is very satisfying,quot; she says.