Revamping a Stuffy Home Library Into an India Inspired Home Yoga Studio
What it Takes to Create a One of a Kind Yoga Studio for the Ideal Zen Experience.
Interview Questions Answered by Principal Designer Rina Capodieci-Quinn.
What was the goal?
The goal was to create a kundalini yoga studio that reflected the essence of the practice.
What was the scope?
The scope was to transform a former home library into a quiet, soothing, relaxed space to practice yoga.
What was the sought-after interior design aesthetic?
After researching Kundalini yoga, it became clear that the space needed to reflect the bold colors of India. However, using bold paint colors incorrectly can make a space feel too fierce and unwelcoming. The colors for this room needed to be warm, inviting and captivating. Additionally, the space needed to reveal a sense of quiet strength. The combination of bold paint colors, soft ceiling and window treatments, mid-eastern lighting and indian decor accomplished the goal. Added fabric sound panels in the once bookshelves also helped to complete the sense of quietness.
What were the phases of design?
Meet with the Client
Kundalini Yoga Research
Design Details
Design Review
Client Approval
Execute
Install
Final Touches
Can you explain each phase of design more in depth? For example:
Meet with the Client —
Sit with the client and discuss the goal for the space
Kundalini Yoga Research —
Once the initial goal was set, research to become more knowledgeable about the Kundalini practice was necessary. The space needed to be authentic and respectful to its origins.
Design Details —
Lighting, wall-coverings, ceiling and window treatments, lighting fixtures, mid-eastern artifacts, and select India inspired paint colors were chosen.
Design Review —
All design details were reviewed for size accuracy & details, availability, and the proper combination of elements.
Client Approval —
Present everything to the client for approval.
Execute —
Execute every detail, line up sub-contractors, and place orders to seamlessly create the new interior in a time efficient fashion.
Install —
Oversee all installs and place all furnishings
Final Touches —
Add all final designer decor and accessories to complete the ambience of the space.
What was your favorite part of the job?
An easy favorite part of the job was learning more about a new culture and creating an authentic interior that could really take people to a different mental space.
What was your least favorite part of the job?
The least favorite part, as with any project, is leaving it behind after completion. So much time and energy goes into each space and it is always difficult to detach.
What made this job unique compared to other jobs you’ve done?
This project was unique in the fact that it was a complete transformation. The design team had to completely reimagine a large and stuffy home library into a completely unrelated space. It was amazing to watch the space truly become the perfect home yoga studio.
Photography Credit: Peter Rymwid