Gauri Khan gives Hyderabad a taste of her luxury design aesthetics, in collaboration with Sussanne Khan

Gauri Khan, a GKD concept
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

In April 2022, when designers Falguni and Shane Peacock launched their flagship Hyderabad store — designed by Gauri Khan — it marked her entry into the city’s interior design scene. Nearly two years later, she expands her presence through a collaboration with Sussanne Khan’s The Charcoal Project (TCP). Floor 03 of TCP, on HITEC City Road, Jubilee Hills, now houses Gauri Khan Designs (GKD), showcasing luxury furniture and accessories, including bedroom and living room setups with custom-made screens, hand-painted wallpapers, statement mirrors, and contemporary lighting.

“Sussanne and I have been close friends and share a deep love for design. Over the years, I’ve felt a gap in India’s design industry — world-class furniture and accessories were often inaccessible. We wanted to bridge that gap by offering handcrafted pieces that celebrate Indian artisanship,” says Gauri, whose interest in interior design deepened when she refurbished her home, Mannat, after she moved into the now-famous landmark in Mumbai with her husband, superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

Sussanne Khan and Gauri Khan
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Sussanne established The Charcoal Project in Mumbai in 2011. Armed with an associate art degree in Interior Design from Brooks College, Long Beach, California, she also worked with her mother and interior designer, Zarine Khan.

Bringing GKD to Hyderabad, Gauri curated a selection of furniture, home decor, soft furnishings, art, and artefacts. “I hope people enjoy experiencing the collection as much as we enjoyed creating it,” she adds.

Gauri emphasises that every piece on display, from rugs and linens to furniture, is designed and crafted in-house. While the label occasionally sources unique elements internationally, most materials and craftsmanship are Indian. “I travel extensively, visit design fairs, and stay updated on global trends — whether through the works of great masters or social media. But ultimately, a designer must find their own voice. Our aesthetic is contemporary and refined, blending global influences with an understanding of what resonates with the Indian market.”

A view of Gauri Khan Designs on floor 03 of The Charcoal Project
| Photo Credit:
Siddhant Thakur

The drama quotient

While the display floor features predominantly muted tones, the drama unfolds through creative lighting. “Lighting is a powerful design element. Whether it’s a grand chandelier or an unconventional turbine pendant, statement fixtures add character and intrigue to a space,” says Gauri, who believes the right lighting can instantly transform a room, bringing warmth, depth, and personality.

A panel near the bedroom setup features elephant imagery, adding a touch of Nature to the space. “We have several handcrafted screens, each with a unique design,” Gauri explains. “The one you saw frames a stunning elephant motif wallpaper by de Gournay, a brand renowned for its exquisite hand-painted and embroidered wallcoverings.”

A view of the bedroom setup by Gauri Khan Designs, featuring a handcrafted screens with elephant images, at the far end.
| Photo Credit:
Siddhant Thakur

Mirror, mirror on the wall

Beyond lighting, mirrors play a key role in Gauri’s design philosophy. She sees them as more than just functional, reflective surfaces. “I love using mirrors to amplify natural light, create an illusion of openness, and make a statement,” she says. She illustrates this with an example: “A sleek white dresser with clean lines, paired with a softly-lit mirror, exudes refinement and modern elegance. Meanwhile, a sculptural mirror framed in rich golden wood with fluid, organic edges feels like a work of art, seamlessly blending luxury with Nature’s beauty.”

The use of mirrors in Gauri Khan Designs
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

For TCP, Hyderabad marks the second store after Mumbai. When asked about a standalone GKD store in the city, Gauri says, “Luxury is an experience that cannot be rushed. My label began 13 years ago, and our flagship store in Mumbai offers meaningful design narratives. We are now planning an experience centre in Delhi. The journey has been organic.”