Ridhi Khosla Jalan’s journey is a study in reimagining design—how we live in our homes, how we consume aesthetics, and how we connect through them. An interior designer turned content creator, she has carved a new niche at the crossroads of interiors, fashion, and digital storytelling.
What began as a way to share knowledge quickly grew into a movement, drawing in not just design professionals but doctors, lawyers, engineers—audiences far beyond the industry. At the heart of her work lies a simple conviction: design is for everyone. Whether through a memory wall, a mix of patterns, or a rule deliberately broken, her voice demystifies interiors and makes them deeply personal.
In a landscape where trends often overshadow meaning, Ridhi offers a different perspective—one that champions authenticity, experimentation, and accessibility. In conversation with her, we explore the intersections of fashion and interiors, the future of sustainable design, and the power of building a design language that feels both timeless and human.
What first drew you to design?
I grew up in a home that was always being renovated. While my parents are businessmen and businesswomen, they had a passion for renovating homes whenever they bought one. So, I was perpetually in a one-bedroom and kitchen while the rest of the house was under construction. Understanding design came very naturally to me because I grew up with it. But I also liked the idea of creating something new. I really enjoy when there’s a challenge—like a column, a beam, or a narrow space I need to light up. Overcoming these challenges with good design is what keeps me going.
How did your transition from interior designer to content creator unfold, and what surprised you most about the response?
My transition to content creation happened very naturally. Living in Mumbai, I had no idea what was happening in Bangalore or Hyderabad despite the access. So, if I was struggling, imagine designers in smaller cities—how would they know what was happening in the industry?
So, I took the knowledge I had and started sharing it on social media. This was never meant to become a full-time profession—it was something I was doing on the side. But within four months I had more than 200,000 followers. Because of that rapid rise, I had to make a decision: do I want to create a new niche of design content creation, or continue on the traditional path of being an interior designer? For me, it was a no-brainer—I wanted to do something that had never been done before and create an entire industry around it.
The response has been overwhelming. I didn’t expect so many people to be curious—not just designers, but doctors, lawyers, engineers—people from completely different fields. While the growth has been a surprise, what’s more surprising is how non-design people are following along and engaging with interiors.
Your social media presence grew rapidly in under a year. What do you think resonated with people the most about your approach?
I think what resonated most is that I’ve been very authentic and honest with my opinions. There are a lot of brands willing to pay me money, but if it’s not something I believe in, or something I would actually use in my own projects, I don’t talk about it. People see that and understand it.
The other part is that this was a real gap—people wanted to know more about homes and design, but no one was really sharing that knowledge. I stepped into that gap, and people were hungry for it.
How do the worlds of fashion and interior design collide, and where do you see the strongest crossovers between the two?
These worlds always collide because ultimately it’s all about aesthetics—along with functionality. If you’re good at interiors, you understand fashion to an extent. There are so many similarities: the way you put a color palette together is the same as how you’d do it for a space or an outfit. Jewelry and ornaments in fashion are like decor and lighting pieces in interiors. Silhouettes in fashion are like layouts in design. The execution may be different, but at the core, both are about understanding aesthetics.
What’s one design “rule” you find yourself breaking often, and why?
One rule I often break is that everything has to match. People grow up thinking everything should match, but that’s not true. You can mix patterns, textures, wall paints, and wallpapers and still have it look like one cohesive story. The mix can feel intentional and layered without being “matchy-matchy.” Matching is a good rule of thumb for someone who has no idea where to start, but as a professional, you need to know how to work with layers and contrasts without it looking obvious.
What advice would you give to young interior designers—or anyone designing their own home?
Be experimental. Don’t be afraid to take one new risk. It doesn’t have to be a huge one, like trying a completely new flooring material—because you’ll be stuck with that for years. But it could be a corner, a piece of furniture, or even hardware that you’ve never used before. Experimenting with something new is what makes a space memorable and personal.
Fashion has seasons, but homes are meant to last. What do you think about trend versus timelessness in your work?
Fashion and interiors both have their trends, but also their classics. The rule for me in both is simple: your basics need to be timeless. In interiors, that means flooring or wall treatments; in fashion, it’s your shirt and pants. But you can always play with accessories. In fashion, that’s a neckpiece, clutch, or shoes. In interiors, it is the colors, upholstery, tableware, décor, or artwork—elements you can switch out easily to bring in trends without compromising longevity.
How do you see sustainability shaping the future of Indian design?
Sustainability has become a huge buzzword in India. While people are aware of it, very few are practicing it. It’s a price-sensitive market, and most people aren’t willing to spend even a little extra for sustainable options. They may have a few products that are eco-friendly, but their overall lifestyle doesn’t reflect a sustainable mindset. Awareness is there, but I don’t think we’re yet ready to fully put our money where our mouth is.
What’s the design equivalent of a “little black dress”—something every home should have?
A memory wall—a space where you capture the best highlights of your life. Even though we live on our devices and move at a fast pace, it’s grounding to have a wall you can look at every day. It could be in your living room, passageway, or even your bedroom. It adds warmth, emotion, and a sense of home—it makes you feel good.
When you look ahead, what kind of legacy would you like your design voice to leave behind?
I’m building an online school for interior designers called RKJ Design School. It’s important for people to learn practical knowledge—whether it’s interior design, styling, or even the business side of design. These things aren’t taught in colleges in India, so I’m creating courses to fill that gap. It’s online, so it’s accessible to anyone, anywhere. The response so far has been overwhelming, and I hope to grow it into a larger platform where many different kinds of designers can be featured.