The undiscovered Abhishek Dekate: Uncovering the unseen side of a design luminary.
What’s the first ritual you perform each morning, and how does it secretly set the tone for your creative day?
I always start my morning by burning incense. It’s such a simple thing, but it really shifts the mood of the space and helps me feel grounded before the day kicks in. I usually choose the scent based on how I’m feeling, sandalwood if I need focus, or something lighter and floral if I want to ease into the day. Watching the smoke curl in the air kind of slows me down in the best way. It gives me a moment to just breathe and reset, and from there, everything feels a little more intentional.
If your life were a mixtape, which two unexpected songs would open, peak, and close the album and why?
I’d open with “Hot Slow” by Berlioz, it’s smooth, a little mysterious, and kind of sets the tone for how I move through the world: thoughtful, but not in a rush. The peak would have to be “Miss Independent” by Ne-Yo. That track is pure confidence. It reminds me of the energy I tap into when I’m in flow, doing my thing, building something I believe in.
And I’d close it out with “Cuff It” by Beyoncé, because no matter how serious or intense life gets, I always want to end on a high. Something joyful, a little wild, and full of movement.
Outside of home décor and entertaining, what hobby or craft do you indulge in that most people wouldn’t guess?
Pottery. It’s my way of zoning out and getting messy in the best way. There’s something super calming about working with clay. You kind of have to let go and just see where it takes you. I’m not trying to make anything perfect, and that’s what I love about it.
Which hue do you secretly despise, and what décor or object have you banished from your own space because of it?
I wouldn’t say I despise any colour, I think every shade has its place. But for my own space, I gravitate toward a more grounded, neutral palette. It helps create a calm atmosphere. I like to bring in colour through smaller accents or art, so it feels intentional and easy to change depending on the season or mood.
From your travels, what obscure souvenir holds the deepest personal meaning and where does it live in your home?
It’s actually not from my own travels, but a close friend brought me back a piece of art from Oaxaca that I really love. / ended up framing it and hanging it in my entryway. It’s the first thing you see when you walk in, and it’s such a nice reminder of her and how thoughtful that gesture was.
What’s one everyday distraction you find impossible to resist and how do you turn it into fuel for fresh ideas?
I’m definitely guilty of getting lost in Facebook Marketplace, especially hunting through vintage furniture and decor. It’s easy to lose track of time scrolling through all the unique finds and unexpected combos. What’s great is that even if I’m not actually shopping, seeing how these pieces come together sparks new ideas for mixing old and new in my own work. It’s like a constantly changing mood board that keeps my creativity flowing.
Whats the most memorable late-night project or brainstorm you’ve ever pulled off and what sparked the 2 AM inspiration?
I often find inspiration in everyday experiences like exploring a new coffee shop nearby or traveling to a different city.
When ideas come to me at 2 AM, l open my notes app and quickly jot them down.
Later, I revisit those thoughts when I’m planning my next piece of content. It’s like having a personal creative vault that helps keep the ideas flowing no matter the time.
Which family tradition (food, festival, phrase) do you quietly weave into your living space and how does it show up in an unexpected corner?
Lighting incense is a ritual my parents have carried every day, and it’s something I’ve naturally woven into my own space. It was always part of the home I grew up in, and now burning incense each morning helps me start the day with calm and intention. It’s a simple practice, but it brings a sense of connection and comfort that quietly fills the room and keeps that family tradition alive.
Imagine your ideal sanctuary in the year 2035. What’s one surprising element you’d insist on including, no matter how impractical?
I’m a firm believer that your space should work for you. So no matter how impractical something might seem, if it feels right and serves you, then it’s the right choice. For me, that means I’d include whatever sparks joy or creativity, even if it doesn’t fit the typical idea of
“practical.” The unexpected details are often what make a space truly yours.