The Psychology of Space: Ankush Seth on Designing Homes That Truly Work

When we think of interior design, the first images that come to mind are often the Pinterest-perfect living rooms, carefully curated colour palettes and aesthetic furniture layouts. What we rarely consider is the depth of thought and problem-solving that goes into creating a space that not only looks good but actually works for the people living in it. This interview was conducted to move beyond the surface of design and understand what truly goes into shaping a functional, lived-in space. What surprised me the most during this conversation was how little interior design has to do with cushions and colour palettes, and how much it has to do with psychology, negotiation and human behaviour.

His Way Into Design

Unlike the dramatic “I always knew” stories we often hear, Mr. Seth’s journey was gradual.

“I wasn’t always interested in furniture and architecture,” he recalls. “I just liked to draw. It just felt natural. I didn’t debate about doing something else.”

Art, however, was not immediately encouraged at home. Coming from a business background, creativity was not considered a conventional career path. He initially wanted to pursue architecture, but entrance requirements in India demanded high aggregate marks in physics, mathematics and biology.

“So it wasn’t about creativity,” he explains. “It was about whether you could score in science subjects.”

Unable to secure admission into architecture, he enrolled in interior design as a foundation. What began as an alternative soon became a calling. “I started enjoying it. I was very good in my class. And once that happened, I just continued.”

A Designer Without a Box

Unlike many professionals who narrow their focus to a specific niche, Mr. Seth resists ‘strict categorisation’. “As far as I’m concerned, I consider myself just a designer,” he says. “You should be able to do anything under the umbrella of design.”

Rather than style or sector, his approach centres on understanding how people live, move and interact within a space. “The first question I ask is: how do you live? What works for you? What bothers you?”

Design, for him, is not about imposing taste. It is about understanding behaviour.

The Invisible Work Behind the Scenes

One of the biggest misconceptions about interior design, he explains, is that it appears straightforward from the outside. What looks “effortless” in a finished space often involves countless decisions, revisions and conversations.

A surprising amount of time and energy, he notes, goes into managing people rather than objects. With visual platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, clients arrive armed with references, often without understanding whether those ideas suit their own homes. Helping them see beyond images and understand balance, proportion and context becomes a large part of the job.

The One Decision That Shapes Everything

When asked which single choice most affects how a space functions, his answer is immediate: “The layout, always the layout”.

Furniture placement, circulation and spatial flow come long before colours, themes or finishes. A well-planned layout allows everything else to fall into place. Without it, even the most beautiful elements struggle to work together. “Design,” he explains, “must begin with how people actually use a space, not how they want it to look in a photograph”.

Challenges That Come with the Territory

Rather than isolated obstacles, Mr. Seth sees challenges as a constant part of the profession. Every project presents new constraints, whether related to timelines, technical limitations or execution.

One of the most persistent difficulties lies in translating drawings into reality. Designers rely heavily on third parties such as craftsmen and labourers, which means outcomes are never entirely within their control. “The solution”, he says, “lies in constant monitoring, mock-ups and adjustments at every stage.”

Over time, experience has also taught him the importance of carefully choosing clients. Where earlier he would accept almost any project, now communication, energy and the vision matter just as much as the brief itself.

Designing for People, Not Just Impact

Looking back at his older works, he admits his perspective has evolved. Earlier projects leaned more towards visual impact. Today, his focus has shifted to creating spaces that feel lived-in, adaptable and personal. “A house should grow. If it’s completely finished with no space to add or change anything, it becomes static”. He gives a simple example: “You can change the curtains tomorrow, and the whole room feels new. That’s life.” For him, true design balances aesthetic with function. “ A sofa can look great, but if it feels like a rock, it has failed. What is a sofa for? Comfort”.

The Reality Clients Rarely See

If there is one thing he wishes clients understood before working with a designer, it is the importance of trust. Hiring a professional means allowing them to apply their expertise, not dictating every decision. While collaboration is essential, respecting the designer’s ability to visualise and problem-solve is what ultimately leads to better outcomes. “If you hire the professional, let the professional do his job.”

Design, he explains, is not arrogance or personal taste imposed on others. It is a trained skill rooted in experience, observation and understanding how spaces affect people.

Looking Ahead

Interestingly, Mr. Seth does not see his future solely within traditional interior design. His long-term vision includes moving towards design consultancy, teaching and creating platforms that help designers access resources, products and knowledge more easily.

By bridging gaps between ideas and execution, he hopes to contribute to the design community in a broader, more collaborative way.

Closing Thoughts

This conversation makes one thing clear: interior design is far more than surface-level beauty. It is a profession shaped by psychology, problem-solving, negotiation and constant learning. Behind every well-designed space is a series of invisible decisions that balance creativity with reality. As Mr Seth puts it, “design succeeds when it serves the people who live with it, not just those who look at it”. And perhaps that is the real difference between a showpiece and a home.

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