EDITOR’s NOTE
Design, at its heart, is an expression of the world as we see it, shaped by our experiences, our dreams, and our desires. Colour, in particular, holds a special power in design. It transcends its aesthetic appeal to become a language of its own—bold, subtle, warm, or cool. It can transform a mundane space into an experience, influencing our mood, productivity, and sense of belonging. Every year we know the global colour authority ‘Pantone’ releases colour of the year, but being from India it is great to know we also have our own colour system now by Asian Paints. I still remember just few weeks back I visited the launch of ‘Chromacosm’ the first colour system in India by Asian Paints. A splendid initiative by Amit Syngle, managing director & CEO of Asian Paints to establish an easier process for all designers from the country to pick the right tone of colour for their creative endeavours. From the various colours of Chromacasom, Asian Paints also launched the colour of the year 2025. Yes, we Indians now have our colour of the year. It’s called “Cardinal’ – A light blueberry yogurt splashed on a wall, delicious! Well, that’s how I would define this colour in words.
As we are talking about colour I tend to relate a colour with Italy. Red or I like to say it as Rosso. Why you ask? Well, it’s the colour of Salone. Any hints?
Salone del Mobile. Milano the largest design fair in the world and their red colour drama all over Milan is something no designer can forget. The 63rd edition of Salone is soon to be uncovered in Milan at Rho Fiera. Checkout in this edition what Maria Porro the president of Salone del Mobile has to say about the new edition.
Done with red? So why not another colour story I very well relate with the Milan Design Week?
Blue!
A colour I connect always with Isola Design District. I still remember back in 2022 when I first got a chance to check Isola. There I met Gabriele Cavallaro a young Italian design enthusiast who founded Isola Design District in 2017. Since then every year I visit alma mater city Milano where it is always great to meet Gabriele as he tours me around the district. This edition I had a conversation with Gabriele as he shares his design journey at Isola. A design district creating a legacy not only in Milan but all over Europe and Middle East.
With this edition (Vol. 6) for 2025 we celebrate our 6th successful year of DE INDIA magazine. With that we delve into the essence of exploring how thoughtful architecture, interior design & decor can transform spaces into havens of comfort, style, and personal expression while showcasing some of the exquisite SPACES, and trendy products designed by young design icons of India. Hope you like it.
Let’s Talk Design with DE. Happy Reading.
Cheers!!
– Anirudh Datta
