Our Home, In Print:How Our Home Found Its Way into Better Living Magazine
Let me tell you about something very cool that happened recently…
My home—the one I spent months renovating, styling, tweaking (and re-tweaking)—got featured in Better Living Magazine, a major interiors publication here in Dubai. Cue excitement, disbelief, and immediate panic.
Yep, I had less than 24 hours to get everything styled, polished, de-cluttered, and magazine-ready. That meant hiding every cord, shoving dishes into the dishwasher, picking up cat toys, and making the space look effortlessly perfect!
Now usually, it’s just me, my husband, and the cats at home. The place is tidy because I literally can’t function unless it is. But of course, the timing was chef’s kiss—we had guests staying over, and they were due to return from Abu Dhabi the very next morning… just in time to cross paths with the magazine team arriving at 9 AM.
After a minor meltdown, a motivational pep talk from my husband, and a flurry of emails with the lovely Muthu and Clair from the magazine, I had about 40 minutes—after Shyam left for work—to pull it all together. By some miracle (and a lot of strategic shoving-things-into-drawers), I managed to get the space photo-ready.
Just as I threw on an outfit (un-ironed, obviously), the doorbell rang.
The Shoot
Honestly? The shoot was amazing. Watching the photographer work, seeing him notice the tiniest design details—it was surreal. The only part I struggled with was the portrait. I’ve never been super comfortable in front of the camera, but they made it feel easy, and I’m so glad I got to be a part of the process, not just the space.
Then Life Hit Fast-Forward
Right after the shoot, life hit full speed again. Our guests came back, and three days later, we were packing for a family wedding in Sri Lanka. The trip was beautiful, chaotic, and exhausting in the best way. By the time we returned to our little villa and reunited with our kitties, I was completely wiped.
Then—the magazine came out.
First, the digital copy. And wow. The photos? Stunning. The editorial? Even better. I think Shyam was actually more excited than I was. I was still in “wait, did that really happen?” mode.
But when the print issue came out—it really hit me. It was even more beautiful in person. I felt proud. Like, deep-in-your-chest proud. (Which, if I’m being honest, isn’t always easy for me.)
And Then… the Grocery Store Moment
A few days later, I was in Spinneys, walking past the magazine rack—and there it was. My home. On those glossy pages.
It stopped me. Because it wasn’t just about the feature—it was about how far I’ve come.
I’ve always loved design. Art, music, interiors—it’s always been in me, even as a kid. But over the years, through all the experiences (good and tough), my vision has sharpened. My style has matured. And I’ve learned how to translate the things I feel into spaces people love to live in.
I don’t often pause to say this, but in that moment—I felt proud. Proud that I’ve built something that feels meaningful. Proud that people see it and feel something too.
What This Means for Vivid Design Studio
This isn’t just a personal win—it’s a reminder of why I started Vivid Design Studio in the first place.
To create spaces that aren’t just pretty—they’re personal. Bold but thoughtful. Minimal but full of soul. Spaces that feel like you—just turned up a notch.
Thanks to everyone who’s been part of this journey so far. I’m just getting started.
Want to see the full feature?
Click on the link! (Page 49 onwards)
https://issuu.com/hotmedia/docs/betterliving_magazine_-_summer_25?fr=xKAE9_zMzMw
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