Designers 7: Neeshay Nauman

Meet Neeshay Nauman, interior designer and founder of The Niche Corner.

You may recognise her from the Fall/Winter Vogue Living Arabia issue! Neeshay's work has been in several publications and it always stands out with its bright, yet harmonious and inviting style. She is one of those women who seem to have more than 24h in their day and isn't short of positivity and creativity.

I asked Neeshay to participate in our Designers 7 Q&A and she gave us some insight to her life as an interior designer and why she thinks lighting can make or break the space. I hope you enjoy the read!

• How would you describe your design style?

My design style, if you were to ask clients or followers, would probably describe as being full of neutrality and minimalism. I would however say my style is more like “guarded transitional.” Transitional interiors merge traditional and contemporary concepts- when given the opportunity, I attempt to bring these to life. 

• From your point of view, is interior design an art or a science?

It’s an integration of both- you need to have a good understanding of what your clients are after, functionally, in order to create something that is also aesthetically pleasing as well as unique. 

• When designing a room what is the most important factor for you?

I feel lighting can either make or break a space. You could have all the right elements but if the lighting is either too warm, too cool, non-existent (no hints of natural exposure), you probably would not enjoy the space as much. I always try to create as much appropriate light as possible!

• Tell us something unusual that has happened in your career.

I would say the most unusual thing has been starting my career! Having been in Corporate Communications for most of my professional life, to make the change to Interior Design was a huge jump. I wouldn’t say it came out of nowhere, as I was always interested in design + architecture. Covid lockdowns gave me a minute to sit and ponder: what’s next? Thats when I knew I wanted to take the plunge and go with my gut feeling. The rest is history. 

• If you had no limits (money, resources), what would you create?

I would love to design furniture. The market is huge. I do a fair bit of furniture design as it is when I am working on certain projects which have a need for it and it gives me such a kick!

• How do you know when interior design is “good”?

Whilst designing any space, I go through a range of moods and emotions, waiting for the ‘Eureka!’ moment. That’s when I KNOW it is good! As soon as I get over a roadblock and the design starts forming in my head, I work rapidly to ensure I don’t lose momentum. 

• Give us one foolproof piece of advice in home decorating.

Go with the flow- yes, it is important to have a signed off design, finalized with all the right elements. However, I never quite switch off design wise and patiently wait for it to fall into place. I feel design needs to evolve a little too, in the process. And there is no harm in it, as long as it will deliver above expectations. 

If you aren't yet following The Niche Corner on Instagram, I encourage you to do so. The immaculate feed of her work is really inspiring, the real life, however, happens in stories. I thoroughly enjoy Neeshay's sense of humor, cue the occasional '90s and naughties TV references!

Diana