“Design is storytelling,” says Tejashree Halbe, her voice carrying the quiet conviction of someone who has lived every word. “Every space has a narrative, a soul waiting to be uncovered.”
A Childhood Stitched in Inspiration
For Halbe, design began not with grand plans or formal education, but in the humble corners of her grandmother's home. “I remember admiring the carved wooden cupboards,” she recalls. “I even told her to keep them for my future house.” It was a simple moment, but one that planted the seeds of a lifelong passion.
Her childhood home, curated by her artist mother, was an ever-changing canvas. “Our house was modest, but filled with plants, ethnic brassware, and art. The walls were never left bare.” This early exposure shaped Halbe’s belief that beauty doesn’t require grandeur—only thoughtful curation. Even today, she holds that philosophy close: “You don’t need to spend a fortune for a home to look good. It’s about how you tie everything together.”
Despite her creative leanings, Halbe’s path to design wasn’t straightforward. “I always wanted to go to art school, but life had other plans.” She earned a degree in Computer Management, only to find herself restless in the corporate world. “I left my first job within the probation period and started as an intern at a design studio. It felt like exhaling after holding my breath for too long.”
A Philosophy Etched in Layers
Halbe’s design ethos is rooted in contrast and authenticity. “I love combining odd things together. I’m definitely not a minimalist,” she says. Her spaces are layered narratives, where textures, colours, and artefacts coexist in deliberate harmony.
Her first breakthrough came with the design of an office for North Ladder, a start-up. “It was the first time I felt truly proud of what we had created. A small win, but it felt significant.”
A Villa That Speaks in Two Voices
Of all her projects, a villa in Dubai’s Meadows community holds special meaning. “This project is very dear to my heart because it reflects my own aesthetics—a medley of modern and classic, with a touch of old-world charm.”
The homeowners, a dynamic couple, had contrasting visions. “One wanted an absolutely classic home, the other preferred a modern, Goa-inspired vibe. The challenge was to weave these narratives into a cohesive story.” Conversations became the foundation for the design, with Halbe blending timeless elegance and contemporary ease.
“The layering and detailing in this project are very me,” she notes. “I love working with different colours, patterns, and textures—from the flooring to the upholstery to the art and artefacts.” The couple's trust in her vision allowed for bold choices. “They’re both go-getters, which helped with sourcing and timelines. We completed the project in six months, which is rare for a project of this scale.”
The villa earned Dubai’s Top 50 Homes Best 5 Beds & Under Award. “That was the ultimate appreciation any designer could wish for.” Yet for Halbe, the true success lies in the story the home tells: “It’s the inside of the inside story.”
Looking Ahead: Designing the Future
Reflecting on her journey, Halbe sees each project as both a lesson and an evolution. “This project instilled the confidence that I can design award-winning homes. Now, I strive to differentiate my work, make every project unique, and push my creative limits.”
Sustainability excites her. “I love the concept of bringing nature inside. Sustainability will be key in future design—upcycling, reusable materials, even furniture made from discarded items like shoes or metal cans.”
She’s currently designing a home for a couple who have collected art and artefacts from their travels. “The theme is to create a mini museum that showcases their treasures. Design is constantly evolving, and I hope my work will always feel refreshing and meaningful.”
The Soul of a Home
Tejashree Halbe doesn’t impose design; she reveals it. For her, a home isn’t just a space—it’s a living, breathing narrative stitched together by memory, material, and meaning. “Through my designs, I try to tell a story,” she says. And in her hands, those stories feel lived-in, layered, and lasting.
