In Conversation With: Charu Gandhi, Founder, Elicyon
In Conversation With: Charu Gandhi, Founder & Director, Elicyon
Where refinement, innovation, and craftsmanship converge, Elicyon has established itself as one of London’s most considered interior design studios, working internationally across key cultural capitals, including Dubai. Renowned for its meticulous approach and deeply thoughtful design philosophy, the studio creates visionary interiors that balance storied opulence with understated restraint.
Photography, Charu Gandhi, by Nick Rochowski
Founded in 2014 by architect Charu Gandhi, Elicyon is based in London and delivers globally informed projects shaped by narrative, material intelligence, and cultural sensitivity. From private residences and commercial spaces in the UK to landmark homes across the Middle East, the studio’s work reflects a commitment to craft, community, and place each project designed to feel personal, purposeful, and enduring.
In Converstaion
In this conversation for The Fluxx Middle East, Charu reflects on Elicyon’s evolution, the role of storytelling in contemporary luxury interiors, and how culture, craftsmanship, and regional context continue to shape the studio’s work internationally.
Looking back at 2025, which projects best encapsulate Elicyon’s evolution over the past year? And what have been the most impactful learnings you’re taking forward from 2025, creatively, operationally, or personally?
2025 felt like a meaningful year for Elicyon. Project Monaco Retreat was a highlight. It was for a long-standing client, and it was also a chance to share one of our global projects. We launched it through a large social campaign, which was new for the studio and a lovely way to celebrate the work.
Completing Wigmore Private Office in Mayfair was another important moment. It added to our growing list of different project types and allowed us to bring a residential sensibility into a commercial space for an industry leading client.
Photography, Elicyon interiors, Monaco Retreat, Nick Rochowski.
Photography, left & right, Elicyon, Monaco Retreat, Nick Rochowski.
Our main learning this year has been the value of expanding on new locations and typologies. The variety within the studio is growing, and it has been wonderful to see the team respond to each new brief.
We are also expanding our office and launching some very exciting collaboration projects for 2026, which gives us real momentum going into the new year.
When envisioning a space, what’s the first layer you focus on — emotion, atmosphere, architecture or narrative?
The first focus is the client brief, we want to understand how they hope to use the space, how they want it to make them feel (emotion) and what story they want it to tell (narrative). From there, we develop the atmosphere, mood, and style, working with or refining the architecture to ensure the space is the best possible expression of the client’s vision.
Elicyon is known for its refined, tailored environments and a 'storytelling' approach for your clients' design vision - 'we tell the story of the space that they have imagined'. Can you share examples of this approach and how it works internationally?
Our storytelling approach is consistent across all our projects, globally. The core of what we do, telling the clients story, remains the same. What changes is the architectural language, the local craft, and the cultural setting.
We enjoy working with local makers and materials. Depending on the location, architecture and culture of the project we like to ensure it is in keeping. For example, in the Monaco Retreat, the coastline, facade’s architecture and the yacht culture inspired soft curves in the joinery and cabinetry. These shapes echoed both the building and the landscape, which helped the apartment feel at home in its surroundings.
Elicyon, Mayfair Apartment, Reception & Diner Area, Nick Rochowski.
Photography left, Elicyon, Mayfair Apartment, Desk 2. Right, Breakfast Room. Nick Rochowski.
Another example is the Dubai Family Villa, where we designed over 150 bespoke pieces. We collaborated with lighting designers and artists to create something unique while ensuring it was in harmony with the location and the talents of the local community.
In the UK or US, the story may be very different, but the principle is the same. We blend the client’s vision with cues from the architecture and the local environment to create something that feels personal and rooted in place.
As we approach 2026, what emerging design trends do you believe will shape the next chapter of contemporary luxury in terms of cultural influences, both internationally and hyper-locally, within people's homes?
Entertaining at home is becoming more important and I believe this will continue in 2026. People want the comfort of home with the atmosphere of a special venue. Spaces that can shift from everyday living to generous hosting will become increasingly valuable.
We are also seeing a sustained focus on wellness and personal restoration. Dedicated spaces for wellbeing are becoming more considered and more tailored. Clients are investing in private gyms, treatment rooms, home spas and even small salon style areas. These spaces are no longer addons but feel integrated into the flow of the home, reflecting a broader shift towards prioritising health, balance and moments of retreat within daily life.
Photography, left & right, Elicyon, One The Palm, Natelee Cocks.
How do you anticipate the definition of luxury evolving and how has this inspired your newest projects?
Luxury is moving away from cost and towards craft, longevity and ease of use. Clients want spaces that are beautifully made, thoughtful and long lasting. We are focusing more on versatility and timelessness, creating homes that feel personal and that endure.
As a creative studio, you’ve delivered striking projects across the Middle East. How does designing for this region inspire or challenge your creative process? And how do you evolve your palette, textures and materials for clients in the Middle East, while still retaining Elicyon’s distinctive signature style?
We enjoy working in the Middle East. The scale and ambition of the projects encourage us to think in new ways. Many homes are multigenerational, so we consider how different ages and lifestyles meet within one space. It is a rewarding design challenge.
While we do not have a strict house style, our focus on tailored, narrative driven interiors are always present. In the region, this often means exploring richer palettes and more generous volumes, while keeping the refinement that is central to Elicyon.
Photography, Elicyon, One The Palm, Natelee Cocks.
Photography, left & right, Elicyon, One Palm, Dubai. Natelee Cocks.
The region’s mix of tradition and modernity inspires us to combine classical motifs with contemporary design.
The area encourages experimentation with luxurious materials such as marble, metals, exotic woods, silks, and mosaics. Incorporating work from regional artists, weavers, and ceramicists adds authenticity and creates a connection to the local culture. It’s an opportunity to create bespoke elements that feel unique to the location.
Dubai has become a global hub for design-led living, experiences and culture. Which restaurants, spas, or venues do you find yourself returning to for inspiration, enjoyment and pleasure?
Dubai has a wonderfully diverse dining scene. I tend to return to places that feel thoughtfully designed, offer a memorable experience, and spark inspiration including: 3Fils, Orfali Brothers, Kokoro and Loren Juns.
Are there hotels in Dubai whose atmosphere, interiors or service you particularly admire?
Hotels include, Bvlgari, Mandarin Oriental, The Dorchester and Service at One Palm Branded Residences by Omniyat (an Elicyon project).
One Palm Branded Residences by Omniyat.
Where do you love to shop in Dubai for unique design pieces, fashion, books, or simply places that spark and inspire your creativity?
I enjoy exploring Dubai’s independent galleries and smaller concept stores, along with its established design districts. There is a mix of global brands and emerging regional talent, and discovering new makers is always a pleasure.