Naga Dyvik, Founder, The Artful Abode

In a design world increasingly dominated by spectacle, speed, and statement-making excess, TheGlitz has made a conscious decision of picking up harbingers of “Quiet Luxury”, and in our bid to find just that… we found someone unique… Naga Dyvik, Founder, The Artful Abode, who stands apart for his unwavering belief in restraint.

As the Founder of The Artful Abode, Naga’s work speaks in a quieter, more enduring language… one where luxury is felt rather than flaunted, and spaces are designed to be lived in, not merely admired. His interiors do not chase trends; they hold space for time, emotion, and everyday rituals, allowing homes to age gracefully alongside the people who inhabit them.

Rooted in over a decade of hands-on experience across design and execution, Naga’s approach is deeply material-led and human-centric. He values craftsmanship that endures, materials that acquire character, and spatial planning that brings clarity and calm to modern living. Whether it is the choice of natural stone, the patience of skilled artisans, or the subtle choreography of light and flow, every element is guided by intention. The result is a body of work that feels timeless, grounded, and quietly confident… quiet luxury without noise, elegance without excess.

Based in Bangalore, a city that mirrors his own design sensibility… progressive yet rooted, Naga draws inspiration from its layered culture, climate, and evolving lifestyles. His homes often feel like sanctuaries: inward-looking, thoughtfully composed, and emotionally grounding. At The Artful Abode, success is not measured by scale or speed, but by trust, longevity, and the ability to create spaces that continue to resonate long after they are completed.

In an exclusive interview with Sumita Chakraborty, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, TheGlitz, Naga Dyvik, Founder, The Artful Abode, opens up about redefining luxury, the philosophy behind The Artful Abode, and why true design, much like true luxury, whispers… never shouts.

Over To Naga Dyvik, Founder, The Artful Abode

Your work at The Artful Abode is often described as ‘quietly luxurious.’ How do you personally define luxury in interiors today… especially in a world obsessed with instant impact? How did The Artful Abode journey start?

For me, luxury today is not about visual drama or immediate impact—it’s about restraint, intention, and how a space supports everyday life. True luxury is when a home feels calm, deeply personal, and effortlessly functional. It’s the comfort of knowing that every detail has been thought through, even if it doesn’t shout for attention.

The Artful Abode began from a desire to move away from superficial design and create homes with soul. After years of hands-on experience in design and execution, I saw a gap—clients wanted beautiful homes, but they also wanted clarity, longevity, and honesty in the process. The studio was born out of that need: to design spaces that feel timeless, lived-in, and emotionally grounding.

With over ten years of hands-on design and execution experience, how has your understanding of materials, finishes, and craftsmanship evolved over time?

Experience teaches you that materials behave very differently on site than they do in catalogues. Over the years, I’ve learned to respect craftsmanship as much as aesthetics. A finish isn’t just about how it looks on day one—it’s about how it ages, how it reacts to climate, and how it supports daily use.

Today, my approach is far more nuanced. I value materials that develop character over time and workmanship that prioritises precision and durability. Execution has taught me patience, realism, and the importance of working closely with skilled artisans and vendors who truly understand their craft.

Materiality plays a central role in your projects. What are the non-negotiables you look for when selecting materials for a home meant to age gracefully?

Durability, honesty, and tactility are non-negotiable for me. I look for materials that age well rather than degrade—solid wood, natural stone, well-finished metals, and surfaces that acquire a patina instead of wear.

Another key factor is appropriateness. Materials must suit the client’s lifestyle, the climate, and the way the home will be used. Luxury isn’t fragile—it should feel reassuring and resilient. If a material can’t stand the test of time, it doesn’t belong in a home we design.

In an era dominated by fast design and trend-driven interiors, how do you balance contemporary relevance with timelessness in your spaces?

I consciously avoid designing for trends. Instead, I focus on proportion, spatial flow, and neutral foundations. Contemporary relevance comes in through subtle layers—lighting, art, or carefully chosen accents—while the core architecture and material palette remain timeless.

Trends fade quickly, but well-designed spaces endure. By grounding a home in strong fundamentals, we allow it to evolve naturally with the client over time rather than needing constant reinvention.

Bangalore is a city that blends tradition, tech, and modern living. How does the city influence your design sensibility and the homes you create?

Bangalore has a unique rhythm… it’s progressive yet rooted, fast-paced yet deeply residential. The city’s climate, greenery, and cultural diversity strongly influence my work. I often design homes that feel inward-looking, calm, and layered, almost like a retreat from the city’s pace.

There’s also a strong appreciation here for thoughtful living. Clients are exposed to global design sensibilities but still value warmth and familiarity, which allows us to create spaces that are modern yet deeply human.

Can you walk us through your design process… from the first conversation with a client to the final styling details that complete a home?

It always begins with listening. The first few conversations are about understanding how clients live, what they value, and what they want their home to feel like—not just how it should look.

From there, we develop spatial planning and material concepts, followed by detailed design and execution planning. Execution is a collaborative, hands-on phase where attention to detail is critical. Final styling is subtle and intentional—it’s about completing the story without overwhelming the space. Every stage is interconnected, and clarity is maintained throughout.

What have been some of the most defining challenges and milestones in building The Artful Abode, and how have they shaped your studio’s identity?

One of the biggest challenges has been resisting the pressure to scale quickly or follow market trends. Staying true to our philosophy—quality over quantity—required patience and conviction.

Milestones for me are not just projects, but trust. When clients return or refer us knowing we prioritise integrity and long-term value, that’s deeply affirming. These experiences have shaped The Artful Abode into a studio that values depth, accountability, and quiet confidence over rapid expansion.

Looking ahead, how do you see Indian luxury interiors evolving, and what role do you hope The Artful Abode will play in shaping that future?

Indian luxury interiors are moving towards maturity. Clients are becoming more informed and are seeking meaning, sustainability, and authenticity rather than excess. There’s a growing appreciation for craftsmanship, local materials, and thoughtful design.

I am confident, The Artful Abode continues to be part of this shift—creating homes that are timeless, emotionally resonant, and responsibly designed. Our role is to advocate for slower, more conscious design that truly serves the people who live within these spaces.