In the realm of luxury furniture, Aishwarya K Reddy has carved a niche at the intersection of heritage craftsmanship and modernity. As the founder of Lagom, she brings a stark clarity of vision, a non-negotiable attitude towards sustainability and a knack for thoughtful execution. Her passion for art, architecture and culture informs the studio’s approach to design—whether it’s the clean lines and bold use of leather in their ‘Torii Chair’ or the essence of understated grandeur captured by their ‘Minerva Sofa’—making each Lagom piece not just functional, but an extension of a finely balanced lifestyle. In this interview, Reddy shares insights into her leadership style, the challenges she has overcome and how an unflinching dedication to being her most authentic self has catalysed her success in the furniture industry.

Design Pataki: What does ‘Lagom’ mean to you, and how does it shape the philosophy behind the brand?

Aishwarya Reddy: ‘Lagom’ is a Swedish word that translates into “just the right amount.” My desire to bring global trends of luxury furnishing to the Indian market is almost perfectly captured by this word. For me, it is not just a phrase, but a way of living that values balance. This philosophy of “not too much, not too little” shapes every aspect of our brand, from our manufacturing practices to the final product. 

Design Pataki: Can you tell us about your formative years that led to the inception of Lagom?

Aishwarya Reddy: My formative years were a mix of inspirational and learning experiences. Growing up surrounded by my father’s visionary legacy at Cornerstone, I developed an appreciation for design and quality that lasts. Moreover, my time at Bayes Business School taught me how to channel my creativity into a strategy relevant to the current landscape. These experiences laid the foundation for Lagom, where I strive to balance sophistication, comfort and a deep respect for quality.

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Design Pataki: What challenges have you faced as a leader in this field, and how have you overcome them?

Aishwarya Reddy: As a leader in the luxury furniture industry, one of the key challenges has been creating segments that cater to a wide range in the market. Another challenge is maintaining sustainability—a priority that demands meticulous sourcing and thoughtful production. Building a team that shares Lagom’s values has been pivotal, as has investing in artisans and modern technology. “Staying client-focused, embracing feedback instead of resisting it, and planning strategically have allowed us to turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and distinction.”

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Design Pataki: Can you walk us through the process of creating a piece of furniture at Lagom, from concept to the final product?

Aishwarya Reddy: At Lagom, every sketch begins with in-depth research, drawing inspiration from art, architecture and nature. These concepts are then transformed into layouts and 3D renders, followed by a round of client feedback. Then, the pricing is mapped out with vendors to make sure it aligns with the overall budget. This is followed by prototyping, which brings the designs to life, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. Once finalized, the piece enters production, with precise joinery and hand-applied finishes enhancing its natural beauty. Throughout, we offer customization options, ensuring each piece reflects our client’s unique style.

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Design Pataki: What role do artisans play in the creation of your pieces?

Aishwarya Reddy: Artisans are the heart and soul of Lagom’s creations. Their expertise in traditional craftsmanship breathes life into our designs. We collaborate closely with them, sharing detailed concepts, sketches and 3D renders, and then they work their magic through hands-on artistry. This partnership is rooted in respect and innovation—we honour their skills while incorporating modern tools to ensure precision. 

“By working together [with artisans], we create pieces that are not just functional but also celebrate the timeless artistry and cultural richness they bring to every creation.”

Design Pataki: As a luxury brand, how do you ensure sustainability and ethical practices are embedded in your production process? 

Aishwarya Reddy: We are careful about responsibly sourcing our materials from certified suppliers who adhere to strict environmental and ethical standards. Additionally, we maintain high standards of transparency, providing our customers with insights into the end-to-end journey, from raw materials to the final piece. 

Design Pataki: How do you envision the future of Lagom?

Aishwarya Reddy: As a young brand rooted in old-world values, the future of Lagom will be anchored upon expanding our furniture lines and introducing signature collections that cater to diverse aesthetic sensibilities. We are also thrilled to launch our Bengaluru store and our new vertical, Lagom Lighting, in the next two years. Beyond that, our vision is to take Lagom international, championing contemporary design that’s proudly Indian at heart while resonating globally.

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