Revel Home, a venture started by two friends, has fast become a favourite in Karachi’s interior arena. OK! Pakistan catches up with the duo Shani Khan and Kahif Chinoy about their inspirations, creative process, favourite projects and more…
Were you always into interior design? Tell us about your journey and what exactly you do.
Shani Khan: I was always into interior design. As a teenager I was obsessed with interior design shows and would fool around with my personal spaces to express myself. I started my own furniture and interiors company, Domaine, five years ago and Revel is a continuation of that design journey for me.
Kahif Chinoy: Interiors always fascinated me from a young age. I remember redoing my room at home all the time. I would constantly change the colour scheme and play around with the placement of furniture to make it feel “new”.
What’s your design background?
SK: Since I come from a finance background, I’m mostly self-taught and learned from on-the-job experience although I have taken some interior design courses.
KC: I have done my undergraduate in Interior Design and Revel was the start of my design career.
What was the reason behind the name “Revel”?
SK & KC: “Revel” to us means to really enjoy yourself. We wanted to capture that spirit of fun in our products as well as into our work.
“I was always into interior design. As a teenager I was obsessed with interior design shows and would fool around with my personal spaces to express myself.”
– Shani Khan
What’s your typical work day like?
SK & KC: We don’t really have a typical work day as it varies every time we meet. For example, right now we are answering questions for OK! Pakistan but after that we will be going back to designing for our upcoming exhibition.
What was your first design project?
SK & KC: Revel’s first design project was our first show, which we did in February 2016. We launched our concept of mixing locally manufactured products with imported items in a collection of lighting, furniture and accessories.
How do you describe your style?
SK: My style changes regularly but these days I’m into industrial chic vibes.
KC: Clean lines with fun pops of colour and interesting pieces.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
SK: For me, it’s converting ideas into reality and balancing my work and personal life.
KC: To put my ideas on paper since one can get pretty carried away while designing.
What do you like most about what you do?
SK: The creative freedom and the excitement of seeing your ideas come to life.
KC: To have the creative freedom to design products for clients that I would want in my own home as well.
What sets you apart from competitors?
SK & KC: What sets us apart is that we are constantly evolving our designs and introducing new concepts and products in our shows. We pride ourselves with our attention to detail and quality.
What is the first thing you look at when walking into a room?
SK: Every room is different, but generally it’s the layout and the textures. These days I have been paying more attention to lighting because it can really set the mood in a room.
KC: There are two things I look at – the furniture placement and the accessories and artwork because I believe those are the soul of an interior.
What is it like working with a partner?
SK: Having Kahif as a partner is great because we are so different and bring different perspectives and ideas into our designs.
KC: It’s great! As a mum, it can get challenging at times to balance one’s time so having a partner can be extremely helpful.
How do you go about choosing accessories for a room?
SK: I like balance with some elements of surprise. One should choose accessories that create the perfect ambiance without overwhelming the space.
KC: Accessories should blend into an interior seamlessly yet stand out. There is such a thing as over-accessorising a room!
How would you describe your overall aesthetic?
SK & KC: When you think of Revel you should expect fun and fresh designs with a chic feel.
Any one piece that you are particularly fond of? And why?
SK: We put so much thought into all our designs that there aren’t any that I don’t love. My current favourites are the colour block line and our range of mixed media tables.
KK: It’s very hard to pick a favourite when every product designed by us is a labour of love. Having said that, my most favourite collection recently was our animal head collection, which was a perfect blend of fun and luxury.
“There are two things I look at – the furniture placement and the accessories and artwork because I believe those are the soul of an interior.”
– Kahif Chinoy
RAPID FIRE
What was the last home accessory you bought?
SK: Two large industrial style copper hanging lights from Thailand for my recent home kitchen renovation.
KC: I bought a larger than life melting popsicle, made from resin, from a gallery in LA.
I cant work without my…
SK: Sketchpad.
KC: Cup/cups of tea
Most extravagant buy?
SK: A porcelain tabletop from Spain.
KC: My most recent extravagant buy would be a handbag.
What is your favourite colour?
SK: It changes daily; today it’s yellow.
KC: White and blue.
Who is your favourite artist?
SK: It’s impossible to pick a favourite, but these days it’s Aamir Habib and Argentinian illustrator Maria Luque.
KC: I love the work of so many artists but my favourite these days is miniature artist Wardha Shabbir.
What is the most gorgeous hotel you’ve been to?
SK: I don’t remember the name of the hotel, but it was in Santorini with views for days.
KC: The most scenic hotel I have been to is Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes.
Favourite travel destination?
SK: As someone who loves to travel, this is impossible for me to choose! But I’m happiest with good friends and good food at a great beach location.
KC: With a child, I feel like the South of France is the perfect mix of the sun, sea and scene for a relaxed summer holiday.
What’s your favourite beauty product?
SK: Sunblock – the Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence one is excellent for hot and humid Karachi.
KC: Every Sisleÿa product by Sisley.
What song are you listening to on repeat?
SK: I Owe You Nothing by Seinabo Sey.
KC: One Kiss by Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa.
What is the last book you read?
SK: Ballad Of The Whiskey Robber by Julian Rubinstein.
KC: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.
PHOTOGRAPHS: UZAIR KHAN
