If Instagram has taught us anything, it’s that visually stunning decorating isn’t just about pretty spaces, it’s an art that can be easily mastered. The downside is that you’re spoilt for choice and don’t know where to start. We asked three influential Insta icons – architect Navneet Sandhu Singh, interior designer Rohina Anand Khira and designer Rukmini Ray Kadam – to reveal the secrets behind their double-tap-worthy posts.
Color is key
Singh says there is no secret recipe behind her fabulous feed. “Just being myself has worked for me. By being authentic, I have built a great Instagram community. I focus on quality over quantity and share content that adds value,” she says. Perhaps that is why her #ExplorewithMe and #LetsTalkDIY series, which showcase new interior materials and DIY tips, or the Jharokha series, which showcases historic doors and windows as modern decorative elements, are gaining so much recognition.
Her advice: “To gain more followers, you need quality content, engagement and connections. My stories often include personal snippets that drive engagement. Heartfelt captions lead to comments and deeper connections,” says Singh. She also interacts with her followers personally to build a loyal community. “I respond to all DMs personally and my stories show behind-the-scenes content or daily routines.”
Her top tip for beautiful posts and interiors is good styling, lighting and composition. “This makes posts relatable and worth saving. My colorful rooms and bright, harmonious arrangements make for lively images,” she says.
AT @designdecortravel
Organic growth
A well-known interior designer and owner of lifestyle store AA Living, Khira is one of the most influential figures in the décor and design space. “Keeping a broad scope of content, from home improvement to DIY hacks, keeps it interesting. Good lighting and consistent captions help people relate to my content. Captions are essential as many people watch videos without sound,” Khira shares why her content goes viral.
The path to her fan base was just as interesting. “By documenting my travels and home trends, my community naturally grew. Real, relatable content resonated with people,” says Khira. With nearly 700,000 followers, she uses “Ask Me Anything” sessions and automated responses to manage inquiries.
Khira has plenty of tips for anyone looking to turn their feed into a decor dreamland, but lighting is at the top of the list. “Natural light is key. When content is organic and not overly staged, it’s relatable and engaging,” she says.
AT @rohina
Finger snap good
Kadam’s minimalist, no-fuss interior design has a following and her unique approach is a treat for tired, design-starved eyes. “I don’t have a content calendar, I just share good work. I’m constantly active and what keeps me busy keeps my followers busy too,” says Kadam.
Her meteoric rise is proof that people love a good decorating idea. “Being my true, authentic self helps me build connections, while boosting posts through Instagram helps me get relevant people following me,” she says. It also helps that she replies to almost every direct message, fostering a relationship between people. “It strengthens the relationship with followers and builds trust,” she adds.
Kadam also revealed that the magic lies in the photography. “Using a DSLR and editing in Lightroom to adjust color grading and lighting produces beautiful photos. The key is to find a balance of color, scale and lighting.”
AT @trumatter
The three design influencers demonstrate that authenticity is the ultimate Instagram strategy. Their commitment to high-quality content, personal engagement and authentic brand partnerships have transformed their feeds into dynamic showcases of interior design inspiration, proving that genuine passion and connection are key to standing out in the digital world of interior design.
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