Inside Studio Vāstu: Aparna Fernandes Brings Soulful Interior Design to Austin and Beyond
Melding ancient principles with modern design, this interior designer curates one-of-a-kind spaces using global artisan pieces and vintage decor
For Aparna Fernandes, co-founder of Studio Vāstu and a 25-year Austin resident, “Vāstu” represents more than a name — it’s also her brand’s identity. Aparna describes it as “the yoga of design” — an ancient tradition of design and architecture — and it’s at the heart of all her firm’s projects. For Aparna, it’s the integration of interior design, architecture, and nature, aiming to create harmonious and balanced living spaces that enrich one’s life and existence.
Aparna has built her Austin-based firm, as well as her trade line, Indigo Market, to bring spaces to life around the world using “décor with a story,” the studio’s motto.
The interior designer is passionate about reviving old pieces, as well as architectural salvage and sustainability. “We love to breathe life into old, forgotten pieces,” says Aparna. She personally designs and sources handcrafted, one-of-a-kind objects directly from artisans globally for projects and her Indigo Market line, giving the décor a patina of warmth.
“Many people don’t realize that India can be a beautiful place for sourcing vintage pieces because of its imperial heritage, giving it a Dutch, Portuguese, French, and British flair,” says Aparna. Additionally, she points out that India itself is a treasure trove of unique items steeped in character and hundreds of years of history. “We stumble across lots of hand-carved and gorgeous pieces that we love to upcycle. I want to put Indian vintage on the map and help people understand that you can live with these items in fun and practical ways.”
For Indigo Market, Aparna likes to meet with the artisans herself, understand their story, and consider how vintage pieces can mix with modern pieces. For example, Studio Vāstu transformed a 250-year-old door from South India into a gorgeous coffee table for a modern condo.
Modernity, Aparna believes, should never feel cold or impersonal — it should be warm, soulful, and full of character, inviting both curiosity and indulgence. “Juxtaposition,” she jokes, “is my middle name. I love blending modern with warmth, and contemporary with soul.”
Aparna’s goal and philosophy are to preserve that quintessential feeling of ‘home’ while creating a refined, timeless space that feels uniquely true to the homeowner. The best spaces are those that don’t feel ‘designed,’ but rather just delight as you go about your daily routine.
Take, for example, Studio Vāstu’s recent high-rise condo project in downtown Austin. For this full remodel project, Aparna wanted to ensure light fell into every corner of the home, breathing life and texture throughout the space. She integrated the energy of Austin and echoed it throughout the hallways with bold colors splashed across walls, turning it into an artist’s den and reflecting Aparna’s client’s unique personality.
The vibrant hues come alive with feminine energy through a variety of artwork. A mural by a local artist — a nod to the city’s iconic mural scene — activates the high-rise setting. Each of the three bedrooms has its own character: Sunday Morning, Lady Bird, and ACL. Yes, that’s what she calls them. All offer a picturesque view of the Austin skyline, but their unique design captures a different rhythm of the city.
“Soulful living is what modern homes need — high in spirit and warm enough to just let you be,” says Aparna. “We carve out spaces in each project, regardless of how small, to allow you to just exhale.”
Find Studio Vāstu on Instagram @studiovastuinteriors and on Pinterest.