Stepping into the Essentia Home Experience Center in Gurugram (Sector 34) was like entering an entirely new world where luxury, craftsmanship, and modern innovation come together in perfect harmony. I had followed the journey of Hardesh and Monica Chawla, the founders of Essentia Environments, for the last couple of years. Their design philosophy — creating spaces that blend functionality with effortless elegance — has always resonated with me. When I heard about their new flagship brand, Essentia Home, I knew I had to experience it for myself.

From the moment I walked through the doors of the Experience Center, spread over 25,000 square ft, I was enveloped in an atmosphere of quiet sophistication. The space is dedicated to showcasing everything one might need to curate a modern, luxurious home. But it was not just the size that impressed me. It was the thoughtfulness behind every detail, every product, and every design choice.

It felt more like a gallery of possibility, where each piece, crafted either in-house or sourced from artisans across India, told a story of craftsmanship, artistry, and vision. As I wandered through the space, I found myself marveling at the range of offerings—over 1,000 products across 15 categories, all designed and manufactured indigenously. Whether it was the sleek soft furnishings or the meticulously crafted wardrobes and vanities, everything exuded a sense of understated luxury.

What struck me the most was the emphasis on Indian craftsmanship. Essentia Home is deeply rooted in the idea of supporting local artisans and using indigenous materials. From the gorgeous marble sourced from Rajasthan to the plush fabrics woven by local craftspeople, there was a sense of pride in being “Made in India” while catering to a global audience. It was this unique combination of local talent and international sensibility that made the experience truly special. The store managed to capture the essence of global luxury while honouring the rich heritage of Indian design.

The ground floor was where the experience truly began. I was welcomed by two elegant living areas that immediately drew me in. The walls were a work of art themselves, crafted from materials like marble, wood, and leather, each section offering a unique, immersive experience. The lighting, sourced from Melogranoblu, and the sophisticated fireplaces added warmth and character, making me feel like I was walking through a home, not a store. I found myself imagining how these beautifully designed pieces would look in my own space. 

As I ventured to the first floor, I was greeted by an array of furniture, decor, and doors and wardrobes. What really caught my eye were the 12-foot-high frameless doors — they looked less like doors and more like modern art installations. Essentia Home is the only brand in India crafting all-metal doors in SS 304 grade, and it shows. The engineering behind these slim, seamless designs is just as impressive as their aesthetic appeal. The wardrobes, too, particularly the ones with intricate CNC-carved stone panels, felt like they belonged in an art gallery.

One of my favourite moments came when I stumbled upon the marble vanities. Available in both glossy and leather finishes, they were the perfect mix of raw natural beauty and refined elegance. I ran my hand over the cool surface, admiring the texture and imagining how it would elevate a bathroom space. The integration of technology was another surprise. The beds featured fully automated switches for controlling appliances and lights — technology seamlessly woven into design, making life easier without compromising on style.

What I appreciated most was the thoughtful sourcing behind each product. The Chawlas have a deep commitment to using locally sourced materials, and it was evident throughout the space. Whether it was the Rajasthani marble, the handcrafted fabrics, or the carpets from Bhadohi, every item was done with care and precision. This wasn’t just about luxury for luxury’s sake — it was about celebrating Indian craftsmanship in a way that felt authentic and meaningful. And the artworks, created by in-house artists, also added a personal touch, creating a sense of cohesion across the different zones in the showroom.

As I explored further, I became fully immersed in the sensory experience. The subtle fragrances, curated especially for the Essentia Home Experience Center, elevated the entire experience to a new level of indulgence. The smells of sandalwood, citrus, and other natural aromas created a calming atmosphere, making it easy to forget I was in a store and not in the comfort of a luxury home. What truly impressed me, though, was the vision behind Essentia Home. Helmed by their son Hridik Chawla, the Experience Center reflects a philosophy of sustainable luxury. The Chawlas have always been forward-thinking in their approach, and Essentia Home is a natural progression of their 25-year journey in the industry. They’ve built something that not only caters to the design needs of today’s homeowners, architects, and designers but also challenges the very notion of what luxury can be in a more sustainable and eco-conscious world.

In a sense, the Essentia Home Experience Center is not just a destination for luxury décor, it’s a philosophy. The Chawlas’ vision of creating personalised living environments that respect both individual taste and the environment struck a chord with me. They show us that luxury can be both indulgent and responsible — that you don’t have to sacrifice sustainability for style. It’s about more than just filling your home with beautiful things — it’s about creating a space that reflects your values, your personality, and your connection to the world around you. And that, to me, is the true essence of luxury.