Bhumika Chauhan
By Bhagyashree & Alpesh Mahadik
In the heart of Thane, behind the doors of a sunlit studio, a quiet revolution in interior design is unfolding. Bhagyashree and Alpesh Mahadik, the creative minds behind One Step World, are on a mission to revive the forgotten language of heritage interiors—spaces that don’t just please the eye but stir the soul.
Founded in 2021, the studio has quickly earned a reputation for crafting royal-themed interiors that are as functional as they are opulent. In a time when global trends often flatten cultural identity, One Step World stands apart—bringing the artistry of domes, arches, jali work, and intricate moldings into the homes, hotels, and event spaces of the modern era.
The Spark That Started It All
For Bhagyashree, design has always been about storytelling. “I wanted to build spaces that carry history in their bones,” she says. Growing up surrounded by tales of India’s royal past, she developed a deep respect for cultural architecture. But she also saw how, in the rush toward sleek, trend-driven interiors, many designs lost touch with their roots.
It was this observation—and the desire to bridge past and present—that led her and Alpesh to create One Step World. Their vision: interiors that merge the elegance of heritage with the practicality of modern lifestyles.
Design That Breathes Identity
Their portfolio reads like a love letter to India’s cultural richness. From palatial residences to boutique spaces, each project captures the drama of royal architecture while remaining adaptable for daily life. Ornamental ceilings are paired with contemporary lighting, traditional jaalis frame panoramic windows, and gold-leaf detailing sits comfortably alongside modern textures.
“We design for individuality,” says Bhagyashree. “Every space should reflect the client’s legacy—not just the latest Pinterest trend.”
More Than Aesthetic Value
One Step World’s work has social impact woven into its fabric. The duo collaborates closely with local artisans, reviving endangered crafts and ensuring age-old skills remain viable in the modern economy. This not only sustains livelihoods but also keeps cultural techniques alive for future generations.
In doing so, they’ve turned their projects into more than design commissions—they’ve made them acts of preservation.
The Signature Edge
Their unique selling point lies in the harmony they create between old-world opulence and present-day functionality. Unlike mass-market interiors, their designs are never replicated. Every carving, motif, and layout is tailored to the client’s narrative, ensuring no two spaces feel the same.
Attention to detail is paramount—from the exact curvature of an arch to the finish on a brass handle, nothing is left to chance.
The Road Less Easy
Of course, building a niche in culturally rooted luxury design came with its hurdles. Early on, they faced limited resources and a market still learning to appreciate the depth of heritage design. Convincing clients that such work was not just beautiful but meaningful required patience, consistency, and unwavering faith in their vision.
“I had to educate people about why heritage design matters,” Bhagyashree recalls. “Once they understood that it’s not just style—it’s identity—the trust followed.”
Her decision to choose this path was also personal. Coming from a background where stability was prized over creative risk, the leap into entrepreneurship tested her resilience. But it also taught her the value of staying true to one’s creative compass.
Spotting the Gap
Their rise was fueled by recognizing a void in the market. The Indian design scene, while growing fast, was dominated by minimal and Western aesthetics. Few offered spaces that embraced cultural depth while still feeling contemporary. One Step World became that alternative, offering clients interiors that were both sophisticated and steeped in heritage.
A Jewel of a Project
Among their many works, one residence stands as a personal favorite—a project envisioned as a modern-day palace. From custom jharokhas to hand-carved moldings, every corner whispered of grandeur and tradition. “It wasn’t just about creating a beautiful home—it was about making the family’s heritage tangible,” says Bhagyashree.
Sustainability with Soul
In their hands, tradition and sustainability go hand in hand. Many elements of classical Indian architecture were inherently eco-conscious—natural ventilation, locally sourced materials, and long-lasting finishes. By using handmade décor, supporting artisans, and selecting durable materials, the studio ensures that beauty doesn’t come at the cost of the planet.
The Human Factor
Bhagyashree insists that great design begins with understanding people. “Every client has an unspoken story they want reflected in their space,” she says. Deep listening, cultural sensitivity, and empathy form the foundation of their process, ensuring every detail resonates on a personal level.
Lessons in Legacy
For the Mahadiks, entrepreneurship has been a masterclass in adaptability, discipline, and emotional intelligence. The biggest takeaway? That design trends will come and go, but authenticity will always be in style.
“Spaces should make people feel something,” says Bhagyashree. “If we can do that, we’ve succeeded.”
Advice to the Next Generation
To aspiring architects and designers, her message is simple: “Your roots are your greatest strength. Learn the rules, but break them when your story demands it. Focus on emotion, functionality, and integrity—because design is not just about how a space looks, but how it makes people live and feel.”
From Thane to projects across India, One Step World continues to craft interiors that are more than environments—they are legacies, wrapped in elegance, and destined to endure.
