By Bhagyashree Mahadik & Alpesh Mahadik – Founders, One Step World
In a design world often swept up in minimalism and fleeting trends, One Step World emerges as a rare voice of timelessness. Founded in 2021 by Bhagyashree and Alpesh Mahadik, this Thane-based studio is not merely an interior design firm—it is a curator of heritage, a preserver of craftsmanship, and a storyteller through space. Specializing in royal-themed interiors that seamlessly blend traditional Indian artistry with modern-day functionality, the duo has built a brand where every wall, arch, and detail carries a piece of history.
The Birth of a Vision
For Bhagyashree, design has always been more than surface beauty. It is a language—a way to narrate stories deeply rooted in India’s cultural and architectural legacy. In an era where sleek but soulless spaces dominate, she saw an opportunity to revive the opulence of classical design. One Step World was her answer—a studio that doesn’t just decorate, but transforms interiors into living embodiments of tradition, luxury, and personal identity.
Design as Cultural Revival
Their signature style draws inspiration from classical Indian architecture and Rajasthani elegance—majestic domes, intricate jali work, ornate arches, carved moldings, and bespoke chandeliers. Yet, these historical elements are never mere replicas; they are reinterpreted for modern living, balancing grandeur with practical layouts and contemporary comfort.
“Our work addresses cultural disconnection,” Bhagyashree explains. “We create spaces that not only feel luxurious but resonate with identity and pride. In a fast-changing world, we design for legacy.”
Impact Beyond Interiors
One Step World’s projects ripple far beyond their visual appeal. By working closely with local artisans and reviving endangered craft traditions, the studio sustains livelihoods and keeps ancient skills alive. Clients are not just given beautiful spaces—they are connected to their cultural roots in tangible ways, inspiring younger generations to value tradition even in contemporary contexts.
The One Step World Difference
Their USP lies in their mastery of blending heritage with modernity. Each project is bespoke, designed around the client’s story and aspirations, resulting in interiors that feel both majestic and deeply personal. From hand-painted panels to custom gold-leaf detailing, every decision is intentional, ensuring no two spaces are alike.
Turning Challenges into Strengths
Like many entrepreneurs, Bhagyashree and Alpesh faced their share of early struggles—limited resources, skepticism in the market, and the delicate balance between artistic vision and business realities. Educating clients on the depth and timelessness of heritage-inspired design was a challenge, but one they met with conviction. “Consistency, authenticity, and word-of-mouth trust built our foundation,” says Bhagyashree.
Choosing the entrepreneurial path was a personal leap as well. Coming from a background where stability was favored over creative risk, Bhagyashree’s decision to pursue design full-time required resilience, belief, and a refusal to compromise on her vision.
Finding the Gap in the Market
The couple observed that while India’s design industry was booming, much of it was dominated by Western minimalism, often lacking cultural depth. They stepped into this gap with confidence, offering interiors that were not just beautiful but meaningful—spaces that reflect values, status, and heritage.
A Palace for the Present
One of their most cherished projects was a residence designed as a modern-day palace. Every element—from hand-carved jharokhas to custom chandeliers—was a tribute to the family’s legacy. “It wasn’t just about creating a space; it was about bringing an ancestral dream to life,” recalls Bhagyashree.
Sustainability in Tradition
The studio’s philosophy embraces sustainability as naturally as it does heritage. Bhagyashree points out that traditional Indian architecture was inherently eco-friendly—built with local materials, natural ventilation, and climate responsiveness. Today, they integrate handmade elements, long-lasting finishes, and artisan-produced décor, proving that true luxury respects both culture and the planet.
The Psychology of Design
Technical skill alone doesn’t make great design. Bhagyashree believes that understanding client psychology is equally vital. “Every client carries a memory or dream they want reflected in their space. Listening, observing, and empathizing are the keys to translating that into design,” she says.
Lessons from the Journey
Entrepreneurship, for them, has been an education in adaptability, consistency, and emotional intelligence. Remaining true to their design philosophy—despite changing trends—has been their anchor. “Beauty alone isn’t success,” Bhagyashree reflects. “It’s about creating spaces that hold meaning, evoke memory, and leave a lasting impact.”
Words to the Next Generation
Her message to emerging designers is clear: “Your originality and roots are your greatest strengths. Learn the rules, but don’t fear breaking them when your vision demands it. Design is more than aesthetics—it’s emotion, storytelling, and responsibility. Build with integrity, and your work will outlive trends.”
From their Thane studio, Bhagyashree and Alpesh continue to design spaces that feel like heirlooms—opulent, deeply personal, and timeless. With each project, One Step World proves that when luxury meets legacy, design transcends time itself.