Cover Smita Thomas of Multitude of Sins interior design studio, based in Bengaluru, India (Photo by Ishi Sitwala; stylised by Celine Dabao)
Smita Thomas of Multitude of Sins interior design studio, based in Bengaluru, India (Photo by Ishi Sitwala; stylised by Celine Dabao)
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Explore the distinctive charm of Smita Thomas, who has leveraged her background in law to create an award-winning interior design firm in India
When you think of an interior design studio, you’re not likely to expect the name ‘Multitude of Sins.’ But studio founder Smita Thomas is here to subvert all your expectations—starting with the name. “It does raise a few eyebrows, doesn’t it?” she muses. “It’s a deliberate choice that invites people to rethink what ‘sin’ really means. We often associate sin with shame, guilt or judgment, but what if we flipped that narrative? What if we saw it as a vital part of the human experience: desires, flaws, and all?”
In a world that often values perfection, Thomas is redefining our relationships to the spaces we inhabit. “We’re here to create spaces that challenge the narrative. We invite people to break free and connect with every part of themselves with no filters or apologies,” she says. “We push boundaries and capture the electric feeling of breaking free.”
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Above Smita Thomas of Multitude of Sins interior design studio, based in Bengaluru, India
Smita Thomas of Multitude of Sins interior design studio, based in Bengaluru, India
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Thomas has a fascinating background: she initially practiced law before diving headfirst into the hectic, vibrant design world. “The legal field is unforgiving, demanding a level of professionalism and accountability that is sometimes lacking in creative industries,” she says. “In the law, delivering on promises is everything. This commitment shapes how I approach my design work. Every interaction—with clients, collaborators, or vendors—should be rooted in professional respect and accountability.”
Her broad perspective bridges the gap between the chaos of art and the rigidity of law. “Another crucial lesson I took away is that structure is not a constraint; it’s a foundation,” she says. “This rigour taught me that creativity can also flourish within a framework that honours deadlines and where every product reflects genuine care and commitment.”
The exterior of Multitude of Sins’ recent project ‘Pennyroyal Tea’ in Chennai, India
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When Thomas and the Multitude of Sins team collaborates on a project, their goal is to amplify the client’s voice. “That doesn’t mean we just take their ideas at face value,” she says. “Our responsibility is to elevate those concepts, pushing them to a new level while remaining true to the client’s DNA.”
Staying tethered to the studio’s vision while reflecting the client’s needs is oftentimes challenging, but the deliberate process pays off. Multitude of Sins only takes on three projects a year, working with individuals ready to pursue a creative path, wherever it leads.
One of the studio’s most recent projects is a home that pours the inhabitant’s memories, fantasies, and feelings into every corner of the space. “I shadowed him for a few days, observing his life at home and work,” recalls Thomas. “I encouraged him to draw, sing, and answer questions that had nothing to do with design. This gave us a deep dive into his memory, ensuring that the final space reflects his inner world.”
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Above The foyer of Multitude of Sins’ recent project ‘Pennyroyal Tea’ in Chennai, India
Above Exploring the details of Multitude of Sins’ recent project ‘Pennyroyal Tea’ in Chennai, India
The foyer of Multitude of Sins’ recent project ‘Pennyroyal Tea’ in Chennai, India
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Another recent project is the Pennyroyal Tea home in Chennai, India, a garden sanctuary that took nearly three years for 200 craftsmen to make. “At Multitude of Sins, we firmly believe that traditional craftsmanship can add nuance and create bold, radical designs,” says Thomas. “We want the craftsmanship to be a quiet celebration of our artisans’ incredible skills, slipping in seamlessly to catch the eye and lift the entire project.”
Of particular interest in this project are the playful combinations of rattan, wood, and metal that bring the garden indoors. Various furniture pieces throughout the home have a playful touch. For instance, the living room table features an intricate entanglement of the moon’s phases with nocturnal critters. Meanwhile, the lounge has a canopy from which birds and flowers dangle, adding a layer of whimsy to cherished memories with family and friends.
Not everyone wants their home to look that way. That is precisely Thomas’s point. “If you want your space to reflect your heritage and personality but feel lost, start by diving deep into your narrative. Strip away the societal norms that dictate how a space should look,” she says. “Explore your roots without nostalgia—challenge what they mean to you today. Let your environment resonate with the intensity of your passions.”
Above Exploring the craftsmanship in Multitude of Sins’ recent project ‘Pennyroyal Tea’ in Chennai, India
Exploring the craftsmanship in Multitude of Sins’ recent project ‘Pennyroyal Tea’ in Chennai, India
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Above Exploring the craftsmanship in Multitude of Sins’ recent project ‘Pennyroyal Tea’ in Chennai, India
Above A bedroom in Multitude of Sins’ recent project ‘Pennyroyal Tea’ in Chennai, India
Exploring the craftsmanship in Multitude of Sins’ recent project ‘Pennyroyal Tea’ in Chennai, India
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Multitude of Sins has recently won several awards, including the Dezeen and Architizer Awards for sustainable interiors. For Thomas, these recognitions are proof of India’s unique identity in the global design community. “We want our work to make people sit up and notice what we can achieve both as a country and as a studio,” Thomas says.
Still, such achievements are only goalposts on Thomas’s continued pursuit of creativity. She hopes to one day collaborate with filmmakers like Yorgos Lanthimos, George Miller, or Wong Kar-Wai to bring their worlds to life. She also expressed interest in developing public infrastructures in India, transforming parks, footpaths and traffic signals into functional, memorable attractions.
Above Smita Thomas of Multitude of Sins interior design studio, based in Bengaluru, India
Smita Thomas of Multitude of Sins interior design studio, based in Bengaluru, India
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“There’s no straightforward ladder to success; think of it as a cargo net. You can climb sideways or even diagonally to reach the next level...Whether you’re just starting or already in the game, the path is yours to shape”
In the meantime, Thomas and the Multitude of Sins studio will continue pursuing new projects with discernment and curiosity. Her advice for young designers lights the way for her path forward, as she encourages them to see diligence and patience as friends on the journey. “There’s no straightforward ladder to success; think of it as a cargo net,” she says. “You can climb sideways or even diagonally to reach the next level. Wherever you are, embrace the challenges; they’re where you’ll find your strength. Whether you’re just starting or already in the game, the path is yours to shape.”
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Credits
Photography: Ishi Sitwala
About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
