Nayana Pillai - Doing What I Love Also Plays a Big Role in Keeping Me Happy and Balanced (Home Styling Enthusiast with 45K+ Followers)

"For me, leading a slow, mindful life is all about being present and finding joy in the little things. In a world that moves so fast, slowing down helps me stay grounded and clear-headed."

Q.  What inspired you to start your journey of home styling, and how did you develop your love for creating cozy, aesthetic spaces?

My journey into home styling began as a creative outlet while setting up my own space. Living away from home, I wanted my surroundings to feel warm, personal, and inviting. I’ve always believed that a well-styled home has the power to influence your mood and mindset. What started as a simple interest in arranging and decorating slowly grew into a passion for creating cozy, aesthetic spaces. I love experimenting with colors, textures, and decor elements to bring warmth and personality into a space.

Over time, I started sharing snippets of my home decor and styling ideas on social media, and the positive response from my audience encouraged me to dive deeper into it. For me, home styling is not just about visual appeal—it’s about creating a space that feels comforting and reflects personal taste.

Q. How do you define "cozy" when it comes to home decor? Can you share some key elements you always incorporate into your home styling?

For me, ‘cozy’ in home decor is all about creating a space that feels warm, inviting, and lived-in. It’s about striking the perfect balance between comfort and aesthetics. To achieve this, I focus on incorporating soft textures, warm lighting, and personal touches.

Some key elements I always include are-

Textiles - I love using throw blankets, cushions, and rugs to add softness and create a layered, inviting feel.

Warm Lighting - Soft, ambient lighting through lamps or string lights instantly makes a space feel cozier.

Natural Elements - I often include plants or fresh flowers—they add a refreshing touch and bring life to the space.

Scent and Sound - Cozy isn’t just visual—it’s also about how a space feels. I enjoy adding scented candles or diffusers for a calming aroma and sometimes play soft background music to create a soothing atmosphere.

Ultimately, coziness is about making a space feel welcoming and comfortable—a place where you can truly relax and feel at home.

Q. Your recipes are known to be mouthwatering and full of flavor! What is your secret to making delicious dishes that stand out in terms of taste and presentation?

Thank you! Honestly, the secret is pretty simple—I genuinely enjoy the process of cooking, and I think that reflects in the flavors. I always focus on using fresh, good-quality ingredients because they make a huge difference. When it comes to spices, I believe in balancing them carefully rather than overpowering the dish. Slow cooking and letting the flavors develop naturally also helps bring out the richness.

For presentation, I like keeping it clean but visually appealing. A pop of color with fresh herbs, a drizzle of sauce, or a sprinkle of spices can instantly make a dish look more inviting. I’ve also realized that small details, like serving food on beautiful plates or adding a rustic touch, make it feel special.

At the end of the day, I think the key is cooking with heart. When you enjoy what you’re making, it shows—in both the taste and the presentation.

Q. You often emphasize the importance of leading a slow, mindful life. How do you think this lifestyle, paired with doing what you love, positively impacts mental health and makes life easier?

For me, leading a slow, mindful life is all about being present and finding joy in the little things. In a world that moves so fast, slowing down helps me stay grounded and clear-headed. Simple moments—like enjoying a quiet cup of coffee or taking time to cook a meal from scratch—bring a sense of calm that’s so refreshing.

Doing what I love also plays a big role in keeping me happy and balanced. Whether it’s cooking, styling my home, or creating content, it gives me a creative escape. When you genuinely enjoy what you do, it naturally lifts your mood and makes even the busiest days feel lighter.

I’ve found that slowing down also makes life feel less overwhelming. It helps me appreciate the beauty in everyday moments and reminds me that it’s okay to take things one step at a time.

Q. Can you walk us through your process when styling a room? What steps do you take to create the perfect balance of comfort, style, and functionality?

When I style a room, I always start by thinking about how I want the space to feel—whether it’s cozy, airy, or relaxing. From there, I focus on balancing comfort, style, and practicality.

I usually begin with the layout, making sure the furniture placement feels natural and doesn’t clutter the space. I like to keep things functional while still leaving room for movement.

Next, I work on the color scheme. I usually lean toward neutral or earthy tones as a base and add pops of color through decor pieces like cushions, throws, or artwork. It’s an easy way to make the space feel warm without overwhelming it.

To add comfort, I rely on soft, textured elements—plush cushions, cozy throws, and a nice rug. These small touches instantly make the space feel more inviting.

Finally, I add personal details to make the room feel lived-in—a scented candle, a few books, or some greenery. I’m also big on lighting—it can completely change the vibe. Soft, warm lighting always makes a room feel cozier.

For me, it’s all about creating a space that looks beautiful but also feels comfortable and easy to live in.

Q. What are some of your favorite items or decor pieces that bring warmth and personality into your home?

Some of my favorite decor pieces are the ones that make my space feel warm and personal. I love adding soft throws and cushions—they instantly make a couch or bed feel cozier and more inviting.

I’m also a big fan of candles and warm lighting. There’s something about a soft, flickering candle or a dim, warm-toned lamp that makes a space feel so calming, especially in the evenings.

Plants are another must-have for me. Even a small potted plant or some fresh flowers can brighten up a room and make it feel more alive.

I also love adding personal touches—framed photos, travel souvenirs, or little keepsakes. They add character and make the space feel more ‘me.’

Finally, I enjoy mixing in natural materials like wood, stone, or woven baskets. They add texture and make the decor feel more organic and timeless.

Q. Lastly, if you could share one recipe that everyone should try at least once, what would it be and what makes it special to you?

If I had to pick just one recipe, it would be pothichoru—a traditional Kerala meal of rice, curry, stir-fried vegetables, omelette, and chammanthi, all wrapped in a banana leaf. What makes it special is the way the flavors come together when the meal steams inside the leaf, giving it a unique aroma and taste.

For me, pothichoru is more than just food—it’s comfort and nostalgia on a plate. It reminds me of Kerala’s simple, home-cooked meals and the warmth of family gatherings. The earthy smell of the banana leaf mixed with the spices makes every bite feel familiar and soothing.

It’s one of those dishes that everyone should try at least once—not just for the taste, but for the experience of unwrapping it and letting the aroma take over. It truly captures the essence of Kerala cuisine and its beautiful simplicity.

Bio

I’m Nayana, a content creator with a love for cooking, home styling, and capturing the beauty of everyday moments. Through my Instagram page, Organized Flavor, I share cinematic reels that blend my passion for food, decor, and slow living. Whether it’s creating delicious recipes, styling cozy corners, or simply enjoying a mindful moment, I love bringing warmth and authenticity into my content.

For me, it’s all about celebrating the little things—whether it’s the aroma of a home-cooked meal or the joy of transforming a space with simple, thoughtful touches.

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Interviewed By Irene Elina Eldhose