For interior designer Vani Maharaj, Christmas represents far more than seasonal decoration—it embodies profound emotional resonance, childhood nostalgia, and the very essence of her design philosophy. The creative force behind Trinidad-based luxury design firm Divine Living has transformed her lifelong fascination with the holiday into both professional inspiration and a personal mission to spread joy through intentional design.
Maharaj’s journey into design began unconventionally. With academic credentials including a BBA in finance and a master’s in marketing from the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, she initially approached decorating as a hobby in 2010 before formally establishing Divine Living in 2019. The company now operates from two locations: a showroom on Stone Street, Port of Spain, and a design studio in Lange Park, Chaguanas, serving clients throughout Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean, and the United States.
The designer credits her childhood environment—characterized by what she describes as ‘warmth, discipline, and quiet beauty’—for shaping her aesthetic sensibilities. ‘Our space was always warm, intentional and well cared for,’ Maharaj recalled. ‘It wasn’t about luxury, it was about the feeling a home could evoke.’ This early exposure to thoughtfully curated spaces nurtured an instinctive appreciation for beauty that would later define her career.
Beyond aesthetic considerations, Maharaj emphasizes the importance of work ethic learned from her parents. ‘Through school, university, and my early career, I learned one consistent truth: the more effort I put in, the more I achieved.’ This philosophy continues to guide her approach to both business and creative endeavors.
For Maharaj, the most rewarding aspect of her work lies in client reactions. ‘Handing over a completed home and seeing a client’s joy—sometimes tears, excitement and relief—is something indescribable,’ she shared. Particularly meaningful are messages received years later, especially during Christmas, showing homes maintained exactly as designed. ‘Knowing something I created continues to bring peace and happiness long after the project is finished makes every bit of effort worthwhile.’
Her personal Christmas traditions reflect this same intentionality. Maharaj has developed elaborate family rituals, including theatrical Santa Claus experiences for her teenage son featuring handwritten North Pole scrolls and custom-made Santa sacks. ‘I would tell him Santa saved him for last because he was such a special boy,’ she laughed. These carefully crafted moments extend to an annual Gratitude Letter tradition, where family members document their thankfulness each Christmas season, preserving these letters in a keepsake box that has become ‘a beautiful archive of appreciation, growth and love.’
Professionally, Maharaj approaches Christmas décor by focusing on mood creation through layered textures, neutral color palettes accented with festive sparkle, and strategic lighting. She incorporates signature elements like pearls and orchids while insisting decorations should be ‘playful, imaginative and full of little surprises.’ Even scent plays a role, with her favorite Fraser Fir candle from the Divine Living collection evoking immediate Christmas associations.
Looking beyond seasonal design, Maharaj remains committed to mentorship and supporting women entrepreneurs through talks, forums, and informal guidance. She actively participates in charitable initiatives year-round, particularly during Christmas, believing that ‘giving back is one of the most powerful ways to use my skills, time, resources, connections and experiences to uplift others.’
Future plans include expanding educational offerings through interior design classes and opening additional studio space in Port of Spain with certified in-house designers. For those seeking to build authentic, beautiful lives aligned with their passions, Maharaj advises beginning with self-understanding: ‘Begin with understanding yourself—your passions, values and the things that genuinely bring you joy. Don’t shy away from taking bold steps toward what excites you, even if it feels unfamiliar or unconventional.’
Ultimately, Maharaj sees Christmas spirit as a year-round approach to living. ‘That feeling people get at Christmas—the warmth, the beauty, the sense of being cared for—that’s something I try to bring into everything I do, every single day. Christmas isn’t limited to one season—it is a way of living and expressing love throughout the year.’