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Channelling Colonial Charisma

7Nirvana’s heritage-inspired approach transforms high-rise living above the sea

09 Jul 2025

There is a delightful rebellion in bringing together the old Kolkata charm to — quite literally — new heights. 25 floors above the bustling streets below, where the Arabian Sea stretches towards the horizon, is a house that defies conventional high-rise living. Drawing inspiration from a place etched in his heart, the iconic Oberoi Grand in Kolkata, The Colonial Home was brought to life by 7Nirvana, led by Payal Makwana, manifesting the homeowner’s zeal for the old-world charm. This 5,000 sq ft residence, upon entering, whisks you to the City of Joy’s colonial epoch.

Heritage In The Heights

Step through the tall, colonial-style doors and the transformation is immediate. The den once envisioned as a cigar lounge, now doubles as a meeting room — moody, masculine and impeccably detailed. The study nook overlooking the sea features white brick walls, patina-finished metal and quiet corners for reflection. The kitchen continues the colonial influence through wood mouldings and crisp white shutters, while a striking black granite counter anchors the space above warm terracotta tile floors. A wraparound deck binds the home together. Framed with breeze blocks and lush planters, the deck becomes a serene perch to welcome the monsoon winds drifting in from the Arabian Sea.

Furniture executed by Indecor Projects, wood and veneers by SpaceOne Surfaces, Stone by Classic Marble Company; Fabrics by Bharat Furnishing, Lights by Casabella Lights and Tisva; Styling by 7Nirvana Decor; Photography by Prashant Bhat

Each bedroom has its own story — the daughter’s space feels lively in olive green tones with curated prints, wooden floors and her father’s framed photography on the walls. The guest room incorporates vintage-inspired floral motifs with warm-toned colours, blending with the colonial elements. The master bedroom incorporates blues and whites, complementing the expansive sea. The master bathroom commands attention with its backlit onyx walls, combining a washroom, walk-in wardrobe and jacuzzi into one luxurious retreat.

Details That Define

Five elements truly capture the essence of this space are the rich Burma teak wood, the homeowner’s photographs captured on treks around the world, lush greenery and fresh flowers, handwoven carpets and elegantly used marble. Payal was given a beguilingly simple brief: comfort over show, authenticity over extravagance. The design emerged as an organic response to his lifestyle, rooted in familiarity, elegance and a sense of peace. Affirming this sentiment, Payal says, “To me, luxury is a feeling. It’s the quiet confidence of comfort. It’s a quality that reveals itself in the details.”

Furniture executed by Indecor Projects, wood and veneers by SpaceOne Surface, fabrics by Bharat Furnishing; Lights by Casabella Lights and Tisva, frames by Shree Sai Baba Photo Frame; Styling by 7Nirvana Decor; Photography by Prashant Bhat

A Manor Reborn

Turns out luxury need not be just the shiniest thing out in the world. It can also be a home with character, exuding confidence being itself. Payal adds to this as she says, “Over the past two decades as both an architect and interior designer, I’ve seen the word shift from representing excess to embodying essence. It’s no longer about what you own. It’s about how the space makes you feel.”

The Colonial Home makes old-time elegance work for a modern 25th-floor life above, honouring the residents and reflecting 7Nirvana’s philosophy to its core: that design should always reflect the soul of the one who lives within.

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