Nordic soul meets Alibaug coast

Kirti Dodeja introduces two design worlds with a contemporary expression

17 Jun 2025

A home with a Nordic soul and a Japandi spirit plays with ideas, materials and colours on the coast of Alibaug. Amidst an expansive spread of 47,000 sq ft and an 8,100 sq ft built up area, the den is designed by interior designer Kirti Dodeja Malhotra of her eponymous firm with Isprava as the property developer. With a playful name, ‘Nordic Nuovo’, combines two design worlds. “Muted Japandi tones, organic textures, and functional beauty come together in a contemporary expression,” says Kirti.

“At Nordic Nuovo, the material palette plays a central role in evoking its Japandi-inspired soul and Nordic elegance” — Kirti Dodeja Malhotra

The 10-seater wooden dining table is supported by three legs, while the walls have a micro-concrete texture; Photography by Rohit Ganguly

A mix of design worlds

The home encompasses a double-storied space, with the ground floor comprising the living area, dining area, kitchen, den and two bedrooms; eventually with passages leading to the outdoor jacuzzi. The semi covered outdoor area also includes the pool, back lawn and barbeque — exactly what one needs in the coastal air. The first floor also contains two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and balconies. In initial discussions with the homeowners, their preference for earthy textures and colours, but with a modern touch, stood out to the designer.

Nordic refinement blends with the Japandi warmth in this home, becoming an amalgamation of natural materials, soft tonal palettes, and artisanal details. Japandi ideas seep into the layout plan, the bedrooms on the first floor overlook the calmness of the pool and surrounding nature. The monotony of long corridors is broken into passages; a dynamic flow to the home.

Below the custom designed double height chandelier in the center, is a 6-foot-tall sculptural horse head; Photography by Rohit Ganguly

Aerial view of the Alibaug property; Photography courtesy Kirti Dodeja

Meaningful materials and detailed decor

“At Nordic Nuovo, the material palette plays a central role in evoking its Japandi-inspired soul and Nordic elegance, ” says Kirti. These design elements inspire the flooring, which uses natural Dholpur stone and Kota gray while the furnishings include linens boucle and the integration of cotton into the upholstery and drapery that is a canvas for intricate embroidery — a divulgence of craft and colour. Accounting for Alibaug’s weather which includes heavy rains, the outdoors are semi-covered, made of a material that can withstand downpour.

The home makes use of extreme detailing, coordinating colours with decor that make the space homely and full. The decorations are bold and eye-catching, a conversation starter as well an honour to Indian crafts. Hand-carved, wooden and sophisticated, a 6-foot-tall sculptural horse head greets guests at the start of the staircase, while a mix of artefacts sourced across the country are placed strategically around the home, grounding the home’s rooted identity and giving one the chance to slow down to take in the details and stories.