A walk in nature

Inside and outside, there is a touch of nature all around this Kerala home by Ranjit John Architects

08 Aug 2025

ELLE DECOR

This home feels like a walk in the park — the swish of leaves, a swirl of brown. The flicker of sunlight playing with the rustling leaves. But this isn’t an outdoor terrain, rather a home. Inspired by nature’s green tones and lush bounty, it connects the privacy and solitude of a home to the great outdoors. A 1,800 sq ft space in Kerala dubbed Noel Green Nature by Joel R. Pio John of Ranjit John Architects along with Studio 126, the home captures the caress of nature. “We chose an earthy, rustic palette that reflected the natural environment we wanted to bring inside. The combination of green hues, brick, Kota stone, and wood merged nature with the indoors” says Joel.

The home has a formal and informal living room, a kitchen, dining room, three bedrooms and two balconies and was built alongside Sruthi Jaffin, Design Director and Jesvin Rachel, Interior Design Head at Studio 126.

“We envisioned the foyer as a nature walk, guiding residents and visitors toward the heart of the home" — Joel R Pio John

Unrestricted by doors, the kitchen, lying space and dining space are all cohesive units that flow into each other; Photography by Justin Sebastian

Greener on the other side

Besides a green hue that trails the home, brick, Kota stone and wood, paint the larger picture of an eco-conscious home. Natural patina of the space and patterns on the furnishings help set a contrasting tone.“We envisioned the foyer as a nature walk, guiding residents and visitors toward the heart of the home. The homeowner’s style — natural, sustainable, and sophisticated — was a major influence in shaping the space, and it aligned beautifully with our studio’s philosophy,” says Joel.

A natural geometry, in the living room the light pendants are from The Purple Turtles, coffee table is from Dtale, sofa from Gulmohar Lane, armchair from Bali Connection, rug from Rugberry, side table from The Loft, pot from Ferrocon Concrete Factory; Photography by Justin Sebastian

The informal and formal living room are interconnected through a see-through display shelf; Photography by Justin Sebastian

Pit stops on the nature walk

“The foyer was undoubtedly the most enjoyable area to design. It serves as the nerve centre of the apartment, creating a sense of arrival and transition,” says Joel. Creating impressions right from the beginning, the mint green door beckons you to the insides — of course, only to realise how green infiltrates the space. The limited natural light also meant considering plants that would thrive with less light.

The lush balconies are a taste of the outside, while you can remain inside. Even the kitchen makes use of a forest green colour on the storage spaces that contrasts with the white intervention. The living, dining and kitchen spaces are compartmentalised but unrestricted by doors — just like nature would have wanted.