A sunny Goan villa

The Works Interiors in Goa bring nature home within its open-plan interiors

12 Aug 2025

“Nature isn’t just outside. It’s woven into the very fabric of this villa,” say Devika and Raj Khosla, Creative Director and Principle Designer of The Works Interiors about their recent residential undertaking, a sprawling Goan villa called Villa Shai (named after the homeowners, Sumeer and Sunhaila Duggal’s daughter Shaista). Quietude and lush countryside magic shape the aesthetic lexicon of this address. “Spanning 6,000 sq ft, this is a two-storeyed villa that exudes quiet luxury through an unpretentious aesthetic and is effortlessly inviting. Natural light bathes the open-plan living spaces, which flow seamlessly from one area to the next, blending the indoors with the outdoors,” the duo of The Works Interiors notes.

SUSTAINABILITY CORE

Built to evoke a genuine connection between its inhabitants and their surroundings; a quick walkthrough makes it certain that nature, sustainability and artisanal craftsmanship show up here as subtle, recurring motifs. This sentiment is evidenced in the usage of ethically sourced plantation timber for handcrafted furniture, sourced from local artisans, neutral colours, low-VOC paints, understated textures and finishes. “Punctuated by earthy colours, textured materials, and Bohemian influences, the design language breathes easy, and is enhanced by the generous usage of earthy tones and natural materials,” say the designers.

“Nature isn’t just outside. It’s woven into the very fabric of this villa”

Devika and Raj Khosla of The Works Interiors

Natural light bathes the open-plan living spaces, which flow from one area to the next; Photography by Yash Jain

BLENDING INTERIORS WITH EXTERIORS

Adhering to a tactile design approach that blends the interiors with the exteriors, the villa houses a private world within and is a natural extension of its context — every space opens up to the outdoors. Large windows frame views of tropical foliage, while the dense landscaping and calming water body connect the indoors with nature without eroding a sense of privacy. An understated sense of comfort and ease brims through this space, where every element serves as a gentle reminder of Goa’s rich cultural elegance and carefree allure.

A RETREAT FOR REST AND CONNECTION

Emblematic of a space that doesn’t merely honour nature, but rather dissolves into it, Villa Shai’s plunge pool — strategically located in the outdoor space — serves as the focal point of the area that seamlessly blends into the landscape, and is clearly the designer’s favourite. “Framed by a cascading waterfall and a shaded cabana, the area is enveloped by greenery and the soothing sounds of water. This tranquil oasis, set amidst lush landscaping, invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature,” they reveal. At this Goan abode, one doesn’t just live in tandem with Goa’s lush greenery, but celebrates its very essence in both space and spirit.