Studio Slip imagines a traditional Kashmiri home in Bengaluru exuding modern comfort

A  glance at this Kashmir-inspired house of 1,900 sqft juxtaposed in the modern dwellings of Sarjapur, Bengaluru, crafted by Kamini Rao, Founder of Studio Slip and Sharon John, Project Design Lead narrates the process of how functionality met culture. 

Infused with Kashmiri motifs and captivating a thirst for nostalgia, this abode is designed to pay an ode to the culture of “Jannat-e-Kashmir” with a contemporary twist. 

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The curious brief 

Panun Gar, which means “Our Home” in Kashmiri, is a balance of colour, tradition and modern functionality. Understanding the family’s need to feel connected to their roots and connoting to create a smart contemporary home with traditional elements that are woven into their space, which celebrates not only their culture but also community.

Tour every turn of the home…

Stepping foot through the foyer immediately sets the tone for the rest of the home with its blue-grey walls decorated in Warli art pieces, an open plan with living and dining space with a stunning double-height ceiling that overlooks a large balcony, making the space bright and airy. Oorjaa paper lights and tall embroidered namda tapestries were sourced to accentuate the height that connects the two levels of the home.

To add more storage, the stairwell is used as a bookshelf, featuring floral wallpaper. Next to the stairwell is the narrow kitchen, which has the Chhabria tiles, reminiscent of Kashmiri carpet patterns.

The far end houses the master bedroom, which has pops of vibrant traditional accents. This bedroom features an Amberville bed flanked with delicate old-leaf miniature art by Hemant Kumawat hung above it. 

Navigating upstairs through the corridor, the son’s room on the left is minimal and is bathed in muted monochromatic colour scheme with a sombre study corner. To the right is the traditional Kashmiri-styled living room, which features floor seating with a silk carpet from the Kashmiri Emporium. The hallmark of the room is the louvred accordion shutter, which allows you to peek into the living room below, connecting the two living rooms of the house.

While the daughter, Bulbul Khoda’s bedroom is doused in a muted palette of blues and pink with a customised hand-carved bed and a pink armchair from Gulmohar Lane adding a pop to the room. 

Ideas to bookmark – colours and materials

Sticking to the theme of a contemporary Kashmiri house, Kamini says, “We decided to set the tone of the house in blues, pinks and beige.” For the material, she further adds, ” we wanted to use richer materials such as hardwood, marble, brass accents and juxtapose them with rustic hand-made crafts like the paper lamps, cane and embroidery.”

What Kamini fell in love with… 

Showcasing the client’s Kashmiri culture in new ways through the NGO The Hundred Hands, Kamini sourced art from different craft and art communities in India such as Worli art, Kashmiri hand-knotted silk carpets, modern formed furniture with customised hand-embroidered tapestries, which stood as a testament to their philosophy. 

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