Soft maximalism dipped in traditional design is this Chennai home’s way of life designed by The Auburn Studio

Sitting in the lap of nature, this Chennai home is a composition of rustic materials, carved surfaces and hints of traditional furniture. You want to run your hands over textures when you stroll around this residence orchestrated by Sushmitha Ramesh, Founder and Principal Architect of The Auburn Studio.

Embodying a profound reverence for crafts and culture while leaning towards contemporaneity, the 4,500 sq ft space is aptly dubbed Rasa, a Sanskrit term for essence or flavour. Sushmitha alongside Project Architect Sandhiya Bharathi and MOAD Architects, were in creative synergy with the homeowner. Sushmitha explains, “At first the owner wanted it to look traditional, but as the project evolved, her preference shifted to a more modern style. This was an exciting challenge but we embraced it with creativity.”

Whispers of maximalism

A spatial experience starts right at the foyer, where a verdant courtyard greets you, setting the tone for the rest of the design odyssey. Behind the grand entrance door emerges the living room complete with a gleaming island bar, curvaceous loungers and a low centre table assembled with luminous antiques, exemplifying how modern shapes can breathe life into vintage decor. The softly-ruffled organic light fixture really stands out in the night. “The aim was to create a space that feels lived-in and evolves with time, rather than just following transient trends” Sushmitha explains.

Grandeur of wood

Moving further, the dining area with its artistic panache beckons with a glamorous handcrafted wooden wall that veils doors leading to the guest room and a powder washroom. An avian light fixture, crafted from cane, sheds its gentle radiance on the dining table.

Speaking of her favourite corner in the house, Sushmitha says, “The dining room wall is a mirage of interconnectedness. It is not only a stunning focal point in the home, but also a clever and functional solution.” Leading up from the dining area to the first floor is a black helical staircase with a strong underpinning. This more intimate level of the home has a TV room, master bedroom, and daughter’s bedroom, which are connected by sprawling passages. 

Flamboyant first floor

In the TV room, one peeks at a muted sage green wall and an artwork bursting with colours behind an indulgent faded pink sofa. Moving ahead, one of the doors takes you inside an all-beige master bedroom where a magnanimous warm wooden bed coexists with complementing furniture pieces. Next, you pass by the daughter’s bedroom dressed with a tropical hand-painted wall mural and a joyful slide, thoughtfully integrated into the design. 

Highlighting the colour and material palette, Sushmitha shares, “I’ve experimented with the concept of “minimal maximalism” balancing bold, muted colours with understated elegance.” Traditional Indian motifs, carved-out walls, walnut wood, black metal accents, velvets and linens, all trickled down in the palette but with a softer touch. Dark slatted flooring and intricately patterned rugs are the unsung heroes of this home. Sushmitha signs off by saying, “The home speaks in the language of warmth and comfort, where every element—from the custom-made furniture to the curated art pieces—contributes to a cohesive yet diverse narrative.”

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