The he(art) of a home

In Kolkata, A Design Squares brings home a gallery

30 May 2025

Art doesn’t just have to be in a gallery, it can be at home too. In Kolkata, A Design Squares paints a picture-perfect “villament” which incorporates global elements through its interiors yet maintains a homely feel for the residents. The home is a modern villa fused into an apartment setting. The dynamic home is tastefully spread across 4,500 sq ft and designed by Ajay Arya of A Square Designs.

“Art plays a pivotal role in elevating the design narrative of this home…These bespoke pieces add character, depth, and an artistic soul to the space, making the home feel like a live-in gallery” — Ajay Arya

The living room’s furniture is from Times Atelier, Ochre At Home, lighting by Oma and Mahal Lamps and carpet by Jaipur Rugs; Styling by Kunnal Dass and Photography by Gokull Rao Kadam

Gallery walk-through

Embracing a dual nature of a gallery, each room in the house has a theme. The master bedroom is a space of quiet luxury right starting with the rich, yet dramatic burgundy fluted wall panel to a more subtle antique carpet that is framed as wall art — a fusion of tradition and artistry. An ochre wallpaper depicting flora and fauna brings natural elements into the home elegantly. Similarly, a tropical-themed wall covering brings to the home a vibrant yet youthful energy for the daughter’s room.

In contrast, the mood changes in the guest bedroom’s old-world charm established with the help of a classic four-poster bed. The remainder of the home is a shared zone — a large integrated living, bar, dining and informal seating area, with a staircase interspersed. “The goal was to ensure that these four distinct zones could function independently while seamlessly merging into one expansive, open space when needed. Achieving this fluidity required a keen eye for spatial planning, as well as meticulous attention to detail in terms of material transitions, furniture layouts, and lighting,” says Ajay. Each space has its own function but blur furniture elements and styles into each other, the whole of an (artistic) sum.

The den area is home to furniture by Ochre At Home, glass screens by Waltz by JB Glass and carpet from Cocoon Fine Rugs; Styling by Kunnal Dass and Photography by Gokull Rao Kadam

In the son's bedroom, the furniture is from Ochre At Home and Times Atelier and carpet is from Carpet Couture; Photography by Gokull Rao Kadam

Nature, meet art

Floor-to-ceiling glass windows help make the outside enter the inside and lush greenery is speckled around the home, seamlessly connecting it with nature. The feel of a gallery makes a mark in the villament through a hand-painted wall mural by artist Jit Chowdhury. Closely accompanying it is 3D art precariously kept on the bar counter (also handpainted!). Each element and its smaller details come together to create a story of the past and pave way for more, making you feel right at home.

The art of materials

The materials give the home a sophisticated and grand gallery-like feeling. The walls are neutral-toned shell, home to especially sourced White Michael Angelo marble from Portugal. The pastel-hued walls harmonise with the blend of wood, metal and glass around the home that make a graceful backdrop. Antique beige marble fashions the flooring of the daughter’s bathroom with a shift to dover white marble in the son’s bathroom. In the parent’s bathroom the inlay comprises Burberry Beige, Antique Beige, Pietra Grey, Brazilian White and Black Marble — a combination that comes together superfluously, using the same material even in the powder bathroom inlays.

Chandeliers drop from the ceiling completing the space and various carpets that are plush make the rooms feel grand. Sculptural glass vases hold lush flowers which help connect the home to its natural beauty. Colour is weaved throughout the home in the curated artworks, ornate rugs and decor accents that come together to create a living, breathing home for art and its people.