A home in Bengaluru by Bodhi Design Studio plays host to colour, culture and comfort

In Bengaluru, this home by Bodhi Design Studio playfully beckons you to venture further and then some more. Filled with old-world charm and functionally appropriate for a family of two, this 1,500 sq ft apartment is a part of a 40-year-old building. Home to the lady of the house and her son, the spaces were restructured and given a face lift by the design team lead by principal architect Amirah Ahamed.

The client’s vibrant and lively personality allowed for the home to take on those characteristics too. “As a single mother immersed in a creative career, the current layout and ambiance of the unit were not aligning well with her needs,” explains Amirah. It was important to design spaces that fueled inspiration and creativity but were also grounded in the family’s roots. The client had a vision that included a spacious kitchen, an entertainment area, a cosy master bedroom and a practical space for her son.

Best of both worlds 

With the homeowner having familial roots in both Kolkata and Kerala, efforts were made to bring the two together. Hints of Kolkata’s colonial history can be seen intertwined within the rich South Indian furniture. The materials used were chosen by the team with a keen eye. A combination of kota, wood and stained glass have brought about an organic lived-in feel while also being refined. Personal touches were added through photographs and paintings in all the spaces.

The ever-growing importance of sustainability especially in design was not missed out by the designers. Understanding the value of sustainability, the team incorporated furniture pieces from antique collections. Several items from the client’s family were repurposed and reused. 

Textural tango

One walks into a foyer defined by a shoe rack featuring all the materials used throughout the home. Layered with textures and patterns, the living room is playful with its red and white striped table and multi–coloured cushions. Traces of colonial design can be seen in the chequered inlay on the edges of the flooring, separating the living area into two – the first portion as a general living area, and the second as an entertainment area that can be closed off. The spaces showcase brightly coloured furniture pieces along with antiques like an old trunk used as a bar unit. 

The kitchen displays a wide range of materials and colours without being overbearing. The perfect combination of wood, tiles and paint has rendered this space sophisticated yet tied to the overarching eclectic theme. In the son’s bedroom, materials have once again been used smartly to divide the spaces.

A combination of a patterned floor with a wood floor separates the small space into the study area and the sleeping area. The master bedroom perfectly fits the client’s brief. Comprising a walk-in wardrobe, bathtub and writing nook, every element of this space ties to her personality. The attention to detail is clear – whether it’s the colour palette of the room or the intricate patterns of the furnishings. 

The design discourse   

Through these eclectic spaces and layers upon layer of textural delight, Bodhi Design Studio’s prowess comes through. Their philosophy, that design creates a culture which in turn creates future defining values, is evident in this residence. This ideology has aided them in creating a practical yet aesthetically pleasing home that sheds a light on durability and sustainability. 

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