Homes

Quiet luxury meets wise decluttering at this Chennai home by Alara Studio

DEC 31, 2024 | By Anaya Zubin
The living room features a custom wall unit crafted from Calacatta Viola marble, paired with slatted wood panels that discreetly screen the television while decor from Purple Turtles dress the wall unit; Photography by Yash R Jain; Styling by Amrita Thomas
Creamy white furniture by ALARA STUDIOS steal the spotlight with its soft hues while the open dining is adorned with lighting from Arjun Rathi Lights; Photography by Yash R Jain

A consuming beauty lies within simplicity while understated luxury echoes through the turns and corners of this Chennai home. Crafted across 1,800 sq ft, this home imagined by co-founder and principal designer Amrita Thomas of ALARA STUDIO is calculatedly uncluttered.

“Our philosophy is to create spaces that balance luxury with warmth and modernity with tradition. Titled Marmo Home, it reflects this through its meticulous attention to detail—marble accents, bespoke furniture, sliding panels, and handcrafted finishes,” explains Amrita. 

The living room showcases furniture from ALARA STUDIO, custom light from Arjun Rathi Lights and alluring decor from The Purple Turtles; Photography by Yash R Jain; Styling by Amrita Thomas

 

A glance of the suite is seen through the living room which is adorned with furniture from ALARA STUDIOS and decor from The Purple Turtles; Photography by Yash R Jain

Traditional hints 

A home that sings an artistic melody, think handcrafted finishes, locally-sourced wood and materials that whisper tales of longevity and care. An embrace to indigenous craftsmanship! 

Photography by Yash R Jain
Creamy white furniture by ALARA STUDIOS steal the spotlight with its soft hues while the open dining is adorned with lighting from Arjun Rathi Lights; Photography by Yash R Jain

 

Photography by Yash R Jain
The open dining space features the Shikara light from Arjun Rathi Lights, a candle stand from H&M, artwork from ALARA, furniture from ALARA STUDIO and rug from Jaipur Rugs; Photography by Yash R Jain

 

Wooden fluted panels drape this corner alongside the alluring Calacatta Viola marble; Photography by Yash R Jain

Anchored in an off white palette, the interiors exude quietude while breathing an air of sunlit softness. The home’s material palette centres on the rich allure of Calacatta Viola marble, which introduces a subtle flair through its burgundy wine veins. Complementing this are warm wood tones, adding depth and texture throughout the space. Bespoke furniture pieces, from sleek dining sets to handcrafted consoles, balance contemporary functionality with subtle traditional influences.

The kitchen features sleek white cabinetry accompanied by deep blue textured tiles; Photography by Yash R Jain

White and jewel tones

The entrance sets a striking tone, adorned with a Pichwai painting that flaunts jewel-like hues, ranging from sapphire blue to a mellow topaz yellow. Beyond this, the living room features a custom wall unit crafted from Calacatta Viola marble, paired with slatted wood panels that discreetly screen the television. A thoughtful touch, this playful yet functional element answers the perennial question: can a room be layered with intricate details while being spacious? The answer, a resounding yes.

The dining room and the piece de resistance of the abode, the pooja room lie ahead, continuing the narrative of minimalistic design.

The entrance sets a striking tone, adorned with a Pichwai artwork from Ajio Luxe alongside a vase from The Purple Turtles; Photography by Yash R Jain

 

The bedroom features a red and sand toned artwork enhancing the wooden tones and white walls; Photography by Yash R Jain

 

The bedroom drapes in neutral hues is beautifully juxtaposed by a sapphire blue artwork from ALARA. While the room is also draped with lights from Hatsu and decor from H&M; Photography by Yash R Jain

Moving further, the primary bedroom stands independently while two accompanying bedrooms echo of simple sophistication. Yet, drama is not lost — deep hues punctuate the decor, while Calacatta Viola marble reappears alongside plush artworks in ruby, emerald, and sapphire tones. “The compact layout required creative solutions to accommodate seating, conceal a handwash area, and integrate a tranquil pooja space.”

A home of quiet luxury 

A focus on beautiful pieces of furniture, art and a warm neutral colour palette while doing away with all the excess. And the perfect canvas for jewel toned artworks from emerald and sapphire to ruby and topaz. These hues lie within a minimalist framework, achieving an interplay of vibrancy and serenity. Rather than overpowering the space it enhances the neutral backdrops.  

“The homeowners, Appaswamy Real Estates, envisioned a home — minimalist yet warm, with a balance of sophistication and functionality.” She further explains, “For this compact home, we chose a minimal and quiet design approach, with luxury expressed through intricate details and sustainable materials.” Here every discovery echoes a tale of thoughtful design. 

The bedroom adorned with a Calacatta Viola marble headboard from Guntupalli Marbles, mirror, Kioo from Muundo collection of ALARA, decor from H&M and light from Hatsu; Photography by Yash R Jain

 

Photography by Yash R Jain
An alluring corner sits in the home with a striking painting and bespoke decor; Photography by Yash R Jain

Read more: ALARA Studio recites the legacy of Pichwai artworks created by skilled artisans of Rajasthan