Homes
Quiet luxury meets wise decluttering at this Chennai home by Alara Studio
DEC 31, 2024 | By Anaya Zubin
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Read more: ALARA Studio recites the legacy of Pichwai artworks created by skilled artisans of Rajasthan