Homes

Arches reign supreme in The Grey House designed by (de)CoDe architecture

JUL 29, 2021 | By Kashish Kaushal
A handmade rug by Yashvi Suchak is the highlight of the greyish blue room. The dressing mirror on the right, custom designed by (de)CoDe, furthers the theme of the house; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
Blue pouffe rests on the Uneven Pink handmade rug by Yashvi Suchak, both customised by Hatsu. The white wardrobes, with wooden accents are designed by (de)CoDe architecture and add ample storage to the room; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
‘Gradient Lines’ Wallpaper by Brit Van Nerven for Texturae, Italy creates a statement wall in the main bedroom. Society6 prints are a fun addition to the subtle, white themed room; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
Abstract prints from Society6 enhance the arch inspired theme prevalent throughout the house; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
Tailor made by Hatsu, the stunning blue dining table and chairs bring flair and flamboyance to the dining area. An Esferra wall accent light crafted by Hatsu lights up the family space; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
Statuario marble flooring in shades of grey, blends in with the monochromatic theme. A light grey storage unit custom designed by (de)CoDe architecture demarcates the entrance foyer. Planters from Claymen by Aman Khanna add pristine charm; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
Artwork Prints by Ronan Bouroullec hang atop the custom sofas by The Casting Couch. The subtle geometric rug highlights the Hex centre table duo, both tailor made by Hatsu; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
Lime plastered walls from Limocoat are the key elements of the design direction of The Grey House. A pendant light Esferra6 from Hatsu lights up the Scandanavian themed home; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

Minimalism, modernism and simplicity—The Grey House keeps it straightforward and uncomplicated! Designed by (de)CoDe architecture, this house in Mumbai revels in ample natural light, ventilation and expansive spaces. 

Spread across 1,100 sq ft, the residence manoeuvres the colour grey and uses it as a canvas for the other colors and materials to come together cohesively. Prashant Prabhu,  co-founder and design principal alongside Meghna Gilani, co-founder and managing principal envisaged a minimal Scandinavian palette with shades of pastel and light wood. Home to a design entrepreneur family, the space demands to be resonant with their lifestyles and travel escapades.

Ceiling spot lights light up the entrance and an American oak Veneer from Veneer Spot give a quick peek at the theme of the house; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

“Each of the four members had their own distinctive ideas and we had to design a space that brought their imaginations of ‘home’ together,” reveals Prabhu

Inspiration from arches is emphasised on the walls, chairs and prints in the dining area; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

Touted as an experiment in experience, the house uses arches as a prominent design element. While softening the experience of moving through the home, it also marked an attempt to connect the living spaces together. The idea was to restrain oneself from over-design while maintaining a balance between form, function and feel. 

Esferra6 pendant light from Hatsu illuminates the living room corner; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

Throughout the house the light grey base palette is accentuated with little pops of pastels through furnishings, wallpaper and art. The colour is further explored materially through the use of lime plaster on the walls in a Venetian finish, soft to the touch and almost powder like. The lime plaster is complemented by the use of a light oak veneer and light pastel shades in a water based polyurethane finish to contrast the different smooth and slightly trough textures. 

An interesting play of colours marks the living area. Blush pink sofas with careful blue details pop against gentle greys; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

Designed in a light oak veneer with arches etched in profile, the lobby at the ingress hints at the space that is about to be revealed. The entrance to the home is flanked by the display unit on the right and a partition designed as storage with a bench to the left. Serving dual purpose the semi open partition allows the natural light to travel through the space while granting some privacy. 

The signature oak veneer continues into the kitchen. Patterned Spanish wall tiles from Saral Tiles & Bath Boutique create an interesting backdrop. The appliances in the kitchen are all from Siemens; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

Allowing easy access as well as conversations, the living, dining and kitchen are part of the open plan layout. The three bedrooms have their own personalities to suit the inhabitants. While the primary bedroom inhabited by the parents is in shades of white offset by a light pastel peach, the son’s bedroom in a blue ombre paint finish imparts a calming vibe. The daughter’s bedroom is in shades of grey with a custom designed mirror art piece. 

The details are highlighted by accent lights and fixtures by Hatsu; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

The interiors of every space poses its own set of trials and tribulations. As Prabhu mentions, “The Puja space in the home was one of the most challenging to design as it had to reflect an Indian sensibility but also fit into a home that was almost minimalist and Scandinavian in nature”.

The main bedroom of the house breaks away from the grey palette and embraces a serene white demeanour. Pastel pink and blue hues further highlight the details.; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

“Our work tends to be quiet and subtle with a focus on experience. The home should be a place that one would love to come back to every single day and not a space where the walls scream luxury and unnecessary opulence. We believe the entire home showcases this quality that we strive to achieve in every project we undertake,” says Prabhu. In the case of the said house, luxury in the form of joy and colours nestle in its nooks and corners. It bestows the best of both worlds, a haven for its users and stunning symphonies created by the designers. 

Scroll down for more glimpses of the space—

The family’s lifestyle inspired the designers to create an open plan living and dining area; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
Utilitarian with ample storage space, the son’s bedroom is drenched in a peaceful powder blue. The study chair, Krest by Hatsu adds a splash of green to the space; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
Grey tiles from Under the Roof line the bathroom walls. The bathroom fixtures by Kohler and Electrical switches by Legrand Arteor add functionality; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
Designed to amplify storage space, the custom wardrobes in a Grey shade by (de)CoDe architecture in the daughters bedroom are a tactful addition; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
Carrying the theme from the living room, the daughter’s room also features corner hanging lights from Hatsu and prints from Society6; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
A study nook carved into the wardrobes designed by (de)CoDe architecture mindfully maximises utility space; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
French gold fixtures by Kohler feature throughout the bathroom in the son’s bedroom. The bathroom vanity and mirror are inhouse designs inspired by the family’s lifestyle; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
Shades of grey and blue are complemented by gold fixtures by Kohler in the daughter’s bathroom. The quirky mirror is custom designed by (de)CoDe architecture; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal