Homes

Clean lines and functional elegance triumph in a Bangalore home moulded by Sunayana Rao of Soul Space Design Studio

DEC 26, 2023 | By Maheshwari Vickyraj
Lights from purple turtles illuminate the living area, which has artwork by Morri; Photography by Nayan Soni
In the heart of culinary creativity, Oaktree Kitchens takes the spotlight as the esteemed kitchen vendor. The kitchen itself is a masterpiece, furnished with contemporary elegance by Dtale Modern; Photography by Nayan Soni

A contemporary design seamlessly fuses modern elegance with a touch of Indian allure in this 5,500 sq. ft home nestled in Hebbal, North Bangalore. Designed by founder & principal designer Sunayana Rao of Soul Space Design Studio, this home is a masterstroke of design, and it embraces structural metamorphosis while maintaining artistic expression with flair.

Soul Space Design Studio
Lights from purple turtles illuminate the living area, which has artwork by Morri; Photography by Nayan Soni

Signature style unveiled

The project, affectionately named “The Nicobar House,” pays homage to tropical influences, seamlessly weaving in the client’s intriguing cutlery and soft furnishings collection, making it a truly personalised and timeless space.

Artwork by Dtale Modern and a foyer bench top by Parman Designs adorn the entryway; Photography by Nayan Soni

 

Soul Space Design Studio
Lights from purple turtles illuminate the living area, which has artwork by Morri; Photography by Nayan Soni

With a vision of clean lines and functional elegance, Sunayana Rao crafted a contemporary home. “We embarked on creating a forever home, accommodating not just adults but also the joyous chaos of children and pets,” explains Rao. The living, dining, bar, and master ensuite bear the mark of her signature style—a seamless blend of clean aesthetics, intentional design, and warm earthy tones.

Soul Space Design Studio
In the heart of culinary creativity, Oaktree Kitchens takes the spotlight as the esteemed kitchen vendor. The kitchen itself is a masterpiece, furnished with contemporary elegance by Dtale Modern; Photography by Nayan Soni

Design odyssey

Set out on an exquisite journey of design—beyond the grand 8-by-8-foot French door is the foyer adorned with rustic charm, monochrome artworks, and an inviting earthy bench.

Soul Space Design Studio
In the heart of culinary creativity, Oaktree Kitchens takes the spotlight as the esteemed kitchen vendor. The kitchen itself is a masterpiece, furnished with contemporary elegance by Dtale Modern; Photography by Nayan Soni

Transcending further, the  living room unfolds, a haven of understated elegance. Textures dance on upholstery, wooden shelves, and pendant lights, which converge harmoniously. A semi-arch gracefully links spaces, from entrance to bar, creating a seamless flow while moving further into the kitchen.

The island commands attention, embodying the Californian aesthetic. The family room, cocooned by fluted glass doors, invites for shared moments on a plush leather sofa.

Soul Space Design Studio
Furnishings in the dining room are from The Lofts; Photography by Nayan Soni

 

A contemporary bed by Dtale Modern is adorned with soft furnishings from Altrove, while the wall finishes, meticulously curated, are brought to life by Super Surfaces; Photography by Nayan Soni

The bedrooms are doused with earthy elements and minimalist palettes. A guest room narrates history with a cane-back headboard and a pink-tinted study nook while the kids’ realm transforms, boasting floor-to-ceiling murals, play areas, and organised chaos.

The master bedroom, akin to a boutique haven, exudes luxury with lime plaster and meticulous Italian tiles. 

Soul Space Design Studio
The kids’ realm is adorned with enchanting wall murals courtesy of Art beat paintings, while the furniture, a playful fusion of functionality and style, is curated by IKEA; Photography by Nayan Soni

Timeless tropical vibes

Visually calming, the symphony of colours and materials is a lullaby for the sensitive eye. Each and every crevice radiates warmth and friendliness, free of any superfluous shadows, thanks to the minimalist aesthetic and muted colour palette.

Fabrics and artwork in the common rooms include vibrant bursts of colour against an earthy backdrop. The kitchen, a striking charcoal grey focal point, sets the tone for the rest of the living and dining areas.

Soul Space Design Studio
The master bedroom’s bathroom radiates modern aesthetics, revolving around a captivating tub at its core. Adjacent to this focal point sits a stylish brown table, and a touch of green in the toilet injects a burst of tropical vibes into the space; Photography by Nayan Soni

 

Soul Space Design Studio
A monochrome symphony sets the tone in the guest bathroom with pièce de résistance being the amoeba-shaped mirror, transforming the toilet space; Photography by Nayan Soni

What Sunayana fell in love with 

 In this abode, each detail tells a tale, crafting not just a home but a narrative of refined living. “Designing was an absolute joy, especially crafting two standout spaces,” says Rao, who explains how the bar became a masterpiece with 3000 meticulously hand-painted piccolo tiles and is an ode to artistry.

The master bathroom emerged as a haven of innovation, navigating the challenge of a delicate 3mm porcelain tile—an exhilarating feat.

Soul Space Design Studio
Infused with both modern allure and tropical vibes, the master bedroom’s bathroom captivates with pops of lush greenery and sleek wooden cabinets. Twin basins and mirrors add symmetry and functionality to this contemporary oasis; Photography by Nayan Soni

 

A coffee table and side table by Crio, together with lights by Bamboo Pecker, adorn the balcony furniture set from Dtale Modern; Photography by Nayan Soni

The challenging factor while designing was mainly the door dilemma. Balancing safety and aesthetics,the pinnacle of creativity took over. “We ventured into the extraordinary, birthing an 8-foot-tall French door. Iterations flowed until brilliance struck, seamlessly merging the foyer with the living room, a triumph of design and security,” elaborated Rao.

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