Homes

#EDLoves this stunning Vadodara home by Usine Studio, which is a canvas of pristine white, pastel pops and delicate materials

FEB 4, 2021 | By Vedika Nair
One end of the living room features these bold seaters; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala
Near the screen that separates this living area from the foyer is the other, rather muted seating arrangement; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala
A glimpse of the elder daughter's room with its salmon pink bed and minimal themes; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala
Black mosaic tiles highlight the exposed white brick wall in the younger daughter's bedroom; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala
In contrast to the home's theme, the multipurpose den is cloaked in a terracotta hues with bold furniture; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

While we all love a vibrant space infused with colours and textures, there’s something unequivocally captivating about a minimal abode with pastel hues and delicate elements. As we tour this 5,600 sq ft home, designed by Yatin Kavia and Jiten Tosar, principal designers of Usine Studio, in Vadodara, we can’t help but appreciate the beauty in its simplicity.

Drenched in white, this home for four is brought to life with a play of materials, artefacts and artworks. Pristine walls are paired with Michelangelo Italian flooring. Together, these surfaces encompass and complement the lacquered furniture and handpicked art that lies within. 

“To achieve our imagination of spotless design, we’ve kept the flooring and the walls in white. These act as a canvas to paint our colourful thoughts. Contemporary design with clean lines and subtle shades sets this home apart,” shares Kavia.

The foyer is a vision in white and wood with a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

We’re led to the foyer, which is flanked by a concealed shoe rack on one side and a partition to the living room on the other. A black-and-white portrait of Mahatma Gandhi commands attention here. On the left of the portrait lies the large living room, which is bifurcated into two seating zones. Ample sunlight streams in here and illuminates vibrant sofas, chairs and abstract paintings in this double-heighted space.

A cosy seating arrangement is seen on one side of the double-heighted living room; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

The living and dining zones are segregated by a stairway, opposite which is a minimally designed prayer room. Also on this level is the kitchen, which follows the theme of the home. It is done up in white with one popping royal blue cabinet, redefining the idea of a modern kitchen.

A stone-topped dining table is paired with custom-made tinted fabric chairs with sleek legs; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

The passageway is large enough to double up as a seating area on occasion. And the one detail that becomes apparent is that a seamless flow is created between each section of the house by employing uniform marble flooring across the interiors. 

View of the pristine kitchen with its singular popping cabinet; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

Located on the floor above, the master bedroom is outlined by Italian marble walls and subtle furniture. Detailing of brass and muted cabinets along with hand-painted floral elements add character to the space.

Hand-painted florals on wood panels behind the headboard are placed near the dramatic marble wall cladding; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

The elder daughter’s room is minimal with wooden flooring, a dusky pink bed, brass leg side tables, an emerald chair and elegant lamps.

View of the daughter’s delicately designed, pastel-hued bedroom; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

In contrast, the younger daughter’s room is a curious mix of rustic and contemporary. Black mosaic tiles highlight the light wood furniture and pastel theme of the space. Here, an exposed white brick wall acts a backdrop the study, which is situated near the cosy balcony that uses custom tiles from Bharat Floorings.

The multipurpose den on the upper level features terracotta-coloured walls for warmth; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

For some downtime, the family gets together in the multipurpose den on the second floor or the Zen terrace, which is the “heart of the house”. The open terrace features an open-to-sky seating arrangement as well as a covered gazebo, which is the perfect outdoor spot year-round. “We loved designing the terrace garden, since we had a large, open area to play with, in accordance with the green surrounding,” shares Tosar.

The covered gazebo is a cosily designed, glass and metal structure fitted with roof lights; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

“As designers,” say Tosar and Kavia of their practice’ philosophy, “We opt for quality and timeless designs. We believe that every space should be a poetic response to its context while also being a living reflection of the those who inhabit it.”