Form meets function with LADLAB’s classic neutral palette at this home in Rourkela

A home that becomes your canvas of self-expression? At the Zen Abode, architects Saniya Jejani Lohar and Sagar Lohar of LADLAB craft the answer to this by mingling serene aesthetics with distinct interiors for a family of four.  

A 3,600 sq ft residence in a glade-like neighbourhood of Rourkela, this bungalow has been built from scratch with the homeowners involved in every step of the process. “The couple wanted a clean design language for a house that feels spacious and open. And with two children, prioritising space and functionality was paramount,” Saniya reveals. 

The house features four rooms, including a master bedroom for the couple, a guest room and two rooms for the children. “We played with the hot and cold colour strategy so that every space celebrated its own personality,” Saniya says. For instance, the son’s bedroom has a cool character painted in blues and greens, with custom-made artwork by LADLAB evoking the son’s love for outer space. The daughter’s bedroom reflects all things pink and beige in the lighting by LoharChawl, artwork by Pradnya More and custom wallpaper by LADLAB.

Everywhere, though, the sunlight steals the show. Each room responds to light, with the change of shade at different hours casting vignettes across its walls. 

Colour me unique 

Luckily, the studio’s own design philosophy is rooted in creating spaces that blend timeless elements with neutral palettes. Here, the duo has used a classic scheme of greys and whites across the residence, leaving the magic to hide in the details. The colours express depth through the use of Michelangelo marble, Palladio marble and dyed oak wood. Customised artwork and statement furniture pieces lend a unique character to each room.

The result is a space that opens into an entrance vestibule decked in sleek woodwork for a rich prelude to what’s coming. Behind the door from here, a seamless living and dining area lends an illusion of endless space. Here, the living room to the right features matte PU-finished walls illuminated by soft lamps. Its Michelangelo flooring flows into the dining room, where a bespoke console crafted in wood adds contrast to the pristine white in vision. 

Hiding in plain sight

With the colours kept minimalistic, textures are used to create depth. “A cascading panelling in the 14-foot living room breaks the monotony of the height,” Saniya reveals. The space is made cosier with a custom-made lounging chaise and a massive rug from Jaipur Rugs. And as one takes a seat at the 9-foot-long glass dining table, the marble inlay on the floor immediately draws attention. 

Camouflaging in this dance of design are little secrets of functionalism. Storage is abundant everywhere, reflecting the mindful use of space. In the entrance lobby, for instance, all cabinets are hidden behind shutters that blend in with the oakwood panelling. The island kitchen set under a coffered ceiling hides hollow utility spaces underneath, while a niche in the dining room wall holds a hand washing area clad in sea green onyx.

With a simplistic, clutter-free space, the house leaves ample room for the family to fill it with their lives.

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