Find the dripping allure of the sea, shore and sky inside this Goa home by Papersky Studio

As soon as you enter Cottage Six, it hooks you with its surreally placid character, one that’s reminiscent of an idyllic seaboard. And this is exactly what Suvidha Gandhi, founder and principal designer of Papersky Studio was enlisted to achieve by its homeowners — a young family of four yearning for a residence in Goa that encapsulates the coastal living aesthetic.

Taking its cues from the tropical beach life that is punctuated with muted hues and littoral textures, coastal-style homes are perfect for those who have a yen for slow living. A hallmark of this theme is that it blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors, often doing away with opaque walls to espouse open setups, glass partitions, and large-scale windows, enabling the confines to liberally bask in light. As it embodies this breezy motif, the 3,000 sq ft area of Cottage Six lucidly becomes even more commodious and reposeful. 

“In my design approach, I prioritise consistency and coherence by adhering to a singular theme throughout a project. However, within this chosen theme, I embrace the opportunity for exploration and innovation,” reveals Suvidha. By experimenting and unifying multifarious design and decor ideas, the principal designer elevates the overarching coastal template while keeping its true essence intact. 

Fetching, flowing, and functional
A small porch at the entrance that doubles as a lobby unfurls the home, guiding visitors into an integrated living and dining area that is magnified by the adjacent open kitchen. This free and fluid layout sets the stage for the coastal-style trope where air, light and space are in plentitude. 

Interestingly, the well-lit living area hatched the biggest challenge for Suvidha in the early stages as the neighbouring properties limited the influx of natural light. To offset this hiccup, she “kept the treatment very simple, so that nothing felt heavy and out of place.” 

The ground level also accommodates a guest bedroom that replicates the home’s immaculate ethos along with a guest bathroom. Accompanying the master suite on the first floor is the kids’ bedroom that pleasantly manifests the minimalistic attributes of the overall theme with cameos of nautical blue.

For the core aesthetic to impeccably shine, Suvidha decreed for structural remodelling in certain areas of the home including the master ensuite. “The master bedroom layout was completely moved around. We covered the original slab sink created for the bathroom and moved it further in line with the balcony. This was done so that the bathroom can have two entry points — from the bedroom and the balcony,” she elucidates.

Similarly, the former storeroom on the lower level’s basement was overhauled into an open-to-sky shower that now directly sits next to the alfresco pool and lounge setting. Additionally, by shifting the storage area for laundry and household help beneath the staircase, judicious use of space was maintained.

Bringing the outdoors inside with a seaboard palette
With crisp white backdrops virtually everywhere, Cottage Six sets itself up as a quintessential candidate for the coastal mise en scène. “With this canvas, the entire home came together in shades of blues, greens, creams, ivory and beige colours; while stripes, soft florals, birds, coconut trees, palm prints, etc., were incorporated in furnishings and wall art,“ elaborates the founder.

To lend an unadulterated cottage-esque vibe, the interior walls of the home are enveloped with raw, uneven finishes. Suvidha underpins this balmy aura by cleverly layering the space with jute and sisal rugs on natural stone floorings alongside gauzy window curtains in neutral tinctures. 

Even though sustainable features didn’t take precedence initially, they soon became an integral part of the design, thanks to the natural material palette of the theme. The insertion of stone floorings, pale wood furniture, and glass details have automatically tamped down the need for synthetic-based decor and fittings.

Generous use of cotton and linens in the space further enhances the home’s green quotient. “Moreover, the abundance of indoor and outdoor plants throughout the villa serves as more than just decorative elements; they actively contribute to air purification and create a healthier indoor environment,” avers Suvidha.

Thriving in its understated luxury and contemporariness, Cottage Six exudes a youthful and peaceable aura much like its dwellers. Residing within such airy, pristine and soothing enclosures, we imagine, is akin to being on an endless beach holiday — a thalassophile’s dream realised. 

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