Susegad Living: This home by Studio Detailine and Studio Nola breathes Goa’s soul

Nestled amidst balmy breezes and sun-dappled landscapes, this holiday home is a soulful ode to the susegad way of life. Designed by principal architect Leanne Alcasoas of Studio Detailine with principal architect Sharon D’mello of Studio Nola, spread across 2,337 sq ft the retreat echoes the rhythm of the sea—seamlessly blending old-world charm with modern-day elegance. Conceived for a mother-and-son duo, the space captures the quintessential Goan holiday spirit: playful yet unhurried, coaxing you to stay just one more day.

Like a love letter to slow living, the home unfolds with airy hues and thoughtful touches. Picture a floor-to-ceiling library brimming with stories, a vintage rocking chair creaking gently by the sunlight-dappled window, and furniture that feels steeped in nostalgia. It’s the mother’s dream of a colonial-era holiday home intertwined with her son’s vision of a contemporary retreat. Together, their shared aspirations compose a Goan symphony—where mornings unfold by the pool, afternoons sway in a rocking chair, and evenings meander into the quiet pages of a library.

Livin’ la vida goa

The entrance greets you with a colonial-style main door, dapper in a deep charcoal blue that exudes understated sophistication. Step inside, and a narrow foyer unfolds, anchored by a petite dark wood console that whispers of impeccable craftsmanship from a bygone era. This transitional space sets a warm and cozy tone, gently nudging you toward the heart of the home—the expansive living and dining areas that blend seamlessly into one open layout.

At the center of the living area stands the pièce de résistance: a floor-to-ceiling library that commands attention. The colonial-era furniture, paired with vibrant modern accents, adds depth to the space, striking the perfect balance between nostalgia and playfulness. In the dining area, a distressed eight-seater table takes center stage, its weathered textures harmonizing with the raw, unfinished charm of the accompanying chairs. It feels like dining in a quaint boho café by the beach, with sunlight spilling generously through larger-than-life windows that frame views of the pool and the lush fields beyond.

The interplay between indoors and outdoors—a hallmark of Goan living—is undeniable. Nature weaves its way in, blurring the boundaries between spaces. The pool beckons for languid picnics under the sky, while the indoors remain bathed in the light and serenity of the surrounding landscape. It’s a merging of worlds that feels uniquely Goan—laid-back yet effortlessly chic, a true embodiment of la vida Goa.

The art of whimsy

In every corner of the space, there’s a touch of playfulness, whether it’s the cheeky striped walls, the eclectic library unit or the artful layering of colonial and Indochine influences. Even the staircase steps into the world of artful whimsy, painted in delicate green hues to create a laid back ambience, with stripes along the stairway that add a playful touch. 

Along the walls, works by contemporary Goan artists add personality and bring a touch of the local culture to the space. Midway a vintage rocking chair claims a cosy corner, for one to take a step back and watch the afternoon melt into evening at the window.

Even the bedrooms join the suit, the guest room with its blue-and-white striped wall and distressed cane bed, feels playful and breezy—a coastal escape. And the mother’s bedroom, on the other hand, wraps you in a cocoon of rich greens and floral wallpaper, with cane side tables, vintage accents, and a soft interplay of textures create a space that is equal parts nostalgia and serenity. While a monochromatic palette of deep greens and blacks takes over the master bedroom, the whimsy spirit is kept alive with the attic railing and the Indochine flair.

While being rooted in the eclectic spirit of Goa, the home always keeps one grounded, giving the dwellers just the right amount of laidback and playful vibe, the secret here lies in the cohesion of design and the soft greens that run throughout the space with the touch of distressed finishes. These timeless elements are layered with the clean sophistication, creating a home that balances heritage and contemporary sensibilities.  

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