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    Modern sensibilities get a riveting spin in The Neutral Home designed by Amol S. Divekar

    AUG 24, 2021 | By Kashish Kaushal
    Inscribed copper leaves on the pendant lights from Purple Turtle strike a vibrant composition along with the upcycled wooden tables and chairs; Photographs by Darshan Savla and Sameer Thakkar
    The entertainment unit in ash wood veneer from Veneer Spot, rustic coffee table from Fabuliv and the Apple Light from Artemis Lighting Studio are in complete unison with the brightly lit apartment; Photographs by Darshan Savla and Sameer Thakkar
    Sliding flute glass partitions set against a beautifully lit backdrop bring in ambient light into the dining and reading space; Photographs by Darshan Savla and Sameer Thakkar
    The kid's room has ample space to accomodate a play area and study space. Almost all the hardwood used in the house is upcycled which in turn has stood the test of time; Photographs by Darshan Savla and Sameer Thakkar
    Filtered natural light percolates through large windows highlighting the proportionate headrest. Flute glass partition masks away the walk in closet in the primary bedroom; Photographs by Darshan Savla and Sameer Thakkar
    Filtered natural light percolates through large windows highlighting the proportionate headrest; Photographs by Darshan Savla and Sameer Thakkar

    With a sophisticated balance of colour and texture, The Neutral Home makes an elegant showcase of contemporary aesthetics. Richly layered and furnished, principal architect Amol S. Divekar of Creative Yard goes the extra mile to transform this apartment into an oasis of modern comforts. 

    Home to a young couple with a toddler, the 1,250 sq ft apartment is located in the quaint neighbourhood of Avenues, Santacruz. Spatial requirements took precedence as the three BHK home was conceived as a capacious two bedroom house with the third room amalgamated into the living and dining areas. 

    Flexible use of all the areas became the underlying tone for the entire apartment. Driven with the client’s brief to design a spacious, functionally sound house, Divekar powered up a multi-faceted home. Elaborating on the theme, he says “The entire philosophy of  ‘less is more’ is achieved with the use of minimal intervention but maximising the fluid nature of the space and composition of its various elements.”

    Flanked by a wooden screen with a combination of flute glass and planters, the living space is contemporary and well crafted; Photographs by Darshan Savla and Sameer Thakkar

    As the name suggests, the material and colour palette of this home is neutral and subtle. Overtones of both light and dark grey have been strategically used to balance the natural light. Splashes of blue create a focal point and blend seamlessly with the greys. The palette aims to explore and emphasise the openness and free flowing nature of the space in its entirety. 

    Wooden screen in dark grey Duco finish with ash wood veneer conceals off the entire living and dining space at the same time, revealing glimpses of the apartment; Photographs by Darshan Savla and Sameer Thakkar

    A combination of flute glass and planters create a sense of arrival at the entrance and at the same time ensure privacy. What’s interesting is that these plants and screens double up as a backdrop to the forthcoming living space. 

    A modern lounge chair in a splash of bright blue upholstery shimmers away against the grainy grey monotones of the veneer; Photographs by Darshan Savla and Sameer Thakkar

    Natural light coming inside the living room through large west facing windows finds prominence in The Neutral Home. In addition, the high ceiling completely sculpts the entire volume. 

    Bright blue upholstered wing chair and a customised set of coffee tables forms a perfect spot to soak in sunlight; Photographs by Darshan Savla and Sameer Thakkar

    An open and flexible third room plugged into the living room acts as a buffer with a lounge chair and a nest of coffee tables. The sliding partition design creates an intriguing pattern with the door leading to the two bedrooms.

    Intricately designed panels in dark grey monotones hide the functional space to create a subtle corner in the primary bedroom; Photographs by Darshan Savla and Sameer Thakkar

    Towards the left, the primary bedroom overlooks parts of the sea while in the kid’s bedroom a window opens to the north, bringing subtle light throughout the day. 

    A simple monotonous room for a toddler has been designed as a clean slate open for interpretation and usage; Photographs by Darshan Savla and Sameer Thakkar

    God lies in the details—this is not just an adage but a principle Divekar adhered to while designing large areas to the last minor details in The Neutral Home.

    “Architecture is a balancing act like Yin and Yang. It is a fine line between what is built and unbuilt with the use of light. So there is ‘dark’ and there is ‘light’ and architecture is all that happens in between. It has the power to create and convey strong bonds and emotions. The entire house tries to achieve this with a composition of the element both individually and collectively,” he concludes. 

    If this modish apartment has your heart, do check out this vernacular Pune home by Mind Manifestation!