Homes

Source Architecture creates a confluence of minimalistic and traditional styles in a Bengaluru home

OCT 5, 2022 | By Tanvee Abhyankar
The informal room's view from foyer. It opens up to views of Ashram gardens. Adorned with a rug from Jaipur Rugs, pendant light by Adithya Lamps, vases and tabletop decor by Curio Casa; Photography by Nayan Soni
Facing a seamless wall, this bedroom uses Travertine marble from Marble Italia as its backdrop. Table lamp on one side of the bed is seen with a floor lamp on the other, both by Aura Illumination. Minimalistic decor by Curio Casa while the bed dressing is the Yavanika collection by Magari; Photography by Nayan Soni
A grey suede headboard stretches across the room as a unifying element. The floor is Italian Marble by Marble Italia while the decor is by Curio Casa. Table lamp by Aura Illumination, bed dressing from Yavanika collection by Magari; Photography by Nayan Soni
The sand-coloured fabric on the wall is chosen for its acoustic transparency and is perfect to hide in-built wall speakers. Pendant lights by Adithya Lamps and decor between the sofa by Curio Casa; Photography by Nayan Soni
The dusky pink couches are paired with “Jaipur Wunderkammer” rug by Jaipur Rugs; Photography by Nayan Soni
The L-shaped extended kitchen, like the home, is of a lighter shade with the vase and wall art from Curio Casa adding a pop of colour; Photography by Nayan Soni
The black oven adds a sense of coolness along with a tray from Curio Casa adorning the taupe-toned kitchen; Photography by Nayan Soni
The dusky pink couches placed around the “Jaipur Wunderkammer” rug by Jaipur Rugs are inspired by the traditional arches of Jaipur’s architecture; Photography by Nayan Soni
The dusky pink couches placed around the “Jaipur Wunderkammer” rug by Jaipur Rugs are inspired by the traditional arches of Jaipur’s architecture; Photography by Nayan Soni

When it comes to designing homes, designers are vested with one of the most intimate matters of the homeowner’s life. Manu Gautham and Sneha Ostawal of Source Architecture undertook the task of identifying the hidden taste of their client to create a comfortable oasis for them in a four-bedroom home in South Bengaluru. 

The informal room’s view from foyer. Adorned with pendant light by Adithya Lamps, vases and tabletop decor by Curio Casa; Photography by Nayan Soni

Hitting the brief 

While deciding on the palette of this home, modern and minimalistic styles were prominently mentioned. However, somewhere underneath lay the family’s interest in the traditional Rajasthani style.

This blend of various styles is The Svasa Home spanning 3500 sq. ft., located in Basavanagudi locale. The apartment enjoys a panoramic perspective with views of the gardens of the historic Ramakrishna Ashram.

In the living room one sees pendant light by Adithya Lamps, and vases and tabletop decor by Curio Casa; Photography by Nayan Soni

 

The open dining space compliments the taupe-coloured kitchen and has 4 terrazzo pendant lights by Adithya Lampsleading into the substantially sized kitchen; Photography by Nayan Soni

The drama of details and materials

Opening the main door on a pivoting fluted glass screen, partially obscuring the view into the living space and lending privacy, one first enters the formal living area.

 

Photography by Nayan Soni

Set with dusty pink couches placed around the “Jaipur Wunderkammer” rug by Jaipur Rugs, which in itself are inspirations to the colours and traditional arches of Jaipur architecture. An ensemble of copper table-top side tables arranged against a backdrop of fluted stone set the mood for the rest of the house.

The master bedroom is clad in Walnut Burl veneer by Indo Burma and a vegan leather bed. Sitting on both sides of the bed is a table lamp by Aura Illumination; Photography by Nayan Soni

 

The bedroom has wooden engineered flooring by ProFloor, bed dressing by Atmosphere and a throw from FabIndia to embellish the bed; Photography by Nayan Soni

Next comes the informal living room or the entertainment space that opens up into a balcony with views of the Ashram gardens. The walls here are clad in sand-coloured fabric, owing resemblance to jute but playing a catalyst for acoustic transparency due to its wide weaves. 

Who doesn’t dream of a relatively bigger kitchen adjoined by an open dining area? The den accommodates an L-shaped extended kitchen along with the use of light taupe-colored shutters, grainy countertops and backsplash, evoking the palettes of the formal and informal living space.

 

Photography by Nayan Soni

 

The home office is made in a quaint corner of the house with décor by Curio Casa; Photography by Nayan Soni

Reading between the contrasts

Carefully selecting neutral shades and keeping hues on the same line, Manu Gautham has created subtle contrasts which are more evident in textures. From high-gloss walls against earthy leathers to rough stone surfaces with curved and cushiony elements, the intelligence part of the interior design makes a grand entrance.

There are many instances where contrasting comfort zones are crafted as a design challenge, to adhere to the planning of the house. Designing an informal living space, with the integration of technological requirements, alongside a formal living space dotted with marble, fabric, pattern, and shapes is one such instance.

characterised by a wall of silver travertine, cut into a randomised composition that evokes geological strata. The flooring is Italian marble by Marble Italia; Photography by Nayan Soni

 

Photographs by Nayan Soni

An element of responsibility towards nature is kept in mind, resulting in deliberate sourcing of materials and furniture pieces from local manufacturers and artisans to keep the huge carbon footprint, created otherwise, in control.

Ideas you can use – functional fabric cladding on walls

Wall cladding is an old concept, however, cladding with fabrics to serve a meaningful function is the new cool. What we loved from this project was the very idea of this sand-colored fabric.

Grey tiles by Khrisha, a marble effect on the wall, and a few plants and décor by Curio Case complete the look; Photography by Nayan Soni

Apart from giving the wall a very unique look the fabric also conceals wires, speakers, and switchboards, which is indeed a modern solution to a modern problem!