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    Curves are cool! Studio Ipsa designs a Bengaluru home with a touch of Japandi

    MAY 13, 2024 | By Pooja Prabbhan Srijith
    A muted palette of warm tones welcomes the armchair from Kosh Furnishing Studio, upholstery fabric and curtains from Kosh Furnishing Studio and media unit by Studio Ipsa; Photography by Nayan Soni

    What makes a home, well, a home? 

    The truth is, there are no right answers. But, somehow, we all want the same thing: a tranquil nest that helps to decompress from a weary day and dive into a state of calm. A similar train of thought serves as the impetus for Studio Ipsa’s principal designer Sonal Mutha and partner Aniketh Bafna while designing Kabu — a 2,200 sq ft nouveau first home of a young couple in Bengaluru’s Basavanagudi. 

    Studio Ipsa
    The veneer panel is custom and travertine coffee table is by Studio Ipsa, bespoke rug from Obeetee Carpets; Photography by Nayan Soni

     

    Studio Ipsa
    Through the inclusion of carefully selected décor elements like the custom veneer panel and travertine coffee table by Studio Ipsa, bespoke rug from Obeetee Carpets; a sense of fluidity seeps into every corner of the house; Photography by Nayan Soni

    True to its name, Kabu (meaning curves) embodies the principles of Japandi that extend to every corner here. But, it also deviates from conventional interpretations of this trend by the gentle inclusion of curves. 

    Curves and light 

    Besides celebrating a seamless mingling of east-meets-west design, the interiors mirror a strong emphasis on the need for natural light. An ask that called for major structural changes and a leap of faith.

    Studio Ipsa
    A chosen mix of a muted palette of warm tones evoke a sense of tranquillity and timeless elegance, with a surprise colour pop: a stained green dining table. Ceiling Lights by Harshita Jhamtani, Dining table top from Crete-Kala, Dining Bench and Chairs from Kosh Furnishing Studio, Curtains from Kosh Furnishing Studio, Dining Sideboard by Studio Ipsa and Wall Art by the client herself – Mrs.Praneeta; Photography by Nayan Soni

     

    Studio Ipsa
    The colour pop: a stained green dining table adds fun and spark. Ceiling Lights by Harshita Jhamtani, Dining table top from Crete-Kala, Dining Bench and Chairs from Kosh Furnishing Studio, Curtains from Kosh Furnishing Studio, Dining Sideboard by Studio Ipsa and Wall Art by the client herself – Mrs.Praneeta; Photography by Nayan Soni

    “We suggested swapping out a bedroom wall for a sleek curved glass feature, which could bring in light into the dining space. And this glass wall, right in the heart of the home, is a defining aspect,” says Sonal. 

    Studio Ipsa
    The structural alteration allows natural light to flood the dining area, while creating a visual connection across the home. Wooden flooring by Stencil, glass partition by Studio Ipsa and study chair by Kosh Furnishing Studio; Photography by Nayan Soni

    Fluidity in every corner 

    While there’s no refuting that the glass wall plays muse for more reasons than one, a closer look at the custom designed veneer wall panel suggests how things were taken up a notch by engraving gentle waves that gracefully flow from one end to the other, creating such a mesmerising visual. 

    Studio Ipsa
    The foyer console is by Studio Ipsa and the table lamp is by Harshita Jhamtani; Photography by Nayan Soni

     

    Studio Ipsa
    Natural fabrics such as banana fibre, jute and linen add texture and depth to the space, contributing to the overall sense of harmony and balance; Photography by Nayan Soni

    “After much deliberation, we settled on having a concrete top that was stained green.  Achieving the perfect shade wasn’t easy. It took countless samples, but we finally nailed it and it anchors the space effortlessly,” she smilingly states. 

    Studio Ipsa
    Natural elements like wood and stone create a sense of warmth and connection to nature. The study chair is from Kosh Furnishing Studio, while the study table and suspended ledge are from Studio Ipsa; Photography by Nayan Soni

     

    Studio Ipsa
    The kitchen is clean and minimal with a pop of green from the plant. The backsplash tiles from Ranze while the cabinetry is from Studio Ipsa; Photography by Nayan Soni

    Making the bedroom

    More often than not, the bedroom is perceived as a sacred sanctuary. And rightly so. 

    Each element—from furniture to fixtures—was handpicked to complement and enhance each other, creating a cohesive and harmonious visual narrative, underscored by the celebration of gentle curves and a muted colour palette.

    Studio Ipsa
    The inclusion of warm textures—Headboard Fabric from Kosh Furnishing Studio, wooden flooring by Stencil, Bedding by Kosh Furnishing Studio, Pendant lights by Harshita Jhamtani, Nightstand, bed and headboard panelling in Veneer by Studio Ipsa— in the master bedroom provide ample room to welcome calming energies; Photography by Nayan Soni

     

    Studio Ipsa
    A gorgeous sage green was the colour of choice for the guest bedroom, infusing the space with a freshness that’s both welcoming and a visual treat. Nightstand and bed by Studio Ipsa, bedding by Kosh Furnishing Studio; Photography by Nayan Soni

    Each element—from furniture to fixtures—was handpicked to complement and enhance each other, creating a cohesive and harmonious visual narrative, underscored by the celebration of gentle curves and a muted colour palette.

    Studio Ipsa
    A sense of quiet is created at the study desk with the choice of elements. The study chair is by Kosh Furnishing Studio and the study table and the suspended ledge is by Studio Ipsa; Photography by Nayan Soni

     

    An eye for sustainability

    Kabu delivers a textbook example of a home that doesn’t solely rank high on visual appeal, but also happens to be one that is kind to the planet, resulting in a space that feels both timeless and environmentally responsible—setting it apart as a true representation of the design ethos of Studio Ipsa, which places sustainability at the core of everything they do. 

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