Homes

This Bengaluru villa by Vinithra Amarnathan of Weespaces brings to mind old plantation homes

SEP 24, 2020 | By Aneesha Bhadri
The living room is furnished with a terracotta velvet sofa, bold striped monochrome bench, sleek cane armchairs and layered rugs. The piece de resistance is the quartet of large raw wood slices that have been framed to form the focal point in the space; Photographs by Shamanth Patil J
A custom designed tropical wallpaper is pictured in the dining area. Large cane pendants complement the minimal six-seater table and wood-back chairs. A monochrome bone inlay on the opposite end allows a peak into the kitchen; Photographs by Shamanth Patil J
The vintage theme is more pronounced in the guest bedroom. A large floral motif wallpaper is the perfect backdrop for the custom wood and woven cane bed; Photographs by Shamanth Patil J
The family lounge on the first floor lies between the family's private bedrooms. Geometric elements like the bold striped hemp rug and modern colorful art print characterise this space. An inbuilt storage wall is filled with books and curios; Photographs by Shamanth Patil J
Another view of the cosy family lounge on the upper level; Photographs by Shamanth Patil J
In the daughter’s bedroom, a band of sunshine yellow paint runs across all walls adding contrast and brightness. The Jenny Lind-inspired bed in a dusty rose hue is complemented by a vintage world map art print; Photographs by Shamanth Patil J
The colour palette in the master suite comprises black, white and deep ochre tones. This angular shot showcases a wingback chair against the oversized mirror, a stately midcentury desk by the window and a four poster bed; Photographs by Shamanth Patil J
Brass inlay detailing can be seen in the black-stained wooden poster bed and the nightstands. Miniature botanical prints and earthy bedside lamps complete the look; Photographs by Shamanth Patil J

With its earthy palette and quaint, minimalist charm, this duplex villa is reminiscent of an old plantation house and transports you to the lush countryside. A verdant 800 sq ft garden sits next to this 1,800 sq ft abode in Bengaluru, lovingly nurtured by the young homeowners.

The couple from Kerala wanted a simple modern home with a warm and organic appeal. “We immediately connected on our mutual love for high ceilings, beams and a modern farm estate vibe,” says Vinithra Amarnathan of Weespaces, who designed the house.

A narrow entryway leads to a large, open-plan living and dining room. We love the dramatic manner in which the double-heighted living room—characterised by gorgeous dark wood beams and a custom wood fan—seems to extend out, blending into the patio and garden. The kitchen connects to the dining area directly below the high ceiling.

The entryway features a classic wood bench, console table, framed mirrors that conceal the electrical panel, and a runner; Photographs by Shamanth Patil J

The kitchen is a minimalistic, two-toned delight that maximises storage with ceiling-level cabinetry. It also opens out to the garden, allowing for a delightful and impromptu alfresco experience. A guest bedroom that’s replete with traditional colonial elements that reference plantation homes, a sit-out and powder room complete the lower level.

An antique wall mirror with stained glass amplifies the visual volume and natural light of the double-heighted living room; Photographs by Shamanth Patil J

A small nook turned into a cosy home office greets visitors at the top of the staircase, while a common family room overlooks the lounge below. Two bedrooms lie on either side, one for the couple and the other belonging to their daughter. The master suite is predominantly swathed in monochrome tones, while the daughter’s room is resplendent in pastels.

Wooden rafters on the ceiling lend a vintage feel, which is accentuated by an old school fan, giving the space a true plantation-style character; Photographs by Shamanth Patil J

The colour scheme largely comprises earthy hues, where warm terracotta and blush tones are balanced with cool greys, marble, dark wood and black metal for contrast. A material palette of natural textures highlights the overall modern yet organic look of the split-level villa.

Adjacent to the kitchen is this dining nook. It is anchored by an earthy palette with a terracotta geometric rug, cane lampshades and a bespoke wallpaper; Photographs by Shamanth Patil J

“I particularly love the double-heighted living area. It has a sense of flow and brings the outside in. I’m also fond of the colour and material palette of the tiny but punchy powder room that has terracotta, jaali-patterned cement tiles, burnished brown hand-textured walls and a striking marble with blush veining that ties it all together,” says Amarnathan.

The cane and wood freestanding cabinet bar is a seamless part of the formal living area. A black and white photograph print adds drama to this corner; Photographs by Shamanth Patil Photography

“My work centres around clean balanced design but one that makes for striking visuals. Each and every space engages you but never takes away from the story of the home. From the raw wood logs in the living room walls to the soft wall mural in the dining area to the minimal yet striking kitchen, this villa has such arresting places that hold you as you walk through it,” she adds.

Scroll below for more images of the Bengaluru villa by Weespaces…

The galley kitchen is functional and modern, with white and grey shaker-style cabinets giving the space a sense of visual volume. A solid wood utility ladder is used to access the ceiling-high cabinetry; Photographs by Shamanth Patil J

 

The sink vignette has wood shelves to stack curios and crockery and offers a visual relief; Photographs by Shamanth Patil J

 

The powder room on the ground level is clad with traditional motif tiles in beige and terracotta by Bharat Floorings. The wall and ceiling are homogeneously wrapped in a burnished brown lime plaster finish; Photographs by Shamanth Patil J

 

The stairwell in the villa uses dark-stained wood and glass. Four large abstract botanical prints in terracotta adorn the statement wall; Photographs by Shamanth Patil J

 

The home office on the first floor landing is conceptualised as a functional layout with sufficient storage units. The large typewriter print on the wall is the designer’s favourite; Photographs by Shamanth Patil J

 

The daughter’s bedroom houses a custom, vintage-styled armoire for storage and a playful gallery wall with a collage of thematic art prints; Photographs by Shamanth Patil J

 

Beside the daughter’s bed is a functional yet fun study nook with aqua ceramic knobs and a velvet rose pink upholstered chair; Photographs by Shamanth Patil J

 

The whimsical outdoor patio is connected to the front lawn. A traditional wood bench, recliner kilim chair and suspended metal chandeliers make it a lovely spot to catch the sunset; Photographs by Shamanth Patil J