Homes

Studio Design Inc incorporates the most captivating wall treatments we’ve seen in a single home

AUG 18, 2020 | By Jhanvi Somaya
(L-R) A reflective gold panelled wall from Cosmo Marble reflects the living space and doubles it; An ebony veneer wall from Guntupulli Marble is set across one with a blue wallpaper to contrast the look; The dining room is a composition of colour, texture and patterns. Seen here are bronze Armani walls with brass strips and an ebony veneer panelling along with furniture from Alsorg; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
The bedroom is complete with a gold shelved backdrop. Also seen are FLOS lights and two upholstered armchairs from Alsorg; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
A chandelier hangs above the entrance lobby, which features gold and brown hues and marble panelled walls; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
(L-R) The prayer area features gold leaf arches on an emerald trav onyx wall from Guntupalli Marble; The walls and ceiling in the bedroom take on fumed oak panelling by Studio Tattva; The gold and black powder bathroom uses a combination of bronze Armani marble and Talluri shaped in champagne gold sourced from FCML; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
A velvet headboard against veneer walls with angular brass patterns by Studio Tattva and a brass side table from Indecrafts are seen in one of the bedrooms; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
The den is designed using charcoal black, red and grey panelling using PVC pipes of different sizes made by Mozaic; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
Infusing luxury and modernity into one, the chevron patterned panels in muted grey and fumed oak panelling make up the walls; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

“It’s almost impossible to consider a ‘one size fits all’ approach for any project. More so for this one, as it has been designed for four generations living under the same roof,” say Khushboo and Kunal Khandelwal, husband-wife duo and cofounders of Studio Design Inc. 

The home—a 7,000 sq ft penthouse in Chennai—is designed in keeping with the homeowners brief of a space that’s elegant, luxurious and Vaastu compliant. The residence merges two 3BHKs and one 4BHK into a single unit. It also combines each generation’s requirements of privacy as well as the need for communal spaces to get together.

We love how the creative duo has created several unique and sophisticated wall treatments around the triplex. Indeed, the first sight one beholds after disembarking from the elevators is a marble panelled foyer with a brass chandelier that sets the tone of the space and opens onto the formal living area. 

Cushy seaters against the large brass and ebony panelled wall are illuminated by FLOS products; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

This lounge is designed to create two distinct zones, divided by a pre-existing column. “We’ve turned the column into a feature wall. It is textured with backlit panels from Odyssey Stone and placed on a black tree marble platform from Cosmo Marble, which also serves as a water element,” the Khandelwals say. Unifying the lounge is the use of bevelled mirror panels on the vertical surfaces, ebony veneer panelling and black tree panelling with brass detailing.

The dining area uses furniture from Alsorg, brass screen doors and bronze Armani marbled wall and ceiling; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

Another dramatically created space is the nearby dining room. It is furnished with bronze Armani panelled walls with brass strips and ebony veneer panelling as well as brass fluted, ebony storage cabinets. The composition is further elaborated with a mirror panelling on the ceiling. “In the same vein, the walls for the prayer zone feature a surreal setting with a literal gateway of concentric gold leaf arches, framing the use of emerald trav onyx from Guntupalli Marble,” adds Kunal. 

On the other end of the dining area is a vibrant artwork on ebony panelling. Above are brass fluted chandeliers from Light Pro Solutions; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

On the other side of this triplex is the family room. One of the most eye-catching aspects is its cosy and serene vibe, achieved by the use of a slatted wall panel that doubles up as a backdrop for the TV panel and a den. Here, hexagonal timber panels are complemented by the Armani brown Italian marble floors.

The gold framed backdrop with symmetrical squares and wine hued seaters from Bent Chair are seen in the informal seating area; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

Moving along into the intimate spaces, each bedroom symbolises the personality of its occupant. The master chamber for the great-grandparents features caramel travertine marble cladding on the walls. “We have crafted this space by using radiating walnut panels, a mirror and a brass bed with a beige vanilla headboard for a classic touch,” says Khushboo. 

The family room features a wall with hexagonal, gold backlit lights that enhance the Josmo Studio chairs as well as brass and grey coffee tables from Alsorg; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

The innovative wall treatments don’t end here, continuing even to the bathrooms. For the eldest generation, a veneer wall with angular brass patterns forms a discreet cover in the washroom. The entrance wall combines polished and river washed silver travertine in a checkered pattern with gold frames, lending a rich look.

A checkered backdrop in oak along with brass planters from Décor Remedy complete the look; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

In one of the other boudoirs, subtle shades of grey teak, fumed white oak and faux light grey are characteristic of a sharp and urbane look. One of the walls here features a patterned shot-blasted sandstone with brass inlays. The use of a mirror on the facing surface lends a sense of spaciousness to this suite.

Shades of teak for the headboard continue to the ceiling and he brass and sandstone wall sourced from Elan Studio; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

On the other hand, the youngest family member’s bedroom is light-hearted and playful with a fabric collage on the wall with myriad patterns in soft teal, light blue and lime green. Wall art in soft colours, as well as a playful map, serves as a backdrop to work and play zones.

Portoro marbled floors and walls give the master bathroom a classic look; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

Despite the use of distinct shades and materials used across this residence, the one obvious aspect is the notion of “same yet different” since each texture is unified in the overall design to create a sophisticated ambience. We love that this home by Studio Design Inc is practical yet plush, elegant yet evocative.