This Pune penthouse is like living inside an art gallery

An array of prestigious artworks peeks your curiosity as you enter the 3,500 sq ft holiday home of casino tycoon Jaydev Modi and his attorney wife Zia, both seasoned art lovers. Canvases by the celebrated MF Hussain hold pride of place in the living room, creating a home where you can spend Saturday nights sipping cocktails by the well-stocked bar while you get a crash course in art appreciation.

Architect Nirav Shah of architecture and interior design firm ACDS — which oversaw the Rs 1.30 crore project — says the art was handpicked from the client’s envious collection. “Art is the star of the house. The whole space is designed keeping the art collection as the focal point,” he says.

Along the stairway that connects the two-storey penthouse, beautiful charcoal drawings by artist M Narayan highlight the family’s affinity for horses and racecourses. As your gaze turns from the framed masterpieces to the rest of the décor, you will notice super glossy emprador tiles that contrast with the matte whitewashed walls.

With a tight makeover deadline, the brief was to emulate the comfort and aesthetics of a classic American home. “We opted for contemporary art elements on classic traditional American soft furnishings against the backdrop of muted walls,” Nirav adds.

White-washed distressed furniture accentuates the dark oak flooring in the bedrooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer lush green views that promise dreamy siestas. With a home like this, we only wish the weekend would never end.