Tones, textures and traditionality — Walk through this materially rich Vadodara home by MS Design Studio

Standing proud in a gated community in Vadodara, Gujarat, this home by MS Design Studio perfectly ties together contemporary and traditional. With a neutral base of black, white, beige and grey, pops of colours breathe life into the spaces. By choosing this muted palette with careful deliberation, the studio helmed by Manav Patel and Shivangi Patel has created a sanctuary that exudes a reposeful temper through an interplay of materials, volumes and colours.

Following the homeowner’s request, the residence covering a footprint of 5,500 sq ft walks the fine line between minimalistic and traditional.

Blurring the boundaries 

The brief was simple. The space had to be modern, yet have an Indian inspired aesthetic. While Indian art and design are not instantly synonymous with sleek lines and linearity, the designers have managed to nail the balance between them. 

With an inclination towards a spacious layout, the duo have taken advantage of every nook. Using their strong design ethos, the team ensured that the residence doesn’t conform to any design fads, but stays strong in its timelessness.

How the scales were balanced

Reminiscent of the Art Nouveau style, the main door sits atop a yellow and white checkerboard patterned flooring. In different scales, the arches seen all around the home bring in the traditional Indian elements that were important to the family.

Dotted with pockets of green, this residence is the epitome of a fusion of styles. The simple colour palette is reiterated through the home with surfaces that are textural delights. The pairing of materials was carried out with a level of detail that allows the spaces to flow from one to another seamlessly. The typically contradicting styles of modern and traditional are made to coexist harmoniously by using the same material in a variety of finishes. 

Boasting two feature walls, the formal living room sets the tone for the rest of the home. This space continues the theme of arches from the foyer, through backlit Jaisalmer stone slabs engraved with flower motifs. This is equalled by a wooden veneer clad wall that is relatively modern compared to its Indian counterpart on the opposing wall. 

The informal living room shares a partition with the puja room, an addition that was an important part of the brief given by the homeowners. Despite occupying relatively small areas, the spaces feel expansive because of the slivers of light penetrating through the partition. “With a dual purpose of an art installation and visual barrier, the brass partition separates the dining area from the informal living room,” says Ayushi Lahothy of MS Design Studio. 

On the first floor, the primary bedroom has a particularly youthful look, divided in two by a custom brass finished screen. With a black marble floor complemented by a shimmering blue wall, the room is an ideal retreat. 

A dark floor supplemented by grey and light green walls is the formula for a “dark yet bright space” identified for the son. In the guest bedroom, a custom jaali paired with a soothing grey-blue hue sets a relaxed atmosphere. Natural materials and dark walls characterise the home theatre, primarily to be used as a gaming room for young boys. Adding drama to the already eye-catching space, strips of light follow an unusual grid of panelled fabric on the ceiling.

Exploration meets materiality

With MS Design Studio’s tactfully designed floor plan, the residence reflects the personalities of the family. “Our design philosophy is to gain the attention of the user through material and textural exploration. Drawing the attention of the user only where we require it to be,” signs off Ayushi. 

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