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    Tradition ignites modernity: This home in Gurugram by Envisage will take you on an artistic journey

    SEP 26, 2024 | By Team ELLE DECOR India
    The living room features a wall finish from Colourtale, a sofa and wooden chair from Sarita Handa, a round sofa from West Elm, a centre table from Tectona Grandis, a chandelier from Oorja, gond artwork by Venkat Raman Shyam Singh and a swing from P.O.D; Photographs by Ashish Sahi
    The bedroom features the bed and side tables from in house (envisage), chair from Bay Window, artwork Patachitra by local artisans, lamp from Purple Turtles, paint from Colourtale, bedcover and cushions from Cottons and Satins; Photographs by Ashish Sahi

    “A house for the person who travels the world yet carries a part of India deep within — that’s Advaita for you,” declare Meena Murthy and Vishal Kakkar, the founding duo behind Envisage Architecture and Interior Design. They infuse artistry and elegance into a 2,000 sq ft Gurgaon home, reminding us of the irreplaceable value of craftsmanship amidst the digital din. 

    Christened Advaita, the home’s name translates to a belief that the individual self and the universal essence are one. The space unveils an unparalleled coalescence of rich heritage and minimalism, where neither element overshadows the other. 

    The living room features a wall finish from Colourtale, a sofa and wooden chair from Sarita Handa, a round sofa from West Elm, a centre table from Tectona Grandis, a chandelier from Oorja, gond artwork by Venkat Raman Shyam Singh and a swing from P.O.D; Photographs by Ashish Sahi

     

    The living room; Photographs by Ashish Sahi

     

    The flooring is by Bharat Floorings; Photographs by Ashish Sahi

    When wabi-sabi met heritage art 

    “The clients wanted a space with monochrome minimalism to provide respite from the visual overload of screen time at work, while their passion for Indian arts and crafts needed to be integral to the narrative,” explains Meena. Indian homes are often layered, overflowing with textures, patterns and colours. Balancing crafts without succumbing to excess can be challenging. Enter wabi-sabi — a concept that motions us to constantly search for the beauty in imperfection and accept the more natural cycle of life while honouring nature and the passage of time. This house beautifully merges both styles in a poised monochromatic palette, creating a fun and soothing environment.

    Each space is diligently designed to cultivate tranquillity, emphasising the interplay of natural light and an elegant neutral palette that enhances the room’s luminosity. 

    The living room; Photographs by Ashish Sahi

     

    The dining area features the table from In House, chairs from West Elm, lights from And Black and flooring from Black Flooring; Photographs by Ashish Sahi

    An ode to craftsmanship 

    The majestic wood-carved Dashavatar and intricate Mata-ni-Pachedi, a traditional Gujarati art piece by Sohan Vasantbhai create an alluring ambience at the dvār (the entrance). Arched niches display artefacts from across India, merging Japandi style with heritage. A meticulously restored 200-year-old pillar reinforces the essence of Indian culture. The living area features a fabulous arched sofa—accented by a whimsical gond painting by Venkat Raman Shyam Singh. Handcrafted terrazzo kalamkari flooring being a highlight adds vibrant pops of colour, while a restored window frame from Rajasthan peeks into the dining area. A lime-washed TV panel showcases a lively mural of potters at play— an ode to craftsmanship! 

    The pooja room features anchaloha idols from Swamimalai Tamil Nadu, artwork in pooja from Kangana Kharbanda, blinds from Amaara living, wooden floor from Perg, dokra sculptures from Odisha; Photographs by Ashish Sahi

     

    The space features a chair from West Elm, a pot from Pottery Barn; Photographs by Ashish Sahi

     

    The balcony features a bench from Purple Turtles, accessories and a small coffee table from West Elm, cushions and a throw from Ikea; Photographs by Ashish Sahi

    The bedrooms of Advaita merge functionality with the serene, embracing “less is more” concept. The teenage son’s room serves as a multifunctional haven, perfect for studying and hosting friends. The mother’s room emphasises comfort and accessibility, featuring integrated storage and a personal temple for easy access with delightful hand-drawn murals on the headboards embodying the imperfect modesty of manual illustration. The master bedroom exudes a clean, harmonious ambience, showcasing local artisanry. A stunning hand-drawn kalamkari dupatta from a talented Andhra artist serves as an artistic shutter for the dressing table, complemented by a rich Patachitra mural deepening the cultural essence of the space.

    The bedroom features chair from Bay Window, artwork Patachitra by local artisans, lamp from Purple Turtles, paint from Colourtale, bedcover and cushions from Cottons and Satins; Photographs by Ashish Sahi

     

    The space features artwork from Hey Concrete, rug from Jaipur Rugs, cushions from Sarita Handa, paint from Asian Paints Royale; Photographs by Ashish Sahi

    In a different yet equally poignant way, Meena reflects, “Bathrooms! It’s that untold refuge area for all of us! Shut the door and disconnect from the world!”. Both remind us of the need for spaces that offer escape and reflection, whether through art or a quiet moment alone. The powder room features a mud-coloured wall and a Colston basin, with whimsical artworks by Claymen added to enliven. The son’s bathroom boasts sage green and subway tiles, along with Colston fixtures. The master bathroom showcases custom digital printed tiles that bring biophilia to life, complemented by Kohler fixtures — truly a sanctuary!

    In Advaita, the guest room is a significant yet versatile space that invites relaxation. Curl up with a book, sip coffee or enjoy music amid greenery. A vibrant artwork by Kangana Kharbanda sets the mood for meditation, while a commissioned piece of Saraswati by Prasun Mazumdar highlights art’s transformative power. 

    The bedroom features chair and photo frames from IKEA, bedcover from West Elm, lights from Oorja; Photographs by Ashish Sahi

     

    The bedroom; Photographs by Ashish Sahi

    This home exhibits an abundance of exquisite wooden elements, beautifully complemented by handcrafted artwork, evoking the ageless charm of a traditional Gurukul. Fun fact? “If you’ve noticed it, most of the furniture is lifted off the floor by 5 inches. And that is to allow a Roomba vacuum machine to move around without obstacles to clean the house by itself!” Meena concludes. 

    Scroll below to tour the house

    The bathroom features the basin, WC and tap from Kohler, tiles from FCML, mirror from West Elm; Photographs by Ashish Sahi

     

    This side of the house features pot n botanicals small from West Elm, bigger pot and botanicals from Pottery Barn, lights from ILDL; Photographs by Ashish Sahi

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