Homes

Tropical teleporting — This Chennai home by Chestnut Storeys hits the right (pastel) notes

MAY 8, 2023 | By Pratishtha Rana and Rajlakshmi Dastidar
Soft eclecticism breezes through this Chennai home by Chestnut Storeys; Styling by Samir Wadekar; Photography by Ishita Sitwala
A tropical wall in the dining area brings a refreshing whiff of summer to the home; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

Tropicals, wood panelled walls, soft colours, crafty furniture pieces, art and so much more that makes one dive into the deep spiral of inventive design — this Chennai home spanning 4,000 sq ft envisioned by Farah Agarwal of Chestnut Storeys harbours it all. 

From the living room and dining area to the bedrooms and other leisure-focused corners, a decisive balance between soft and statement-making details flows across the house. Farah likes to call it a modern-smart home underscored with tropical design cues.

The plush, tufted couch in velvet seafoam and the additional seating in monochromatic colours are all tied together with the large patterned rug from Jaipur Rugs, adding ease and elegance to the space; Styling by Samir Wadekar; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

The curious brief

“The clients wanted a fresh and young-looking space with interesting features. The discussions were easy, wanting to introduce colour in the living room but in soft tones. So we kept that in mind while choosing the main furniture in the common areas, and the rest just followed,” recalls Farah, the founder of her interior design firm. 

Two chic single seaters and an intricate painting add a touch of colour onto the wall; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

Tour every turn of the home

The living room does not hold back in spilling its myriad design elements, where mellow colours have been used in ways that they look playful. Accent furniture and light fixtures mingle with multiple materials and textural hints. 

Flowing craftily into the dining area, the living room revels in the glimpses of the tropical-themed wallpaper that adds a breezy character to the space. And in no time, this communal area transforms into what an outdoorsy staycation on pleasant summer days would feel like.

Bright and airy living room with a tessellation inspired ceiling overlooking the dining area with tropical-themed wall background; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

 

A symmetrical backsplash for the kitchen along with greige coloured cabinets creates a calming environment; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

In the kitchen and breakfast area, the ceiling adorned with tessellations in embossed squares encourages visuals of openness, combined with the wall panelling sheathed with patterns.

The master bedroom is a restful sanctuary. The use of softer hues in neutral tones conveys elegance and aligns with the overarching design of the house. The wooden panels by the bed and the curving wall create a cosy nook that resembles a workspace, while the simple and straight headboard adds a touch of neutrality with its various shades.

chestnut storeys
Arches, lines and colour are once more given a contrasting yet cohesive purpose in the master bedroom. The straight and simple headboard introduces a neutral colour palette in varying shades; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

 

Square shaped foyer that doubles up as a cozy reading nook and waiting area. Seating in subdued colours with the credenza from Oriental Living gives the space a splash of vibrance.; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

In the kid’s bedroom, creating a tranquil space that fosters fond memories is paramount. This particular room achieves just that through the use of vivid hues, including orange, blue, and green. The walls boast a lively display of kaleidoscopic shapes that are echoed in the headboard. The Jaipur Rugs carpet in beige and orange adds to the sense of joy and simplicity. 

In the guest bedroom, a striking balance of arcs and lines creates texture and depth. The curved headboard tapers across the lower half of the wall in divergence, with embossed flutes in an inverted curve on the top half. The linear wooden panelling and arc chandelier echo this design element with finesse.

Youthful colours and geometric patterns are applied in the kid’s bedroom along with a cosy beige and orange carpet from Jaipur Rugs; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

 

The cheerful doodles on the bathroom vanity create a fun ambience, against the liquid black tiles and geometric flooring; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

Ideas to bookmark

Hymns of drama echo in the common areas while the private bedrooms have been set up in a more muted and sophisticated tenor. “Our design philosophy for this space was soft eclecticism, showcased with mixed and matched materials, colours, textures, and elements,” adds Farah of Chestnut Storeys.

A home can be rendered abundantly luxurious even with the right blend of sober, understated colour choices. This Chennai home is a true example, where pastel undertones collide with blush and neutral hues, directing the onlooker’s eyes to the furniture, wooden panels and embossed details. 

Ming dynasty-inspired lacquer finished sideboard by Oriental Living beside the matte black sculptured lamp by Harshita Jhamtani; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

 

Wooden panelling dotted with clusters of hand-held mirrors creates a unique alcove; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

 

A large sofa cum bed sits in the lounge room with a soft mauve carpet from Jaipur Rugs and a distinctive floor lamp from Hatsu. Art by Neha Gupte adds a little whimsy to the space; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

In the television room, the epitome of relaxation, every detail transpires harmony. The soft mauve carpet from Jaipur Rugs adds visual interest, while the sleek floor light from Hatsu lends just the right kind of illumination. 

And let’s not forget the playful artwork by Neha Gupte, which adds a touch of whimsy. The intermingling of textures, tones and decor metamorphoses this home where fashionable impressions stand as evident as its comfort.

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