Article Category: Homes

When we think of a home rooted in tradition and culture, nestled in the city of Ahmedabad, our minds linger to classic aesthetics that depict the style of its folklore. However, as we take a tour of Aatmaja (which traditionally means daughter), we can’t help but love the fusion of modern design and rustic interiors.

Conceptualised by Paresh Patel and Avi Patel of Studio Vogelkop, this expansive abode is enveloped by nature’s bounty, flowing water and fresh florals. Keeping these factors in mind, the designers made sure to celebrate the outdoors through recreational spaces.

Sprawling over 16,000 sq ft, Aatmaja is a marination of the inhabitants’ love for french style colonial homes, rustic elements, contemporary aesthetics and a palette of blues, greys and whites.

With a garden on the right and a visitor’s parking on the left, a wicket gate canopied by verdure leads us to a cosy courtyard accented by a contoured landscape. Sleek steps take us to the first floor inside, dressed in bespoke concrete tiles and concrete lamps. 

A slit in the wall demarcates a frame to the lily pond, while further inside the steps take us to the box-shaped foyer. We’re welcomed into the home through a vestibule that takes us to the living room on the right, featuring metal grids and wooden boxes, while the left wall is decorated with antique wooden wheels mounted on a chiselled white brick wall.

We can’t help but be captivated by the antique sea-green console, along with a Kothi (pot) in the passage that leads us to the kitchen and dining room. Dressed in wooden tones and brick tiles and featuring a cosy breakfast nook, the kitchen is left rustic, while the bold blue dining space is accentuated by porcelain art and upholstered dining chairs.

As we explore further, a staircase takes us to the private zones comprising a main bedroom, the daughter’s room, a study cum library and spa space. 

Adorned with a reclaimed wood bed, the main bedroom features an exposed brick wall in white. The dark wooden floor complements the light coloured armchair and rug and adds a sense of charm.

Seeking inspiration from industrial aesthetics, the daughter’s room is a vision with a grey exposed brick wall and dark polished wood and metal. An armchair accentuates the room with a colonial yet modern character.

Going back down, the ground floor foyer houses two guest rooms, a studio and a gym. One can easily access the pool from here, which is a covered space with ample ventilation.

“We loved designing the pool area and it was the most challenging as well. We wanted a seamless look for the pool area ceiling and we did not want any columns or beams in that span. So, a series of inverted beams were incorporated to give a seamless exposed RCC ceiling. The whole area is supported by just four columns,” shares Patel.

Among our favourite spaces of the home is the lounge/bar that is the perfect space for some downtime. Designed in contrast to the home’s interiors, this space is characterised by bespoke light fittings in shades of blues, reds and yellows, reflecting on the furniture. A charcoal grey brick wall makes for a bold background and complements the room’s vibrant hues.

North of the pool area, we walk towards a gazebo, supported by antique stone columns and metal pergolas and a walk back to the property allows us a peek at the cantilever deck and lily pond.

“Our design philosophy is quite simple, we believe that a house should be designed around the clients’ needs and it should never make them feel bored of the interior spaces. So we make sure to build spaces that incorporate all the elements of design, making for a perfect home,” concludes the designer.

Envisioned as a tropical weekend getaway retreat, designers Kulsum Tambawala, Rohit Walimbe and Manasvi Bachhav spearheading The Architecture Company have peppered this contemporary family abode christened The House on the Coast with colonial accents, earthy tones and homely vibes.

Sprawled across 10,000 sq ft on a plot of 1.25 acres, the five-bedroom residence nestles within the outskirts of Awas, near Alibaug and is enveloped by the mighty Arabian sea alongside lush green coastal hills. This house belongs to a South Mumbai family who loves to host occasional family gatherings, which is why it is conceptualised as a tranquil and interspersing weekend home.

“Essentially the brief was to imprint the smallest possible building footprint on the site, in order to maximise the potential and experience the scale of the property. We planned the structure on one half of the site thereby creating an organic fruit plantation and vegetable gardens that contribute to the verdant landscape. We’ve also ensured that no existing trees were disturbed and a vibrant micro-ecosystem was developed to attract the surrounding fauna,” shares Walimbe, founding partner of The Architecture Company (TAC).

To add to that, another founding partner Tambawala says, “We were involved in the project right from the site scouting stage to its execution. The homeowners being nature lovers wanted extensive green cover for a future orchard and a small animal rescue shelter. The brief also focused on multiple outdoor living spaces, which is why we’ve imbued both open and covered areas that interact with the environment.”

Settled on the diagonally opposite corner of the site entrance, the built form is realised as an extroverted, outward looking house whose layout navigates across three directions. A narrow driveway flanked with dense tropical greens leads us up to the abode’s entry point. A flipped wooden roof as well as a glass and wooden façade greet us at the verandah.

Traversing through the foyer, a voluminous double-height space engulfs in an airy vibe and connects to the capacious living space, which spills onto the pool deck. The ground level also houses a large dining area that extends out to a rear verandah, two guest bedrooms and spacious bathrooms.

Dressed in pastel hues and subtle undertones, the material palette is primarily composed of pristine white walls and wooden ceilings as well as furniture pieces that lend a warm and timeless allure to the spaces. The living room seamlessly blends into a 16-seater dining table that is perfect for gatherings or hosting a feast. Furthermore, a roomy kitchen displays a built-in island breakfast counter and a pantry.

Witnessing the presence of transitional elements like interconnecting corridors, walkways, decks and verandahs, the abode focuses on fusion of spaces to bind the house together in a cohesive unit. Accessed from the ground level, the pool deck boasts a pool house that’s fashioned with splash of tropics for added privacy.

Both the guest rooms are imbued with muted tones and customised hardwood beds. One of the bedroom at the rear end of the house has its personal walk-in closet and a cast-in bath tub that opens out to the back verandah. These carved out spaces mingle with the outdoors and invite the serene nature within for an ethereal experience.

As we amble up the staircase dressed with a glass and wooden railing, a floating corridor comes in sight that overlooks the entrance foyer. The split levels tend to communicate with each other through a visual narrative. The first level of the abode houses three primary bedrooms for the homeowners as well as their extended family members.

While the high sloping roofs render grandeur to the bedrooms, the timber floors and decor pieces radiate cosiness and relaxation. The best part is that all three bedrooms have access to a personal terrace, walk-in wardrobes and built-in jacuzzi tubs with open-to-sky shower areas—ideal for unwinding. The bathrooms too are spacious and speak the expressive language of the family home.

Adorning the main bedrooms in a vintage charm are wooden roof boarding, custom-made oak wood and teak furniture pieces, intricately crafted bed details and cane headboards. In stark contrast to these, elegant and bespoke furniture and furnishings, quirky light fixtures and tastefully curated artworks impart a modish setting vibe. Every spaces resonates with the personality of its user!

While the architecture and interior of this weekend abode is minimal, the decor and accessories accentuate the spaces. Alongside providing modern luxuries and comfort, the home features extensive use of teak wood clad columns, local stones and fabric that imbue a grounded and home-away-from-home feel.

“Considering the hot and humid weather of the region, we aligned the structure in a way that it catches the cool breeze from the hills at night and a pleasant sea breeze during the day. The signature flipped roof steers a gentle draft into the upper bedrooms, especially the two edge ones. As a result of which, the extended terraces make the most of the hill views and winds and act as smartly tucked-in private nooks for all-weather relaxation,” reveals Walimbe.

Exhibiting an eclectic decor, the house strives to be vibrant with an influx of design quirkiness. We love how the abode digresses from a singular approach to design and instead deploys layers of well-thought out elements paired with artefacts, some of which interestingly have been collected by the client over the years.

The House on the Coast has been realised as a personal unwinding sanctuary the homeowners resort to for a stress-buster. Built in a composite construction of RCC and steel, it also boasts generous amounts of seasoned timber. Breaking away from the traditional form of the region’s architecture, the abode adapts to an asymmetrical silhouette that responds efficiently to the prevailing site context.

“The pool deck was certainly our favourite space to craft! A highlight of the house, it remains an epicenter of public oriented activity and emphasises the dynamics between the massive abode and the quaint pool pavillion,” shares Tambawala. She further adds, “The striking roof system is a prominent characteristic of the house. However, that was the most challenging to build. It required a complex structural design and high level of craftsmanship.

It is critical as to how a structure responds to its micro-environment, which is why TAC advocates that architecture must act as a catalyst to elevate interactions between the user and the landscape it sits in. Furthermore, a robust set of sustainable features encircle the abode to reduce the energy and water footprint.

Solar panels power majority of the spaces whereas the avant-garde pool purification system ensures minimal water change cycles. Additionally, multiple groundwater recharge pits on the site help in recharging the subterranean aquifers in the water scarce Alibaug region. Plus, the planting of dense vegetation keeps attracting the local birds and other fauna.

An entirely new construction on an uncultivated paddy field, the built form has now transformed into a labour of love and tailor-made experiences—all woven into the interlocking fabric of the weekend abode that’s rooted in its surroundings.

A modern interpretation of constructivism and tribute to the 21st-century masters of Bauhaus freedom and creativity, this Moscow apartment by Russian designer and artist Sergei Khrabrovsky reimagines living spaces with avant-garde style and history.

Sprawled over 800 square feet, the home features a living area, three bedrooms, a mini dresser and two bathrooms, all clad in bespoke decor elements, natural materials and textures, creating a playful yet sophisticated ambience.

We’re greeted by graphic shapes created by Khrabrovsky in the hallway. Depicting overconsumption in the current cultural phenomena, the artist incepted the art object Metabolism, during self-isolation in the pandemic, and this piece synthesizes a visual symphony of black and white geometric forms, arousing further curiosity against the light marble floors.

Inspired by the architectural language of Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier and Bauhaus, the designer pays meticulous attention to every detail of the art, furniture and narrative the space radiates.

Bespoke furniture designs by Khrabrovsky, like a black coffee table in the living room, wardrobe and bed, the dressing table with connotation to the sensibility and aesthetics of the Bauhaus era weave a consistent creative flow.

Collectables including vintage Czech chairs, Ombra Tokyo Chair by Charlotte Perriand, Zig-Zag chair from Cassina and ceiling lamp by Moooi emanate retro expression in this contemporary space anchored by contrasting accents to furniture and textiles making this home absolutely unforgettable.

Art objects such as the “YSL les art” transforms infamous logos showing brand worshipping in the modern art market further builds on the intricacies of the visual experience creating dialogue.

The layering of textures balances the black leather chair against the timber accents and distressed bouclé couch. We love the black and white unconventional shelving unit with irregular rigid lines! Intensive and interesting features of the living room are balanced by the evocative hallway, corridor and artwork.

“I really like to make interiors expressive but at the same time not like anything else. Interior for me is art in art,” shares Khrabrovsky. His philosophy is a balanced mix of perfection and uniqueness and persistent innovation through natural materials, textures and environment-friendly interior.

In a bustling city like Mumbai, buying a home is a dream for many and Quirk Studio’s Disha Bhavsar and Shivani Ajmera quirked up The Mysa Home for a young couple who recently moved into their first home. With an aura that radiates familial warmth, the abode also features spaces to unwind, connect and reflect. 

Spread across 1,400 sq ft, Mysa Home is a substantial family residence with a delicate appeal for minimalism. The Bandra apartment employs the philosophy of ‘less is more’ and is an eclectic mix of luminous, spacious, and everlasting spaces entwined with simplicity. 

“Simplicity is the handpicked strategy for exhibiting Hygge (a feeling of happiness and well being) which is at the heart of the fundamental design theme,” shares Bhavsar.

In Swedish, the word Mysa (MEE-sah) conjures up images of warmth and cosiness. The architectural philosophy of this residence is the formation of an ambience that accentuates the appreciation of spaces with all of one’s senses, intentionally engaging them in ephemeral instances. 

Nordic and Scandinavian elements in the home are a manifestation of the unambiguous embodiment of the client’s specifications, which in turn influences the home’s vibe. The apartment houses an enthusiasm that serves an incarnation of Nordic charm, while also guaranteeing the versatility to evolve with the homeowner’s aspirations.

On approaching the apartment, it expands to display an open-plan living and dining space in the core of the floor plan. Leading to the living and dining spaces which are delineated by a two-tone, colour-blocked half wall that contributes drama. Sprinkled with pattern-play through artwork, understated furnishings, the space also has a hint of powder blue. Modest yet functional utilisation of decor aids in the dexterous segmentation of dynamic zones.

The dining area, which blends flawlessly with the living area, is anchored by a solid wood dining table and spindled bench, and also contemporary upholstered chairs. An amber and grey cluster globe pendant light and a warm blue credenza with scalloped shutters offer a sculptural flair to this alcove. For creating a congenial ambience, earthy art prints and an abundance of bric-a-brac are spattered around the area.

Daylight filters through the transparent surfaces and brightens the galley kitchen which is stitched seamlessly into the plan utilising a partition system made of clear glass and black metal. The cabinetry’s lack of hardware emphasises the space’s openness while maintaining its clutter-free aesthetic. White subway backsplash tiles stacked vertically accentuate the volume of the small but functional kitchen.

The ensuite bedrooms are linked by a connecting hallway that runs parallel to the home’s private zone. Accent by ashwood-hued doors, the walkway features a mosaic of watercolour pastel geometric art. The Mysa Home’s bedroom suites are true extensions of the social rooms and a homage to the overall pared-down concept. 

Leading to the main bedroom, greyscale still-life images adorn the velvety upholstered bed’s headboard. Venetian-plastered walls are anchored by taupe Venetians. Suave nightstands are coupled with amber glass globes and black metal sconces to continue the colour trend in the bedroom and make it appear chic yet efficient.

Lastly, the guest bedroom, which is completely white, immediately relaxes the senses. The flowery wallpaper, swathed in white cherry blossom florets against the slightest mint, which is the room’s object d’art. The all-white furniture matches the beige wardrobe that’s concealed in the corner. The brass and white globe pendants dangle delicately from the patterned wallpaper cushioning the space delicately.

Warm wood tones, neutral colours that bathe upholstered surfaces, monochromes, metallic accents, and traces of natural greenery all come together to form The Mysa Home’s material palette. This space intends to be surrounded by what essentially matters to the young couple. 

“The guest bedroom was the most difficult component of the design. The theme for the space could not have been distinct or personalised because it is supposed to accommodate a wide spectrum of people. We needed to make it neutral and generic so that everyone who walks in will feel at ease,” shares Ajmera. 

The apartment’s creative inspiration is brought to light by the strategic assemblage of style aspects. A pleasant colour palette, and sensuous materials are blended with exquisite decor, luminaires and artworks. The interiors adopt a minimalist approach in the Scandinavian and Nordic design aesthetic with vibrant accents, decor and upholstery. Each element in the residence infuses a subtle persona to the atmosphere!

What was once a home rooted in historical architecture by Hal Thompson in 1928, is now a space that celebrates beautiful art and harmonious design. As she walks us through this Dallas home, designer Jean Liu shares, “The architecture of the house is serious, boasting strong Italianate features, but the interiors needed to reflect its art collecting and younger inhabitants. So while honouring and preserving the architectural details, the rooms’ finishes, layout, and furnishings were chosen in a way that felt fresh and modern.”

Located in the affluent town of Highland Park, this 8,000 sq ft cove gives new life to your regular art gallery experience. Breaking away from museum culture, Liu makes sure to dress this home in versatile elements that make for a beautiful backdrop to the homeowner’s art collection.

Perfectly choreographed furniture and art personify the house along with a collection of antiques, making the design alluring. Neutral hues like black, white and brown cloak the home, and allow the art to be the hero through a restrained palette.

Right upon entering the foyer, the space’s design sets the tone for this house. A French centre hall table sits on top of a custom Kyle Bunting rug, while a brutalist chandelier illuminates the space. The walls are decked with contemporary art, along with antique furniture pieces like an Italian commode and Swedish bench that complement each other.

To the right of the foyer, we enter the black lacquered library that emulates a dark and moody charm. Ample shelves allow for the storage of books and a Mike Osborne photograph creates a window effect on the walls and also acts as inspiration for the turquoise blue drapery panels rimmed with gold edges.

On the left is the formal living room featuring a ceiling wallpapered in Channels by the iconic Kelly Wearstler, creating a sense of whimsy to the otherwise formal space. Chairs by B&B Italia flank one end of the room while the other is held by the family’s beloved Steinway baby grand that have seen many evenings of music, laughter and fun. The striped silk window panels add a sense of luxury to the space.

We walk past the entry and through the hallway that features three windows that come with primitive wood tables under it, serving as a casual bar set up and are accentuated by Ivory linen panels to serve a sense of purpose.

The dining room to the left of the hallway is dressed in a monochrome wall covering by Porter Teleo, creating harmony with the living room. A vintage Gilbert Rohde table graces the space. Found at a local antique store, the dining chairs have been recovered in brown velvet and refinished in an antique whitewash, juxtaposing the mid-century table. Not only does this room come with a pair of Swedish cabinets holding the inhabitants’ collection of Old Paris porcelain, but it also offers us a view of the beautifully manicured backyard.

Known as the heart of the house, the kitchen at the end of the hallway is done up in grey limestone counters and creamy white painted cabinets. A highly functional area, this space creates a sense of rest against the bold characters of the rooms before it.

Accessed through the kitchen, the great room is a shell of softer tones and comes with multiple seating arrangements. Meant to be more casual, the space can easily become a room that one can unwind at! Antique orange engravings flank the fireplace creating a contrast to the artwork on the mantle.

“The room we enjoyed working on the most is the great room, and it proved to be the most rewarding room of the house to work on mainly because it proved the most challenging. It was an addition and felt completely out of proportion with the rest of the house,” shares Liu, adding, “However, over time, working through several furniture layouts and devising smaller seating arrangements within this large church-like room, it has become the favourite and most used room in the entire house.”

As we move upstairs, we’re in awe of the staircase that boasts a black and white stripe wool runner, giving the classical house a rock n’ roll personality. This vibrant runner also rolls in perfect contrast to its old counterpart.

Anchored in the far corner of the upper level, the main bedroom is bathed in a mink brown hue to foster a cocoon-like experience. The dark tones offer a sense of relaxation and also make for a wonderful backdrop to the grounded artwork. Keeping in line with the room’s palette, the upholstery features a cream coloured boucle headboard and an Oushak rug adds a patina to the room.

The daughter’s room is the result of free reign and vibrant design. A turquoise hue covers the room and a rattan bed is paired with a floral duvet. The space is also adorned with her own artwork, which she mastered over the years.

While the home boasts tall ceilings and smaller rooms, given the age of the home, Liu manages to personify this revamped cove with a touch of soulful design and lets the art amplify her design sensibilities!

Rooted in maximalism, this five-bedroom apartment is a reflection of the designers’ resonance with eclecticism. Architect duo and homeowners Saloni and Hiren Ganatra have spearheaded the unique project under Maison Colab, a bespoke luxury segment by ColabCompany.

With a penchant to create experiential spaces, the lead designers have added quirky elements to fashion it as a quintessential abode. Sprawling over 4,200 sq ft, the residence is settled on the 22nd floor of a high rise in Mumbai and looks out to vantage panoramic views of the bustling city on one side and contrasting landscape of Sahyadri range on the other.

Coined as Casa Neue, the expansive home is a culmination of three apartments curated together to explore a design narrative that uses muted palettes, stimulating colours, materials and textures—stirring a visual montage; evocative of emotions.

Conceptualising each space as a lyrical composition, the planning and orientation of the house is anchored by axial and directional flow. Rendering the space in a diaphanous glow are vignettes from across the home, featured in statement pieces and raw expression. The ingenuity of every material induces a seamless elegance.

Upon entering, the entrance lobby is the initial rendezvous between the user and the residence. Decked in a geometric floor, the plush area houses a chic billiard table. A melange of classic and eclectic elements grace the foyer area. Subsequently a mosaic, ornate Corinthian column comes in sight, enriching the nook seating followed by a striking statement light that enhances the unwinding deck.

A spacious formal living room is imbued in jewel tones, opulence and all things maximalist! The glimmering lights enthusiastically engage with bold hues that accentuate the otherwise neutral palette. The space is perfect for hosting gatherings, something that the homeowner is fond of. Curved metal curtain reveal the cityscape while velvet sapphires and bespoke patterned wallpapers embellish the space in its true essence.

Traversing avenues connect the constituent apartments and meld the space into an informal living room, which is the heart of the house. Laced with Taboo veneer backdrops, a moody botanical wallpaper by Moooi, an emerald couch, grey sheers and a blackout curtain, the space also morphs into a home theatre, lounge or game’s parlour. Inspired by the Eden aesthetic, the area ties the private suites of the abode to the communal ones.

Initiating a dialogue between teak finishes, splendid marble backsplashes and ivory-white countertops is a commodious galley kitchen. Mingling with other areas of the house through a glass fenestration, the kitchen intersperses with the modish dining ensemble—the nucleus of all family oriented activity.

A sleek and ribbed-edge dining table flirts with uber cool, modern grey, curved-back dining chairs while an organic hooped luminaire showers the setting with an ambient glow and makes way for a visual feast. A pedestal sink along with a stone sink is complemented by an ornate brass mirror that faces an outdoor rubble wall.

The powder bathroom surprises with its quirk and whimsical decor! Strategically lit, the mammoth hemispherical wall mirror attracts the zoomorphic jewel insect figurines towards its back-lit form. “We are maximalists and out there when it comes to interiors. Less is definitely a bore and that style is conspicuous throughout the abode,” shares Saloni Ganatra, principal designer of ColabCompany.

Draped in blush tones and nude hues, the parent’s bedroom is dominated by a layered design ethos. Expansive yet warm in appeal, it is peppered with a tinge of geometry and a subtle ambience that elevates the senses. An upholstered headboard is flanked against a softly illuminated arched backdrop that creates a charming bedside montage.

Resplendent with a monochromatic demeanour and deep umber tones, the main suite is an emblematic vision of impactful yet robust design. A custom back-lit marble headboard lends an artistic and classy character to the room. Pops of colour appear through select furniture pieces. “The primary bedroom was the most challenging to design, being a personal space. We brainstormed on multiple ideas,” adds Hiren Ganatra.

Replete with lavish functions, the main bedroom is connected to a plush walk-in closet, a vanity room and an exquisitely crafted bathroom. The closet showcases a dedicated display for all those valuable collectibles whereas the bath is clad in black and white panda marble.

“All spaces in the abode breathe a feeling of being collected rather than decorated. The living room was the most fun to design! It unveils a story of diverse materials and artefacts from around the globe. Maximalism is about being loved, not understood,” share the Ganatras.

Weaving the kids’ bedroom into a chirpy flair and child-like wonder, the space boasts an organic silhouette that’s inspired from the theatrical curtains, cascading over a stage. The form wraps itself around the accent wall while elements like bunk-bed, animal sculptures and crimson hues render an interesting and spirited play.

Digressing a little from the rest of the apartment, the guest bedroom is engulfed in minimalism with essential accessories. Shades of azure blue and ochre are seen throughout the space, either in soft furnishings or embedded flooring pattern. A pristine tinge and added height is borrowed from the vaulted ceiling. All door knobs and handles are done by Buster + Punch.

Apart from the conversational spaces and five bedrooms, the abode also includes an artistic den that incubates creativity and stylish decor. Curios and furniture pieces are personalised to suit the user’s taste.

“It has been a truly rewarding experience, donning both hats! This project is an embodiment of ourselves as designers and a triumph of turning our imagination into reality. At the end, all the elements juxtapose together to exude an engaging and timeless panache,” conclude the architect duo.

Inspired by the Danish concept ‘Hygge’ this minimal home by Abin Chaudhuri, Principal Architect of Abin Design Studio reflects a lifestyle, a mood and a vibe beyond its design style. Christened Story of Arches, this 3,600 sq ft abode unravels an inviting, homely and artistic narrative. “It’s a space that provides warmth, relaxation and cosiness”, says Chaudhuri. 

Perched on the 19th floor of an upscale residential tower, the apartment exudes comfort and luxury in equal measure. The design takes cues from the existing architecture of the building and enhances the experience of the spaces. The private lift lobby, arrangement of spaces and large openings offer a splendid canvas for designs to transpire.

The overall palette of the house is subtle and smooth. The walls are panelled to achieve the desired interior finish. Subtle wooden wall treatment over a darker graphical floor adds buoyancy to the living areas.

Divulging further, Chaudhuri reveals, “With the intent to break from the rigid structure and linear forms, the interior design uses soft colours, arches and curves to subdue the existing straight lines of the home.”

Paired with bursts of vibrant colours, an eclectic composition of artwork, sculptures, furniture and rugs bring character to this apartment. A customised automated sliding partition, utilising a bespoke colourful rug as wall art hides the TV when not in use. Hand-made furniture, rugs and a collection of art breathe luxury into the residence.

Starting from the lift doors, arched portals create a sense of journey between the lobby and the main doors. The apartment foyer becomes yet another transition space as one walks through the great arch into the formal living room. 

The lift lobby opens up into a warm and welcoming entrance foyer designed with minimal artwork, customised furniture and a beautiful Murano glass inlay on the floor. Abundant light shines across the formal living area as all three sides of the room are open. To the left are the informal living area and dining area divided by a semi-translucent partition. The informal living area opens into the terrace space with a breathtaking view of the entire city, thus connecting it with nature. 

The kitchen located near the dining area is subtle. Powder toilets carry a similar design language. As one enters the transitional foyer, the right side leads to the primary bedroom which is tailored with minimal furniture as per the client’s needs. It has an attached balcony with a stunning view, a walk-in closet, and a washroom. 

Other bedrooms in the apartment include a parent’s room which is designed with warm colour tones. Located right across the formal living room, the kid’s bedroom is designed with subtle hues, allowing the child to grow and appreciate it even after a decade.

The corridor shows two beautifully crafted elements on both ends. On one end is a red crafted wall console and, on the other is a stunning prayer room door. While unique, they amalgamate a bespoke and eclectic design language. The guest bedroom is designed with minimal panelling and a neutral colour palette.

This Story of Arches weaves its narrative in its details—furniture, handles, artwork and multiple bespoke elements. From consoles to the treatment of walls, there is a subtle continuity in design that manifests in hints and bursts that offer a splendid experience to the onlooker.

This Palm Beach Modern Villa by Christopher Stone and David Fox of Manhattan-based architecture and design firm Stonefox is an ode to both classical and modern architecture and design, rooted in the tradition of South Florida modernism. Sprawled over 34,000 sq ft, with water on both sides of the property, the house is detailed with utmost sensibility.

The homeowners, Phelan’s, envisioned a warm and inviting space with a mix of art and objects to spend time with friends and family. The Neoclassical grandness of the Spencer House in London and the icon of modern architectural transparent qualities of the Farnsworth House served as a challenging but interesting brief to harmonise the home’s elements.

Dressed in limestone flooring for the exteriors, cut in a spiral hexagonal pattern this exquisite home celebrates experimentation of textures and neutral cool tones with warm accents as seen in the living room. 

On the axis with the front door and entry gallery is the home’s main space, the large double-height living room. In this abode, symmetry balances the structure and as we move northward or southward, the geometries of the space loosen and become sculptural, as seen in the Disco and covered loggia in the southern end. 

“The clients, Amy and John Phelan wanted the home to be built for their current and future art collection.  Sensitivity had to be paid to incorporate their vast collection, and be flexible for the display of art,” said the architects.

Clad entirely in sleek Santenoy limestone from Portugal, cut to size and shipped to Palm Beach, the villa is refined with excellent craftsmanship. Designed in the Greek tradition, with entasis and then scooped out to have a modern sculptural effect, the columns at the front and the rear canopy display immense character. This villa also has the largest known private residential rooftop solar array in the world.  

With six bedrooms, Stonefox curates this space filled with balance and energy located on the direct oceanfront on the Atlantic and another exposure on the Intercoastal Waterway. Fluted stone accentuates the space behind the palm trees, making this modern villa a beach fantasy.

Custom furnishings and interiors like the vintage Paul McCobb Chairs, 1960’s Brass and Mercury Glass Chandeliers as well as bespoke silk rugs define the Palm Beach Modern Villa as an art lover’s dream, emanating retro-contemporary chic with a classic touch!

Scroll to see more images from this art-filled home by Stonefox…

Conscious, simple and welcoming are the themes that best describe this 645 sq ft home, located in the hubbub of the maximum city. Conceptualised for a family of four, Mahek Lalan, principal architect of Mumbai based SML Architects tailored the home to blend traditional and modern design.

Grounded in minimalism, the compact home is a marriage of subtle elements that emulate a homely charm. To create harmony, Lalan makes sure to seamlessly cover the floors in stone concrete, linking spaces together.

“When we first visited the site, we noticed the beam drops to be of the same depth throughout the home. We unified the home by colouring these beams in white and the same hue then ‘folds’ back on the ceiling. By doing this the way one perceives the space or volumes is very different. The remainder of the walls have been painted in a shade of light grey,” shares Lalan.

With a material palette that exudes warmth and tactility, the home features teak, polished plywood, bamboo, linen, brass and textured granite in its elements.

As we enter the home, the first thing we notice is the dining space, while the living room sits on the right. Designed with minimal furniture, both these spaces make for cosy rooms and allow the family to come together.

“We enjoyed designing the living space the most, as that is where the family comes together and is the heart of the home,” adds the architect.

Inside, a passage leads us to the kitchen on the right and the main bedroom on the left, featuring an ensuite bathroom.

Finally, in the end, we step into the parent’s bedroom that is done up in sombre hues and keeps in line with the home’s overall theme.

“In every project, we pursue a calm, protective atmosphere, which we try to achieve with time and passion. The intent is to carve volumes in noble materials to achieve silent, serene and warm spaces, where our clients find shelter,” concludes Lalan.