Homes Archives - ELLE DECOR

An oasis of vibrant cityscapes, natural light and deep greens by Studio Osmosis in Mumbai

Just as an artist identifies its muse and frames it within their piece of art; a designer anchors the context and outlines a conceptual planning around it. When a panorama of the scintillating Mumbai skyline along with a spectacle of Bandra-Worli Sea Link uncovers as a vantage point, needless to say it adjures to be captured and framed, as seen in this Mumbai apartment by Studio Osmosis.

Located in a residential district, this 1900 sq ft residence on the 42nd floor is designed by Sameer Balvally and Shilpa Jain Balvally, Principal Architects of Studio Osmosis and styled by Shraddha Nayak.

The designers express, “As a curator of creative, technical and aesthetic aspects, it’s important to bring together each collaboration by overlooking the whole picture along with each part individually at every stage of the canvas and painting.”

Studio Osmosis — The full height open PU finish coffee brown display unit houses a fine collection of vinyl records of jazz music, an ensemble of their travel collectibles, books and various accessories from Defurn; Photographs by Pankaj Anand Styled by Shraddha Nayak

With a vision to reflect the homeowners personalities and lifestyle, a muted warm palette with a strong yet subtle arched language is carried throughout the house. Connecting spaces within the house, the arched forms function as thresholds and pause points.

Taking a step into the apartment, an arched doorway leads you into the living and dining area cumulated together with neutral tones and green accents. Designed to look outward, the living areas open up to a vast balcony with a mesmerising view of the Bandra Worli sea link. It acts as a space to recharge and relinquish the serene sunsets and leisure into the evenings.

A 3BHK remodelled into a 2BHK apartment presents an extensive space for socialising. With an open plan, a bar designed in continuation to the dining room boasts the owner’s collection of wine and spirits and becomes a casual zone for conversations.

Parallel platform layout with mid-century patterned flooring in the central open space offers maximum circulation and complements the modern kitchen.

A vaulted passage leads to the bedrooms, mandir and study. With the work from home culture, a study area secluded by a glass partition becomes a part of the apartment.

Connecting spaces within the house, the arched forms function as thresholds and pause points; Photographs by Pankaj Anand

Keeping in mind the maturity yet the playfulness of the young toddler, the kid’s bedroom houses cosy nooks and fun components with shades of green furnishing a warm ambience. The mainbedroom is the owner’s personal oasis, disconnecting them from the humdrum of the city with a spacious sun deck, walk-in-wardrobe and a lavish master bath.

Subtle yet strong forms, simple and minimal material application and adaptation defines this project. Visually tying the spaces together, the materials and textures revolve around a neutral palette of white, various tones of taupe and greiges within the fabrics, wooden textures with marble and antique metallic finishes.

Variations of subtle yet deep greens have been used throughout the house in various forms to complement the beautiful views and natural daylight filtering throughout the house to evince a sense of calm.

Wooden textures, marble and antique metallic finishes forms a part of the design language; Photographs by Pankaj Anand

Attention to detail, functionality and materiality responding to the homeowner’s way of life without overcomplicating design has always been a way for us rather than a trend. This makes the space appear functional as well as makes it vibrant or quirky.

If you enjoyed the strong yet subtle arched language of this project, check out: Curves and arches shape the nonchalant landscape of this Mumbai home crafted by Design Decor Drama

All parts of The Terrace Garden by Atelier X Architects echo a love for travel and outdoors

In the green lanes of Indore, stands a home that integrates the warmth of nostalgia with the ecstasy of travel, all against a fluid canvas of white ashwood.

Built on 1,600 sq ft of prime locale, the spacious penthouse is designed by Saumil Nagar, Founder and Principal Architect at Atelier X Architects (AXA).

Underlined with a sense of utility across its layout, the 3BHK apartment is accessed from a central bay. The spaces flow seamlessly from the living room to the dining zone, flanked by the kitchen and an expansive terrace on one side. The bedroom makes up the more private part of the den.

The entrance vestibule welcomes one with a lively red Madhubani painting placed neatly above a classic wooden bench, which is astutely placed next to the floor-to-ceiling shoe closet.

“The slim balconies were duly absorbed within the apartment, allowing for functional value additions like an unobstructed seating space in the living room along with a study, dressing area and a nook for a joyful rocking chair in the bedrooms,” explains Saumil.

The space follows a predominantly warm tonality for the floor, wall and furniture. Strong linear geometries optimise use of space and break the monotony of the larger material palette.

The sofas in the living room sport soft hues as they levitate upon the industrial black bracket foots. Strokes of clay and teal, the classic copper-patina chair with a rattan back and the sand-patterned rug animate the living room.

A statement gold-and-globes pendant light enriches the terrazzo top dining table. Its stylishly rounded timber legs issue a warm contrast to the light and the tabletop fashioned from similar mineral shades.

The kitchen proved to be quite a challenge with the numerous offsets between wider structural elements and infill walls. The studio responded by using white ash wood in the L-shaped kitchen across all the storage cabinets accentuating the brightness that this space demands.

The white countertop by Simpolo is built as an intuitive response to make the kitchen appear spacious. The patterned cut-tile backsplash employs a glossy black finish in coordination with the black appliances prompting depth.

The kitchen features a counter-length window opening altered to receive ample sunlight whilst offering unobstructed views of the sky and plants on the terrace.

“Instead of furthering the light-tone scheme, we took the opportunity of accounting for the effect of the standard black, reflective appliances and decided to play a little with glossy black tiles on the backsplash as well,” divulges Saumil.

The dining area spills over into the sprawling terrace. Stacked along its periphery, an assortment of plants with their diverse foliage and colours, coupled with the monochromatic walls and floor establish a soothing setup for a delightful Sunday brunch.

All three bedrooms balance comfort and storage requirements with the inclusion of user specific, day-function areas.

Crafted to the fluid taste and energy of its young inhabitant, the primary bedroom packs the same ash wood and black and white cut-tile pattern as the kitchen. The compact dresser, elegant study and the fluted glass enclosed book cabinet complete the chic look of the room.

The primary bedroom consists of black and white cut-tile flooring from Simpolo, laminates from Bloom, study chair from Urban Ladder, pendant lamp from The White Teak Company and bedspread from Fabindia; Photographs by Anuja Kambli

The children’s bedroom is acoustically equipped with a floor-to-ceiling ash teal ribbed panel doubling up as a headboard for the bed. Wooden accents from the furniture enhance the powder coated mild steel fabricated framework, producing linear geometries. The resulting design allows an uncluttered aesthetic to this compact room.

The children’s bedroom is elaborately designed with muted floor tiles from Simpolo, mood lighting from Hybec, striking lamp from The White Teak Company, bedspread from Fabindia and room accents by Home Artisan and Curio Casa; Photographs by Anuja Kambli

The dazzling yellow china mosaic play with the grey tile slabs from Simpolo against the sleek bathroom fitting from Kohler induce a positive atmosphere in the bathroom; Photographs by Anuja Kambli

The guest bedroom emanates a mature mood with timber gradients in the crema faced furniture. The rocking wooden chair and the tall houseplant, reminiscent of coconut trees, merged with beach blue accents across the room paint a sophisticated scene.

The rocking chair, alphonso yellow and sea-green accents and artefacts from Curio Casa and Home Artisan paired with planters from Elite earth exude a relaxed beach vibe; Photographs by Anuja Kambli

Atelier X Architects consciously reduce material wastage by retaining the structural outfit of majority of the fixed furniture and using leftover ceramics tiles to make vivid wall patterns and table tops. “A truly green practice is to build as little as you can and minimise the construction footprint,” concludes Saumil.

If you enjoyed the beach hues of this home, check out: Sunny, Sandy and Serene—Vanessa Alexander unfurls the beauty of the beach in this Montauk beach house

Clean lines and cool hues helm the design language of this Juhu home crafted by Rasneet Anand Design

Weaving a pure and honest narrative by fusing a contemporary design language, principal architect of her eponymous practice Rasneet Anand has elevated the take on style that’s anything but expected. Catering to the needs of a family with a new-born daughter, this 1,800 sq ft three BHK house in Juhu is a lesson in transforming your functional space into a personal wellness oasis.

Situated on the second floor, the apartment is illuminated with an abundance of natural light through the floor to ceiling windows. Balconies all around overlooking abundant tree tops of the lush green cover in the surrounding area served as the inspiration for the colour palette of the home.

“I was approached by a young couple with a baby on the way to design their home. The apartment is home to three family members that are all industrious individuals with very different individual needs, our brief was to make sure every single need and utility is catered to. The constitution of the home was to be uber functional, and our emphasis as designers was to give them a space that exudes familial warmth,” elaborates Rasneet.

Main door is treated in a grey ash veneer with panelled grooves. The entrance console wall lights are from The White Teak Company; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal and Styled by Inspired living by Meetu Swani

Inside the modular kitchen by The Kitchen Artisan, double cross reed glass has been used for the kitchen sliding door; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

With a key focus on comfort, the home has been primarily designed with the idea of tranquillity in mind. It’s meant to be a calming space that is soothing to the senses. “We stuck to contemporary design principles with clean lines and neutral colours adding in life through the upholstery, plants and other accessories sprinkled throughout the apartment,” shares Rasneet.

Contemporary design principles with clean lines and neutral colours add life through the upholstery, plants and other accessories sprinkled throughout the apartment; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

The apartment opens into a lengthy foyer with a bespoke console, primarily designed for utility purposes and a concealed store room. The use of oak wood tones begins right at the entrance of the apartment and continues throughout.

Amber coloured Bedside lights from The White Teak Company add an understated glamour to the grandparents’ bedroom; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

The grandparents’ bedroom is accessed from the foyer followed by the inviting living room. The living room has balconies on both ends which brings in lovely cross ventilated breeze and it being located on the second floor allows a great vantage of green tree tops.

The living room features a custom made couch with cushions from Altrove and a daybed. The artwork is acquired from Gradient India; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

Wall lights are from The White Teak Company, rugs from Jaipur Rugs, lounge chairs by Magnolia, side tables from Gulmohar Lane; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

Living room floor white carrara marble gets a break with balconies on both ends with grey geometric printed tiles; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

Divided into a formal lounging area and the dining area is the living room, courtesy of the foyer that acts as the central dividing axis. The smaller passage in the living room leads to the powder washroom, primary bedroom and the baby’s nursery.

In the main bedroom, chest of drawers in a PU paint finish are custom made. The rug runner is from Cocoon Fine Rugs; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

Comfort was a hallmark of all the features of the apartment, the furniture, the colour schemes and the fixtures were all chosen to be inviting; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

Moody powder bathroom clad in tiles with a cast in place wash basin is aired with an acid washed mirror; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

Blue green subway tiles for the baby’s bathroom and pendant light from Hatsu add vibrance and elegance; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

While the entire apartment casts a collective story in neutral shades and tinctures, the daughter’s bedroom is designed as a rather vibrant space befitting the personality of a baby. This is married into the home through the use of muted grey in the headboard and oak wood flooring making it a warm yet vibrant space.

In the nursery, fluted/ribbed panelled walls are painted in a rose pink hue by Asian Paints. Round wall light is by Harshita Jhamtani Designs while the hanging light above crib is from Olie lights; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

Sandy beige wall colour continues on the built in crockery unit and bar. Dining light is from The White Teak Company and the dining bench is custom made; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

“The abundant tree cover visible from the apartment serves as an inspiration for the fabrics and the shades of vitality that are used subtly throughout the home juxtaposed against the neutrality of the floor and the walls. The balconies of the home are designed to break the monotony with printed floors and they serve as an ideal spot to unwind,” concludes Rasneet.

If you enjoyed reading about this contemporary haven, make sure you check out this ingenious Vadodara villa crafted by a+t associates!

P&T Design Studio moulds monochromes, minimalism and less clutter for this Mumbai home

Metropolitan cities like Mumbai are synonymous with micro flats and compact homes. The diminished dimensions of the flats, however, do not curtail the design obstacles they conjure. Architects and co-founders Pallavi Goel and Tejal Shah of P&T Design Studio confront this challenge to compose a compact modern home loaded with ample storage but minimum clutter.

“The lightness and the contemporary minimalistic nature of the space are what we want to achieve in compact homes”, explains Pallavi. The 950 sq ft apartment in Versova West houses a living room, kitchen, dining area, a primary bedroom, powder bathroom and a lounge/guest bedroom.

The homeowner Ganesh Pareek’s brief is relatively simple. The 25-year-old house is to be completely revamped. This includes civil changes like tearing down two bathrooms to create the primary bedroom and a powder bathroom. A sliding folding partition replaces another wall that is demolished to provide a larger layout.

P&T Design Studio — The living room exhibits complementary textures in the form of colourful cushions and throw by Nicobar and H&M, black and white console with PU Finish, solid wood coffee and side table by West Elm and planters by Sparrow Design and Harla. The artwork above the sofa is by Chetan Advirkar whereas the artwork above the console is through Etsy. The accessories are curated from H&M, West Elm, Nicobar, Marks & Spencers and Modern Quests; Styled by Devika Aras and photographs by Anuja Kambli

The theme of the home is Minimal with Monochrome. The ultimate aim is to keep the space as illuminated as possible, with bright sunlight coming in from all sides. The living, the primary bedroom and the guest bedroom are all sea-facing.

The main door opens up to the four-seater dining area. The kitchen is on the right, and the living room is on the left. The duo recalls the kitchen to be the most demanding area to design as they had to fit a fully functional kitchen in the tiny space.

There is a powder bathroom behind the dining area. The lounge/guest bedroom is on the left of the dining area, right next to the living room. A passage from the dining area leads straight to the primary bedroom with an en suite bathroom and tiny balcony.

The material palette of the home includes wooden flooring, PU paint, laminate in the kitchen, tiles in the bathrooms, fluted glass in the wardrobes, and linens and cotton, amplified by the green planters and natural light throughout the home.

The rug on the wooden floor of the primary bedroom is from Rugberry. The planters from Sparrow Design are neatly placed in plant stands from Ikea on the dressing table; Photographs by Anuja Kambli

The stunning accessories have been carefully assorted from H&M, Westelm, Nicobar and Marks & Spencers. The pendant light from The Jodi Life enhances the artistic vibe of the room along with artwork above the lounge chair from Nook At You and artwork above the bed from Chetan Advirkar; Photographs by Anuja Kambli

“Design is a marriage between different elements and thoughts. We believe in bringing out the space in a way, wherefrom an apartment it transforms into a home”, clarifies Tejal. P&T Design Studio effortlessly speaks volumes with minimalism in this pleasantly monochrome home.

The wooden tiled balcony doubles up as a serene spot in the home with a rustic rug, plant stand and stylish chair from Ikea. The pleasing plants are from Sparrow Design; Photographs by Anuja Kambli

If you enjoy minimal home decor, check out this home: Holiday home goals — Mustafa Eisa & Associates trace this Goa villa with a contemporary lens of whites and a minimalistic palette

Wood and brass are a revelation in this ingenious Vadodara villa crafted by a+t associates

Any thoughtfully designed home resonates with both the aspirations of the habitat and the intriguing personalities of its inhabitants. Architects and founders Archis Patel and Tanvi Rajpurohit of a+t associates adapt the same hypothesis for Nilamber Villa, a palatial abode in Vadodara.

After countless client suggestions for diverse material and colour palettes reflective of their inclinations, the interior vision of the home was bustling with character. When the need for a unifying element arose, brass, the unassuming interior material and the client’s personal favourite stepped up as a binding factor in this home.

Built on a 5,000 sq ft plot, the modern villa is ground + two floors with approximately 2,500 sq ft of garden area. The garden flaunts a waterbody with a geometric patterned feature wall amidst other ornamentation. It also houses the servants’ quarters.

All passages innovatively incorporate brass and woodwork; Photographs by Umang Shah

The entrance foyer opens up to the formal living room, followed by a passage area with a lift and staircase. The passage connects the covered outdoor courtyard space on the left and the family living room, dining area and kitchen. A motif pattern adorns this passage on all four sides.

The outdoor covered courtyard anchors an artistic *jhula* with a wooden body and brass attachments against a vertical garden; Photographs by Umang Shah

A wooden console unit crafted with elaborate flora and fauna hand carvings reinforces the artistic inclination of the home. A bespoke wall art piece, augmented with four to five different layers of brass, rests against the backdrop of wooden patti panelling in the passage.

An 11’-6” long brass chandelier coupled with a solid brass wall art piece inspired by a bejewelled tribal lady designed in-house dazzles in the passage; Photographs by Umang Shah

Every space flows with character and contemporary elegance, designating the overall theme for the house. For example, the formal living room exhibits a tranquil and minimal colour and material palette.

brass — The formal living room houses sofas and a centre table from Tectona Grandis, carpet from Jaipur Rugs and sofa fabric and cushions from The Pure Concept; Photographs by Umang Shah

On the contrary, the family living room exudes a warm and cosy vibe.

The dining table with Armani Italian Marble tabletop is custom-made on site. Its base is of solid wood pillars inspired by traditional heritage columns. “According to us, every piece should have a story to tell. Everything should be detailed carefully, keeping practicality in mind”, explains Tanvi.

The kitchen, separated by solid wood and brass partition, is a modular composition from Nolte kitchens; Photographs by Umang Shah

The green chair seats correspond to the wooden console with brass legs behind the dining table; Photographs by Umang Shah

The ground floor also includes a primary bedroom with an attached bath and an outdoor kitchen space accessible from the kitchen and the garden.

“Luxury is when it seems flawless; when you strike the right balance between all the elements”, observes Archis. The primary bedroom reflects this theory with its veneer and brass inlay work clad bed back wall. Miniature art additions by a local artist further enrich the indulgent wall work.

The first floor accommodates three spacious bedrooms, with attached dressing and bath areas, inhabited by their children. Two of the bedrooms have private attached balconies. It also includes the pooja room adjacent to the centrally located staircase block.

White marble-clad pooja room exudes a divine aura on the first floor; Photographs by Umang Shah

All three rooms display distinct decor ideas complementing the vibrant personalities of the client. The younger daughter’s room, for example, is earthy and raw. The fluorescent bed emanates a fresh vibe. “We love this room the most!” exclaims the duo.

Cotton multi quilted bedspread and cushions from Sarita Handa elevate the colour canvas of the room; Photographs by Umang Shah

The elder daughter’s room, on the other hand, is mature with a classic colour palette. The enormous graphic behind the bed is painted on-site by another local artist. The son’s room showcases a bold blue colour and material palette with rustic finish neolith tiles.

Embroidered rug from Jaipur Rugs supplements the incredible graphic painted on-site by a local artist; Photographs by Umang Shah

The second floor includes a lavish home theatre with a terrace garden area, pantry and attached powder toilet.

The vast terrace on the second floor with wooden furniture and artificial turf enjoys a serene garden view; Photographs by Umang Shah

The architects recall the home theatre design as the most stimulating idea for the villa. “The six arched panels behind the home theatre seating was a challenge to implement right from the conceptualization to the execution”, they recollect.

What started as small sketches expanded to large scale prints and eventually hand-embroidered designs on fabric to create the final captivating backdrop. The green loungers strike the perfect chic balance with the decorative arches.

a+t associates have consciously reused leftover materials like fabrics, stones, and wood in the form of furniture pieces, cushions etc. Nilamber Villa manifests the desired elegance of a home while holding on to the individuality of its inhabitants, all through one unified material palette.

If you enjoyed the aesthetic combination of wood and brass, check out this home: This New Delhi residence by GroupDCA manifests minimalist interventions with a tasteful twist

Minimally modern — This home in Canada by Andrea Rodman is a canvas painted in strokes of Japanese and Scandinavian design styles

Imagine opening an envelope and your senses slowly but swiftly getting deluged by a soft whiff of serenity. Andrea Rodman of her namesake practice Andrea Rodman Interiors has attempted to manifest a similar semblance of quietude and sophistication in this grand home in Canada’s Vancouver Island, in a sleepy coastal village Victoria.

Sprawling 10,000 sq ft with six bedroom and seven bathrooms, every corner and turn in this residence dances on the rhythm of minimalism, interiors swooning on the tunes of Japandi (blend of Japanese and Scandinavian) influences.

The home is like an elegant drama that unfolds section by section. From the entrance in sight is a gorgeous open foyer with a staircase standing on the left. One cannot miss catching the other side of the back patio that houses an outdoor dining area and living area with a concrete outdoor pit and covered deck.

The living room is stationed with massive glass sliding doors blurring the lines between outdoors and indoors; Photographs by Ema Peter

The living room invites profuse daylight meeting the custom coffee table and custom sofa designed by Andrea Rodman Interiors; Photographs by Ema Peter

Andrea reveals, “The clients wanted the house to feel very light and airy with lots of natural light, large windows and a connection from the inside to the outside patio living area and courtyard.”

The living room assembled elegantly becomes the perfect den for adults, with a 7-foot wide sliding door sited to close the room for privacy when needed. This space is a vision in white, peppered with greens, artworks and a fireplace that fits right in the room like a puzzle.

Comforting yet chic, the living room houses Miles Sofa collection by Sebastian Herkner, Isola Coffee Table by Roderick Vos and Mohair Rug by the Rug Company from Avenue road furniture; Photographs by Ema Peter

Next, the strolling brings you to the kitchen and the family room that extends out to the deck and courtyard, modelling a neat arrangement of floor to ceiling glass windows. A breezy splash of white blankets the culinary space with welcoming hints of oak wood tones and natural stones.

Tranquil, elegant and warm, the walk to the living room brings one up and close with the classic minimal design style; Photographs by Ema Peter

Outline counter stool by Norm Architects from Hem Interiors stand with poise; Photographs by Ema Peter

Ascending through the stairs, an absorbing art collection makes up the space with the bocci lights drooping down in clean, edgy linear forms and creating a layered lighting effect. The eyes also meet the bastone sideboard by Hem Interiors resting on the landing.

In fact, a trove of furniture at this home comes from the designer’s own store Hem Interiors that holds expertise in Scandinavian furniture.

With a striking lighting installation contouring the staircase, the landing features bastone sideboard from Hem Interiors; Photographs by Ema Peter

In focus is the bastone sideboard from Hem Interiors overlooking the bedroom; Photographs by Ema Peter

Layered in whites, the bedroom fashion fresh white linens, custom bed and bedside tables retailed at Hem Interiors; Photographs by Ema Peter

The primary bedroom continues the breezy, minimal design language with wall to wall drapery and an unmissable view of the ocean.

The room is decked to perfection with etcetera lounge chair and marble plynth side table shaping up as a stylish reading or leisurely spot. The custom bed fashions built-in lighting for reading at night.

Andrea informs, “The master bathroom is connected through a hidden entrance with a pivot door that blends into the closet to hide the room when closed.”

The bathroom models a custom steel framed shower enclosure with ribbed glass for privacy and clear window above; Photographs by Ema Peter

Steel framed shower enclosure outlines the bathroom space; Photographs by Ema Peter

The other bedrooms and guestroom are cooped up at the other side of the residence along with a music room and playroom, and the kids room and a private office upstairs. Towards the basement, another leisure-led section invites cosy design cues, including the gym and a media room.

The outdoor deck zone hosts a beautiful dining setup; Photographs by Ema Peter

The Canada home revels in the lap of the nature, overlooking the ocean and a beautiful skyline; Photographs by Ema Peter

The overall Scandinavian design grammar of the home is intersected with warm splashes of light oak tones and rattan. Andrea muses, “Rattan was also used in some of the millwork in the house and in furniture inspired by traditional accents and my clients’ french cultural connections.”

Scroll below for more glimpses of the home…

An all-white palette married with light oak tones in the kitchen; Photographs by Ema Peter

A classic example of minimal style is this corner in the Vancouver home; Photographs by Ema Peter

This is where work, play and leisure find home; Photographs by Ema Peter

Light, woody tones seen in form of furniture team up with the white-washed interiors; Photographs by Ema Peter

Natural stones, window overlooking the outside and a modern shower setup complete the bathroom zone; Photographs by Ema Peter

Loved this Canadian home by Andrea Rodman Interiors? Now check out this Goa home by Mustafa Eisa & Associates painted in whites and minimalism

Simplicity reflects in the form and palette of this serene Bengaluru home designed by Haarsha Architects

Nestled in a quiet neighbourhood in Bengaluru, ‘Brick Veil’ by architect and founder Haarsha Ravindra Prasad of Haarsha Architects fuses contemporary design language with powerful material aesthetics. Aptly named after its cascading brick facade enveloping the elevation, the house stands tall in a 2,400 sq ft quadrilateral plot of land.

The timeless appeal of brick, especially when composed on a large canvas, is unmatched. The studio utilises this iconic combination of brick and concrete to make a statement with this design.

The four-storeyed abode flaunts an unpolished, organic finish as it elegantly towers over the vast landscape. The facade’s warm appeal complements the moderately cool climate of the high-altitude city.

Haarsha Architects — Placed as an offset to the stilt level, the straight staircase leads up to the main entrance of Brick Veil; Styled by Shruthi Rastogi and Photographs by Shamanth Patil⁠

The building sweeps across the landscape in an orthogonal layout. The stilt floor consists of a spacious parking lot for four cars, a home office and a home theatre. The habitable spaces unfold as one ascends via a straight staircase alongside the building. The offset staircase leads to the main entrance from the street level.

The interior compositions of Brick Veil reflect a tasteful blend of simplicity and art. The base canvas of the home comprises brightly whitewashed walls and soft beige marble floors. Mid-century modern furniture, statement light fixtures and soft monochromatic palettes specific to each room render a serene and spacious atmosphere.

The family living room accomodates a trendy chandelier by The White Teak Company, centre table by Magari, wallpaper by Home Stories and accent cushions by BoConcept; Photographs by Shamanth Patil⁠

The ground floor level houses the communal activities of the home, including a living, dining, kitchen, and one guest bedroom. An exploration of double-height spaces commences from this floor via strategic staggering of the upper floor levels.

The first and second floors accommodate the more private spaces. The bedrooms occupy the southern and northern facing pockets of the floor plan. The informal family room is centrally located.

The first floor balcony embraces a stunning palette of brick, concrete and greens; Photographs by Shamanth Patil⁠

The upper floors also house idyllic spill-out balconies complete with prolific planters along the edge. The neatly lined planters against the terracotta cladding hint at a fresh vertical garden. The terrace on the second floor with spacious cast-in-situ seating and bar enables the perfect setting for a social get-together.

The architect breaks the brick monotony of the facade by introducing brick jaalis. They facilitate privacy and re-engineer the quality of natural light entering the double-height communal spaces.

Contemporary chairs by Purple Turtles accent the brick panelling on the terrace; Photographs by Shamanth Patil⁠

The juxtaposition of the striking concrete planes with brick jaalis aesthetically elevates the building’s interiors and exteriors.

The bedroom includes a mint green bed by Stanley Living, sheer curtains by D’Decor, designer chandelier by The White Teak Company and flooring by Plaunshé; Photographs by Shamanth Patil⁠

Conscious use of accent and feature elements like decorative wallpapers and fluted wall panelling characterise each space. Bold splashes of rusty reds and toasty browns on top of texture-rich additions like rattan, suede tufted beds, timber false ceilings and hardwood flooring enliven the home.

Brick Veil thoughtfully employs one continuous material and colour palette with rich geometric patterns inside and outside to mould minimal, rooted interiors. “The uniqueness of the architecture lies in its simplicity of form and palette”, concludes Haarsha.

If you enjoyed the minimal aesthetic of Brick Veil, do check out: Apartment 1602 by The Architecture Company in Mumbai manoeuvres a material palette that flows fluidly from one space to the next

This Ahmedabad home designed by Anarr Gunjaria reimagines the traditional bachelor pad with a contemporary twist

A bachelor pad is synonymous with elaborate entertainment gadgets, fully stocked bars, sleek furniture and an array of modern artwork. Interior Designer Anarr Gunjaria of her practice Anarr Gunjaria Interiors takes it a notch higher by blending contemporary comfort with plush interiors for this Ahmedabad home.

Elaborating on the vision for the space, Anarr says, “This space was envisioned for a young entrepreneur Yash Shah, as a space to relax and unwind after long days of his active and busy life.”

Modelling 5,750 sq ft, the N1 bachelor pad also serves as a haven to enjoy the luxuries of life.

The living space opens up to a gorgeous dining zone; Photographs by Snehal Patel

The design palette of the space comprises deep natural hues complemented with unadorned materials like natural wood, concrete and glass.

The designer emphasises the effective use of space with strategically placed furniture pieces in an open plan layout.

A play of sunlight and greens imbues the master bedroom; Photographs by Snehal Patel

A custom-made green curved sofa at the entrance foyer, coupled with concealed mood lighting, sets the overall tone of the house. A curated cluster of black and white art paintings balances the striking sofa.

The foyer leads to the modern living room, housing a comfortably fashioned white sofa set with a contrasting black centre table. The wool and silk rug from Jaipur Rugs and sheer curtains backdrop accentuate the well-lit space.

A tonal play is seen in the creatively crafted master bedroom; Photographs by Snehal Patel

Adjacent to the cosy living room is the intimate family zone which opens up to a simple dining area with a sleek kitchen. The family room flaunts a distinct combination of soothing greys highlighted by a custom L-shaped sofa set and rug.

The aesthetic spills further into a covered balcony with matching grey sofas and stylish wood and metal furniture.

Any bachelor pad is incomplete without a den. Interior Designer Anarr Gunjaria adds extra comfort while designing a dedicated entertainment room for the client with Arianne Plus sofas from Fama Living.

The balcony area extends as another stylish space to cosy up at; Photographs by Snehal Patel

Complete with a magnificent TV set and music system, the entertainment room packs an exciting evening of gaming or a relaxed movie night. The adjoining balcony area houses a bar from Trunks Company customised with wood and brass inlay.

The guest room introduces soft tones of pink in the already established grey undertone, complete with clean lines and subtle aesthetics.

The master bedroom exhibits a playful twist with colourful tones of blue with wooden wall panelling.

Designed as sumptuously as the house itself, the room houses a majestic bed, walk-in closet, extensive library, a private study area and an en suite bathroom. The minimal wooden decor elements of the master bedroom highlight the magnificent expanse of the space.

The house follows an aesthetic combination of comfortable grey fabrics and carved wooden furniture. The N1 bachelor pad features a contemporary twist on the traditional masculine den that is stylish and sleek but also warm and snug.

Many moods of summer—This Gurugram apartment designed by The Concreate Story is reminiscent of French-style homes

While designing the concept of a home, there are two lines of approach—one is the inspired ideologies of the inhabitants and the curated design response of the designer involved. Another is the distinctive quality of the space and its overwhelming impact on the beholder. Falling into the second category is ‘Many moods of Summer’, a splendid home designed by architects and co-founders, Nishtha Duggal and Rohan Gera of The Concreate Story.

“I remember walking into the empty apartment and screaming, Wow! I am blinded by the light” exclaims Nishtha. The vibrant energy of the 2,200 sq ft posh apartment in Gurugram posed a design challenge only on-site handcrafted work and inspiration could overcome.

The 11th-floor apartment is reminiscent of open and airy French-style homes fused with a palette of soft bloom colours and delicate linen fabrics. Dastakari, the intricate handcrafted and handwoven art synonymous with the studio, weaves details from vintage era inspired furniture with traditional Indian style elements.

Furnished in-house by The Concreate Story, the teak finished corner table adds a balanced contrast against the white-walled living room; Photographs by Asmita Khodankar

The colour palette of the entire home ranges from tones of french yellow and powder blue to shades of pink and mustard. To enable a seamless blend for the space, the wall panels are high gloss Polyurethane paint to reflect as much natural light as possible, matching the glossy floor finish.

Built in-house powder blue suede sofas by The Concreate Story animate the living room; Photographs by Asmita Khodankar

Hand stitched by the in-house karigars of The Concreate Story, the delicately designed curtains render a soft warm backdrop to the living room; Photographs by Asmita Khodankar

The entrance foyer opens up to a strikingly well-lit view of the living room. Majority of the furniture is handcrafted on-site to accurately accommodate the angles of the space. The hand-stitched curtains with embroidered details establish an elegant luxury setting. Vintage wicker backed chairs with comfortable suede seats complement the dining table decorated with mother of pearl textured paint.

Conceived by Karigiri Collections, the kitchen counter aesthetically binds the living and dining areas; Photographs by Asmita Khodankar

The kitchen is the soul of the house, reflecting the client’s love for cooking and hosting. Structural changes were made by demolishing the wall between the kitchen and dining areas, resulting in a free-flowing space unifying the kitchen, dining and living room.

The pink bed upholstery and the side table runners from the Asian Paints linen fabric collection render a soft hue to the guest bedroom; Photographs by Asmita Khodankar

The white-walled corridor with satin shade scones on the left leads to two guest bedrooms and the main bedroom. The guest bedroom radiates a warm, inviting ambience with the Asian Paints pink linen fabric collection. The room flaunts a 13 ft long window seater with storage. “The window seat often becomes the Sunday siesta spot for the client, quite the alliteration,” grins Rohan.

The corridor terminates into the main bedroom—another impressively bright space with an entire wall of windows and a balcony. The room radiates a raw and unusual earthy summer palette of honey dust and bottle green with neatly pleated linen curtains running its length. “We opened a niche near the rocking chair, where the client spends most of his time reading and sipping his tea,” explains the duo.

The patterned floor in combination with the teak wood wardrobes manifest a boutique bathroom vibe; Photographs by Asmita Khodankar

Conscious use of light coloured walls and double-layered curtains with sheers significantly reduced the heat gains. Following the ‘reduce-recycle-reuse’ mantra, the studio repurposed all old wood furniture into wall panels, thresholds, pelmets, etc. Many moods of Summer by The Concreate Story accurately capture the essence of an inspiring, opulent design executed through a conscious, indigenous approach.

City home with city views—This Pune home by Mind Manifestation Design flaunts curvy silhouettes and vernacular musings

There’s nothing like understated luxury grounded in the simplicity of vernacular materials. If you cannot imagine what we mean, ‘The Curves’, a 1,400 sq ft Pune home by Chetan Lahoti and Anand Deshmukh, principal architects of Mind Manifestation Design, shall help you shape your imagination. Its address on the 16th floor of condominium development in the vicinity of Pune city’s nexus blesses it with scintillating urban views, which the residing family of four drinks in often.

The visible framework of beams and columns in the existing space gave it a crude, edgy feel. To balance this ruggedness, the architects have introduced curves and gentle planes throughout the home. The entrance, especially aligned to fit the straight circulation corridor, opens into a unique lobby.

While on one side of the lobby, a full-height storage unit with cane shutters impresses, on the other side, over the parapet height, a pivoted facade grants a peek into a brick-laden sit out area. One can easily climb through this opening to the sit-out. The best part is once you climb from one end, your feet are no longer dangling on the other side and instead meet a brick amphitheatre, built at the level of the parapet.

The living room of The Curves by Mind Manifestation Design imbues rustic vibes with contemporary wooden furniture and muted hued furnishings; Photographs by Kuber Shah

Mind Manifestation Design — The entrance to the brick-clad sit out area featuring a wooden swing is through the living area of the home; Photographs by Kuber Shah

The generous natural light in the home adds tranquility to the home located on the 16th floor; Photographs by Kuber Shah

Once out of the trance of the anomalous lobby through a wooden enforced arch, to the left, the living room’s lime plastered walls glimmer due to the ample natural light in the space. Solid cabinetries compliment soft upholsteries and cane musings in the area. The exposed beams issue an earnest aura.

Across a passage under a curvilinear plywood ceiling, a quaint dining area with a round table and five chairs set a tranquil lunch setting. Huddled in a shallow niche, a light-stained console table matches with blinds on the window. A large ceiling lamp in the middle of the area is characteristic of the minimalist yet luxurious theme.

Little alcoves and sleek accessories balance the modesty of the wooden elements in the dining area; Photographs by Kuber Shah

Atop the console in the dining area, a pickle pot and wall lamp play subtle but defining parts in the setting; Photographs by Kuber Shah

A single, straight passage forms the primary arm of circulation in the home; Photographs by Kuber Shah

The eyeball-grabbing headboard of the bed in the elder son’s bedroom is nestled in a shallow niche; Photographs by Kuber Shah

Further along the passage, lie three bedrooms. The first one belongs to the younger son and is complete with a workstation and a folding bed. Next, the elder son’s bedroom shows off a more opulent side. A gold-toned metal sheet curved at the ends forms the headboard to a wooden framed bed polished in black, paired with matching end tables and wall lamps.

Inside the primary bedroom, a king-sized bed with a peacock blue upholstered bed back and a full-length storage unit with custom-designed solid wood shutters stand out against dark-stained wooden flooring. While the other two bedrooms had an alcove seating below the window, the primary bedroom has a complete balcony to enjoy views after a long day or to begin an arduous day.

The peacock green headboard in the primary bedroom adds a pop of colour to the space otherwise dominated by timber finishings; Photographs by Kuber Shah

A standing, metal top lamp in the primary bedroom speaks of the home’s urban roots; Photographs by Kuber Shah

Bespoke full-length wooden framed cabinets pull the narrative together; Photographs by Kuber Shah

Modest yet rich, the furniture and finishings in the home are an example of contemporary elegance; Photographs by Kuber Shah

Wrapped in the coolness of lime plaster and elegance of timber, the Curves exemplify that homes need not be over-the-top to feel luxurious. Sensitive design interventions can also uplift the standard of living. Upon being asked about the most rewarding aspect to design, Chetan says, “Establishing visual connections between adjoining spaces with different characters was the interesting exercise throughout the home. Designing the sit-out space as a distinctive alcove with brick cladded-walls and floor was the result of its location and treating as a surprise element in the house.”