Article Category: Get Inspired

Biophilic and bold, this Bengaluru home by Multitude of Sins (MOS) is a 5,000 sq ft lush haven. Seamless, capacious spaces lead the design in this expansive abode. It embodies the family’s minimalist lifestyle but doesn’t shy away from zestful statement makers. 

Principal designer Smita Thomas took up the challenge to strike a balance between the couple’s dissimilar sensibilities. The corporate professional turned yoga instructor wife’s spiritual, natural lifestyle led to the incorporation of stated opulence and modern elements in her space. The rustic and rooted biophilic plan is symbolic of the entrepreneurial husband’s enthusiasm for all things viridescent. 

Thriving in a splendid and vibrant escapism, the house christened Lush, renders a new meaning to the traditional indoor-outdoor plans. Thomas highlights that the abundant flora dominated the design decisions, “While the concept of ‘greenery in homes’ has been around for the longest time, at Lush we had to devise a plan of action that revelled in the ‘Jungalow’ bliss while staying real! Plants do not assume an ornamental or aesthetic landscaping role here. They are living, breathing and tangible parts of the design scheme.”

Shedding its traditional pragmatic  purpose, the whimsical blue foyer hosts art that peaks into the aesthetic of the home. A dry landscape patch creates a rugged microcosm under the wood and micro-concrete bench. The brass and glass industrial door leads into the main foyer of the house.

Green vines spill abundantly along the passage nooks. The grey distressed mirror visually amplifies the space, reflecting warm sunlight into the hallway. The stunning Varsha speckled terrazzo bench by Kunal Merchant, one of its kind and named after the client, is a practical addition to the space.

Micro-concrete grey floors blend into the lime plaster walls and ceilings creating a seamless canvas. Two distinct design styles demarcate the formal and informal living areas. While the former is a confluence of vivid colours and organic forms, the informal space is defined by a rich mix of textures and materials.

A far cry from the traditional boxy form, the television console has been reimagined as an organic entity that hosts multiple succulents. Two colossal circular columns flank the width of the living room. The remarkable structural elements have been converted into green pillars, potted with money plant vine that would eventually cloak them.

With a spectrum of  design elements, the open plan spaces are peppered with playful colours and quirky details. Principal designer Thomas affirms that the choices are intentional, adding “Humour even in design is a desirable element; the white monkey focal light looms over the formal seating space having its own Cirque du Soleil moment against the cascading Pothos vines. The living area anchors soft yet punchy colours, a deliberate contrast of woods and bric-a-brac that narrates a unique visual story.”

A larger-than-life Vietnamese-themed printed mural graces the kitchen wall. The solid African walnut top dinner table, with cast iron legs is juxtaposed with candy-pastel suede chairs. The stark absence of hardware lends the kitchen delicate splendour and highlights the crisp linearity. 

The family’s spiritual beliefs and practices inspired the designers to use the colour lavender —associated with healing and vitality, as the primary colour in the main suite.  White washed wooden beams line the ceilings. A monolithic micro concrete bench transforms into a study on one end and opens into the balcony on the other. White French doors lead into the walk-in closet drenched in French-Victorian influences. 

Honouring the daughters wishes, pink and black rule the colour palette.  Brass beadings along the edges bring opulence to the stacked, cantilevered micro-concrete ledges that double up as a comfortable study nook. A pink paintable wallpaper adorns the walls and the fluted textures add sensorial finesse. “Don’t miss the unassuming crow prop that perches languidly by the bedside!” adds Thomas.

Cool tones of blue and green characterise the guest bedroom. A wilderness inspired wallpaper in tints of green is juxtaposed opposite the houndstooth pattern wallpaper. Steel piped framework around the nook gently seeps an industrial theme into the room while a full length brass mirror opens up the space. 

The grunge, industrial influence continues into the home office. A tastefully curated material palette with metallic nuances, solid black, wood, and distressed leather sprinkle flair onto the classic designs. While the space is primarily utility driven, the refined materials and artful additions ensure comfortable and luxurious inhabitation.  

Summarising the project Thomas shares, “This home harbours pandemonium you want to be a part of because in the jungle change is the only constant.” Lush breaks moulds of designing the perfect family dwelling with gay abandon, yet it manages to keep the client’s lifestyle highest on the totem pole. The word lush is interpreted in a new light as it enters the arena of hue and texture while maintaining a sense of utmost rootedness. 

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If you like this space, we bet you will love The Grey House designed by (de)CoDe architecture

Minimalism, modernism and simplicity—The Grey House keeps it straightforward and uncomplicated! Designed by (de)CoDe architecture, this house in Mumbai revels in ample natural light, ventilation and expansive spaces. 

Spread across 1,100 sq ft, the residence manoeuvres the colour grey and uses it as a canvas for the other colors and materials to come together cohesively. Prashant Prabhu,  co-founder and design principal alongside Meghna Gilani, co-founder and managing principal envisaged a minimal Scandinavian palette with shades of pastel and light wood. Home to a design entrepreneur family, the space demands to be resonant with their lifestyles and travel escapades.

“Each of the four members had their own distinctive ideas and we had to design a space that brought their imaginations of ‘home’ together,” reveals Prabhu. 

Touted as an experiment in experience, the house uses arches as a prominent design element. While softening the experience of moving through the home, it also marked an attempt to connect the living spaces together. The idea was to restrain oneself from over-design while maintaining a balance between form, function and feel. 

Throughout the house the light grey base palette is accentuated with little pops of pastels through furnishings, wallpaper and art. The colour is further explored materially through the use of lime plaster on the walls in a Venetian finish, soft to the touch and almost powder like. The lime plaster is complemented by the use of a light oak veneer and light pastel shades in a water based polyurethane finish to contrast the different smooth and slightly trough textures. 

Designed in a light oak veneer with arches etched in profile, the lobby at the ingress hints at the space that is about to be revealed. The entrance to the home is flanked by the display unit on the right and a partition designed as storage with a bench to the left. Serving dual purpose the semi open partition allows the natural light to travel through the space while granting some privacy. 

Allowing easy access as well as conversations, the living, dining and kitchen are part of the open plan layout. The three bedrooms have their own personalities to suit the inhabitants. While the primary bedroom inhabited by the parents is in shades of white offset by a light pastel peach, the son’s bedroom in a blue ombre paint finish imparts a calming vibe. The daughter’s bedroom is in shades of grey with a custom designed mirror art piece inspired by a Rana Begum artwork. 

The interiors of every space poses its own set of trials and tribulations. As Prabhu mentions, “The Puja space in the home was one of the most challenging to design as it had to reflect an Indian sensibility but also fit into a home that was almost minimalist and Scandinavian in nature”.

“Our work tends to be quiet and subtle with a focus on experience. The home should be a place that one would love to come back to every single day and not a space where the walls scream luxury and unnecessary opulence. We believe the entire home showcases this quality that we strive to achieve in every project we undertake,” says Prabhu. In the case of the said house, luxury in the form of joy and colours nestle in its nooks and corners. It bestows the best of both worlds, a haven for its users and stunning symphonies created by the designers. 

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Celebrating modernity, elegance and timeless comfort, the duplex designed by Rohit Kapoor, Riti Kapoor and Saba Kapoor of NIVASA in Gurugram’s Golf Estate is rich in contemporary design aesthetic. Exhibiting a subdued colour palette, it is spruced up with accents of azure, opulent gold touches and optimum daylight.

Tastefully classy, inviting and functional, the 5,000 sq ft capacious abode is accompanied by a terrace extension of 3,000 sq ft. While formal and guest spaces occupy the lower level, the upper floor houses private quarters of the inhabitants. As afternoons turn into evenings, the many nooks within the duplex transform into moodier and cosier corners for unwinding.

“The homeowners desired a clean, hassle-free home that is at an intersection of both luxury and warmth. Owing to which, the residence has been crafted in a simple appeal wherein delicate detailing strikes in the form of mouldings, wallpapers and subtle texture paints. Additionally, marble and wooden floors unify the spaces and backdrops take a backseat to shine the spotlight on statement furniture pieces by us that align with the emotional and aspirational needs of the client,” shares Rohit Kapoor, founder and designer NIVASA.

An entrance foyer leads into a volumetric, double-height living room that seamlessly merges with the dining area to render an open plan layout. Featuring floor-to-ceiling, expansive windows, the space captures panoramic views of the city! The milky white walls of the living room are in stark contrast with the pastel toned furniture accents and textural centre tables.

A sophisticated decor accentuates the enormous space that’s smartly divided into purposeful zones. Weaving in a visual tapestry and approachable opulence, the living room opens into a modish dining area that features the brand’s Pelican Bar, which is sleek and glamorous. Additionally, the lower level also comprises a kitchen and bedroom that’s dressed in a minimal yet comfortable silhouette with wooden details embracing the parakeet bed and its in-built side tables.

As we amble up the staircase, a quaint reading nook comes in sight with it’s charming allure. The upper level welcomes with an informal family lounge that overlooks into the living and dining area atrium. An interesting composition of elements is witnessed here and abundant natural light further scores elegant points. Traversing further, two other bedrooms grace the second floor of the abode.

Sumptuous and cosy, the main bedroom is embellished in classic contemporary furnishings. A Woodpecker Bed with its intricately patterned wooden headboard acts an intimate zone to rest and recuperate. The large bed-back and wooden flooring imparts warmth and ultimate comfort to its residents. Also featuring a luxurious dressing area, the bedroom offers a private sanctuary experience for rejuvenation!

Another bedroom on the same level exudes a tranquil vibe. Bright and airy, the room boasts furniture pieces that reflect an urban aesthetic and are influenced by the eternal heritage of the past. The space adapts to a restful haven setting and is sprinkled with a tinge of gold.

“The most challenging part has been to treat the double-height, 22 feet tall columns and window glazing! Efficiently planning a snuggish ambience yet optimising openness, air flow and air-conditioning services has required a lot of dedication and we’re glad we could achieve it. A design philosophy of subdued luxury drapes the entire duplex—from hand-carved contemporary beds to metallic accents to beautifully upholstered couches,” reveals the designer.

Furthermore, as part of the green features, the windows have been tactfully placed keeping in mind the direction of the sun thereby ensuring maximum cooling in the summers and heating in the winters alongside effective cross ventilation. The bathrooms have fittings that are water efficient for minimal wastage.

Adorning the duplex apartment is the brand’s focus on design innovation, intricate detailing and delicate workmanship that has been translated through the decor and resonates with the homeowners’ personalities.

If the simplicity of this multi-level apartment floored you, then you’ve check out the minimal essence of the Monochromatic Apartment by ns*a Architecture and Interiors…

A home will always be the most enduring of all earthly establishments that offers comfort, utility and real happiness to its inhabitants. Keeping in mind the distinctive personalities, nuances and quirks of each member of the family, Studio KE Architects have designed a delightful house and called it the House of Short Stories. The logic behind such a thoughtful name was that each resident of the house had their own story to tell, and the designers found the narrative swiftly changing within the confines of a home.

“The house is like a collection of short stories that are bound together in a book with an underlying theme. Each space is a ‘story’ where the occupant is the protagonist and the common areas are where all their narratives intersect,” mention design principals of Studio KE Architects Esha Tipnis and Karan Danda. 

Five bedrooms, two balconies along with a living room, dining, kitchen and worship area encompass a carpet area of 3850 sq ft. Located in a stunning residential complex in Thane, the neighbourhood is a quiet and peaceful area with lots of foliage and proximity to Upvan Lake. The house is on the 20th floor and has gorgeous views of the mountains and the city. Abundant natural light floods the house from east and west directions.

Lots of permutations and combinations were deployed to meet the demands of the inhabitants who had different visions for what their space would entail. Plethora of colours, textures and materials can be easily spotted that knit the blueprint together, conferring an exclusive design syntax. 

A large entrance foyer is designed as such that it also caters to the many visitors who stop by for business. An informal meet and greet office set up is provided to aid work related discussions. Further facilitating the stay of visitors, the entry to the guest bedroom is strategically placed at the ingress. Fresh and bright colours with hints of wood induce a vibrant and cheerful character to the guest bedroom.

The living room is crafted with careful consideration of the volume of the space that is endowed with ample natural light. To maintain a bright and fresh look, white oak wood has been used which is further contrasted with the Blue Macaubas, adding the right amount of playfulness to the area.

Great lighting creates depth and height, cosy spots, and draws attention to the most impressive areas. While the living room has the option of direct illumination via magnetic track lights along the expanse of the room, it is also equipped with customised indirect mood lighting. 

On the other end of the living room is an open dining area which is designed with a traditional Indian touch. The design inspiration for the area is derived from the client’s stories of sitting on a Geru floor which is red in colour. It is further connected to the kitchen and has a custom double door which offers a peek into the deliciousness inside. This semi-modular kitchen has a minimalistic design with clean cabinetry and platform finishes.

Moving onto the bedrooms, each one hosts an array of design style, personalised as per the desires of each member of the family. Just like the rest of the house, a contemporary style language is effortlessly juxtaposed with Indian traditional, mid-century modern, modernist chic and eclectic styles.

Both the daughters’ bedrooms reflect an inclination towards a much younger and chic design direction. While one room is bathed in shades of pink paired with muted grey, the other room brings back the charm of an older era with its raw material palette. 

The son’s room however, resonates with the idea and musings of a bachelor pad. His infectious enthusiasm called for darker pantones and a desire for eclectic luxury. Throwing more light on the design strategy Tipnis shares, “We detailed his story around the main bed wall which not only brings in a grunge vibe through the exposed concrete texture, but also brings out a colour pop through the electric blue wood panelling.”

Last but not the least, the primary bedroom was designed keeping in mind the familiarity of the couple with their traditional roots. A lot of different elements have been incorporated that aid in keeping up with the changing times for instance, the custom design wardrobe handles, bed legs and dresser table knobs, as well as the daybed and the TV console. The cane weaving adds to the texture and allows for a playful transparency to prevail in the bedroom.

The designers are also keen to shower appreciation where it is due. Contracting team Aakar Interiors have enabled the design with utmost precision. “Working with Abhay Oak from Aakar Interiors for contracting was a breeze. He was very excited to be involved with the project and was eager to try new things. His team was very proactive in the entire process because of which we could deliver an extremely well crafted home,” says Danda.

The House of Short Stories is largely based on nostalgia and warmth—reminiscent of simpler times. Designed with quiet contemplation in mind, this serene home is sumptuous in its simplicity. You don’t have to be a bibliophile to fall in love with the House of Short Stories!

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Unfolding like a timeless classic, the four-bedroom TNM Apartment embraces an interplay of light and shadow, textures and colours, gravity and emptiness whilst striking a perfect balance. Crafted by Shivraj Patel and Shruti Malani of Intrinsic Designs, the abode is a testament to all things earthy and European!

Tucked within one of the most elite societies in Ahmedabad, the 1,800 sq ft home has now been converted into a three-bedroom apartment, with the fourth one doubling up as a private lounge for the main bedroom.

“The homeowners are a young couple in their mid 30s with individual businesses, accompanied by their parents. All of them seek a simple lifestyle with clutter-free spaces, which is why we’ve thoughtfully designed the layout and paired it with bespoke elements,” shares Malani, chief architect of Intrinsic Designs.

With the inhabitants having a penchant for European art, especially Trompe L’oeil art—the house has been curated with traces of the same, rendering a layer of ultimate grace. Upon entering, a foyer invites into the spacious living area that’s washed with optimum daylight, filtering through the west-facing windows.

Exuding a neutral palette, the living room awakens a series of thoughtful corners around the house. A deep burgundy sofa is in stark contrast with the muted tones and adds gravity to the otherwise ethereal space. A custom designed coffee table uses a pair of polished wooden spheres, centered delicately like cosmic objects under clear glass.

The living room boasts handpicked and bespoke elements that include a sculptural black pot from which a dried tree branch emerges; a reminder of transient and stark beauty. Decor pieces converse with a textural play and are set against a rich, natural Dyna marble floor.

As the light changes throughout the day, elegant shadows of tree branches are cast across the pristine white walls. The delicate essence of the tree foliage is carried forward through a stunning Trompe L’oeil painting panel on the TV unit wall, imparting a three-dimensional appeal of woven foliage, nature and exquisite frames.

Continuing the similar theme to the dining area, the 16 ft long TV unit transforms into a sleek wooden feature capped with a terrazzo style marble top, creating a sense of linearity. Echoing a contrast palette, the dining area showcases black polished veneer credenza, a bold dining table and the iconic bent metal Cesca chairs with a woven cane back to add a rustic tinge. Furthermore, the kitchen is dressed in neutral undertones and embellished with finely painted leaves and an arched entrance.

“A minimalist vibe prevails throughout the space in its truest sense. We’ve designed the house ingeniously with functional elements that play a part instead of accentuating with just show decor. Additionally, the theme revolves around modern classical, resonating with the inhabitants,” shares Patel, chief architect of Intrinsic Designs.

Functioning on the same lines, the bedrooms are a haven of solace, simplicity and contentment! An ode to silence, the parents’ bedroom is decked up in mild whites and tempered textures. A clean veneer-finished headboard settles in harmony with the chalk white walls, above which an exquisite Pichwai painting adorns the wall.

On the opposite wall, a custom designed, unique temple unit settles as a fresh take on traditional temples and appears to rest on a compact wooden ledge—that doubles up as a moveable bench for seating and praying. Here too, a glimpse of a semicircular arch is echoed through a firebrick arch in the corner, adding an element of play and surprise to the room.

A comforting allure fills the guest bedroom that’s punctuated with a high natural polished veneer headboard and hints of terrazzo lighting elements within a beige palette. Witnessed here is a plush rocking chair set against a series of botanical drawings, perfect for a cosy afternoon!

Unravelling through experiences and textures, the main en suite bedroom is accessed through a private lounge. The main bedroom space narrates an ageless, minimal and earthy design language. Natural wooden boards have been used to re-floor the area and embed it in warmth and seamless transition.

A result of onsite experimentation, a dynamic trowel-finish texture in plaster has been developed to cover the walls of the entire room, including the lounge area. Shadows here converse with woven cane shutters, or gleam gently on textured walls.

In keeping with clients’ requests, a simple wooden workspace with a Cesca chair bedecks the room in a minimal charm as an utilitarian design statement. Similar to the living areas, blind arches and niches add depth to personal spaces, breathing life into them.

“Along with approachable luxury elements, the abode revolves around customised, bespoke decor that we’ve tailor-made for the project. But, the features that we enjoy the most are the wall paint and textures! Painted in a simple Asian Paints Royale, the wall is spruced up with a washing technique, creating a cloudy effect throughout the house,” reveal the architects.

The material palette comprises teak wood furniture stained in walnut, linseed oil and black finishes, rattan wardrobes and chairs, natural marble, laminated wood, exposed concrete ceiling and rugs in natural hemp among others.

Speaking of their favourite part of the house, the designers say, “It has to be the Trompe L’oeil art! It has been interesting as well as challenging to execute. The colour mix of the painting justifies the space, and despite extensively covering the wall; the art does not overpower with its existence.”

European prints and patterns bind the family spaces of the abode in a unified, cohesive unit thereby emanating a wondrous artistic value amidst the subtle, earthy demeanour of the capaciously minimal apartment.

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With inputs from Niharika Joshi. If you couldn’t stop crushing on this classic residence, then we bet you’ll enjoy exploring this Scandinavian Mysa Home by Quirk Studio!

A young couple’s first apartment, this home by Kinaaya Studio borrows from modern and eclectic sensibilities that is rooted in traditional Indian tenor. Located in the eastern outskirts of Bengaluru this quaint two bedroom apartment sprawls over 900 sq ft. Aptly christened The Electric Blue Project, a stunning hue of bold electric blue makes it way into the home. 

Kanya Samay and Kanivadana Parthasarathy, principal designers Kinaaya Studio, envisioned this apartment to be a reflection of the client’s creative expression and their ardour for fine arts. A contemporary take on heritage elements, the home is emotive of comfort and tranquility. 

“Colour becoming the leitmotif in the design process and meshing-in textures, prints, and monochromes was the way to go! Our clients, Asmita Sinha and Ganesh Pitchiah, anchor bold and zestful energy that we wanted to articulate into an experiential design,” shares Samay. 

Drenched in its signature electric blue colour, the foyer wall at the main entrance offers a little glimpse of the space. The white console and lush green planters mellow the bright wall. Reflecting sunlight from the balcony, an oblong accent mirror with brass frame creates a window of sorts as it appears to flood the room with natural light. The sleek wall-mounted pooja ensemble with golden accents, subtly ties tradition with the contemporary styles. 

The expansive, open plan living room is grounded by oak toned flooring. A 30 year old heirloom wicker and wood sofa is the pièce de résistance of the room. It is the client’s grandmother’s bequest, and has been refurbished and upholstered in accents of electric blue.

The accent wall of the living room has a wall mounted television unit with an open library on both sides. A sleek console, running along the length of the wall, straddles the units that house the bibliophile couple’s books and artefacts. Quirky planters and accent lights add funk to the space.

Continuing the cool blue theme from the living room to the dining nook is a customised blue crockery unit. Doubling as a bar, this is the perfect space for entertaining and hosting guests. Originally a vanity area, the quiet corner has been redesigned into an expansive booth style dining unit. Dressed in monochrome with yellow accents, it compliments the electric blue without overshadowing it.

Characterised by classic harlequin checkered floors, the kitchen follows a classic yet contemporary colour palette. “We enjoyed designing the kitchen the most. We were sure that it would be a monochromatic space and when we laid eyes on the dado tiles, it was an immediate decision for both us and the client,” quotes the designer. 

Careful structural tweaks make room for an open plan utility and enable pragmatic spots for appliances. While the absence of electric blue demarcates the kitchen from the rest of the rooms; the patterned backsplash tiles and matte white cabinetry blend in with the traditional yet modern theme of the apartment.   

Emulating the couple’s love for blues and whites, the main suite is a sanctuary created in cool and natural tones. A tropical blue toned wallpaper creates a statement wall in the main bedroom. Handwoven wicker furniture like the bed, nightstands, chest of drawers, and sage green armchair make for an interesting composition.

A duco-coated teakwood bed exudes textural finesse as the blue and white linens ease the transition into the blue mood of the space. The other end of the room boasts a minimal and utilitarian vanity area. Complete with a tall wicker front, a white chest of drawers and an armchair, it conveniently doubles as a reading spot. Brass sconces softly illuminate the bedside and harmonize it with the diverse material palette of the room. 

Samay explains, “A façade of fenestrations draws in generous sunlight across the threshold, illuminating the interiors. The mirrored wardrobe shutters reflect the gushing light, visually intensifying the spatial volume.”

A functional haven, the guest room caters to a number of pandemic driven needs of the couple. The wardrobe wall is flanked by workstations on either ends; creating dedicated workspaces for the couple. On the other end, the pull out bed maximises open space, adding to the adaptability of the dynamic room. 

The guest room is laden with black, white and greys and a chevron pattern adorns the cabinetry. Oak wood floors and teak chairs unify the room with the rest of the apartment. A nod to the client’s love for doodling, the black chalkboard wall is the highlight of the room. 

Unraveling the thought behind the process, designer Kanya concludes “The allure of this home is rooted in the fact that it doesn’t adhere to morphing trends, it is tailored to the desires and aspirations of the people who call it their home. The design intention is an amalgamation of some things old, some new, some borrowed and a wholesome embrace of blue.” 

If you liked this apartment by Kinaaya Studio, you will love a tour of this Ahmedabad home by Vivek Kadecha designed with a melodious symphony of colourful and natural elements.

With a deep-rooted focus on openness, the Inside Out House located in Ahmedabad pays homage to modern materials and sensibilities. Principal architect Arpan Shah of Modo Designs with interior design studio Anarr Gunjaria Interiors have reimagined urban living for a family by showcasing an ensemble of material exploration and customised installations. Spread across a mammoth 12,600 sq ft area, the weaving of open, semi-open and indoor spaces into an expansive sprawl is a substantial architectural feature of this house.

Following the owner’s brief, Shah incorporated archetypal Indian courtyards in the house that flawlessly unified with the internal spaces. He made sure the house was airy, all bedrooms overlooked the backyard yet addressed privacy and security concerns. As a tipping point, he made a map of the existing trees on site and curated a layout that would preserve them.

Throwing light upon the theme of the space, Shah divulges, “The central bay comprising the courtyards is a contemporary interpretation of dwellings in the pols of the old city of Ahmedabad. While the courtyard in the vernacular houses was more an introvert feature, here the courtyard begins to connect to the rear garden through verandah and open living areas giving it a bit of an extrovert character as the western Ahmedabad allows bigger land to open up.”

Inside Out House is a monolithic mass of exposed concrete paired with wooden doors and windows. The flooring entails rough and polished natural Kota stone. While the common spaces open up through glass doors, the bedrooms have wooden doors and louvres to allow privacy and reduce heat gain. The use of wood instills a sense of warmth and its contrast with the stark cold concrete balances the space with immaculate precision.

Comprising three courtyards, the central bay allows the house to be inside out. These courts are an extension of the dining area that has an existing mango tree. The front bay is a single floor, while the mass at the upper level gets built up on the rear bay, allowing a depth of form from the front entry court. Introducing these dual courtyards which segregated the front and rear bay was a challenging aspect of this layout due to security and climatic concerns. Elaborating further, Shah reveals, “The inner court which is archetypal Indian space and where living, dining and formal drawing opens, had to address issues of security, rains and dust. This security and privacy concern is addressed through wood screens that complement exposed RCC. 

Starting with the east-facing entry porch, one enters into a vestibule through the central part of the front bay. The vestibule opens into the outer court and has a working studio and puja area on its right side. On the left side is a formal drawing area that can be accessed through a semi-open passage adjoining the inner court. One further walks down to reach the dining and kitchen areas. The passage wraps again to the right side and leads to the living area which is between the inner court and the garden.

There is a spiral staircase adjoining this living area which leads to the three bedrooms and lounge space above. At the southwest corner, a guest bedroom overlooks the garden. The northwest part of the house which can be accessed from the vestibule and crosses the open outer court is the verandah, a gym and spa room. Moving through the vestibule, one senses the expanse, flow of spaces and the light filtering into the courtyards and the sky above. Finally, the semi-open verandah between the outer court, rear garden and extension of the living space makes for a family hangout spot.

Inside Out House is designed to interact with the lush green outdoors, thus creating a synergy between the organic and the opulent with neither overpowering the other. The house displays an inherent richness in every material and detail. By keeping the essence of the raw site intact while introducing contemporary techniques, Shah with his team of designers, consultants and contractors crafts an outstanding space. 

If this extensive house by Arpan Shah appeals to you, we bet you will love The Floating Frame House designed by Rushi Shah and Vidisha Shah for RSA + Tattva!

Framing picturesque views of the Mahisagar river in Kotna village, Vadodara, Alter Architects have designed this farm house to celebrate its stunning precinct and lush outdoors. Built as a second home, its dwellers aspired for a minimal, elegant and relaxing home that established a strong connection with nature. 

Chitra Sindhkar, principal designer at Alter Architects alongside partners Aditya Umrajkar, Parth Patel and Shil Shah have deployed shades of white and blue alongside monochromatic hues and play of subtle textures. The 4,500 sq ft home involved zilch structural changes as the designers received a bare shell of a structure work upon. 

A grand main door welcomes the user into the house as they are faced with a courtyard offering views of the river. With a cutout in the ceiling that brings in natural light, the entrance is planned as a series of framed vistas to craft a spatial and visual relationship with the river. 

Furthering the indoor outdoor narrative is the living room with its tall windows overlooking the serene waterbody. The beautiful blue of the river is mirrored by the sofa to recreate a tranquil treat for the space. 

Explaining the rationale behind the play of monochromes with just a hint of colour, Sindhkar explains, “We chose to keep the background subtle with white floor and ceiling to enhance the colour of furniture and invite nature to become the hero of the space. Grey is added to break the monotony of white in a few areas.”

Breaking away from the minimal mood is the bar with a vivid and colourful vibe. The bar counter stands atop a raised black floor cocooned in a corner. Endowing an exquisite backdrop is the panelled wall with veneer finish. 

A custom made kitchen yet again provides an unobstructed view of the outdoors. The island counter allows the user to either engage with an audience if they choose to work facing indoors. Conversely, it also offers the option to work facing the window and enjoy a moment in solitude. 

Small in size but large in details, Sindhkar mentions that bathrooms are not only the most important part of the house, but also the designer’s favourite. 

“It is said that a bath is the place to wash your worries away. One spends significant time in the bathroom. The most challenging part was to stick to the budget and play with materials to bring out the best in the space,” says Sindhkar.

And rightfully, the bathroom is where much design revelries transpire. The visual language deviates sharply from the expansive whites and turns to play of textures and colours with an emphasis on lighting accessories. 

But the true hero of the project is not its manmade features nor nature. It is the in-between spatiality of the indoors and the outdoors. The design captures nature and brings it indoors to the dwellers. At the same time, the home with its massive openings places its users right in the lap of nature. 

While the home fulfils its homeowners requirements of minimal elegance with understated luxury, it is commendable that the designers not only brought to fruition the clients desire of a second home but also elevated it a notch higher. 

If you liked the indoor and outdoor conversation in this farm house by Alter Architects, something tells us you will love the Linear House by Rohit Bhoite which makes the most of its verdurous environs.