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  • Article Category: Get Inspired

    Grounded and centered, Joe Vadgama’s striking penthouse in Goa is the perfect spot for some serious downtime

    Grounded and centered, Joe Vadgama’s striking penthouse in Goa is the perfect spot for some serious downtime

    Roman architect Vitruvius defined the three principles of architecture as solidity, utility and beauty. I would like to add one more to the list—harmony. A prime example being my striking penthouse in Goa, which not only fulfils all three prerequisites of a Vitruvius-certified home but is also in acquiescence with its peaceful surrounding. 

    I’d envisioned the home for a long time. Being its designer and builder myself, I had the freedom to plan it so. The bigger challenge, however, was to build around obstacles and find solutions to the hurdles along the way—that’s what’s this an exciting journey.

    I turned this 1,000 sq ft space into a sleek, imaginative, non-fussy and fairly rustic home, using a distinct warehouse-style. Concrete, brick and steel are employed for an unfinished look that’s complemented by the many shades of grey. Since it is set on the banks of Goa’s Nerul river, the home’s fluidity is derived from the confluence of neat, straight lines. 

    The flooring in the penthouse is created using natural stone; Photographs by Prajwal Nagaraj

    The untouched location has inspired the toned-down palette of raw timber, wood and steel. The blend of light and concrete works well together. It not only adds style but also provides a sense of peaceful cleansing (almost like removing any hint of commotion). 

    The hand-built kitchen comes with a bespoke stainless steel butler sink, granite worktops, roof panels, natural stone flooring, light fittings and furniture by Vadgama Real Estate Developers; Photographs by Prajwal Nagaraj

    I’ve always used windows as a critical design element. In the case of this penthouse, they offer abundant access to breathtaking views of coconut treetops, verdant fields and spectacular sunsets. The most interesting as well as the most enjoyable aspect of this build was the kitchen window. The unique sash window opens horizontally upwards, using counterbalance weights to assist and relieve the overall weight of the window section.

    The kitchen features interesting and unique materials. Unlike a modular flat-pack job, it is hand-built with doors textured for an aged-timber appeal. The drawer fronts are branded with text like in the markets of 1800s London. All the furniture is designed and made by hand onsite. The kitchen also features a double fridge freezer, gas oven, hob, water kettle, toaster and cutlery, all of which I’ve carefully selected myself.

    The bedroom is spacious with an ensuite bathroom but the best part of this penthouse, especially for a guest, is, without doubt, the plunge pool. As you move to the terrace, bright pops of colour act as a pleasant surprise with breezy plants to complete the homely feel.

    Coming to my principle of harmony—harmony with the environment holds up high for me. So, this home is environment-friendly and uses locally sourced materials and textiles. Our toiletries are organic and paraben-free; we use solar geysers and LED lighting. In fact, even some of the glassware in the bathroom is made from recycled beer bottles.

    After growing up in London, I chose to settle in Goa and establish my company Vadgama Real Estate Developers here. (We’re now working on our third project here in Goa!) This penthouse is a reflection of my love for architecture and design.

    Joe Vadgama’s penthouse is available for short-term leases on Airbnb. Click here for more information

    A pastel palette, abundant daylight and minimal luxury best describe this Ahmedabad residence by Ego Designs

    A pastel palette, abundant daylight and minimal luxury best describe this Ahmedabad residence by Ego Designs

    Abundant daylight streams in and illuminates this eighth floor residence in Ahmedabad, by Ego Designs, which overlooks the bustling cityscape.

    This 3,200 sq ft apartment is realised as a simplistic space, where every element plays its part without dominating the other. It is planned in a linear manner with common spaces (living, dining and kitchen) closer together, while two long corridors on either side lead to the four bedrooms.

    “Our clients, who are primarily based in Singapore, expressed a clear brief. They desired a minimalist, neat and clutter-free abode. So, we adopted a Scandinavian approach to ensure that the home radiates a pristine vibe with a hint of luxury,” shares the practice’s designer duo Sneha and Chirag Doshi.

    The double-heighted living room uses white oak wall panelling, linen curtains and Italian marble floor; Photographs by PHX India

    The home opens up to the voluminous living area that awes with its double-height grandeur and expansive, south-facing glass facade. This zone indulges in a neutral palette, highlighted with accents of soft pastel hues and sculptures.

    Beyond the textured fabric sofas lies the dining area; Photographs by PHX India

    Undoubtedly a show-stealer, the living room witnesses white oak panelling, linen sheer curtains, an ensemble of sofas with textured fabrics and wooden furniture—all of which stand out against a beige Italian marble floor.

    Another view of the living room; Photographs by PHX India

    “This living area was the most challenging and exciting space to design. It’s south-facing, so we wanted the interiors to consume natural light instead of conflicting with it. We clad the double-height walls in light white oak panel with grooves and chose a neutral theme to enhance the space,” adds Chirag.

    A geometric pendant light sheds light on the dining ensemble; Photographs by PHX India

    The dining and living zones are visually segregated with the help of a contrasting palette. A darker-hued ceramic dining tabletop is paired with blue leather-finished Nordic chairs and a sculptural artefact. Placed above is a geometric, four-piece pendant light. A similar theme of deeper greys continues in the kitchen with a Dekton countertop.

    Dark greys—on the bedlinen and fluted backdrop—feature in the master bedroom; Photographs by PHX India

    The master bedroom also boasts a south-facing glass facade. So, the darker grey tone is also used to wrap the space and counterbalance the light beige wooden floor. A fabric headboard offsets the elegant bed backdrop in fluted bison board, coated in varnish.

    This master room uses vertical linear strip backdrop; Photographs by PHX India

    The second master bedroom uses hues that are on the other end of the spectrum. It observes a combination of vertically striped, birch ply-panelling backdrop with subtle furniture and furnishings. The thematic, geometric lines are seen in the accessories as well, including the carpet and pendant light. These create a dynamic essence in the otherwise subdued palette and pattern of the room.

    A fabric bed offsets the backlit timber board that illuminates the vertical birch ply panelling; Photographs by PHX India

    The other two rooms are planned for guests. These are rendered in a cosy and cushy vibe, owing to their wood-panelled walls and decor. Accompanying the timber is the presence of concrete finish and super-matte laminate—both of which are embellished with artworks, draped in vibrant bed covers and given planters for freshness.

    One of the two guest rooms is almost nautical themed; Photographs by PHX India

    Matching the overall material palette of the home are hues such as light ivories, beige, greys and muted tones in turquoise, green and blue. A mix of geometry, surface treatments and quality finishes add a hint of luxury to this minimally curated home.

    A bright saffron shade and wall art are the highlight in the second guest room; Photographs by PHX India

    “We don’t usually indulge in too many ideas within one space and that is how we bring integrity to designs. Here, the central idea revolved around minimalism and sophistication, and we are glad that our clients got what they desired,” concludes Sneha.

    Cherokee Trail by Chad Dorsey Design is a heavenly oasis laden with relaxed luxury

    Cherokee Trail by Chad Dorsey Design is a heavenly oasis laden with relaxed luxury

    Cocooned in a private enclave within the majestic woodlands of Dallas, Cherokee Trail by Chad Dorsey Design is truly a warm and inviting abode. This residence is a corner property on an acre, encompassed by dense foliage and a view to the adjacent park. While it is a two-levelled villa, it is designed to engage primarily as a single storey.

    The 6,500 sq ft home is realised as a seamless transitional space for a nuclear family of three and is a reflection of their social lifestyles—of hosting gatherings for friends and family as well as organising fundraisers for noble causes.

    “While accompanying the client during their house hunt, we fell in love with this classic European country estate in Bluffview and designed it such that is externally perceived as a collection of buildings that appear to be added over time,” reveals Dorsey.

    An artwork by Ronald Draper dots the central hall of the abode; Photographs by Cody Ulrich

    The exterior is dotted with horizontal sliding openings, bespoke bronze panels and antique Chicago brick-painted walls. Upon entering the house, a sense of airiness and transparency fills the interiors as see-through spaces offer glimpses into the living room, outdoor pool and expansive garden. A spacious centre hall with cosy nooks provides access to other parts of the home.

    This cosy nook features a custom steel table with concrete top, Luna Rossa pendant light from Ligne Roset and MHB steel door; Photographs by Cody Ulrich

    To the left of the foyer is a den, an internal courtyard, a guest bedroom, a powder room and a screened porch. This end also houses a stairway that leads to the upper level of the home. Meanwhile, on the right are private areas such as the kitchen, dining, master bedroom and a covered patio.

    A bespoke dining ensemble from Chad Dorsey is paired with B&B Italia’s Maladrina chairs in custom slip covers and the Aim pendant light from Flos; Photographs by Cody Ulrich

    The structure’s Belgian architecture is matched with interiors that are laced with Scandinavian decor, coalescing classic with modern themes. An ideal space is the dining area, which is tucked in a visually dedicated space, resting on a limestone floor and overlooking the lush surrounding view.

    A memoir wall, handcrafted with the homeowner’s prized possessions, faces the dining area; Photographs by Cody Ulrich

    Each space is defined as a unique element that reflects the homeowner’s preferences and hobbies. Also, breaking away from the trend of rooms being open to each other, the private chambers still offer views to unwinding spaces of the abode.

    Subtle tones and a metal canopy bed are seen in the guest room; Photographs by Cody Ulrich

    “My design philosophy is relaxed luxury. It’s about living casually with things a person loves to touch and feel in a way that is approachable and not precious. We’ve achieved this with the help of custom furnishings, incorporating handcrafted details, meaningful objects and a soothing vibe,” adds the designer.

    The powder bathroom uses a custom concrete sink, steel mirror and partition, Dornbracht fittings, a Tom Dixon light and hand glazed ceramic tiles from Pratt and Larson; Photographs by Cody Ulrich

    Layered with textures, the material palette is crisp and timeless. This includes the limestone floors, which set the tone from outdoors to indoors, European white oaks, rift cut white oaks, clean marbles—all of which are counterbalanced with antique tiles, steel plates and leather accents.

    In the master bedroom, a Ligne Roset fabric bed is highlighted by a Flos lamp; Photographs by Cody Ulrich

    The master ensuite is an elegant and cosy space. It is covered in a warm, wooden rafted ceiling and covetable furniture. Peppered with textured furnishings and wall artworks, the room transforms into a cushy zone with its upholstered shell headboard, making it perfect to snuggle or read in.

    Dornbracht fittings, Victoria & Albert tub and Poltrona Frau chair are placed in the master bath; Photographs by Cody Ulrich

    The master bath comprises a freestanding Victoria & Albert tub that looks out to the pool deck. It is in keeping with the theme of the home with the help of the colour palette—shades of white, greys, caramel and pops of acid green—and pays homage to the verdant landscape of the site.

    The stairway’s steel handrail is wrapped in hand-stitched leather by local artisans; Photographs by Cody Ulrich

    “We rely on a handful of local artisans to customise each project. In this home, it was the metal workers who created a steel plate with white oak divider wall on the stairs and a steel handrail that was wrapped with leather on site, which highly impressed the client,” shares the eminent architect and interior designer.

    Say goodbye to gallery visits and embrace customised art commissioned directly from Gayatri Sekhri

    Say goodbye to gallery visits and embrace customised art commissioned directly from Gayatri Sekhri

    Gayatri Sekhri is an A-list artist, who has carved a niche for herself, in the art world. She has a natural disposition to creativity and a passion for arts making her a known figurehead in the Indian art community.

    “Come to an artist directly to commission the dream art for your home and offices,” says Gayatri. The vision for her sculpture collection is to create an environment for enthusiasts that blend nature’s beauty with inspiring works of art, free from the constraints of enclosed spaces of a traditional gallery.

    A lawyer who quit her practise to follow her passion, Gayatri Sekhri is also a co-founder and Creative head of Pomegranate Design – a multi-disciplinary design studio offering a full spectrum of design and execution services including architecture, construction, interior design, art décor and event décor in India & Dubai.

    “We’re not just selling art, but we’re accentuating spaces as we have a design background with Pomegranate Designs,” shares Gayatri.

    Having worked with top corporate homes and business families like RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, VLCC, Manav Rachana Group, Inox, Porsche, Apollo Hospital, Godrej Properties, Gayatri, also caters to customisation as per client brief. Along with her team, she curates bespoke art and also assists you with the installation process—talk about the perks of commissioning the artist directly! 

    “My most popular series is the Superamcy series, Balance series and Tall tales and all of them have been introduced as per client requirements,” points out Gayatri. 

    The Supremacy series that depicts Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth next to each other is inspired by the client’s idea who wanted something that revolves around the change. Similarly, based on a client brief, the Balance series is crafted as a form of art around balance and engineering.

    As a creative head of Pomegranate Design Gayatri Sekhri works within four verticals: Art and Sculptures, Interior Design, Architecture and Wedding Décor. Each of the statement pieces is carefully sculpted and curated to ensure that each piece when installed not only enhances its own aesthetic qualities but the overall visual surroundings as well.

    “Spearheading a creative team across diverse design services, I endeavour to create a unique blend of design sensibilities into my sculptures. Bringing forth the zeal for design and aesthetics together with local craft and global exposure, I am driven to offer services to private, corporate and commercial clients,” concludes Gayatri.

    These 7 Indian homes make us want to “swing” with joy!

    These 7 Indian homes make us want to “swing” with joy!

    There’s nothing that says traditional yet informal than having a swing inside a home! And while every person undoubtedly has an element in their home they adore, this one always leads to interesting results. 

    Reminiscent of our childhood days, times spent with our loved ones and rooted in tradition, swings have always been a staple in Indian homes. However, with the rise of modern aesthetics, they’ve lost relevance.

    We’re here to tell you that swings are back and are now more stylish than ever! Explore these homes that use swings to create the perfect balance between tradition and modernity…

    NR Apartment by Studio Saransh

    Photograph by Ishita Sitwala

    Most homes in Gujarat feature swings and this spacious four-bedroom apartment fashioned by Studio Saransh in Ahmedabad is no different. Helmed by lead architect Kaveesha Shah and designer Aashna Khetan, the 1,900 sq ft living room features an arresting, highly carved wooden swing with metal chains! Nearby is a brass and wood partition between the living and dining spaces, which balances the traditional design with its modern materiality.

    An elegant home by SAGA Design

    Photograph by PHX India

    Partners Deval Shah and Mayur Gujare of SAGA Design have complemented the vintage Indian vernacular style of the living room of this residence with the help of a mostly minimalist swing. “The length of the living room needed a break from a regular seating arrangement,” avers the duo, further adding, “The swing was planned to break the formality of the space and accentuate the character of a free spirit in the confined language.” The simplicity of the swing, the baithak-styled sofa, the cabriole-legged, marble-top tables tautly balance a minimal narrative and sensitive composition.

    Wabi Sabi home by Sathvikala Design Studio

    Photograph by Ricken Desai

    Sathvika Ketha, founder and architectural designer of her namesake design studio, incorporated wabi sabi in this 2,500 sq ft apartment in Hyderabad. Her design for the living room includes age-old teak accents, modern rustic pots, wall textures, indoor plants, patterned flooring and earthy hues. To break the seriousness of the organically designed space, the designer has added a sleek and simplistic swing for a touch of fun! 

    Prive by Pinakin Patel

    Photograph by Ashish Sahi

    When it comes to this villa in Alibaug, Pinakin Patel has brought everything down, not to the bare minimum, but to the absolutely essential. The property is also one of few that makes optimum use of its natural surroundings. Large pivot doors and windows open towards the northeast, offering a cool, sunlit view outside. This glass swing offers a spot for quiet contemplation, overlooking the lawn and is a perfect addition to this expansive home.

    A tranquil duplex by Architecture Brio

    Photograph by PHX India

    This 3,000 sq ft, serene duplex for a couple and their son designed by Shefali Balwani and Robert Verrijt of Architecture Brio to be conspicuous for its nature-swamped, urban-styled interiors and construction. A breezy corner in the home is flanked with exposed brick pillars and textured green stone strip flooring. It is spruced with four symmetrically positioned, natural cane and cotton rope hanging lamps and outdoor furniture, including a swing from The Retyrement Plan.

    A mansion in Dubai by SAK Designs

    Photograph by Monika Sathe Photography

    Uninterrupted views of the golf greens in Dubai’s Emirates Hills makes this home one of the most exclusive and coveted of its kind in Dubai. The staggering 29,000 sq ft residence is designed by Ashish Kesurvala and his team at SAK designs as a three-storeyed structure with a basement. The central courtyard features a swing set that’s suspended over chevron-patterned flooring tiles, making this corner perfect to relax in while offering stunning views!

    Stripped Mobius by Matharoo Associates

    Photograph by Jignesh Jhaveri

    “The house is named “Stripped Mobius”, a pun on the minimalistic approach to the design. We adhered to strict Vaastu guidelines to fulfil the client’s wishes and the resultant box-like structure was broken by juxtaposing large sweeping curves onto the composition,” says Gurjit Matharoo. An ode to the Brutalist movement, this Ahmedabad home features rectangular blocks that are parallel to each other and oriented along the north-south axis, where a temple and large shaded verandahs open to gardens. A yellow-tinted swing is seen here, adding a touch of tradition amid the bold interiors.

    Bhavya Parekh and Nirav Nirmal of Pan Design Studio mould this bijou home to exude a “mid-century Bombay” charm

    Bhavya Parekh and Nirav Nirmal of Pan Design Studio mould this bijou home to exude a “mid-century Bombay” charm

    When Mumbai-based Bhavya Parekh and Nirav Nirmal of Pan Design Studio met with the well-travelled inhabitants of this 1,700 sq ft home, their discussions led to the renovation of Kamdar House—a cove that boasts pristine tones and a mid-century Bombay aesthetic.

    The home is enchanting for its use of organically sourced materials, contemporary furniture, restrained palette and neutral hues with accents of black, marble and teakwood. “Experimentation was key. It easily enabled practical functionality, enhanced the lifestyle experience and, above all, helped us stay true to our aesthetic sensibility,” shares Nirmal.

    The designer duo completely reshuffled the home’s layout, and transformed the formal and intimate areas to create space and a seamless blend of design.

    A terrazzo sconce light by Jade Design illuminates the subtle lobby; Photographs by Kuber Shah

    The home opens up from the unconventional, rectangular arch-shaped main door. It is finished in an open-grain oak veneer and painted in the shade of sage. Just inside, a black marble waterbody lies on the left and two similar arches in white marble are seen. While the left features wooden shutters and louvred panel treatment, the right archway leads into the house.

    The lobby opens up to the kitchen on the left and a storage room on the right; Photographs by Kuber Shah

    A walk into the residence reveals a C-shaped multipurpose storage unit, a kitchen with pantry and then, a storeroom. Parallel counters in an exquisite olive green granite, mined from southern India, are perfect for the farmhouse-style kitchen sink. Nearby is a prayer space and the dining area. The latter houses a bespoke ensemble—the table is crafted from a solid tree live edge wood and paired with customised black dining chairs for a wabi sabi effect.

    A swing from POD (Pieces of Desire) bedecks the living room; Photographs by Kuber Shah

    Inspired by the lobbies of old buildings, artist Vishwa Shroff’s Series of Illustrations of Staircases adds character to the dining space. A bench, attached to the wall nearest to the window, becomes  a cosy reading nook with a marble bookcase. And behind the shelf is a sliding door that conceals the television. This long, teak-finished media unit divides the dining from the living space.

    Bespoke armchairs by Pan Design Studio use fabric from Atmosphere; Photographs by Kuber Shah

    The Playful Pachyderm metallic elephant figurine by Arzan Khambatta grabs attention in the living space, which is furnished using bespoke olive green bucket chairs, a customised pink sofa and a 1930s-inspired centre table produced by Pan Design Studio. A POD (Pieces of Desire) swing by Nishita Kamdar and Veeram Shah is perfect to lounge in. 

    Blue dominates the son’s industrial-styled bedroom; Photographs by Kuber Shah

    Interestingly, a crockery unit separates the bedrooms belonging to the homeowners’ son and daughter. The son’s space is playful with an almost industrial style—his study desk is made out of cricket stumps and the wardrobe is made to look like a shipping container. Nirmal and Parekh have perfectly captured the young man’s love of golf with a circular grid on the wall that holds golf ball depressions and embossments. 

    A grid of golf ball depressions and embossments is on the wall in the son’s room; Photographs by Kuber Shah

    In contrast to the industrial vibe, the daughter’s room is rather chic and contemporary with a four-poster bed. One of the key highlights is the bedside wall that is entirely done up in fire bricks and painted white for a brick wall effect. “We designed the wardrobe with steel shutters, powder-coated in white, with finely ribbed glass, which was quite a challenge to pull off!” shares Parekh. A study desk is seen with a custom-made cane chair, inspired by Pierre Jeanneret.

    View of the son’s bathroom, where black granite is paired with subway tiles; Photographs by Kuber Shah

    While the son and daughter’s boudoirs are contrasting. Their ensuite bathrooms have one thing in common—tiles. The son’s uses subway tiles that are paired with black granite and a black powder-coated door, while the daughter’s uses Spanish handmade tiles, which is matched with a single colour mosaic on the floor.

    Hatsu side tables and Jade House’s beaded wall lamp are seen in the daughter’s room; Photographs by Kuber Shah

    Our favourite space is the elegant master bedroom that has a teak bed with a unique basket weave headboard. Opposite it is a matte black granite fireplace feature with charcoal-hued fire bricks, which is actually a TV unit. Aside from the diverse wardrobes for the couple, blue floral chandeliers by Arjun Rathi are also seen here. 

    A recreation of Pierre Jeanneret’s armchair by Pan Design Studio is seen in the study nook with window dressing by Kanchi; Photographs by Kuber Shah

    Tiles are seen in the homeowner’s ensuite facility too. These mimic a light grey concrete finish and offset the custom-made, mosaic-finished flooring in a Santorini blue hue. The bathroom partition is specially designed as a seamless checkered metal paint fluted glass structure and the shower is equipped with industrial-styled fittings in antique brass finish. 

    A unique basketweave headboard is paired with the teak bed in the master suite; Photographs by Kuber Shah

    “We enjoyed designing the whole home. It was a very cohesive and continuous implementation. Giving an individual identity to every room yet maintaining the design continuity was the challenge,” concludes the duo.

    Brizo bath fittings and Hatsu vanity mirror lend an old-world charm in the master bathroom; Photographs by Kuber Shah

    The Long House by Anushka Shetty is peppered with neutral textures and chic interiors

    The Long House by Anushka Shetty is peppered with neutral textures and chic interiors

    The Long House is simply named for the fact that it’s a combination of two homes to make one. Having worked with the homeowners before, Mumbai-based Anushka Shetty has conceptualised the residence with one thing in mind—the manipulation and reflection of sunlight, especially considering it is cocooned by trees.

    “The apartment lies on the first floor of an old building in Mumbai. It didn’t come with high ceilings or large windows, so we based our entire design on filtering ample sunlight into the home,” explains Shetty.

    To create more space, the home is redesigned to have three bedrooms and an expansive living room, where an adjoining bar and dining area is accommodated. The designer’s raison d’etre was to avoid visual clutter because of the narrow site. 

    View of the bar and seating unit by Anushka Shetty Architecture from the living room; Photographs by Isha Shah

    The mood-based home is light and airy. It boasts a unified design language that’s infused with a play of subtle colours and textures. Bold forms and clean lines are seen throughout with a neutral-toned material palette of oak wood, textured stone walls, grey and white marble, linen wallpapers and more. A pop is added through colours such as dusty rose, cyan, olive and rust seen on handpicked art and artefacts.

    A KERF sofa is paired with vases and furry cushions from Defurn, an Anushka Shetty Architecture coffee table, sheer curtains from D’Decor and a Jaipur Rugs piece; Photographs by Isha Shah

    An arresting arched wall separates the living and bar areas. Oakwood panelling conceals the room’s storage spaces and an abstract painting is mounted on the centre-most panel. A bespoke ribbed console divides the dining from the living, which is an expansive space featuring a large sectional sofa and a concealed TV unit in black glass.

    An arched opening leads us to the bar by Anushka Shetty Architecture; Photographs by Isha Shah

    The living room lies at the heart of the house and a long passageway runs on either side. The kitchen and master suite lie on the right of the hearth, while on the left are the powder bathroom, daughters’ and guest rooms. The kitchen is done up in glass and lacquer in white and taupe, paired with cement tiles from Bharat Floorings and a handmade subway taupe dado tile. 

    Pendant lights from Terra Lighting illuminate the master bedroom; Photographs by Isha Shah

    The custom-designed master bed is a cyan quilted, softly winged element that breaks the monotony of the neutral colours seen in the rest of the house. It greets us with an entry to the walk-in closet. Nearby is an oakwood panel that conceals the ensuite facility.

    Cushions from The Golden Triangle accentuate the lounge; Photographs by Isha Shah

    Shetty says the master bedroom “was fun to create because of its many clever design interventions such as the plug-in bench seating and the outdoor lounge space, which I really loved designing especially because such features make a space more exciting to the user and are perfect for downtime.”

    The bold powder room uses Kohler fittings and sanitaryware from Toto; Photographs by Isha Shah

    The powder room is bold with chevron-patterned flooring in black Marquina and white Bianco Oro marble. Next in the hallway is the daughters’ bedroom, which features a walk-in wardrobe and an ensuite, dusty pink bathroom, which is nothing if not chic! 

    Kohler fittings accentuate the Picollo mosaic tiles and terrazzo stone by CMC; Photographs by Isha Shah

    The daughters’ room also features a bed back with a ribbed panel. This acts as an indirect source of light washing the rose coloured stucco wall. Balancing this is a balcony-turned-study nook, which brings natural light in.

    The daughters’ room features a bespoke bed and side tables by Anushka Shetty Architecture along with pendant lights from Terra Lighting; Photographs by Isha Shah

    The last door on the left passage is the guest room, which is rather quaint in comparison with the others. It is washed in muted tones that align with the theme of the house.

    The guest room showcases custom bed and side table by Anushka Shetty Architecture, Defurn bird and vase, and a Fabindia bedcover; Photographs by Isha Shah

    “My design philosophy is to avoid visual clutter and unnecessarily or over-complicated detailing. I like to practice restraint while designing such that only a few masterstrokes speak volumes and eventually result in understated elegance,” concludes Shetty.

    Purple Backyard’s Kumpal Vaid fashions an alluring, intimate and minimalist sanctuary for herself

    Purple Backyard’s Kumpal Vaid fashions an alluring, intimate and minimalist sanctuary for herself

    When asked about her experience of designing her own home in Mumbai, Kumpal Vaid of Purple Backyard says, “Designing it is a memory I’ll always cherish. It’s a culmination of two forces and an amalgamation of aesthetics. I’m more into muted tones, whites and neutrals, while my husband enjoys a bit of colour, so we had to find a balance.”

    The one thing they did agree on was to have an open layout for the 850 sq ft apartment such that the space is continually enriched as they go through life and make memories together.

    Vaid not just balanced the contrasting choices of hues but also created a design framework of minimalism layered with inspiring textures.

    Seen here are terracotta pots from Purple Backyard and artworks by Kuber Shah; Photographs by Kuber Shah

    The material palette is dominated by timber in varying textures, brass accents and organic fibres such as linen and cotton. It is paired with soothing shades of white, wood, blues and (surprisingly) black. 

    The dining nook features a custom sofa and wood turntable from Purple Backyard, a Freedom Tree lamp and IKEA chairs; Photographs by Kuber Shah

    The first space that opens up on entering the home is a serene lounge, followed by a snug dining nook on its right. Blue units feature on either side of the dining ensemble, which is inspired by one of Vaid’s favourite cafes.

    Pieces from Art&Found are placed on a bespoke Purple Backyard console; Photographs by Kuber Shah

    “The dining nook is one of my favourite places to work from. It’s cosy, comfortable and creates an ‘out-of-home’ conversational and quaint vibe. I’m glad that both of us always dreamed of having a nook rather than a conventional dining area,” shares Vaid. 

    A black study chair from IKEA is seen in the guest room; Photographs by Kuber Shah

    The entire home is drenched in soft daylight, owing to its north-facing orientation. So, Vaid has used light linen curtains with convenient blackout rollers to accentuate this positive attribute.

    Terracotta pots from Purple Backyard are seen at the end of this pristine hallway; Photographs by Kuber Shah

    A blend of mid-century influences reveals itself in the bedroom, where a bold wardrobe is in use. Aside from it, the space is simplistic and tranquil with shutters designed of bleached wood and whitewash being the prevailing colour on the furniture.

    The bedroom is simply styled with soft furnishings from Nicobar and AA Living; Photographs by Kuber Shah

    Another treasured space, Vaid says, is the guest room. It serves multiple functions—ranging from her home office, her husband’s music room, a ‘me’ time room and even a home gym. 

    A cane light from IKEA illuminates the bedroom; Photographs by Kuber Shah

    “It’s a personal space that we can’t stop romanticising, I guess, and it breaks away from the realm of trends or themes. It has a lived-in vibe and is constantly evolving, so let’s see what it ends up looking like in the years to come,” concludes Vaid. 

    Uneven’s Shourya Patel and Dexter Fernandes have curated this pristine residence in Vadodara

    Uneven’s Shourya Patel and Dexter Fernandes have curated this pristine residence in Vadodara

    We love this pristine residence in Vadodara, which has been crafted by designer duo Shourya Patel and Dexter Fernandes of Uneven. It is soaked in a tranquil charm, contemporary in appeal and truly manifests minimalism.

    The 3,000 sq ft home is a modest and elegant reflection of the homeowner’s personalities. It radiates an angelic charm thanks to its monochromatic ensemble that’s not without surprises.

    The first surprise is the detailed feature wall near the foyer. It is made out of siporex blocks and acts like a visual continuum. But it is more than just the highlight in the home. It not just abuts a contrasting grey bookshelf (fitted to suit the homeowners’ love for reading) but also conceals a home office.

    A bookshelf customised by Uneven offsets the patterned feature wall made in siporex blocks; Photographs by Darshan Dave

    The wall faces a capacious living room, where a balcony comes into view. The latter runs a long way and connects to various parts of the house. No wonder that Patel and Fernandes say that the design process was “very exciting” from the beginning.

    Full view of the bookshelf, which holds artefacts from Westside and Fabindia; Photographs by Darshan Dave

    The living room is split into two zones with the help of a fluted glass partition with brass edging. While one side is a formal lounge, the other reveals informal living, dining and kitchen areas.

    The dining ensemble from Be Komfort is placed under a circular ceiling motif; Photographs by Darshan Dave

    Shades of grey and white continue on, punctuated only by an array of textures and patterns such as the circular motif created on the ceiling right above the dining setting.

    Sleek fluted pendant lights are placed in the kitchen; Photographs by Darshan Dave

    The master bedroom is in keeping with the theme of the home yet experiments with dark ceilings and flooring. Replete with a bed back wall in grey valchromat, it steals the show with its trifling detail in MDF. On the other hand, the master bath boasts a bold blue colour block.

    The master bedroom features a valchromatic wall, KUKA bed, and furnishings from Westside and Fabindia; Photographs by Darshan Dave

    The room belonging to the homeowner’s teenage daughter exhibits playful textures. It comes with a study area that’s placed alongside the continual balcony, splashed with greens and natural daylight. Like in the case of the master ensuite, her bathroom too uses a vibrant element—a yellow floral wallpaper.

    View of the study area in the daughter’s room; Photographs by Darshan Dave

    “We knew we had to work around factors such as an uncluttered layout, minimum furniture, a soothing palette and no forced elements. But the challenge was to ensure that the interiors aren’t perceived as boring, so we explored variations through materials and finishes and created a serene, noticeable modern design,” conclude the principal architects.

    Krsnaa Mehta’s new Mumbai home is punctuated with muted luxury and contemporary Indian artefacts

    Krsnaa Mehta’s new Mumbai home is punctuated with muted luxury and contemporary Indian artefacts

    The founder and executive director of India Circus, a Godrej venture is at an all-time high. Literally and figuratively. Alongside the launch of the limited edition Krsnaa Mehta Signature Homes by U&Us, Krsnaa Mehta also moved to the 52nd floor of the iconic Lodha Park in Mumbai.

    His 2,000 sq ft cove is luxurious and contrasts Mehta’s previous home design schemes. “It is a lot more muted in terms of wall colours and textures, and I’ve used hues such as black, military green and blue with burnt lavender to make it noteworthy,” shares Mehta. 

    Mehta decided to break down one of the four bedrooms in this home and transformed it into a den of sorts for entertaining and downtime.

    The living room features wall art from Indian Tapestry, fabric antler from South Africa, Baro couch, foil-painted cushions from India Circus and a table from Script by Godrej; Photographs by Fabien Charuau

    Fashioned with walls ranging from deep tones to burnt pastels, the material palette is matte-finished in terms of textures with a melange of handmade elements.

    Mehta’s pet Google relaxes on a Baro chair upholstered in fabric from Fabindia. The textured wallpaper is from Marshalls; Photographs by Fabien Charuau

    At the very entrance, we’re greeted with panoramic views of the city. And we get a peek into the expansive living and dining areas that are decorated with a number of artefacts from Mehta’s personal collection.

    India Circus’s Arches of Triumph wallpaper and cushions pair well with a seater from Create Your Couch, the Jaipur Rugs floor covering, beaten brass side table from Freedom Tree and Santa Samanta’s sculpture; Photographs by Fabien Charuau

    About the design, Mehta says, “I enjoyed working on the living room and its extension—the den. I knew that these spaces would be experienced by visitors, so it has been realised to be warm, enveloping them with a feeling of pure comfort and bliss.”

    A restored couch is paired with cushions and a Krsnaa Mehta signature canvas for India Circus; Photographs by Fabien Charuau

    A hallway leads off to connect to the other sections of the home—the media, guest and master rooms. 

    Seen here are a charcoal lamp from Red Blue Yellow, wall art by Varunika Saraf and Rajesh Kargutkar, a Freedom Tree bench and Dumroo design temple table by Divya Thackore; Photographs by Fabien Charuau

    Even though Mehta veers away to create a whole new home with different features, the one element that is obvious even in this one is his love for Indian arts and crafts. And this home truly captures the essence of contemporary modern India in its design.

    Merman by Wolf Jaipur is seen above the decor frog by Ketan Amin; Photographs by Fabien Charuau

    “I’ve used classic tapestries and textiles as well as artworks by leading Indian artists. In that sense, the space symbolises our tradition. From the moment you walk in, the home greets you with multiple regional arts and crafts from across the country, alongside some artefacts from Bhutan,” divulges Mehta.

    The dining room wall features an artwork by Jogen Chaudhary; Photographs by Fabien Charuau

    “My design philosophy is to wow, create wonderment and mystery. I believe in transcribing the essence of India into a colourful experience and use local inspirations dramatically with nuanced heritage designs,” concludes the designer.

    Scroll to see more images from Krsnaa Mehta’s home in Mumbai…

    The Sanctuary of Florence wallpaper, lamps, cushions and curtains are all from India Circus. In the corner is a table from Script by Godrej; Photographs by Fabien Charuau

     

    A custom wallpaper by Mehta and bedding from India Circus are seen alongside an IKEA lamp and West Elm bedside table in this bedroom; Photographs by Fabien Charuau

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