Get Inspired Archives

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.”

This New Delhi Mulberry Farm by Within is a creative endeavour of textures, materiality and colours

‘Come hither, come hither, under the mulberry tree so green, who loves to lie with me, here shall he see no enemy!’ The symbol of health, positivity and love, a mulberry tree becomes the epicentre of this spacious home by Within in Sultanpur, New Delhi.

This 11500 sq ft Mulberry Farm embodies sophistication and luxury with a natural material palette. Design Head Sonal Tuli and Business Head Bobby Tuli of Within craft a warm canvas tied together with the family’s preferred colour blue paired with a fusion of colours in personalised spaces.

Expressing their concept, the designers say, “We envisioned a sumptuous home full of stories that resonate with the homeowners. This home to a family of six, is designed as a multitude of interior layers with art and books dotting each space, large chandeliers and exotic rugs along with the impeccable furniture by Within. It is not just a creative endeavour, but a labour of love to make a house that feels like home!”

A century old antique sculpture with a red circular art by Yuvan Bothysathuvar is placed at the end of the foyer; Photographs by Atul Pratap Chauhan

With wooden accents, the room features ‘Orbs of the night’ coffee table from Within perched on Umbra Slate Grey Rug from Hands; Photographs by Atul Pratap Chauhan

Sauntering through the vistas of lush green court and mulberry tree is the wide corridor that directs towards the formal living room and further branches into other formal spaces. Designed as a gallery of creatives, the walls, floor and ceiling boasts works of art, be it chandeliers as sculptures, intricate carpets with Persian patterns, antique finds and artsy coffee tables. Abstracting colours from a vibrant artwork ‘River Rhapsody’ by Vinita Karim, the space accents textures and materiality.

A retreat from daily hustle, is the sunlit dining room inspired by colours of nature with a sea green chandelier and chairs. A large paper art in shades of sea radiates the essence of nature, bestowing calm and drama at the same time. Overlooking the pool, the ‘Nightbirds’ bar paints a picture of a night sky with a colour palette of blues.

‘The Dive’ chandelier from Klove Studio brings the essence of nature through its colour palette of greens; Photographs by Atul Pratap Chauhan

Facing lush gardens, the double height family lounge awakens with coffee and conversations. The colours of the sun, sea and foliage are brought together through art, fabrics and rugs. Perched on a gravel bed, the staircase to the first floor commands the room. A console at the foot, serves as a buffet table for everyday meals.

The home office and bedrooms are a personification of the family members. Grandfather’s suite on the ground floor don a neutral colour palette with accents in blue and green. There is a shift to a more feminine canvas, as one walks in the grandmother’s room. A pastel colour palette of dusty rose and grey with classic gold accents impart an old-world elegance and delicate vibe.

The lounge in grandfather’s suite is painted in subtle shades of brown with a customised carpet from Hands; Photographs by Atul Pratap Chauhan

With a more feminine canvas, the grandmother’s room hosts a colour palette of dusty rose and grey with classic gold accents and Zayna Grey rug by Hands; Photographs by Atul Pratap Chauhan

With the warmth of wood and a green art piece, the office on the first floor is intimate and comfortable. The main bedroom is a canvas of grey hues peppered on panelling, wallpaper, flooring and fabrics with a pop of teal.

Marked black, the elder son’s room has a raw stone wall, dark bed and black lights balanced against an oakwood floor, olive green leather nightstands and a monochrome rug dolloped with animal prints and furry fabrics. ‘Drums on my mind’, crafting the room for the younger son, the layout was planned in accordance to the positioning of drums.

Lacuna rug from Jaipur Rugs flow with the theme of the main bedroom; Photographs by Atul Pratap Chauhan

Black setting is balanced with oakwood floors and olive green leather nightstands in the elder son’s bedroom; Photographs by Atul Pratap Chauhan

A playful and inviting space, the guest room is dazzled in maya blue walls and a red bed. The light and airy space houses a black and white carpet, coffee table, elfish chairs and architectural photography in vivid tints for additional spunk. An envelope in wood, the bed back is defined in a blue wallpaper. The lively scheme works perfectly with the energy of the drum champion!

With a penchant of transforming rooms into unique human experiences, Within has crafted this bespoke home creatively and thoughtfully. “Within believes in luxury with cheer. Along with rich materiality comes a play of quirk with colours and art accents, to create a home that is comforting, yet liberating,” conclude the designers.

Scroll down to see more glimpses of Apartment 1602 by The Architecture Company:

Sauntering through the vistas of lush green court, the wide corridor is ornate with a Ring a Ring ‘o’ Roses bench by Within; Photographs by Atul Pratap Chauhan

The shades of sea in a large art ‘Efflorescence’ by Saravanan Parasuraman is reflected in a stone mirror by Within; Photographs by Atul Pratap Chauhan

Nightbirds bar features a 13 ft long bar table, finished in hammered brass along with subtle details like bird prints on carpets and metal bees behind bar stools; Photographs by Atul Pratap Chauhan

With the warmth of wood and a green art piece ‘The Gathering’ by R Mangesh, the office on the first floor is intimate and comfortable; Photographs by Atul Pratap Chauhan

The multicoloured art piece by Sunayanna Malhotra brings a pop of colour in the grey room; Photographs by Atul Pratap Chauhan

If Mulberry Farm by Within charmed you: Check out this Chennai home soaked in glamour by Farah Agarwal of Chestnut Storeys

5 Questions with the creative behind Inhabit, Neeta Kumar—All about her design journey and the latest collection

Furniture is not just a piece of dextrous craftsmanship. It goes beyond to become a home or a space’s defining character, a material synonym for leisure and lifestyle. The works of design maverick Neeta Kumar, Founder and the creative behind Inhabit design studio treads on a similar route.

Neeta has been helming Inhabit since 2004, where she imagines ‘timelessly current’ pieces of furniture, welding the worlds of practicality with panache in her prolific portfolio. An experimenter by nature who draws inspiration from unlimited sources, the designer breaks away from the idea of mass producing.

With illustrious degrees from Central St. Martins and Chelsea College of Art and Design (UK), Neeta engages in a tête-à-tête with ELLE DECOR India, unfurling her dynamic design story.

Plush and perfect, this accent chair with a high back rest makes for a fitting addition in the living as well as bed room; Photograph courtesy Inhabit

Was there a moment or event that made you incline towards interior design even before you started out?

After my Master’s in business administration, I pursued a course in furniture designing from Central St. Martins, UK . This experience gave me the confidence to design and manufacture my exclusive brand.

How did Inhabit come into being?

My journey started in 2004. After a lot of perseverance, I started a workshop with eight people, a team of carpenters and some contractors in a 2,000 sq ft space. It was a rather long and painful journey when I look back at it today. Hiring a team is one aspect but getting the designs executed on time was quite challenging.

People around me would often discourage and show me the greener pastures of importing furniture and its advantages, but it did not match my vision of ‘make in India‘. In 2010, I was operating a full fledged design studio with in-house Autocad workers, junior and senior assistants, graphic designers, 3D draftsmen etc., in a bigger workshop facility of 8,000 sq ft with wood machineries.

With time, our designs evolved and so did the fineness of our work too. Today, we have a 20,000 sq ft workshop with 110 fine craftsmen from around the country.

Set it up indoors or outdoors, this decorous sofa exudes moods of comfort; Photograph courtesy Inhabit

What is your favourite part about the design process of a product?

I find each process to be challenging and fun when you design from scratch. My favourite part is when an idea strikes to initiate a new design.

A sophisticated sofa by Inhabit sits with a striking colour medley; Photograph courtesy Inhabit

What qualities and characteristics do you hope your latest collection will add to a space?

When I conceptualised the Bespoke series, my approach was to create more and more. I wanted a myriad of layers in my design so that it invoked a deeper emotion when one looked at it. When one glance is not enough, that’s when it screams the maximalist approach, and when extended to creating spaces, it surely takes more time than usual.

Synonymous to furniture indulgence is this snug seater with floral detailing; Photograph courtesy Inhabit

What are your thoughts on materiality and its inspiration for Bee and Equine?

The Kama, lord of desire takes place when you desire to own something very dearly. This series can become one’s desire as it also connects to the cosmos.

Like there is an inside story for every design at Inhabit, the Bee series is about Kama, described as a cheerful god who rides a parrot with his weapon, a bow whose shaft is made of sugarcane and a string of bees. He makes use of the bees because Kama is hitting you to act on your desire. It connects with the sweetness of honey and the arrow is made of flowers, for you to enjoy the fragrance of it.

Patterns collide beautifully a with distinct colour palette; Photograph courtesy Inhabit

The Equine series is sculpted to create a sense of elegance, grace and vitality to resonate with the animal. The horse spirit symbolises personal drive, passion and appetite for freedom. It takes into account different ways to look at this animal’s symbolism, showing positive and negative meanings, so you can decide which one resonates the most with you.

Shining the spotlight on our effervescent north eastern heritage is this Bengaluru home by ThumbSpark Creative

Home away from home is an expression used to describe a feeling of comfort that encapsulates us in not-so-familiar settings. When Debabrata Dey, a user experience, interior designer and founder of ThumbSpark Creative with his better-half Ofelia Dey Sarkar, began drafting their dream home in the bustling capital city of Bengaluru, adding prominent memorabilia reminiscent of their north eastern roots was a no-brainer!

Fondly christened ‘Storyteller’, the three BHK apartment is spread across 2,100 sq ft and houses six people from three different generations. Talking about the theme around which he weaved the entire space, Debabrata shares, “The home tastefully blends art, storytelling and nostalgia to emulate our distinct roots—from Assam and Bengal. It’s a quintessential Bengali home, which has influences of Colonial-era plantation bungalows of Assam and bonedi baris (traditional bungalows) of Kolkata.”

In the corridor the wall colours are by Asian Paints, sideboard from Pepperfry, heritage collection switches from SSK Switches; Photographs by Yash R Jain

The four fibreglass goddess Durga faces in the foyer area depict the stages of idol making and are also synonymous to the 5-day festival ending with Vijay Dashami, commissioned by an idol maker from Kumartuli, Kolkata; Photographs by Yash R Jain

Sporting various tints and hues of the colours yellow and red, Storyteller takes you back to the old Bengali homes filled with art, sculptures, artefacts, curios and photographs. Crafting his own home gave Debabrata a chance to infuse his love for art with the endless design possibilities sustainable materials bring with them. Giving a new lease of life to old pillars, louvre doors, cast iron railings, he commissioned building demolishers from Bengaluru and Kolkata to source entities that exuded a vintage charm.

Extensive copper foiling, custom made Victorian mirror and rattan weave storage unit completes the colonial look of the bathroom; Photographs by Yash R Jain

North eastern influences can be seen right from the entrance with the Shital Pati panels on the main door sourced from Silchar, Assam. However, it is the foyer wall that bags the title of Storyteller’s showstopper—bright red wall exudes a sense of celebration and festivity, highlighting the installation ‘The Journey of Durga Pujo’ in all its glory. “We commissioned artist Sayandip Kangsabanik to create the festival journey paintings that pay homage to the contribution of people behind the mega spectacle”, reveals Debabrata.

The living room comes alive with a colourful and bespoke riot of entities like the rug, side table and lamp from IKEA. The Pierre Jeanneret Easy Chairs add a contemporary twist to otherwise classic interiors. Traditional Assamese cushion covers are from Buta Axom while the Art Deco chandelier and wall lamps are antique store finds; Photographs by Yash R Jain

Letting in ample natural light is the huge balcony inside the living room that has influences similar to the living rooms of Assam tea plantation bungalows. The colonial era Burma-teak fireplace is a pleasant reminder of the life and cosy weather in Northeastern hills. Moving on, the dining area is designed in a way that acts as a conversation starter, with a Pierre Jeanneret inspired dining table setup adorned with artworks.

Inspired by Thakur Dalan—a mainstay of traditional Kolkata homes, the puja pavilion is created using old wooden pillars and cast iron railings retrieved from an old colonial era Kolkata bungalow; Photographs by Yash R Jain

The dining area is a milieu of Chandigarh modernism coupled with Bengali decor sensibilities. Chandelier from Jainson Emporio; Photographs by Yash R Jain

“Human Rickshaw” bronze and wood sculpture by artist Rakesh Sadhak, custom made gold foiled mirror adds richness to the dining area setting. The fireplace wall has four commissioned paintings on display created by National Award winning Kalighat Patachitra artist Anwar Chitrakar, depicting the owner’s love story; Photographs by Yash R Jain

Just like the entrance, the primary bedroom displays liberal use of Shital Pati, paintings and a red colour language. Metal bed inside the parents bedroom, a hand painted headboard wall showcasing artworks by Debabrata himself and artist Utpal Dutta brighten it up with nostalgia. The kid’s bedroom follows a subtle yet utilitarian design theme.

Exuding Bengali charm, the parents bedroom is attached to a balcony with abundant natural light; Photographs by Yash R Jain

A painting depicting a Singpoh tribal couple created by artist Debanada Ulup graces the main bedroom. Bedside lamp is from Fos Lighting and bedcover by Fabindia; Photographs by Yash R Jain

The study unit inside the main bedroom is made of solid wood and Shital Pati is used as laminates. The bus and truck models on display are handmade and painted by Debabrata and Ofelia; Photographs by Yash R Jain

Storytelling is an art that has the ability to teleport you from the harsh realities of the world to a space that calms and soothes your soul. In today’s modern age that enforces hustle culture on everyone, Storyteller is a home that will make you pause, reflect and remind you about the joys of slow living.

If you like this home, make sure you check out Apartment 1602 by The Architecture Company!

Studio Praia curates an enticing premise for a lazy summer day at Villa Kanai in Goa

Whether you soak in the beach waters in Goa or not, being drenched in the state’s Indo-Portuguese architecture, culture and cuisine, is a given. Oozing this signature Goan charm with contemporary finesse is Villa Kanai in North Goa designed by Rochelle Santimano, Principal Architect of Studio Praia.

The 3,000 sq ft home built by real estate developer, Faria Holdings, is huddled amongst ripened-with-time Goan homes and foliage of the Arpora village. It serves as a home away from home for the dwellers, the Bhatia family.

The effortless coming together of this distinctive, nonchalant aesthetic can be accredited to the firm being local and understanding the nitty-gritty of the vernacular style. But, more than that, it is Rochelle’s triumph in subtly imbuing elegance through nuanced chic interventions that have brought the project its glory.

A distressed wooden floor lamp from a local Goan antique store, brass antiques and potted plants speak of a rustic yet contemporary aesthetic in the living area; Photographs by Fabian Franco

Pronounced by a typical collonaded verandah, the main door opens into a passageway lined in marine printed tiles, making for a cosy welcome. With a glimpse of the roomy living area at its far end and the staircase alcove and rooms on either side, the passageway forms the central spine of the home.

The immediate attendance of the home’s primary spaces with one just one foot inside unarms and intrigues simultaneously.

A Sea Urchin pendant lamp from Oorja adds a dash of panache along with lumination to the passage of Villa Kanai; Photographs by Fabian Franco

A light-stained wooden console and tall, distressed pots emanate rustic vibes right from the foyer. Down the passage, one door opens into the guest bedroom, and another leads to the staff quarter. The latter can be accessed from outside the home as well.

The lounge sports a distressed antique study table restored and refurbished from a local antique store and a brass table lamp from Fabindia; Photographs by Fabian Franco

Once further past the flight of stairs and a nook housing the powder room, a simple arch frames ample space constituting a living room, dining area and an open kitchen. Wood and glass panelled doors provide a peek of the adjoining verandah and pool.

The Rotação Armchair from Claro is paired with palm fibre and cane wall decor from Nicobar and Rangeela in the primary bedroom. A planter from Flame Store and granule rug from Rugberry further accessorise the setting; Photographs by Fabian Franco

The playfulness of the ivory cement tiles peppered with marine blue and olive geometric patterns accompanies the sophistication of plush fabrics and light-flooded interiors in the family area.

A set of three arched mirrors emphasise and contextualise the tropical greenery of the verandah outside. Next to it, in a niche, a minimal library inspires quietude.

Beneath the warm light of a banana fibre pendant lamp from Oorja cushion covers from Nicobar and decor accessories from Rangeela, Ikea, and local Goan antique stores come together to create a cosy reading nook; Photographs by Fabian Franco

With the outside making its presence felt inside, a gazebo by the pool, where the family happens to spend a considerable amount of time poses as a semi-covered living area and mitigates the remaining distinction between the outdoor and indoor.

The sleekness of the wooden staircase and iron balustrades is playfully contrasted with a green wall and old-school wooden framed window; Photographs by Fabian Franco

The primary bedroom and second guest bedroom on the floor above share a balcony overlooking the pool. The fourth and final bedroom is a miscellaneous room, which can accommodate work, exercise or leisure.

Throughout the home, shades of blue and green borrowed from the home’s surroundings, like olive, indigo and teal are balanced with the modern sensibility of cool greys and soft whites.

In the primary bedroom, a charcoal black four-poster bed crafted by Studio Praia’s in-house carpenter and a hand-tufted rug made from recycled plastic bottles from Rugberry imbue a contemporary outlook; Photographs by Fabian Franco

Ikat lamps from Fabindia in the primary bedroom rub off the rustic charm in the space; Photographs by Fabian Franco

The rugged texture and tone of wooden elements present a delightful contrast with smooth cement finishes. A case in point is the Kotah stone flooring and cane furniture of the gazebo.

The metal planter from Rangeela and grey cement oxide walls are the defining features of the second guest bedroom; Photographs by Fabian Franco

Alongside the building finishes, the furniture also plays a pivotal role in delivering a rooted yet relevant output. “While most of the furniture was either made by our team of carpenters or sourced from furniture stores across the country, we have also included antique furniture pieces restored from old Goan residences.

Even the art is carefully curated to enhance the overall ‘susegaad’ feel,” reveals Rochelle.

In the powder room, a mirror from Syed Abbas steals the show. A former sewing machine table repurposed as a basin counter base and striped marine blue & white cement tiles provide a source of vividity in the space; Photographs by Fabian Franco

Cushion covers from AA Living and Nicobar and a tropical wall mural by artist Rudranee Chiman render the miscellaneous room colourful; Photographs by Fabian Franco

The living area is flanked by a generous verandah and a pool. The space adds a contextual twist to the project; Photographs by Fabian Franco

For a quotient of quirk, each space in the home has a different patterned floor, but the patterns came from the shortlisted colour palette to avoid going overboard. The thoroughly calculated design decisions and well-executed details of the home imbue an earnest flair in its design.

When classic meets modern— This Gurugram condo by The Chalkwhite Home is exemplary of a calm vacation away from the chaos

Painting a picture privy to sweeping sunsets, this gorgeous Gurgaon condo serves as a refreshing cocoon for its homeowners. Designed by Nikita Mahajan, Founder and Principal Designer, The Chalkwhite Home, the home sprawls over a substantial 2,300 sq ft area.

Decked in crisp white, the west-facing milieu manifests compelling trickles of natural light through its voluminous windows and openings.

Imbued with an inviting mood, the condo traces neutral tones and a textural palette with hints of a tasteful twist. Straight lines, minimal materials and clean layouts recite an understated effect of modernity into the home’s visual story.

Pink dinner plates from A Clay Story complement the blush seating in the dining area. Curtains from Beyond Dreams and Marble from Radhamadhav marbles; Photographs by Studio Suryan//Dang

Candle stands and vases from OMA bedeck the dining area. Lights by The White Teak Company; Photographs by Studio Suryan//Dang

A short walk through a long and narrow entryway passage makes way into the open-plan of the apartment. The welcoming lounge space of the ‘Sunroom House’ accommodates an ample sectional sofa and a handmade media console.

The focal point of the facade, a state-of-the-art television framed in fine POP mouldings sketches an upscale sight. Alongside, sheer curtains complement the soft furnishings in the lounge with a dreamy balance.

Marble top dining table and blush pink chairs by Beyond Dreams model a luxe milieu in the dining area; Photographs by Studio Suryan//Dang

Herringboned teal tiles furbish the kitchen with a contrasting backsplash, cake stand from A Clay Story, Bread basket from Ellementry; Photographs by Studio Suryan//Dang

Framed mouldings maintain a consistent aesthetic language within the abode leading into the dining area, where a massive marble tabletop sits with blush pink chairs lending a splash of colour in this corner.

Contributing to the dinette’s material mood board is a bespoke rattan buffet table. Flanked by the kitchen, balcony and living on its sides, the dining and bar form a fun and functional unit ideal for hosting social gatherings.

Accent gilded handles from JB Gupta stand out against the basal white bar unit, Glassware from Good Earth and tray by Ellementry; Photographs by Studio Suryan//Dang

Cane buffet table by Beyond Dreams adds a splash of colour in the whitewashed home, Decor accessories from OMA; Photographs by Studio Suryan//Dang

Flaunting a refreshing contrast, the pristine white-contemporary kitchen features handsome herringbone teal toned tiles in its backsplash. The one-of-a-kind counter made up of half-moon flutes exudes a whimsical effect when hit with sunlight.

Further ahead, the primary suite functions as a serene getaway for the contemporary couple. Illustrating a breathtaking site, the rattan bed sits against a backdrop of an understated fluted wall panel. Whitewashed walls mirror the effect of a capacious space with a magical myriad of light. Playful blue and white tiles and a double vanity furbish the master bathroom.

Soft furnishings from H&M Home bathe the master suite with a snug essence. gold planter from Nicobar and glass bottle from Ellementry; Photographs by Studio Suryan//Dang

Rattan bed by Beyond Dreams sits against a white fluted panelled wall in the master suite, wall lights by The White Teak Company; Photographs by Studio Suryan//Dang

Blue and white tiles from Kasa Decor permeate a playful panache in the ensuite master bathroom; Photographs by Studio Suryan//Dang

A masked man-cave for the client, the study subserves as an office-cum-guitar-and-book house, complete with a wall dedicated to the owner’s collection of musical instruments and a bed in-between shelves for impossible afternoon naps. The study’s en-suite bathroom models monochrome tones on its mood board.

Grey vase by A Clay Story, Cushions from H&M Home, and tray and mugs from Nicobar maintain a monotonous mood board in the guest bedroom; Photographs by Studio Suryan//Dang

On the adjacent end of the home, the guest bedrooms towards the lounge area are designed to display a premier but simple and minimal blueprint.

Perched up in a corner the dressing table crafted on-site reflects a playful episode of the golden hour across the space, grey vase from Kolus; Photographs by Studio Suryan//Dang

Still bestowing tinges of character into each bedroom, the designers make use of accent elements like the rattan wardrobe in the first guest bedroom or square-grid POP wall mouldings in the second. The latter also features a mini study area, imperative for its dweller’s strict schedules even when working from home.

Loved this home by The Chalkwhite Home? Now check out this grand bungalow by Monica and Hardesh Chawla of Essentia Environments