A retreat in Madras

In Chennai, a spatial home sees a striking design facelift by Faisal Manzur Design Studio

11 Jun 2025

As people evolve, so do their homes. This sentiment echoes through the interiors of Ceebros 174 Apartment, a 2,700 sq ft Chennai residence that brims with a fresh, unbridled energy, thanks to a renewed design facelift by Faisal Manzur Design Studio. “The conversations began with a desire to make the home more aligned with the residents’ identity, better suited for hosting and more focused on art. The goal was to preserve the layout while enhancing the spatial experience through thoughtful interventions and curated details,” shares Faisal Manzur, Principal Architect of the namesake practice who worked alongside Anisha Panesar and Vazeema Rehana.

“The conversations began with a desire to make the home more aligned with the residents’ identity, better suited for hosting and more focused on art” — Faisal Manzur

The Vibia lights in the adjacent dining area adds a subtle, dramatic effect, tying the spaces together beautiful; Photography by Phosart Studio

Sculptural and meditative

Engulfing a living room, a dining area, a kitchen, two bedrooms and a study, the home flows with visual lightness and intentional design. But one area truly stands out for Faisal. “The living area was the most enjoyable part to design,” he says, while adding that it is where everything came together, from textures and tones to lighting and furniture. “We loved curating this space because it truly reflects the essence of the home: a serene retreat that still feels refined and artistic.”

This sense of design discernment is evident in corners such as the art display and curio cabinet, both reimagined to showcase sculptural pieces, including a standout work by Manish Nai. The Pooja area embraces a Japanese design aesthetic, featuring sliding blinds and a minimalist sensibility. The use of natural materials and subdued tones fosters a grounding ambience — perfect for quiet moments of leisure.

The textures, tones, lighting, and furniture help create a calm, layered atmosphere; Photography by Phosart Studio

A calming sanctuary or a lesson in restraint? This bedroom is a wondrous mix of both; Photography by Phosart Studio

Focal points

With the home meant to accommodate close friends and family, the design challenge lay in finding the right balance: offering ample seating for entertaining while preserving a sense of openness and ease. “We also had to ensure that the art and objects didn’t overwhelm the room but instead acted as quiet focal points,” Faisal adds, as he leads us through a residence where textures, tones, lighting, and furniture come together in a soulful, harmonious symphony.