Between two time zones in Mylapore

Three spaces, one flow

The mainspring of this design was to create an open layout that mirrors the casual fluidity of North American homes while anchoring it in handcrafted materials that reflect the halcyon warmth of old Madras residences.  “We took cues from the openness and ease of North American homes and blended them with the material warmth, handcrafted details and grounded sensibilities of old Madras residences,” adds Sunita Yogesh.

The layout meanders through a foyer, living area, dining area and a kitchen, alongside three bedrooms. Interestingly, the initial plan was to incorporate it into an odd L-shape; however, this was resolved through the introduction of a continuous timber wall across the living area, creating a choreography of thresholds that subtly unify the living–dining–kitchen into a cohesive family zone. Across sideboards and consoles, within built-ins and behind the sofa, storage is integrated seamlessly—it’s almost like a magical capacity for concealment, keeping the space effortlessly uncluttered. The dining space acts as the home’s epicentre, embraced by a sculpted light that draws the eye, and the breakfast nook extends the kitchen into a space for slow, shared moments. As Sunita notes, “They also wanted the home to echo their life abroad with open layouts, practical details, a breakfast nook – while still holding the cultural familiarity of Madras.”

A palette of material quietude

The restrained approach towards the material palette leans towards the hushed and elemental language that feels timeless. The materials for this home are fabricated through rich timber, creamy whites, textured tiles, wicker, linen and soft charcoal tones, layered with warm stone to add depth. Each surface contributes to the understated opulence as texture becomes the defining element instead of relying on ornamentation. The deep green marble on the kitchen island and breakfast counter emerges as a defining gesture that is bold yet poised, imbuing the space with an earthbound richness. The subtle accents of fabric, artworks and decorative accessories bring a layer of personality to the space.

The hearth’s whisper

Some spaces and moments carry emotional weight. It could be morning chai together, sunset conversations on the sofas or evening TV shows with family and friends in the living room. Inspired by the family’s Canadian mornings, the breakfast nook is one such feature of the home, where pancakes with maple syrup or dosa with sambhar make it a place to linger. 

A charming focal point of the living room is a swing, with its rattan-detailed backrest, evoking one’s inner child. The children’s rooms are like non-negotiable realms for any household. In this home, the son’s room is a blend of comfort, equanimity and playfulness with a custom queen bed and timber-panelled study desk, while the daughter’s room features a daybed with an integrated bookshelf, a dream come true for book lovers, paired with a desk that doubles as a bedside surface. Layered lighting through lamps, pendants and sconces casts a soft, flattering glow that ties every space together. This home hums with life and endless charm, proof that the heart of a house is really the family who calls it home.

Read more: Anchored in history and tradition, this Chennai home by Sunita Yogesh is an urban reverie come to life