As day breaks, the rays of the sun stream into a newly-renovated home in the Alwarpet neighbourhood of Chennai, the many corners bathed in a soft glow of light. This is the story of a family’s ground-floor apartment, spanning twenty years of existence, which once received little to no natural light. Entrusting The Design Shop, finally a Scandinavian dwelling was reimagined for the family of four, prioritising aesthetics and function in equal measures.
Dubbed The Summer House, Keerthika Surenthar and Kishore Rajasekar of The Design Shop decided to transform the original 1,800 sq ft canvas of this four-bedroom home into a better outlined and spacious 2,000 sq ft three-bedroom home.
In the embrace of daylight
Upon entering the foyer, one is greeted by a wooden swing, a quintessentially Indian touch to the otherwise Nordic-inspired space. Light flows across the passage, guiding one into the dining area. Here, one is immediately intrigued by the unique accent pieces including the designer light fixture and fluted wall panelling with a storage for crockery.
On one side, the wash area not only provides functionality but also serves as a unique source of ventilation. Adjacent to it, pebbled mirrors add a whimsical touch and guide one’s sight to the combined living space, which is simple and functional. It consists mainly of moveable furniture to maximise air circulation within the limited space.
Towards the left is a niche wall storage that adds an artsy touch to the space. An interesting feature of the living area is the floor-to-ceiling vertical opening with a wooden shutter, integrated into the TV unit wall, which creates a captivating play of light and shadow.
Towards the right, a mud wall studded with artwork adds an earthy texture to the room and is an entryway to other areas of the home. The kitchen is a simple yet functional space that includes a pantry and utility area. A marble backsplash and a uniquely-textured storage unit create interest.
The office area takes forth the simplicity of the rest of the home, and is a multipurpose space that serves as a storage area.
A personal touch
While each room is tied together by Scandinavian elements, the bedrooms weave the needs of their inhabitants into the aesthetic. The daughters’ bedroom is crafted in shades of pink and mauve. It hosts a bunk bed and floral wallpaper suited alongside warm wooden accents.
The primary bedroom is a modern extension of the Scandinavian theme, characterised by the use of contemporary patterns and ample space. “The primary bedroom holds a special place in our hearts as we made the decision to knock down walls in order to expand the floor space,” explains Keerthika.
The space is divided into distinct areas, including a vestibule entryway, a walk-in closet, a toilet, and a deck area. A salient feature is a bi-folding door that acts as a movable barrier and can be opened up as desired.
The residence is an embodiment of the prevailing minimal luxury trend. “The home is defined by its simplicity, featuring clean lines and a focus on functionality. The design places emphasis on a carefully curated colour palette and textures, creating a sense of cohesiveness and brightness throughout the space” says Keerthika, summing up her design philosophy.
Also read: This tropical Chennai home by Chestnut Storeys hits the right (pastel) notes
