Sitting in the lap of nature, this Chennai home is a composition of rustic materials, carved surfaces and hints of traditional furniture. You want to run your hands over textures when you stroll around this residence orchestrated by Sushmitha Ramesh, Founder and Principal Architect of The Auburn Studio.
Embodying a profound reverence for crafts and culture while leaning towards contemporaneity, the 4,500 sq ft space is aptly dubbed Rasa, a Sanskrit term for essence or flavour. Sushmitha alongside Project Architect Sandhiya Bharathi and MOAD Architects, were in creative synergy with the homeowner. Sushmitha explains, “At first the owner wanted it to look traditional, but as the project evolved, her preference shifted to a more modern style. This was an exciting challenge but we embraced it with creativity.”
A stunning marble island bar contrasts against a rich walnut wood veneer wall. A vibrant artwork complements the mustard couch, while custom wall hangings and curated antiques add character. The space is further enhanced by a rug from Carpet Kingdom and a light fixture from Oorjaa; Photography by Yash R JainThe curvaceous couch and traditional rattan chairs create an inviting interplay of modern and vintage aesthetics in the living room. Custom wall hangings and antiques infuse the space with character and personal history. Grounding the space is a plush carpet from Carpet Kingdom. The bespoke light fixture is from Oorjaa. The fabrics of the throw cushions are from Asian Paints’ Sabyasachi Collection; Photography by Yash R Jain
Whispers of maximalism
A spatial experience starts right at the foyer, where a verdant courtyard greets you, setting the tone for the rest of the design odyssey. Behind the grand entrance door emerges the living room complete with a gleaming island bar, curvaceous loungers and a low centre table assembled with luminous antiques, exemplifying how modern shapes can breathe life into vintage decor. The softly-ruffled organic light fixture really stands out in the night. “The aim was to create a space that feels lived-in and evolves with time, rather than just following transient trends” Sushmitha explains.
The TV room sports colours and patterns that hold the space together. The walls and ceiling are painted in a soothing muted sage green, while a faded pink couch and vibrant artwork add lively pops of colour, creating a comfortable and engaging space; Photography by Yash R JainAnyone would swoon over the textures in the dining room. The design is eclectic and it has a one-of-a-kind black helical staircase; Photography by Yash R Jain
Grandeur of wood
Moving further, the dining area with its artistic panache beckons with a glamorous handcrafted wooden wall that veils doors leading to the guest room and a powder washroom. An avian light fixture, crafted from cane, sheds its gentle radiance on the dining table.
Speaking of her favourite corner in the house, Sushmitha says, “The dining room wall is a mirage of interconnectedness. It is not only a stunning focal point in the home, but also a clever and functional solution.” Leading up from the dining area to the first floor is a black helical staircase with a strong underpinning. This more intimate level of the home has a TV room, master bedroom, and daughter’s bedroom, which are connected by sprawling passages.
The dining room features a beautifully carved wooden accent wall with cleverly concealed doors leading to the guest room and powder room. To maintain a seamless look, it camouflages the doors, ensuring the wall’s intricate design remains uninterrupted. The bespoke light fixture is from Bamboo Pecker; Photography by Yash R JainA hypnotic black metal staircase ascends to the first floor from the dining area. It stands as a frugal ornament in the dining area that has a beautifully carved wooden accent wall; Photography by Yash R JainA spacious corridor with a view of the central courtyard is finished with slate flooring. Curated artworks and antiques are placed to add a sense of artistry and wonder; Photography by Yash R Jain
Flamboyant first floor
In the TV room, one peeks at a muted sage green wall and an artwork bursting with colours behind an indulgent faded pink sofa. Moving ahead, one of the doors takes you inside an all-beige master bedroom where a magnanimous warm wooden bed coexists with complementing furniture pieces. Next, you pass by the daughter’s bedroom dressed with a tropical hand-painted wall mural and a joyful slide, thoughtfully integrated into the design.
Highlighting the colour and material palette, Sushmitha shares, “I’ve experimented with the concept of “minimal maximalism” balancing bold, muted colours with understated elegance.” Traditional Indian motifs, carved-out walls, walnut wood, black metal accents, velvets and linens, all trickled down in the palette but with a softer touch. Dark slatted flooring and intricately patterned rugs are the unsung heroes of this home. Sushmitha signs off by saying, “The home speaks in the language of warmth and comfort, where every element—from the custom-made furniture to the curated art pieces—contributes to a cohesive yet diverse narrative.”
The master bedroom proves you can have both a contemporary design and a dash of traditional vibes. It exudes elegance and grace with its neutral shades of beige and warm wood elements. All the furniture is custom made; Photography by Yash R JainThe daughter’s bedroom carries forward the walnut wood tones with a whimsical twist, highlighted by a vibrant tropical hand-painted wall mural. A special request from Inara, the slide, was thoughtfully integrated into the design, adding a playful and joyful element to the room. The end result is a charming and imaginative space perfectly suited to her needs; Photography by Yash R JainThe guest bedroom showcases wooden panelling with a custom teal headboard, creating a stylish focal point. The rattan wardrobes in muted beige tone stand out as a key feature, adding a cosy and subtle charm to the room; Photography by Yash R JainThe architectural design is by MOAD Architects; Photography by Yash R Jain
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