Oak, ebony and everything in between

This Bengaluru home by Kinaaya Design Studio savours nostalgia and old-world classics

20 Mar 2025

Just before the busy lanes of Koramangala in Bengaluru give way to its quieter, tree-lined enclaves, a home stands as a quiet tribute to nostalgic sentiments. In a city where change hums through its streets and skylines, this 20-year-old apartment redefining old-world classics is a rare find. When the homeowners decided to undertake a full-scale renovation of their three-bedroom home, their vision was clear. A space that felt warm, lived-in and deeply personal, with Kinaaya Design Studio at the helm of it.

A chance encounter

Kanya Samay, Asmita Sinha and Divya Rajiv of Kinaaya Design Studio had, ironically, been introduced to the homeowners long before they even met, courtesy of Kanya’s cousin. “During our first visit to the site, I remember being whisked away mid-conversation to meet her neighbour, which left me puzzled” Kanya who is the Principle Designer at the studio recalls. “Little did I know, I was walking straight into a family connection.”

While a cousin’s recommendation had set things in motion, it was Kinaaya Design Studio’s intuitive understanding of spaces and ability to breathe new life into old homes that truly sealed the deal. The family sought an aesthetic that balanced European influences with an unmistakable Indian soul. Timber beams and sandstone textures ground the space in nostalgia, while soft textiles and collected treasures add character, mirroring the family’s vision.

“The family were particular about using a mix of wood tones to add depth and character, ensuring the space felt layered, organic, and lived-in rather than overly matched” — Kanya Samay

A beautifully connected space, where the foyer, dining area, and kitchen come together; Photography by Nayan Soni

Walking into warmth and whimsy

A long foyer lined with crisp white shaker-style storage cabinets leads you to the living and dining areas. The living room carries hints of mid-century modern design with its linen sofa in soft fawn hues and a wooden coffee table. At the end of the corridor, an arched door peeks into the kitchen.

The foyer opens into a serene dining area, where a custom-designed bookshelf and a pooja unit in rich walnut veneer rest in quiet sophistication. A classic four-seater dining table, crafted on-site, lends themselves to lazy Sunday afternoons and warm dinners.

The backdrop of the dining area holds a story of its own, a custom art piece crafted from a beautiful silk fabric. “The clients and I hand picked it on a rather unexpected adventure to a saree store,” Kanya muses. Echoing moods of old-world romance, lies a dark ebony-hued bar and crockery unit tucked into a niche by the dining area.

Big and little moments

A low, solid-wood floor bed, lovingly restored, becomes the focal point of the master bedroom. The wardrobes are tastefully finished in a different veneer from the rest of the home. Introducing contrast, their shutters feature a delicate interplay of rattan and glass.

The entrance to the bathroom is cleverly concealed within the wardrobe shutters maintaining a seamless facade. The bathrooms feature oakwood vanities, stone flooring, and sharp white subway tiles.

A view of the guest bedroom from the living room with the sliding door open. A ‘Fabindia’ lamp stands in elegance bearing a finely crafted traditional form; Photography by Nayan Soni

The master bedroom features a rich interplay of textures, with veneer-finish wardrobes sandwiched with wicker, bedding from ‘Zarf Studio’, and custom artwork showcasing framed silk fabric; Photography by Nayan Soni

Featuring a rock-climbing wall and ladder, the kids’ bedroom almost doubles as an indoor playground. A custom solid wood and rattan armchair, specially handcrafted by a karigar in Mangalore, is scaled perfectly for a toddler. A charming detail, reminding that even the smallest pieces can carry the weight of nostalgia.

Sanctuaries of craft, comfort and charm

An elegant French country style characterises the kitchen. Earthy wooden cabinets dominate and are balanced by a white pantry storage wall that lightens the space. Brass handles glint subtly, while vitrified tile counters mimicking marble ensure beauty without the maintenance woes.

“The family were particular about using a mix of wood tones to add depth and character, ensuring the space felt layered, organic, and lived-in rather than overly matched,” says Kanya reflecting on the design choices that shaped the home. From light oak to walnut veneers and deep English ebony, the home is an affectionate retelling, perhaps even a whisper of a past life, one that lingers in the grains of the wood, in the warmth of inviting corners, and in the quiet poetry of a space truly lived in.