Brown leather sofa from Udaan Furniture, Gurgaon, paired with a marble-top wooden centre table and a Hands Carpet floor rug; Photography by Tarang Goyal

A baroque sanctuary for three

In Noida, a city apartment becomes the canvas for Kirti Dodeja to blend expressions and eras

BY

ELLE DECOR

Distance may stretch across continents, but the idea of home still finds its way back. At a 2,124 sq ft three-bedroom apartment in Noida, Kirti Dodeja of her eponymous firm gives a bare structure echoes of baroque whispers, shaped by the memories of a home once shared by three — a family of parents and their daughter. 

With the daughter now living abroad, the parents see this home as an expression of their creativity and shared sensibilities. Kirti beautifully translates their expressions through a mesmerising design sensibility into each room, rethinking the layered opulence of Baroque palaces, Victorian detailing and Rococo charm by using colour and space strategically to ensure the home feels intentional and never overwhelming.

"Most of the furniture polish matches the wall to give a tone-on-tone feeling. This ensures ornate details without overpowering the visual appeal of the space"

Dining space with a Saharanpur-crafted sofa, chair, and table of Calacatta marble, Tatva cabinet handles, and antique brass switches from SSK Switches; Photography by Tarang Goyal

In subtle details

How does one recreate the grandeur of Baroque and Victorian styles into three bedrooms without making it appear too busy or overwhelming? For the residence in Noida, Kirti approaches this question with a clear vision, weaving two distinct historical periods by judiciously balancing each element into the many sections, spaces and details inside the home. “We paid great attention to the colour and finish of the details. Most of the furniture polish matches the wall to give a tone-on-tone feeling. This ensures ornate details without overpowering the visual appeal of the space,” she states. 

Small, attentive details infuse warmth and individuality. Handcrafted armchairs adorned with deer crowns in the living room are strategically placed against the sheer curtains to safeguard their delicate structure, while the motif subtly reappears on the TV console. These elements foster a subtle conversation between history and emotion, alluding to the personal narrative of a Baroque cabinet of curiosities—  abundant in tales, yet understated in appearance.

Victorian whispers

From the moment you enter, every detail appears intentional: think antique brass-finish switchboards, delicate mouldings and ceiling medallions supporting the hanging lights.

The dining area required a meticulous equilibrium between seating and movement. “It is not grandeur if it hits the wall or you scooch to get inside the table,” remarks Kirti. An L-shaped dining sofa accompanied by two loose chairs sophisticated the marble-clad table with comfort.

The master bedroom showcases a corridor-like passage formed by a wardrobe, honouring the homeowner’s saree collection with mirror shutters that visually enlarge the space. A brass-carved mirror and a peg table at the end create an area for last-minute touch-ups, while the bed is now faced towards the balcony, and a retractable television that emerges only when necessary.

The daughter’s bedroom feels like a thoughtful revelation. It harmonises intricate detailing and functionality. The bathroom door is integrated into wall mouldings, and a study that doubles up as a dresser as well as a television console optimises the room’s utility. Even fire-extinguisher pipelines are cleverly hidden within the ceiling cornices, blending aesthetics with practicality.

Bedside drawer crafted by a local Saharanpur vendor, paired with Bianca Lasa and Nero Saint Laurent marble flooring, and a Corsica Designs brass mirror; Photography by Tarang Goyal

Colour theory

Ubiquitous shades of white on the walls and furniture allow intricate details to stand out without overwhelming the area. Traditional browns, such as the tan leather sofa, are minimised to promote a seamless flow, while wood-appearing tiles are embedded in place of timber for easier maintenance. High skirtings enhance proportion, and the master bedroom features a combination of self-print and tropical wallpapers for a hint of drama.


When asked about her favourite part of the house, Kirti states, “A few of my favourites are the flushed door details in the master bedroom and the wall mouldings in the daughter’s bedroom.” 

Multifunctional furniture in the daughter’s room: TV console cum dresser cum study table, flooring by Kajaria; Photography by Tarang Goyal
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