An ode to abundance of heritage

Attirail borrows colours and motifs from South India for a Hyderabad home

22 Oct 2025

What unfolds when you throw in unhinged creativity, maximalism, bold colours and layered prints into the (design) mix? The question is best answered by Purva Agrawal, founder and creative director of Attirail, who’s whipped up a design storm — the really good kind — in her latest residential project nestled in the heart of Hyderabad, all in a span of eight months and five site visits!

“We worked virtually for months, piecing together fabrics, flooring, art and furniture. We then pulled it all together quickly, so that my client in her last trimester, could see her second home before returning to her hometown,” reveals Purva. The homeowner, Sahithya, knew exactly what she wanted. “A maximalist home that carried everything we do best at Attirail: colour, print, layered emotion, but with a distinctly South Indian twist,” adds Purva.

"She brought in vintage carved panels for the Mandir and antique pillars sourced during her travels, and we built the design around these heirloom pieces, allowing the home’s story to grow from her own memories and finds.”

- Purva Agrawal, Attirail

The dining area is where one gets to witness the best of both worlds — a heritage, old-worldly charm marries new-age allure. The dining chairs are from Magnolia Home, and the dining table from Cretekala Wall, lights are from Home Canvas, chandelier is from The Hesperus Store, artwork from K.R.Santhana Krishnan ( Doorpaintings.com), ceiling colour from Asian Paints X172 Jaipur Safari and the decals are from The Hyden Art; Photography by Kuber Shah

Soulful spaces

If eyes are truly the windows to the soul, the main door certainly is of a home. Precisely, in this home. A hand-painted tile border by Shibani, sets the tone for the abundant artistry that follows. The dining room comes a close second, with a careful consideration of design elements like a mustard ceiling with delicate decals, paired with a mustard-finish dining tabletop and sink.

A custom Santhanam artwork placed in accordance to the homeowner’s wishes, anchors the room. The mandir and bedrooms — parents’, brother’s and the master — are wrapped in interesting elements, thoughtfully executed, vying for attention. And, rightly so.

Wrapped in a warm, traditional aesthetic, the parents’ bedroom meshes print and colour with a volley of heavy wooden design elements like a wooden-framed bed, a classic wooden nightstand. The furniture is from Magnolia Home, blinds from Cottons & satins, wallpaper from Kalakaari Hath, hanging light from Oorja, cushions from Altrove and Santuary Living, the living bedding is from Altrove and throw from Sanctuary Living, flooring from Bharat Flooring Tiles; Photography by Kuber Shah

Love is in the details, and perhaps some old-world charm, as evidenced in the parents’ bedroom. The furniture is from Magnolia Home, while the Blind fabrics are from Cottons & Satins Wallpaper from Kalakaari Hath, the wall light from Fos lighting, Cushions from Altrove and Santuary Living, runner rug from Aadyam Handwoven, the bedding is from Altrove, throw from Sanctuary Living, and flooring from Bharat Flooring Tiles; Photography by Kuber Shah

A vision led by the heart

It’s one thing to be crystal clear about what you want out of life, and another to have unflinching faith in the process. It was a beautiful mix of both in this case, as the founder of the studio reveals how invested her client was from get-go.

“From the very first conversation, it was about creating a space that felt unapologetically personal. She brought in vintage carved panels for the Mandir and antique pillars sourced during her travels, and we built the design around these heirloom pieces, allowing the home’s story to grow from her own memories and finds,” she outlines.

Traditional Indian sensibilities meet modern refinement. And, the result? A master bedroom that emanates warmth, with an elegant design language that’s enhanced by understated contemporary accents; Photography by Kuber Shah

Playground of passion

A deep-seated proclivity towards heritage South Indian homes seeps through the aesthetic lexicon of this home, interpreted through Attirail’s lens of layered pattern, curated objects, and spaces that don’t just feel alive, but also deeply lived in. A sense of groundedness quietens the space steeped in deeper tones, terracotta panelling and floral wallpapers.

Interestingly, this is a home that serves as a shining example of spaces that are shaped by trust — when carried out even from a distance — can brim with personality and intimacy.

The result? A space that sees a deep exploration of dreams, and love for heritage and calculated whimsy come to life.