Serenely Khoob-Surat

Blending heritage and indigenous luxury, Neogenesis+Studi0261 redefines minimalistic living

04 Apr 2025

At its core, this home is a love letter to timeless minimalism and indigenous luxury. It stays true to the belief that great design isn’t about excess, it’s about intention. Brought to life by Neogenesis+Studi0261, this 6,200 sq ft gem in Surat, Gujarat reflects the personality of its homeowners. From the very first conversation the goal was clear — to create a space that felt luxurious but never loud, personal but never overwhelming. Every detail had to tell a story weaving together tradition and modernity in a way that felt like a personal signature rather than a showpiece.

A space that speaks without words

When the homeowners sat down with the designers they weren’t looking for just another plush, picture-perfect apartment. They wanted a home that resonated with who they were — a sanctuary wrapped in sophistication but stripped of excess.

“While the overarching theme is understated luxury with minimalism, there is a playful experimentation with textures, art, and indigenous materials ensuring each room has its distinct character while staying cohesive.” — Ar. Chinmay Laiwala, Ar. Jigar Asarawala and Ar. Tarika Asarawala

A teak dining table with quartzite marble meets beige linen chairs in perfect tonal harmony; Italian marble floors, textured walls and custom pieces add quiet drama; Artwork is featured by Akshar Purusottam Saw Mill; Lights from Littoria Lights and Source Designs; Finishes by Dulux India, ICA Pidilite and MRF; Custom brass washbasin by Jay Ambe Fabrication; Furniture by This & That and Dastkari; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

Living, dining and beyond

The journey begins at the entrance foyer setting the tone with leathered sandstone walls, a black polished wood-cut artwork and a striking brown mirror backdrop. It’s an inviting prelude to what’s ahead. The living and dining area is the heart of the home where comfort meets refinement. Plush upholstery, a sculptural coffee table and a teak dining table with a quartzite marble surface come together to create a stunning blend of textures. The room is designed for long conversations, quiet moments and everything in between. Next comes the multipurpose room where bold-patterned shutters make an artistic statement. This space required a delicate balance that took careful consideration.

Bedrooms with character

The parents bedroom embraces tradition with hand-applied Lippan art from Kutch, earthy textures and a raw organic aesthetic. The bathroom is equally striking featuring a rough stone basin and a cast-in-situ bath area. The son’s bedroom takes minimalism and merges it with modernity with the fluid walls, textured finishes and fluted veneer panelling. Woven upholstery and a neutral palette keep it grounded proving that simplicity is anything but boring.

Keeping the ‘fun’ in functional, the kids’ bedroom is a playful space that embraces a clutter-free approach with sleek shelving and thoughtful design choices that let creativity take centre stage.

And last but not the least, whether it’s sipping morning tea, unwinding with a book or indulging in gardening, the deck balcony — a dreamy extension of the home — brings a slice of nature into everyday life.

A sculptural dark wood coffee table brings grounded elegance; Set against Italian marble flooring and artfully textured, paint-finished walls and ceiling, the room unfolds in layers of quiet luxury; Plush furnishings and flowing curtains by Asal pair perfectly with a handpicked carpet from Jaipur Rugs; Italian stone sourced from CMC Stone and Kothari Granite & Marbles adds a timeless foundation; Colours by Dulux India, ICA Pidilite and MRF; Furniture by Dtale Modern, Dastkari, and Akshar Purusottam Saw Mill completes the story; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

A serene foyer seating space framed by an artistic backdrop offers a graceful pause; Italian marble flooring and stone wall cladding blend effortlessly with textured paint-finished walls and ceiling creating a tactile envelope; Artwork by Artifest adds a touch of quiet drama; Stone sourced from CMC Stone, Kothari Granite & Marbles and NNG Stone; Furniture by Escape by Creatomy completes the vignette with sculptural ease; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

Designing with heart: A philosophy in action

The colour palette is a soothing mix of earthy tones, soft neutrals and rich wood textures creating a space that feels both elevated and inviting. Sustainability is a part of the home’s DNA — whether it’s the use of raw stone basins, woven upholstery or eco-conscious craftsmanship like Lippan art which uses a natural mud and cow dung mixture. The deck balcony doubles as a green sanctuary proving that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.

The joys and challenges

On the flip side the multipurpose room proved to be a challenge, striking the right balance between artful and a space that still felt functional was no small feat. But in the end the result speaks for itself — a home that’s as refined as it is inviting.

More than a home, a living canvas

Every inch of this Surat apartment has been carefully curated to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary sensibilities. It’s not about trends or fleeting styles — it’s about creating a home that feels right.

Every element from the earthy Lippan art to the sleek quartzite surfaces is intentional, thoughtful and deeply personal. It’s proof that design isn’t about following trends, it’s about creating a space that reflects the people who live in it and that’s what makes it truly special.