Grounded with some stardust

Textured surfaces, tech and sculptural moments shape a Pune home by Poonam Akash

18 Jul 2025

If the Flintstones had a thing for contemporary art and smart storage, this would be the home for them. Think exposed stones, sculptural forms and earthy tones, all paired with cutting-edge technology and a curated collection of contemporary art. Spread across 5,500 sq. ft., this Pune home by Poonam Akash features a tech-savvy space where every room doubles as a canvas.

Co-founders and Principal Designers, Poonam and Akash Mehta, crafted this home to reflect the homeowners’ design sentiments: playing with contrasts, resulting in both, style and personality.

"Early discussions were guided by their strong inclination towards contemporary design, cutting-edge technology, and their eclectic art collection, which became central to shaping the interior language of the space" — Poonam and Akash Mehta

A lavish living room unfolds beneath an iconic chandelier by ITA Lamp, with furniture and wall lights from DrawFour; Photography by Kuber Shah

CHERRY ON TOP OF CHARCOAL

The homeowners have a fondness for grey — not just any grey but the cooler kind that pairs poetically with black and blue. Staying true to this preference, Poonam and Akash worked with a modern palette punctuated by the occasional burst of cherry red or burnt orange.

In the pooja room, this accent takes the form of a vibrant couch and in the living, statement art. In other spaces, however, colour becomes more immersive. “In the master bedroom, the palette shifts to soothing tones of beige and white, warmed by wooden flooring,” the duo shares. In the second bedroom, marble finishes replace wooden accents, with a brown and orange headboard becoming the primary source of warmth. Meanwhile, colourful embellishments make their way into the balcony through patterned tiles, adding texture and personality to the space.

The material palette is also carefully curated, with each finish, wallpaper and texture chosen to reflect the ethos of the design. Stone and wood furniture ground the space, while the hand-painted monochromatic wall in the dining room combines art and nature, injecting freshness without disrupting the existing aesthetic. To avoid weighing the space down entirely, the designers strategically place metal accents throughout — their reflective quality visually lightens the home, making it feel larger and airier.

A Sabyasachi Nilaya wallpaper lends the pooja room a rich backdrop; Photography by Kuber Shah

A neutral palette of beige and white is paired with warm wood flooring in the master bedroom; Photography by Kuber Shah

BOLD STATEMENTS

Beyond the metal accents, “the iconic ITA lamp takes center stage on the ceiling, a bold element that instantly commands attention and elevates the space.” Its dramatic presence anchors the home and adds to its sculptural quality. This sense of bold sophistication continues into the den, where a custom bar dado sets the mood for quiet conversations and many late-night pours. Backlit and textured, the stone wall forms a unique backdrop for sleek black cabinetry — a striking interplay of raw materiality and refined technology.

In the monochrome dining room, a statement lamp from ITA Lamp hangs above dining furniture by DrawFour. A custom storage unit and Patagonia marble from Stone Capital add depth, set against floral wallpaper by Digital Wallpapers India; Photography by Kuber Shah

CUE THE CURVEBALL

And just when you think the home has settled into a rhythm of stone and metal, it takes a playful detour. “These moments of surprise, character and contrast define the home’s unique rhythm,” muse the designers. The kids’ room breaks from the script with an astronaut theme and a rocket-shaped storage unit, launching a burst of imagination into the mix. It’s the perfect reminder that even the most curated spaces need room for a little lift-off!