Glimpses of Rajasthan framed in Bengaluru

Babita Sharma of StylemyKona creates an endearing capsule of tradition and cultural motifs

26 Mar 2025

Endless sand dunes echo the passage of time as the sun sets over in the city of Rajasthan. Sun-drenched forts and mystic havelis stand as silent storytellers, their secrets etched into the soft blush of sandstone.

But this story isn’t about Rajasthan.

This is about a penthouse in Bengaluru that evokes the same, endearing spirits of heritage, tradition and craftsmanship. Designed by StylemyKona this 4,800 sq ft home carries the richness of impeccable craftsmanship in every detail. “The homeowners, originally from Rajasthan, wanted meaningful reflections of their roots. To honour this, we incorporated Rajasthani-inspired details throughout the home,” explains Babita Sharma, founder of StylemyKona.

“The homeowners, originally from Rajasthan, wanted meaningful reflections of their roots.” — Babita Sharma, founder of Stylemykona

Amidst nature’s quiet rhythm

A pale-blue feature wall, borrowing a touch of East Asian art, comes alive in the foyer with hand-painted chinoiserie motifs. This delicate and timeless design is further elevated by three-dimensional metal birds that take flight across the wall and ceiling. “The theme and mood of this beautifully designed penthouse revolve around a harmonious blend of nature-inspired elegance and artistic sophistication,” adds Babita.

A muted colour palette envelops the living area, while carefully chosen customised upholstery adds subtle pops of colour. Ceiling light from Claymango and wall light fixture from Whispering Homes; Styled by Babita Sharma, Photography by Soul and Fuel

Beyond the foyer, a vast expanse unfolds, connecting the dining area, formal living, bar and kitchen. Nina Campbell’s Foret finds its perfect home in the dining room, where hand-painted artwork sweeps across the walls in an L-shaped composition. Every piece of furniture has been lovingly built by StylemyKona. Intricate carvings embellish the dining chairs, table, and side table, each showcasing an extraordinary level of detail.

Sculpted perfection

Most living rooms lean into convention; polished and primed for entertaining. This one, however, thrives on a certain quiet grandeur. With soaring 22-foot walls, the formal living hosts a striking, embossed pop artwork, stretching across the expanse of the wall in a symphony of dual-toned textures. Its subtle undulations catch the light just so, creating an interplay of shadow and sheen that shifts with the day. French-style wall lights punctuate the space, their soft glow pooling over surfaces, lending a kind of lived-in elegance to the room. The seating, an orchestration of contrasts, is both indulgent and restrained. A muted emerald-green leather sofa sits with custom armchairs, meticulously designed down to the last seam, whispering a kind of luxury best experienced in the warmth of good company.

Crafted for contemplation

Wearing a design language of its own, the kitchen embraces a modern look, where a bold black and beige palette unifies the space. Once a confined space, it now lets in light with walls removed and a sleek breakfast counter seamlessly integrating it with the living area. On the other end of the living room, the staircase, a sculptural presence in the heart of the home, ascends gracefully to the private quarters. Beneath its sweeping form, tucked like a well-kept secret, sits the sage green bar—an elegant nod to French refinement. Upstairs, the private spaces unfold in a lulling melody of comfort and character. The first-floor living room, a more intimate extension to its grand double-height counterpart below, is truly a retreat in every sense.

An elegant staircase with wooden banisters sits in the living room, where sunlight floods through the large windows; Styled by Babita Sharma, Photography by Soul and Fuel

The black balusters, first tracing the staircase, continue their journey into the partition beside the bar, culminating in the finely crafted handles of the crockery unit. Chair by Stylemykona with upholstery by Rohini Furnishings; Styled by Babita Sharma, Photography by Soul and Fuel

Tradition in a new light

The bedrooms in this penthouse reflect a delicate balance of heritage and modernity, each thoughtfully designed to suit the homeowners’ lifestyle. An 18th-century-style dresser, handcrafted in solid wood, anchors the master bedroom, standing against a Rajasthan-inspired wallpaper that pays homage to the homeowner’s roots. In the son’s bedroom, a calming palette of warm wood and soft greys shapes the study area, while an elongated bay window doubles as a reading nook and relaxation spot. The daughter’s bedroom charms with its playful bubble-gum pink hues. Designed for the family’s young daughter, a budding artist and music enthusiast, the challenge lay in crafting a multifunctional space within a compact footprint. “Our favourite and most creatively fulfilling space — our ‘kona (corner)’— was the daughter’s room,” Babita shares. “She wanted a pink-themed room, which we balanced with green accents for a fresh, timeless experience,” she adds.

A living canvas

“The living room is designed to feel open and bathed in natural light, thanks to the 22-foot glass façade that connects the interiors to the breathtaking lake views outside” explains Babita. Helmed by Babita Sharma’s vision for a minimal aesthetic and a neutral palette, the home fosters a quiet dialogue between Rajasthan’s rich heritage and global design influences. The expanse of glass frames the ever-changing poetry of the lake, shaping the materiality and mood of the home by the hour, turning it into a living canvas.