A home often marks the first chapter of a shared journey. For this young couple, it became a canvas for a new beginning. They wanted the space to feel fresh and energetic, yet have a calm ambience.
Project Name: Sakura
Studio Name: Ikigai Studio
Location: Pune
Completion Year: 2025
Area: 2400 sqft
Photographer: Sagar Mandal (studio colourblind)
Ar. Anuja Marudgan approached with neutral surfaces as the base, creating a subtle backdrop, then layered in bold wallpapers and curated objects that stand out. The design reflects youth and subtle energy, with clean furniture lines that hold the space together.
The balance is felt from the very first step inside. Cream-toned walls with soft panel mouldings create a gentle rhythm, a pause before the home unfolds. A black console anchors the centre, its surface lit by the warm glow of sconces on either side. Above it, abstract artworks align with the console, tying the composition together.
From here, the eye is drawn forward to the living room, where a book-matched marble wall
takes centre stage. Its dramatic veining is held in place by walnut shelves, each surface curated with objects that soften the bold stone. Opposite, a curved panel introduces intimacy, its lines balancing the geometry of the space. Custom sofas in boucle and linen textures gather around, their rounded edges inviting conversation and ease. Light filters through sheer curtains, falling across marble floors traced with subtle inlay patterns that guide your steps through the room.
Just a few steps ahead, the dining area is the signature space of the home. Sculptural
chandeliers cascade in arcs above the table, like strings of pearls draped carefully in space. The white marble tabletop glows beneath their light, its surface punctuated by black accents that echo throughout the serene palette.
As you enter the private spaces, the media room sets a cosy mood. Walls in a deep shade of
navy are panelled, with vertical grooves adding subtle texture. The ceiling is adorned with
patterned wallpaper, its cornice detailing blending classic craftsmanship with a modern touch. A cognac sofa anchors the room, paired with a brass arc lamp that casts gentle pools of light. Designed also as a home office, a timber desk sits naturally within the cocooned envelope, inviting both focused work and quiet contemplation.
Beyond, the home unfolds into two master bedrooms, each with its own character. The first, conceived as a parents’ retreat, is calm and understated. White walls with the lightest touch of moulding keep the backdrop simple, while the bed, framed with panels, adds definition to the space without overwhelming it. A study table beside the side table offers a quiet corner for work. Opposite, painted vertical battens, floating ledges, and arched walnut niches add rhythm and break the straight lines, while a panelled TV unit in PU and veneer mirrors the room’s understated elegance.
The second master bedroom welcomes you with a sense of calmness in every corner. “This is my favourite space. I call it the ‘Ikigai Room,’” says Anuja. The walls bloom with cherry
blossoms, their branches carrying the gaze across the room. Open timber shelving, framed by a semi-circular arch, displays collections gathered from travels, turning memory into a living narrative. The bedback mirrors the TV wall, which stretches to the window and doubles as a study table. Twin ribbed pendants hang above the study and bedside, casting a focused, soft glow.
A few steps further, the guest bedroom greets you with a sepia-toned mural of a village scene stretching across the wall behind the bed, drawing the eye into its depth. Timber wainscoting grounds the space, while pendant lights drift above, casting soft pools that shift through the day. Neutral upholstered furnishings add warmth and invite touch, giving the room a tactile sense of comfort.
Sakura lingers in memory like a quiet story, each detail and personal touch reflecting a new
beginning. Every corner offers comfort, intimacy, and a sense of belonging. For this young
couple, it is a canvas for living, a reflection of their journey, and a space that balances energy and calm while capturing the warmth and serenity that make a house a home.
