Designed for a family of four, the client wanted a space where each family member has an individual space. They desired for a very light space that feels calm and luxurious, and wherever possible, have green elements. Having a love for entertainment, the owners also wanted a space for leisure.
Project Name: The T House
Studio Name: Studio Design Inc
Built-Up Area: 3000 sqft
Completion Date: December 2021
Photo Credit: PHX India
Stylist: Khushboo Khandelwal
The theme of the project was taken from the client’s brief of wanting a serene space. The design of the space evolved from the layout, which had a very low ceiling throughout. To manage this, a striking neutral palette was used in the entire house. A beautiful wall panelling and a series of arches – like arches in arches, both small and big, are used. The thought behind the arches came up from the plan itself which had several doors, and a strong attempt to disguise them. We played with strong directional pattern in living room in terms of flooring which guides you inwards.
As you enter, there is a striking mirror panelling on the right side. On the opposite, is a beautiful artwork of Shrinathji, by Smitamoksh. The clients are big believers in Srinathji and wanted it to be an integral part of the space itself. The floor is a pure white marble with black marble inlay strips having a directional pattern leading one into the corridor. The archways define the circulation of the space, and dark ash and black inlay panelling defines the arches.
The play in the house is due to the wall texture that is mostly in white. An oak Chevron linear panelling on the wall is designed which leads you further into the living space. Each of these areas are defined by a very strong ash black wooden arch juxtaposed with the Chevron panels.
Light filters in throughout the house all times and there is the sense of green which gives a very calm and at the same time a luxurious feeling. The highlighting factor in the space is a beautiful white mist marble which has been fluted as the entire backdrop.
The design is essentially kept very light and white. Elements of nature in terms of material is included by the use wood flooring and marble. The furniture and certain key elements take cues from the idea of deep green, which is also reflected in the form of plants. A striking chandelier, which is based on a tropical design, is the highlight of the entire space. A carpet, which is from Cocoon rugs having a splash of green in it, elevates the space.
The living and dining spaces are kept airy as well as fluid in a manner that people can move around. There is a small study which opens up again into public space from the living room area which is a place for anyone from the family. From the living room there is an ash black door which leads you into the guest room.
The guest room is also designed as a light and airy space, but has hints of Indian elements in it. A beautiful black wood poster bed acts as highlight here along with a cane chair. This poster bed is in the shell with concrete wall on all sides. The ash black veneer becomes a continuous theme in the space, and in every area and aspect of the house. A splash of colour in the form of Indian textiles, cushion covers and furnishing add vibrancy. The dining space is flanked by a black metal unit, which is inserted into the black ash veneer wall to display curios and also acts as the dining console. Overall, the space is very clean and minimalistic.
The passage further leads you into the family den. The strong, black ash and veneer continues here along with a deep blue leather backdrop and a tan sofa. It is the place where a single person can enjoy a cup of tea in the morning or read the newspaper with a view of Banganga. Behind ash veneer paneling is a sliding folding bar for the family to entertain, which has been concealed.
There are three bedrooms in the house. The master bedroom is essentially a pure white space. The highlight of this room is a beautiful green amazonite marble which forms the backdrop with hints of brass. This space is high on the idea of a green tropical theme for all the furnishings. The artwork here, too, follow a strong tropical and biophilic pattern. The corridors are pure white and it has series of family portraits on it. The room is kept very light; a white fluted panelling on the wall gives it the necessary textural quality.
The daughter’s room, again, is a white space. Light grey wardrobes and an oak framed bed which is inserted within. The entire space is clad in white paneling and the furnishings have hints of rust. A beautiful teak mirror with brass elements adorns the space. Overall, elements of nature have been brought in here in terms of colour scheme. The room has a beautiful balcony which overlooks the Banganga area.
In contrast to the other spaces in the house is the son’s bedroom. This space is designed on a heavier note because that was what he wanted. The wall has a very strong black wood paneling, against which is the bed in deep blue. An armchair is placed in the space which is in the same shape, so that blue is the reflection of the sea outside that is seen from his window. An interesting light fixture on the TV wall is used against the armchair, which becomes a very strong element in the space. Again, the ash black theme is used here which is concurrent with the house. The ceilings are all flat in black ash veneer.
Overall a lot of marble is used and a neutral colour scheme with natural elements and a play of wall textures mostly in white.
The family is very religious and spiritual, hence to keep up with this aspect, a brass Chattri has been designed along with a mural of Krishna and the gopis.
The circulation of the entire house is very unclear, which turned out to be challenging while designing. Hence, a lot of panelling was done to disguise spaces. The low height was overcome by designing arches which made the spaces look higher. However, certain areas had to be dropped down to take care of services. With a strict timeline and working with furniture that was available at hand, the entire design was well managed and executed to deliver a space that fit client’s requirement along with design innovation of the team.
