In this project, classic grandeur and contemporary sensibilities blend seamlessly to create a picturesque abode. Situated in Alipore, one of Kolkata’s most prestigious neighborhoods, this duplex underwent a thoughtful renovation by A Square Designs, led by Ajay Arya. Departing from Arya’s usual contemporary modern style, this renovation provided a refreshing challenge and an opportunity to explore new design possibilities.
Project Name: A classical Home
Studio Name: A Square Designs
Location: Alipore, Kolkata
Photographer: Atul Pratap Chauhan
The goal was to transform the home into a classic space while incorporating essential modern elements. The design team was tasked with repurposing existing furniture and retaining the home’s original essence. The outcome is an airy, luminous haven imbued with old-world charm.
Covering 3000 sq ft, the home reflects the owners’ aesthetic through the design firm’s expert execution. The space is adorned with statement-making elements, including old colonial hand-carved furniture made from teak and rosewood that has been refurbished, reupholstered, and reused. The owners’ collection of decorative art, artifacts, sculptures, and showpieces is thoughtfully displayed throughout the house, with minimal new additions, allowing family heirlooms to shine in various corners.
A classy grey Italian marble floor beautifully highlights the home’s elements, enhancing bright colors while complementing intricate carpets and furniture. These carpets, collected during the owners’ travels in Italy, elegantly enhance both the furnishings and the overall ambiance.
The upper floor features the main formal drawing room, dining room, a powder room, and the master bedroom suite. The main living room opens onto an adjoining staircase and atrium. A cascade of green money plants flowing from the terrace into the staircase atrium and living room enhances spatial flow, creating an indoor-outdoor connection and bringing nature close to the living space. The European-inspired cast iron staircase leads to the living and dining areas.
The living and dining rooms are focal points of the home’s design, showcasing meticulously carved wooden partitions, screens with engraved glass, and hand-carved chairs. The space is adorned with art pieces that infuse a whimsical drama. Wooden cabinets in the living and dining rooms display curios and crystals, including an intricately hand-carved cabinet in the living room filled with Swarovski crystal pieces and a large wooden cabinet in the dining room for crockery and collectibles. An antique grandfather clock and stunning marble and alabaster statues further enhance the elegance.
Art deco elements are prominently featured, with intricately embellished textile artwork, a recreated antique Pichwai painting from Ochre at Home, and paintings by artist Sameer Sarkar creating an eclectic visual feast. The lighting includes timeless pieces, with intricately carved hanging lights and wall brackets sourced from Lalique and Daum.
One of the home’s most charming features is the powder room, which boasts a rainforest wall covering from ARTE and a carved mirror.
The master bedroom, decorated in light colors, is a serene retreat with wood and wicker furniture. A dreamy drapery wall with beautiful wallpaper behind the bed imparts a Zen-like tranquility. The spacious bathroom, featuring an oversized walk-in closet, further enhances the bedroom’s cozy sanctuary feel.
