Tucked into a modest footprint of 1500 sq. ft., this residence is a quiet study in warmth, restraint, and tactile storytelling. The home was approached with a budget-conscious mindset, where the goal wasn’t to start from scratch but to thoughtfully layer new interventions with existing elements — making each decision feel rooted, lived-in, and intentional. The outcome is a space that gently unfolds, carrying with it a sense of calm continuity and timeless comfort.
Project Name: A quiet warmth
Studio Name: House of Ukiyo
Location: Bangalore
Year Built: 2021
Project Size (in sq. ft.): 1,500 sq ft
The palette leans into earth tones — think brick, wood, natural greens, and soft neutrals — with an emphasis on materials that feel honest to the touch. Much of the home’s character stems from this material dialogue, where textures do the heavy lifting and ornamentation is kept minimal. At its core, the design channels Indian Contemporary sensibilities — warm, functional, and deeply aware of light, scale, and everyday rituals.
The entrance sets the tone with a custom bench that cleverly hides shoe storage beneath, designed for both pause and practicality. To retain privacy and bring in natural light, a partition of glass blocks was introduced — casting a soft glow into the foyer while obscuring direct views into the living area. It’s a small but impactful gesture that balances openness and discretion.
The living and dining zones are seamlessly connected, both visually and spatially. Anchored by a simple wood-and-textile vocabulary, these spaces invite ease rather than spectacle. Behind the living room sofa, the dining area is framed by a custom wooden arch that highlights a curated artwork — a quiet focal point that helps define the dining space without physically enclosing it.
Stepping into the master bedroom, the tone shifts slightly — more introspective, moody, yet equally airy. A dark wooden headboard with vertical paneling grounds the bed, while layered textiles add a tactile softness. The room balances tone and light skillfully, offering retreat without heaviness.
The children’s bedroom was approached with flexibility and play in mind. Storage was integrated to accommodate a growing collection of toys and books, while a reading nook and open play zone support both creativity and calm. The intent here was to create a space that could evolve — playful, but not overly themed.
Just off the living room, a generous balcony brings in a slice of the outdoors. Wooden plank flooring, reused seating with refreshed upholstery, and clusters of plants turn this space into a breezy retreat. Earthen pots and the rustic floor finish give it a slightly rugged charm. Adjacent to this is a bar counter that opens into the kitchen through a pass-through window — ideal for breakfast, coffee breaks, or evening conversations. The exposed brick façade here became the genesis of the home’s color palette, influencing finishes across rooms.
A smaller but deeply personal corner of the home, the study nook offers a rich, moody contrast. A red velvet sofa with a solid wooden base, grounded by a rattan rug and softened with indoor greens, sits against a backdrop of cement-painted wall — making the space feel cocooned yet calm.
Altogether, this home doesn’t try to impress with volume or flourish. Instead, it draws you in with its quiet layers, restrained details, and the sense that every corner has been considered, used, and loved.
