A home’s soul is not measured by its carpet area, but by the love it shelters. For a young
family of four — two IT professionals balancing hybrid work schedules and their two young
daughters — architect Chinmay Huddar and interior designer Vrunda Satarkar of Intraa
Design Studio have crafted a home that brings their dream to life.
Project Name: The Cocoon Home
Studio Name: Intraa Design Studio
Project location: Dhankawadi, Pune, Maharashtra
Built area: 850 sq ft
Date of completion: 20 February 2025
Photographer: Abhishek Chavhan
Christened The Cocoon Home, this 850 sq ft residence in Dhankawadi, Pune challenges the
long-held belief that compact spaces demand compromise. The clients had long admired and noticed the Studio’s work, having once lived in the same colony as Vrunda. So, when the time came to build their first permanent home after years of shifting rentals, they knew exactly whom to trust.
The vision for this home was of a warm, welcoming space where comfort reigned above all.
Their wishlist called for private zones for individual pursuits, functional workspaces for
remote days, and shared areas that encouraged family evenings — all within a modest floor
plate. “The requirement list was big, and the spaces were small, so we converted a few spaces into multipurpose ones,” notes Chinmay.
When brought to life, the apartment’s flourishing views became the catalyst, inspiring a
palette grounded in earth and originality. Inside, lime plaster envelops walls and ceilings in
seamless monolithic strokes, solid wood adds a touch of warmth, Indian white granite and
basalt bring quiet sophistication, while wicker accents and graphic wallpapers introduce craft and play.
At first, the clients — influenced by glossy magazine aesthetics — were hesitant about the
understated yet purposeful design approach. “After a little convincing, they came to
appreciate its value and intent. Today, the completed home carries what we describe as a
very calm feel, where each room flows intuitively into the next,” the architects recall.
At the heart of the home, the living room makes its mark with a custom wicker-base coffee
table and a built-in seating nook that cleverly doubles as storage. Suspended wooden shelves add display space while maintaining an uncluttered aesthetic. The adjoining dining area draws attention with its terracotta accent wall and floating shelves, where wicker details and a sculptural wooden table base prove how craftsmanship can transform everyday objects.
Towards the inside, the master suite continues the design narrative with an upholstered
headboard wall and ceiling-height built-in storage, while the kids’ bedroom becomes the true showstopper. Outfitted with a custom bunk bed and storage-integrated steps, it’s every
child’s dream space, with playful wallpaper adding whimsy to the compact footprint. A study corner with striped wallpaper and floating shelves basks in natural light, balancing function with charm. Thoughtfully chosen brands — Bose for audio, Hybec for lighting, Dorset for hardware — enhance performance without disturbing the home’s serene spirit.
As the adage goes, “You may build a palace with countless rooms, but peace resides in the
one where love dwells.” Intraa Design Studio’s thoughtful design captures this sentiment
with grace, creating a home where warmth, calm, and connection take precedence over scale.
