Pune has a way of leaning towards the indulgent, and the Rao Residence follows suit — a home that moves at its own pace, restrained yet refined in spirit. Conceived by architect Priyanka Ranjekar of her namesake studio, the apartment serves a family split across geographies: the client lives overseas, while his daughter and mother call this space home.
Project Name: Rao Residence
Studio Name: Ranjekar Design Studio
Location of the Project: Mayur Colony, Kothrud, Pune
Carpet Area: 1,440 sq. ft.
Photographer: Architectural Captures by Abhishek Chavhan
Set within one of Pune’s established neighbourhoods, Mr. Rao had a clear brief for his 3BHK apartment. He envisioned a practical layout, pared-down furnishings, and a neutral canvas layered with warm wooden accents. His daughter, however, sought a burst of colour for her own sanctuary — a request that translated into a lively accent that animates her room.
The plan is intentionally open, avoiding unnecessary partitions. The only deliberate spatial pause appears at the entry, where a thoughtfully designed shoe foyer creates a gentle transition into the home. With no natural placement for the main door that ensured privacy, the design team introduced a wooden frame element extending across walls and ceiling to define the threshold. Framed volumes, the architect shares, remain among her most favoured spatial gestures.
Beyond this foyer unfolds a compact living and dining arrangement, furnished by Sanjar Furniture, organised back-to-back with a shared television wall serving both zones. Concealed storage discreetly lines the dining area, while the material language balances softness with structure — tactile finishes offset by slender, sturdier legs. A broad glass opening extends the living space visually into the balcony, where a baby-blue bar unit stands ready to merge with the interior during gatherings.
Throughout the apartment, custom-designed furniture pieces operate as both utility and ornament, sculptural in form and unified across marble flooring sourced from Mohan Marble. Generous windows allow daylight to filter in from morning to evening, lending the interiors a gentle vitality. The aesthetic carries a quiet rawness, subtly reinterpreting nostalgic elements for contemporary living. This dialogue between past and present, the architect notes, is a recurring thread in her work. Fluted detailing — running horizontally and vertically — introduces texture without overwhelming the visual calm. Lighting by Hybec remains restrained, punctuated occasionally by pendants and contemporary wall fixtures layered alongside recessed and ceiling-mounted lights.
In the master bedroom, the bed nestles within a framed niche above, paired with a curved maple backrest below — a rare departure from the designer’s preference for crisp lines and linear compositions. Opposite, wardrobes clad in rough-cut veneer introduce depth and an earthy tactility. Minimal bedside tables and an open ledge above the bed quietly accommodate daily essentials.
The daughter’s bedroom balances disciplined geometry with softened curves, rendered in sage green accents. Wardrobes flank the bed, while a cosy reading corner occupies the window bay, dressed in flowing D’Decor drapes and anchored by a comfortable lounge chair. A recessed wall niche accommodates the bed and chest of drawers, placed in conversation across the room.
Similarly grounded in comfort and practicality, the grandmother’s room reflects a more mature sensibility. Natural materials and ergonomic detailing guide the design — rattan wardrobe inserts, a generously sized side table for ease of access, cushioned support at the backrest, and thoughtfully arranged storage ensure functionality without sacrificing warmth.
The result is a home that does not rush to impress. It is steady, purposeful, and quietly composed — framed not just in timber, but in intention — ready for a life well lived.
