In the heart of Bengaluru, Masego, a 5000 square foot, three-storey bungalow, offers a breathtaking fusion of creativity, culture, and artistic expression. Designed by Chestnut Storeys for a classical Bharatnatyam dancer, this exquisite residence, named after the Tswana word for ‘blessings,’ reflects the ethos of joy, serenity, and heritage in every corner, making it a bespoke sanctuary.
Project Name: Masego A Symphony of Cultural Threads and Strokes of Art
Studio Name: Chestnut Storeys
Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Area (in sqft): 5,000 sq ft
Principal Designer/s: Farah Agarwal
Photographer: Nayan Soni
The space is more than a house; it’s a character-filled creative studio where rich colors, natural light, elaborate patterns, and cultural diversity all coexist together. With its design rooted in the homeowner’s love for dance and culture, the project beautifully combines modern functionality with artistic sensibility, offering a celebration of life through the lens of design. Bursts of colour give each space a cheerful dimension.
Every element of the design, including the elaborate floor tiles, tabletops, and wallpaper with watercolor splashes, is carefully interlaced with ethnic motifs. When combined with contemporary and custom furniture, these components give each space depth and individuality. The furniture itself is a carefully curated mix of function and artistry, from plush, comfortable seating to statement pieces like light fixtures and uniquely designed cupboards that serve as artistic centrepieces. Each piece, from artwork to fabrics, is chosen to celebrate ethnic diversity, combining colorful patterns and whimsical details to give the spaces a strong feeling of coherence.
The bungalow’s design goes beyond aesthetics, instilling the space with a deep link to the owner’s background and artistic passion. This is especially visible in the large open-air dance hall on the uppermost floor, which is bathed with light and furnished with vintage wooden furniture. These finely preserved furnishings pay tribute to a rich cultural history while also functioning as useful space components. Encapsulating the dancer’s love for her art, the design provides an idyllic space where she can practice her craft amidst the comforts of home.
The ground floor establishes an air of understated grandeur, beginning with a grand entrance where cold tones of cement and marble contrast with lush vegetation. The traditional Mangalore tiles on the roof provide a nostalgic warmth, while subtle elements such as a wooden bench and bird’s nest-inspired seating offer appealing moments of calm. Inside, the foyer greets visitors with textured striped walls and vibrant green artwork that evokes a forest-like atmosphere. The formal living room, which extends this area, oozes sophistication with lively greys and blues highlighted by antique brass dance sculptures, velvety turquoise sofas, and colorful accents.
The exquisite garden bar area features a glass pergola, creating an inviting oasis with comfortable armchairs. Offering a spacious balcony deck, the first floor is adorned with greenery and a suspended swing, further bridging the connection between the indoors and outdoors, enhancing the home’s organic flow.
The lounge, which is adjacent to the formal living space, seamlessly transitions into a sophisticated bar area surrounded by a glass pergola. A jewel-green marble bar takes center stage, surrounded by wooden decking and lush flora. This area provides an ideal environment for relaxing evenings under the stars, combining luxury and nature. To the left of the entrance, the home theater offers a sumptuous sanctuary complete with giant leather armchairs and a drum set, ideal for both film experiences and spontaneous jam sessions.
Further in the home, the dining room captures attention with its substantial marble table and jewel-toned dining chairs. The room is elegantly illuminated by a pendant lamp, while a vibrant, stencilled credenza brings artistry to the space. The open kitchen, with its sleek black island and floral high chairs, offers a stylish yet functional hub for casual meals.
The guest bedroom showcases natural materials and ethnic charm, with a wooden headboard and Moroccan-patterned chest of drawers. Geometric-patterned rug brings the design elements of the room together, creating a warm and inviting space. The powder room, hidden behind the staircase, impresses with its vintage elegance and playful watercolour motifs.
Ascending to the first floor, with a bright yellow couch confronting a TV set amid whimsical teal accessories, the family area is a riot of color and vitality. Through colorful artwork and a Vishnu figure that gives the vibrant space an artistic touch, the room honors Tamil tradition. The office area, which is next to the lounge, provides a calm and motivating work environment with lots of windows letting in the beautiful flora. The master bedroom is a calm haven where soft textures and muted colors blend with botanical wallpaper and wooden panel stripes to create a pleasing harmony between simplicity and brightness.
The children’s rooms continue the theme of intentional design. Reminiscent of Nordic design, the son’s bedroom features deep blue accents and soothing neutrals to create a sophisticated yet tranquil space. The daughter’s bedroom is fanciful and eclectic with its jewel-toned four-poster bed, floral wallpaper, and fun patterns. The bathroom is equally colorful and unusual.
Outside, the first-floor balcony deck offers a serene escape, featuring a suspended swing and lush greenery that invite moments of calm reflection. A yellow spiral staircase winds up to the terrace, where the dance studio, designed for both practice and relaxation, takes on a life of its own. Decorated with ethnic wooden furniture and antique decor, the terrace dance space serves as a focal point and shrine to the dancer’s roots and her artistic journey.
Masego is an architectural paragon that seamlessly combines function, culture, and artistry. Every element of this home reflects the personality of its owner, offering not just a place to live, but a haven for creativity and expression. This abode is a true celebration of design, where each room tells a story, and the entire home resonates with the vibrant spirit of its inhabitant.
