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Completely different from the master suite is the grandparents’ bedroom, a quietly restful room with a vintage theme in neutral colours. The focal point here is the muted floral wallpaper on the wall that backs the bed. A tufted headboard and bed bench work well with the soft green armchairs in a floral pattern. Brass highlights and simple light fixtures add the finishing touch.
Engineered wood flooring demarcates the sleeping area from the rest of the room. The room boasts wainscot walls with grass-cloth coverings in the panels. A pale-green and gold upholstered bed and bench take centre stage, the tufted headboard, curlicue legs and intricate carvings adding to the luxurious vibe. “The client’s favourite nook features a custom-made porter chair in teakwood and silk suede,” Bansal says. Set beside large windows, the corner overlooks the central courtyard.
Pictured here is the master bedroom, which is completely different from the rest of the home with a pastel-hued Victorian theme, dotted with a few nature-inspired flourishes like the green-leaf central chandelier and wall sconces as well as the lilac flowered rug in the corner. “Each room has its own identity, derived from the personality of its occupants,” Bansal says.
“We designed the architecture of the home to give a sense of unbounded habitation. As you move through the house you get a glimpse of the landscape from every corner,” says Rodrigues. An interesting element to the right of the front door is this parametric bench made from birch ply. Most of the house has marble flooring while the living room and part of the master bedroom have engineered wood flooring. Marble: Stonex IndiaCheck out these cool alternatives to solid wood floors
ShowerA 16-inch rain shower extends from inside the skylight well, reminiscent of a natural outdoor shower. “The crazy, beautiful idea of setting a large rain shower up into the skylight made this bathroom playful and luxurious,” Linnebach says. “It was one of those ‘Can we really do that?’ moments that really excited everyone. We took a risk, and now it’s the homeowner’s favourite feature.”Linnebach added a concealed vent in the skylight well to make sure moisture didn’t get trapped up there.Faux-wood tiles on the shower floor, walls and ceiling create a rich, organic feel without the hassle of maintaining real wood in a wet area. Linnebach meticulously placed each faux-wood tile so it would be almost impossible to spot individual tiles. The slender slat-like tiles on the floor mimic the look of a tatami mat. The other tiles are concrete.Here’s how to weave magic with skylights
A second living area is housed on the upper level. All the furniture in the house was conceptualised specifically for the home. “Mirrors, towel racks, book shelves, vanities, television stands, occasional tables, and nested trays … these were all designed as bespoke objects,” she says.
Sprinklers activated by timers humidify the courtyards, which are planted with ferns, arums (Monsteras), Alocasias, Philodendrons, Raphis palms, Terminalias and other such plant varieties. The entrance is a 16-metre single-span space, free of columns, with a 2.4-metre-high canopy. The sides are bound with vertical wooden pivoting louvres, creating a filter through which the breezes from the main courtyard can flow freely while the sunlight is screened out.
Our country is known for its luxurious traditional rugs. Their look is unique and often reminiscent of a regal, bygone era. Placing such a carpet in a modern space is a bold decision. If your room’s colour palette and furnishings are compatible to this added style, then it is a risk worth taking.The secret to successfully infusing these key traditional elements into a contemporary space lies in using them in strategic spots and in carefully measured doses. Once you are able to contrast and balance the strengths of one style against the predominant aesthetic, you will be able to create a seamless experience in your home.Read more:Take a tour of a contemporary Indian homeDesign musts for an urban Indian apartmentTell us: What kind of Indian decor elements do you love? Discuss in Comments below.
Tip: Stained-glass lanterns or traditional Indian lamps placed in outdoor areas or on centre tables immediately set the right mood.
4. MaterialsIf you have the luxury of designing your own home from scratch and are looking for something that takes the notion of fusion a bit more seriously, then consider using unpolished red brick or exposed cement in select areas, perhaps a key wall or a floor area. These are a few of the most often used materials in Indian buildings and homes, and they mould the space adroitly with an Indian aesthetic.
Traditional Indian crafts and artisans are much celebrated. Their imprint can be found in every nook and corner of the country – from historical sites to homes in small towns to newer cosmopolitan spaces. An engraved wooden door typical to Indian villages, a faux patterned or intricately carved ceiling, semi-permanent temple pillars are some of the many classic representatives of Indian culture and its design ethos. These can be sourced from antique stores or your local chor bazaar and placed strategically inside the home or in outdoor spaces. They will help root a space in the Indian context and will deliciously offset the design language of your home.
Nothing says Indian more than jute blinds with coloured borders. They look great on all types of windows, and simple blinds go a long way in driving home the exotic look. Materials like these immediately add a rustic touch and lend themselves beautifully to a diverse range of interiors.6 Window Treatments That Will Change Your Perspective
1. Motifs. Fabrics. Colours.A quick way to add a dash of India to any space is to bring in the colours, fabrics, and motifs typical to its culture. The country has such a rich history behind its textiles and crafts and each region’s indigenous products have their own very unique identity and look. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the choices that are out there, so it’s better to keep it simple. Consider using handloom textiles, such as the gorgeous Khadi or the exquisite Tasar silk, to upholster your furniture or for throw cushions. Simple cotton fabrics with classic patterns or timeless motifs like paisley can work wonders too, especially on curtains and bed linen.12 Ways Colour Can Energise Your Home
4. Fabric overlaysIndia’s repertoire of fabrics is likely just as vast as the country itself. This ivory bedroom showcases a combination of handloom fabrics that add texture and character to the room. A kalamkari quilt lies juxtaposed with a silk bedspread, and cotton pillow covers in ochre and white line the head of the bed. Look lower to see the pair of homespun khadi rugs; one under the bed and one almost out of sight in the foreground, left. The brown-on-brown palette produces an earthy design statement. Indigenous craft hubs are well represented in this bedroom, offering a keyhole view of India’s artisan culture.The central motif here is the peacock, a bird that is deeply emblematic of India. The theme is brought alive through the wallpaper, with a metal peacock forming a central accent.
7. Adopt a pantryAdding this storage option is the best way to de-clutter your kitchen. Not only will this take the load away from your over-stuffed cabinets but it also provides for greater accessibility to food items. If you do not have enough space for a walk-in pantry, a closet or tall unit would also serve the function rightfully. Read more:5 Kitchen Floor Tiles That Rule the RoostHow to Make Open Kitchens Work in Indian HomesTell us:Show us your modular kitchen. Share your pictures in the Comments below.
1. Go modularA modular kitchen uses ‘modules’ of cabinets and accessories to simplify and maximise usage of space. These modules are readily available in stores and hence, are easy to install and dismantle. High on looks and inch-to-inch functional – a modular kitchen brings in a sleek and contemporary look. It not only makes repair work easy but also lets you clean without a hassle. Say bye bye to clutter!
Build an island or a multipurpose unit: If your kitchen area permits, install an island counter. It can add a large amount of storage area beneath the counter top and can double as a dining table for mealtimes in open kitchen layouts. Even in a traditional format, kitchen islands are a boon. If you do not have space for a separate island, you can add a narrow counter as an extension to your existing counter to maximise both counter space and storage space below. This image shows a dual-duty unit which can serve as a glassware display unit and a breakfast bar.How to Style Up Your Small Kitchen
In the bathroomConsider having a full wall of shelves to store up everything from toilet paper rolls to towels and toiletries. This is an easy option to install – it’s low on cost and very high on value. Just do make sure you use a shelf material that can withstand the humidity and the moisture from this space.
Deep-blue and wood panels take centre stage in the son’s bedroom. A high, winged headboard backs a tan leather-upholstered bed. The false ceiling panels are an interesting and fun design element. “Light reflects off the various angled panels, creating an captivating play of light in the room,” Bansal says. Sectioning this room are the wardrobes, the back of which forms the ‘wall’ behind the bed. Read more:Mumbai Houzz: A City Penthouse Fit for RoyaltyTell us:What did you like the most about this house? Tell us in Comments below.
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