Houzz Tours
Chennai Houzz: Comfort Drawn in Lean, Clean Lines
SLA - Sai Lakshmi Architects creates a cosy haven customised to a T for two generations
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple and their son
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Year built: 2004
Size: 75 square metres (807 square feet); 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
Principal architect: Sai Lakshmi of SLA - Sai Lakshmi Architects
Photos by Yash R. Jain
When it came to designing this 2-BHK apartment, Sai Lakshmi, founder and principal architect of her eponymous architecture firm, SLA - Sai Lakshmi Architects, was tasked with creating a design scheme that catered equally to two generations.
“The brief called for easy movement, comfortable seating and minimal decor. At the same time, the language had to fulfil the son’s preference for a modern, clean-lined aesthetic. We managed to combine these varied sensibilities into a cohesive aesthetic under a tight two-month timeline, in spite of all the COVID-related delays,” says Sai Lakshmi.
Who lives here: A couple and their son
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Year built: 2004
Size: 75 square metres (807 square feet); 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
Principal architect: Sai Lakshmi of SLA - Sai Lakshmi Architects
Photos by Yash R. Jain
When it came to designing this 2-BHK apartment, Sai Lakshmi, founder and principal architect of her eponymous architecture firm, SLA - Sai Lakshmi Architects, was tasked with creating a design scheme that catered equally to two generations.
“The brief called for easy movement, comfortable seating and minimal decor. At the same time, the language had to fulfil the son’s preference for a modern, clean-lined aesthetic. We managed to combine these varied sensibilities into a cohesive aesthetic under a tight two-month timeline, in spite of all the COVID-related delays,” says Sai Lakshmi.
The main door opens directly into an invisible intersection between the living and dining areas, anchored by the wall opposite the entrance, which features fluted wooden panels with a mirror centerpiece. A stone-finish console underpins the mirror.
“This wall stands in for the foyer, giving visitors a fitting first impression,” says Sai Lakshmi.
Flooring throughout the house: Toe On; paint: Asian Paints
Want an awe-inspiring entrance? Explore these earthy and modern foyer design ideas
“This wall stands in for the foyer, giving visitors a fitting first impression,” says Sai Lakshmi.
Flooring throughout the house: Toe On; paint: Asian Paints
Want an awe-inspiring entrance? Explore these earthy and modern foyer design ideas
To the left of the main door is the living room characterised by neutral shades. Sofas in tan and grey compose the seating layout, while a wooden floor underpins the area. A paired set of brass and marble coffee tables take the centre of the room, while pops of verdure in the corners add grace and vitality.
Living room sofas: Woodenstory
Have a tiny living room? Boost its social skills with an appropriate furniture layout
Living room sofas: Woodenstory
Have a tiny living room? Boost its social skills with an appropriate furniture layout
The dining area is situated to the right of the main door. The minimalist marble-top dining table is surrounded by tufted grey chairs on three sides and a tan bench on the fourth. A mirrored grid wall backdrops the setting, reflecting the light cast by a pair of globe-cluster pendant lights. A white-and-brass crockery cabinet flanks the setting on one side.
Find an interior designer on Houzz to give new life to your home
Find an interior designer on Houzz to give new life to your home
“The dining room had almost zero natural light to start with. We treated this space with an array of reflective surfaces to amplify the light,” notes Sai Lakshmi.
Dining table is custom-made; dining chairs: Woodenstory; pendant lights: Voylite
Browse through more photos of inspiring modern dining rooms on Houzz
Dining table is custom-made; dining chairs: Woodenstory; pendant lights: Voylite
Browse through more photos of inspiring modern dining rooms on Houzz
Serene hues define the kitchen in the way of sea-green lower cabinetry and a misty-blue herringbone backsplash. The brass hardware and white upper cabinetry echo the cool palette.
To the left of the dining room is the master bedroom, where an earthy palette prevails. The taupe upholstered headboard is backgrounded by shimmery brown curtains. Natural-grain wooden nightstands bracket the bed on either side.
Furnishings: Furnishing Touch
Here are four steps to getting the lighting right in today’s multi-functional bedroom
Furnishings: Furnishing Touch
Here are four steps to getting the lighting right in today’s multi-functional bedroom
The son’s bedroom, located to the right of the dining room, is ruled by dark grey, which appears on both the walls and the furnishings. “The son is a young boy fresh out of college. He was clear about the look he wanted. It had to be dark grey and masculine, and comfy at the same time,” says Sai Lakshmi. A brown upholstered headboard provides an organic offset to the deep-toned shell.
To the right of the bed a ladder-style book stand and woven cane chair present a cosy reading nook.
Furnishings: Furnishing Touch
Read more:
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Tell us:
What did you like most about this home? Tell us in Comments below.
Furnishings: Furnishing Touch
Read more:
Ahmedabad Houzz: An Example of Abiding Elegance & Ageless Design
Mumbai Houzz: A Pastel Paradise of Playful Shapes, Restful Spaces
Tell us:
What did you like most about this home? Tell us in Comments below.