Houzz Tours
Chennai Houzz: Farah Agarwal's Home Treasures the Old and the New
Contemporary and antique art pieces bring new life to the 25-year-old home of the founder of Chestnut Storeys
Houzz at a glance
Who lives here: Farah Agarwal and her family
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Size: 650 square metres (7000 square feet); 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms
Interior designer: Farah Agarwal, founder, Chestnut Storeys
Photographs by: Ishita Sitwala
When Farah Agarwal, founder of Chestnut Storeys, set out to renovate her home, she was quite sure she did not want to alter the bones of the house by making civil changes. Her idea was to breathe new life into the old 25-year-old structure through “art, structured design, idiosyncratic arrangements and meaningful colour schemes”.
Who lives here: Farah Agarwal and her family
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Size: 650 square metres (7000 square feet); 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms
Interior designer: Farah Agarwal, founder, Chestnut Storeys
Photographs by: Ishita Sitwala
When Farah Agarwal, founder of Chestnut Storeys, set out to renovate her home, she was quite sure she did not want to alter the bones of the house by making civil changes. Her idea was to breathe new life into the old 25-year-old structure through “art, structured design, idiosyncratic arrangements and meaningful colour schemes”.
This home is a treasure trove of art and artefacts, a fact that is obvious right at the entrance, where an oversized metal light fixture that is a veritable art installation greets visitors.
The living room is a vast playground for a variety of art. The walls are an off-white and the colour palette is subtle, allowing the works of art to take centre stage.
A neutral-toned mosaic torso stands regally in a corner while an imposing mirror in a baroque frame visually doubles the space.
Discover 7 ways how mirrors make your home look bigger
Discover 7 ways how mirrors make your home look bigger
The other end of the living room boasts an Art Deco flower bust by artist Venkat Bothsa, a Paresh Maity painting on the wall behind, with an abstract design in relief next to it. The eclectic collection creates a vibrant space, tied together harmoniously by the ruling neutral palette.
A red wall showcasing a stunning trompe l’oeil serves as the perfect foil to an intricately carved cabinet in wood.
The dining room is host to a large red dining table flanked by warm russet chairs. A dry branch adorns the wall, offering an elemental touch to the room, which accords with the dramatic side boards.
A pair of globular cage pendants, framed by the arched doorway, impart a curvilinear gentleness to the elegant setting.
In the informal living room just off the dining room, every eye will be caught by the statue of a yali – a mythical beast often portrayed in South Indian temples. The shades of dark wood displayed in the furniture are tied together to the plush lounger.
A statement rug in monochrome runs almost the entire length of the room.
Find out how to choose the right rug for your home
Find out how to choose the right rug for your home
The flowing design of the modern bar unit is juxtaposed with miniatures from the Mughal era adorning the wall nearby.
On the first floor landing is the family room that was created around the concept of comfort and fun. Deep tan sofas and emerald-green walls are anchored by a luxurious animal skin rug. A playful bronze statue overlooks the sombre works of
Bibhu Nath lining the walls.
Bibhu Nath lining the walls.
The master bedroom is a cosy haven boasting a subtle yet elegant colour palette, topped by the tufted bed with a lush grey headboard and a rich carpet underfoot.
A set of art works by Preetha Kannan fit perfectly above the bed and in between the oversized wall lamps.
The son’s bedroom is filled with natural light that illuminates the royal blue of the walls. Agarwal says, “The suspended bed makes for a quirky yet practical addition, freeing up more space around the room.” The blue Bandana Kumari painting adds an edgy touch to the room.
A smart minimalist study table sits strategically just below the wall-to-wall windows.
The daughter’s bedroom has a Victorian-esque flavour with a large metal four-poster bed and flowing gossamer curtains that provide an ethereal feel.
A dainty mural of a blossoming tree against the pale pink wall and the cosy bird’s nest chair in the opposite corner complete the room.
Agarwal says, “A true juxtaposition of cultures, the guest bedroom boasts a classic four-poster bed complementing a headboard embellished with a traditional motif.”
A colonial-style style pedestal mirror takes pride of place in a corner of the room.
A row of intricately carved kavadis (structures used in the South Indian festival of Thaipusam) adorn the wall opposite.
A mix of the modern and the vintage, Deco Haus shows how a home can be reinvented simply by the mindful use of art and furnishing.
Read more:
Bangalore Houzz: Indian Art & Handicrafts Sit Snug in a Modern Flat
Vadodara Houzz: This Industrialist’s House Is Equal Parts Museum & Home
Tell us:
What did you like most about this home? Do tell us in Comments below.
A mix of the modern and the vintage, Deco Haus shows how a home can be reinvented simply by the mindful use of art and furnishing.
Read more:
Bangalore Houzz: Indian Art & Handicrafts Sit Snug in a Modern Flat
Vadodara Houzz: This Industrialist’s House Is Equal Parts Museum & Home
Tell us:
What did you like most about this home? Do tell us in Comments below.
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