Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: An Urban Bungalow With an Earthy Twist
Contemporary and classic decor fuse to augment the character of this home in the rolling hills of Hyderabad
A young couple with two little ones and a thriving social life wanted a space where all aspects of their lives could blend in. Enter architect Hameeda Sharma of Aamir & Hameeda Associates. Brought in to design the interiors of their new home while it was still in the construction stage, Sharma also made some architectural changes to the three-storeyed house. Her brief from the clients was clear – as a working couple they didn’t spend a lot of time at home so they wanted a low-maintenance space. “They also wanted a beautiful home where they could also entertain guests,” Sharma says. The result is an abode that is as functional as it is inspired.
The living and dining areas are the focal spaces of the house. “Large French windows stretch into the pool and the courtyard, making the outdoors a part of the indoors. The double-height ceiling gives this room an extensive view and also makes the space seem larger,” Sharma says.
The wooden ceilings, solid wooden beams and metal frames add to the classic style of the house. Multiple metallic chandeliers light up the interiors at nightfall. Dusky wooden and marble flooring along with the ornate fixtures lend an easy vibe to the expansive space.
Chandeliers: Thea Light Works
The wooden ceilings, solid wooden beams and metal frames add to the classic style of the house. Multiple metallic chandeliers light up the interiors at nightfall. Dusky wooden and marble flooring along with the ornate fixtures lend an easy vibe to the expansive space.
Chandeliers: Thea Light Works
The furniture and furnishings were flown in from different stores in Italy. “The owners did not request any specific colours or styles; they gave us a lot of freedom,” Sharma says. “They had a basic concept in mind and we worked around it to style a fusion, neo-classical house with simple furnishings tailored to their tastes.”
All the spaces have been modelled to bring out the innate warmth and comfort of earthy materials. The rustic texture of a natural stone wall alongside the staircase complements the depth and complexity of the artworks. The house is resplendent with hand-picked art pieces by some of India’s most renowned artists, including M.F. Hussain and Raza, that add a splash of lavishness to the space.
The entertainment area is a frequently-used space in the house. “This relatively large space is especially designed for the homeowners to receive guests. It can accommodate a party of 50 with ease. When not being used for entertainment purposes, it is used as a library. It also turns into a quiet space where the couple can come to relax and spend some downtime,” Sharma says. The dark shades, rich furnishings and bold artworks create a relaxing ambience here.
On the upper floor, the green door injects an earthy vibe but contrasts slightly with the metallic railings of the stairs. “This is an example of what we have done throughout the house. We have tried to juxtapose materials and textures against each other – combined the vibrant with the old-fashioned to make spaces intimate and warm,” Sharma says. The balance between the intermingling of cool and warm overtones is also a theme that appears throughout the house.
The ceiling features support beams which lie perpendicular to the slender strips of wood that form the ceiling. Industrial fixtures like rails and chains blend seamlessly with the ornate character of the chandeliers. “The finishes and designs were primarily fusion based and were a bit unusual from what we do otherwise,” Sharma says.
There are two bedrooms on the ground floor, one for the children and the other for visiting grandparents. “The master bedroom on the upper floor is a special space, as it has been constructed with a 4.27-metre-high ceiling that expands over the whole space. It also has a beautiful view of the courtyard outside,” Sharma says.
The bedroom is connected to a walk-in closet leading into the bathroom. All the bathrooms in the house are awash with ample natural light that comes through the numerous high windows and skylights. These add greater depth to the spaces and also bring in a tropical feel.
The house includes two powder rooms, one of which is located in the basement. Prominent features like arched windows, lots of greenery and plenty of earthy tones provide an unassuming appeal to the modish character of the bathrooms.
Vintage bathroom fittings in white and gold add a touch of glamour that harks back to a distinct old-days sophistication.
A dip pool for the kids is built next to the courtyard. “Though it cuts into the carpet area, our clients were comfortable with this idea as all sections of the home have been utilised practically and with great thought. We didn’t leave out any waste or dead spaces in the house,” Sharma says.
See more homes:
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Tell us:
Which feature of this fusion inspired home would you like to use in your own? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
See more homes:
Houzz Tour: An Ahmedabad Home Uses Nature to Combat Climate
Houzz Tour: A Piece of Heaven in Goa
Tell us:
Which feature of this fusion inspired home would you like to use in your own? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Who lives here: A couple with their two children
Location: Telangana, Hyderabad
Year built: 2014
Size: 465 square metres (5005 square feet) ground up, 185 square metres (1990 square feet) basement; four bedrooms; four bathrooms; two powder rooms
Designer: Hameeda Sharma of Aamir & Hameeda Associates
That’s interesting: The house is fashioned on the lines of a Spanish villa.
The residence’s entrance leads into a foyer, which opens out to the rest of the house.