Houzz Tours
Lucknow Houzz: An Eclectic Colonial Villa With Victorian Influences
This sprawling mansion is a confluence of two worlds
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple, their two sons, and the elder son’s wife
Location: Lucknow
Year built: 2018
Size: 743 square metres (8000 square feet); 6 bedrooms; 6 bathrooms
Interior designer and architect: I - Design Studios
Photos by Deepak Aggarwal
Colonial character, Mediterranean romance, and larger-than-life luxury were words that stood out most in the brief given to Pooja Gupta of I - Design Studios for this Lucknow mansion. “Coming from a parliamentary background, the client had an affinity for colonial architecture, but the younger generation preferred a Mediterranean, spa-like theme for the home. It was up to us to marry the two,” says Gupta.
Who lives here: A couple, their two sons, and the elder son’s wife
Location: Lucknow
Year built: 2018
Size: 743 square metres (8000 square feet); 6 bedrooms; 6 bathrooms
Interior designer and architect: I - Design Studios
Photos by Deepak Aggarwal
Colonial character, Mediterranean romance, and larger-than-life luxury were words that stood out most in the brief given to Pooja Gupta of I - Design Studios for this Lucknow mansion. “Coming from a parliamentary background, the client had an affinity for colonial architecture, but the younger generation preferred a Mediterranean, spa-like theme for the home. It was up to us to marry the two,” says Gupta.
The home opens into a stately foyer, punctuated by elements in grey, brown and gold. “This passage divides the ground floor into two areas. One area hosts a formal living room, a kitchen and a guest room; the other, a spacious waiting room, a powder room and a formal dining room,” Gupta notes.
The foyer channels decadent luxury, thanks to a golden medallion-style mirror, a statement console and beautifully inlaid Italian marble flooring.
“The foyer sets the tone for the home. It looks like a Victorian photograph come alive,” Gupta says.
“The foyer sets the tone for the home. It looks like a Victorian photograph come alive,” Gupta says.
The formal living room is a cornucopia of bold colours. Crimson armchairs, turquoise sofas and golden curtains lend to the home’s regal air.
The banquet dining area is embellished with accents. A statement wall, ornamented with gold and silver leafing, stands as the centrepiece of this room.
“This was one of the most challenging walls to work on,” notes Pooja. “I tried experimenting with colour, but felt it muted the magnificence of the space. I eventually decided on a golden cascade.”
Living room sofas and arm chairs, dining table and chairs are custom-made.
“This was one of the most challenging walls to work on,” notes Pooja. “I tried experimenting with colour, but felt it muted the magnificence of the space. I eventually decided on a golden cascade.”
Living room sofas and arm chairs, dining table and chairs are custom-made.
The carved custom-made dining table is illuminated by a majestic gold chandelier and flanked by plush chairs upholstered in fabric and trimmed with gold studs.
Chandelier: Usha
Chandelier: Usha
The first floor contains a sprawling passageway that connects the most-used areas of the house. It leads to a double-height lounge, two bedrooms, a guest room and a prayer room.
The double-height lounge is a sunlit haven that features a U-shaped furniture arrangement, with tufted maroon sofas along two adjacent walls, and a divan on the third, open, side.
“This seating area is rooted in religious sentiment. It was important for the family to have a spacious lounge with an elevated ceiling on the same level as the puja room, to host havans (sacred fire rituals) on occasions like Diwali,” Gupta recalls.
“This seating area is rooted in religious sentiment. It was important for the family to have a spacious lounge with an elevated ceiling on the same level as the puja room, to host havans (sacred fire rituals) on occasions like Diwali,” Gupta recalls.
A deep alcove houses a bijou puja room. The space is cloaked in soft gold wallpaper. Recessed lights in the coved ceiling and a gilded chandelier light up the space.
The master bedroom is a departure from the home’s colonial aesthetic, decorated with earthy tones and understated accents, on request from the client’s wife.
“She requested us to stick to simple, contemporary designs for this space, to keep it low-maintenance in the long run. She wanted minimal nooks and grooves, to attract as little dust as possible,” Gupta says.
“She requested us to stick to simple, contemporary designs for this space, to keep it low-maintenance in the long run. She wanted minimal nooks and grooves, to attract as little dust as possible,” Gupta says.
In the younger son’s bedroom, a complete wall of wood panelling forms a fitting backdrop for an ash-coloured four-poster bed. The minimal light-toned wooden frame is offset by the dark-grained wood of the wall, allowing it to remain the focal point.
The elder son’s bedroom, on the second floor, is an airy oasis characterised by floaty materials, soft hues and free-flowing light. A headboard and footboard, tufted in rose fabric, are complemented by a sofa lining the right-hand side wall. The solid pink tones are diffused by fresh, white elements, including a gauzy canopy, a small antique-style table and a daisy-white-rimmed slipper chair.
Wallpaper: Sabyasachi
Wallpaper: Sabyasachi
“The bedroom leads into a small space that the elder son likes to call his coffee escape. It is a convenient little hideaway for coffee and conversations,” Gupta says.
The adjoining bathroom is an extension of the hushed colour palette of the elder son’s bedroom.
Characteristic arches and signature Mediterranean tiles transform the terrace into a lively Bohemian bar. A swing set to the left adds a whimsical edge to the space.
Read more:
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Tell us:
What did you like most about this home? Tell us in Comments below.
Read more:
Ahmedabad Houzz: A Glass, Concrete & Steel House in the Midst of Nature
Houzz Tour: A Snug, Warm Haven Within Mumbai’s World One Tower
Tell us:
What did you like most about this home? Tell us in Comments below.