Joseph Radhik and Devika Narain’s home is a masterclass in mindful maximalism

Yet, amidst these delightful maximalist interiors lies a deep sense of comfort. The velvet sofas in the long, narrow living room are piled high with cushions and practically beckon you to sink in. The upholstery in jewel tones adds richness to the room, while statement rugs bring warmth and texture. Meanwhile, the lush foliage spilling over from their expansive deck embraces the “jungalow” ethos popularised by Justina Blakeney in the US—a style that thrives on forest greens, earthy tones, layering and vibrant patterns. The space is infused with natural light that changes the mood throughout the day. As Joseph notes, “You don’t just see the sunlight here; you get to experience it.”

1. Breaking Up Spaces by Function

Devika’s living room, her favourite in the house, is a masterclass in making a large multifunctional space feel intimate. “When we first moved in here, decorating this rather long room felt like a mammoth task,” she shares. Her solution? Divide the room into functional zones.
 

• The Lounge Area: Sofas in jewel tones paired with statement rugs and cushions create an inviting atmosphere. Devika loves how this setup naturally invites guests to settle in, often ending with one friend stretched out horizontally by the night’s end.

2. Styling Your Greens

Devika and Joseph’s home is a testament to how greenery and natural light can transform a living space into a personal sanctuary. Their balcony deck, teeming with trees, flowering plants and a small pond for tiny fish, offers respite from the city’s bustle. Its centrepiece—a daybed—and a blue mirror from Devika’s old family bungalow in Delhi, imbue the space with nostalgia and warmth.

Even without a balcony or outdoor deck, you can bring this sense of vibrancy indoors. Frame your living room with tall potted plants, arrange smaller ones on bookshelves and tables, and add hanging planters to create layers of greenery. Thoughtful placement of plants can instantly energise a home and make it feel more inviting.

3. Making Multi-Functional Spaces Work Harder

Joseph’s home office doubles as a multimedia room, demonstrating how thoughtful design can maximise a space’s potential. The two-tone walls, painted in complementary shades like Ash Grey and Flipper by Asian Paints, set the tone: darker hues for a cosy home theatre setup and lighter shades for the editing area. “This space has seen every iconic wedding photo I’ve edited over the last few years,” Joseph shares

Pro Tip: Using clever colour combinations and smart lighting can help create zones to fit multiple needs without giving up on style.

4. Balancing Bold Design Choices

Devika’s office also takes cues from similar monochrome palettes. “Because my work is filled with so much colour, I wanted this space to feel grounding,” she explains. The black walls—get the look with the shade Raven Song by Asian Paints—are balanced by a bold wallpaper, also by Asian Paints, that reminds her of Chennai silk sarees. Small artworks collected from Portugal and Florence, along with a playful pink throw over a leather chaise, add touches of warmth and whimsy.

Pro Tip: Devika says, “If you commit to one bold choice—a statement rug, a piece of art or even a wall colour  that you love—it can hold a whole room together to create a successful, beautiful space.”

6. Layering Rugs for Depth and Warmth

Rugs are more than just functional floor coverings in Devika’s home—they’re mood enhancers. She layers multiple statement rugs in her living room, office, and even on her deck, using colour and texture to transform each space. Her playful use of colour and patterns adds warmth to even the most neutral spaces like a home office.

Pro Tip: Experiment with layering a bold, patterned statement rug over a more neutral one for a cozy, inviting vibe. Use rugs to delineate spaces in an open-plan area, such as separating the dining area from the living room.

8. Celebrating Imperfections and Personalisation

Devika’s mantra for her home is refreshingly real: “Homes aren't meant to be perfect. They’re a work in progress, making space for new things, letting go of what’s broken, seemingly put together but with a cushion or vase kept the wrong way.” This philosophy is reflected in every corner of her house, from the gallery of artwork that includes a medley of styles—artisanal décor like papier-mâché animal heads, graphic illustrations and traditional Indian art—to her rotating collections on tabletops and bookshelves. Her home feels vibrant, lived-in alive and always Insta-worthy.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to mix styles, textures, and eras in your décor. Let your space grow and evolve with you, adding layers of meaning and memory over time.