This Gurgaon home weaves a story with ethnic crafts

BH: How did your approach to design play out in the context of this brief?

AS: Our primary focus in all our projects is to give timeless design solutions and enrich the human experience through the space. By that, we mean how one will feel and behave in the space. And to fulfil that purpose, the aesthetic and practical aspects have to go hand in hand.

For this space, we created a neutral base that would balance the client’s eclectic preferences. We then infused the space with Indian art, craft and colours. We added a touch of whimsy and lore while doing it. This design is a fresh outtake of the vernacular way of living in a brand-new context.

BH: What about the clients’ wish for bright colours? 

AS: That, in fact, was very intuitive and also inspired by clients. We ensured every space was unique. The dining room, for instance, is a large, well-lit area with a foldable partition that divides it into two spaces—the second space doubles up as a cosy guest room with a teal sofa-cum-bed set against a similar-coloured accent wall. Then the grandmother’s room which has brighter shades balanced out by warmer ones. The master suite on the upper floor is a complete contrast to these spaces, and kept minimal, with a large custom bed as the focal point. This space was a careful balance of colour, craft and neutrality.

The family lounge is a microcosm of the larger design concept—it exhibits how contrasting elements complement one another and look harmonious. This junction of the house has a bar unit inspired by a colonial secretary desk, a robust rattan bookcase and an heirloom rocking chair. We opted for a contrasting colour scheme of green and pinkish-mauve for the walls so as to reflect the different personalities of the family members using it.

BH: What is a design highlight in this house according to you?

AS: That would be the bathrooms. The material, colour and textures are bold yet balanced. Like the master bath, a Moroccan-style space that uses a complement of pink and black to incorporate and express feminine and masculine energies.

All images by Ishita Sitwala