A Chennai apartment is a modern foreground to the greenery outside

Another constant is the simple solutions that Manzur uses to adapt the space, with its inherent challenges, to the clients’ requirements.

“Although the entrance is close to the elevator, we cut down on sound in the foyer by adding elements like a jute rug, a fabric light, and sheer fabric blinds on the wall alongside.” The sheer linen blinds soften the severity of the straight lines in this space, but they also cleverly conceal an electrical service panel. In the living room, the two puja alcoves were modified to an open display shelf and a bay seat. When the family entertains, the women gravitate to the fourth bedroom that then becomes a den. It is used to accommodate overnight guests and at other times, as a study.

The family entertains often, but the bustle of a table for eight is balanced by creating a transitional ante space that leads to rooms for personal inhabitation, where quiet nooks and window seats offer much scope for gazing over treetops.

Midcentury Modern Inspiration

Most of the pieces of furniture in the home—from the Pierre Jeanneret-inspired Chandigarh chairs, the Niels dining chairs, or the console in the ante space—were designed by or sourced from Puducherry-based Vincent Roy of WoodnDesign, with Manzur collaborating on some of the pieces. “When Roy and I designed the dining table, we ensured that the edges were bevelled so that it is easy on the arms when you sit to eat.”

The hanging light in the dining room too, has a story. It was originally a floor lamp customised for the apartment by Pascal Lys of Puducherry-based Atelier Lumys. Manzur custom designed two other lights with them for the master bedroom and for the daughter’s bedroom. 

The result is a happy interplay between form, functionality and an ineffable vibe that brings the design together. “It's how you make a person feel in the space, what kind of vibe you bring in. That's something I work towards.” says Manzur.