Project : Far from the stone street | Location : Bangalore | Client’s Name : Sourav and Minakshi | Size: 4-BHK Residential Villa, 4000 Square Feet | Year of completion: 2021

Right from the get-go, Sourav and Minakshi wanted a rustic home, that much was clear. It’s rare enough to have clients who are willing to experiment with a theme in their primary home, but what made this project one-of-a-kind, is the existing architecture of the house. The palatial volume of the spaces perfectly fit into the narrative the IT couple wanted for their home.

Hailing from Calcutta, the couple had a natural inkling towards literature and art. Given their career, this home is the only place where they could feel canoodled by what inspires them.
Starting from the entry an ample 8 ft foyer welcomes you into the home. An assortment of geometric tiles on the entry wall and a dated, distressed shoe unit prepare you for a vintage ride.
Immediately next to this, a mirror panelled frame bracketed by two wall-mounted, torch-esque lights introduces the classic vibe of the home. In addition, an auburn console decked with wicker baskets delivers a sophisticated oomph.
What is special in such rustic homes, is the nuanced detailing of every nook and corner. In the corner next to the staircase a study table oozing retro vibes has been placed. A mock postbox is a quirky detail that is reminiscent of the age when lavish homes meant roomy spaces and intellectual musings. It also represents the romantic ambience of the era as well as the between the doting couple.
Throughout the home, symmetry has played a major role in the design. In the livingroom, two blue hand-painted book units balance the setting. But what catches the eye most in this area, is the wall, which doesn’t need an introduction. It was not an easy feat; each stone weighs about 50 kilograms and it took 2 weeks to complete. The mantel and candle stand against the wall beautifully represent the medieval era.
When the word ‘medieval’ is used, it is automatically presumed that the reference is to British architecture. India too had a medieval period, when Indo-Saracenic architecture was at a peak.The time when intricate carvings and sculptural facades of temples were made in India, was also the time when forts were constructed. From the billowing heights inside these forts to the rampant use of stone, it is that rustic aesthetic that has been re-created in this home.
dining
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In the dining area, the physical manifestation of this concept is an arched entry studded with Jaisalmer stone. The ceiling is also panelled with wooden strips that mimic trusses and beams from the bygone era. To accompany the charm of these details, a royal 9ft dining table and large woven jute chandeliers, with 3ft diameter each have been used in the space.
Although these details speak more of current times, it helps in achieving a balance. Since, this is a primary home, being carried away by a theme too much would steal the home of its sincerity. These details match the grandeur but also ground the home in its reality.
Through the arch, lies a vivid kitchen. This space is audacious and unafraid of colours.The central island in green, this red cabinet and some blue shutters beautifully announce the free spirit of the home. The colours soften the intimidation of the tall height cabinetry in the kitchen and brew a more light-hearted setting. Even the backsplash and diagonal chess-board-like flooring inculcate the playful demeanour decent-sized mirrors on either side of the peach-upholstered bed.
On the first floor, the family lounge is designed as a cosy space with cheery details. A deep-red wall with Chettinad pillars is the defining moment in the space. It’s actually the temple wall, but it perks up the space as if it’s saying hello to those who climbed the stairs!
Being more intimate than the living room, it had to be more inviting and personal. The theme of wabi-sabi, or simply put ‘finding beauty in imperfection’ seemed apt. The sofas are refurbished and the TV unit has small pockets that have been filled with earthen handpicked pots.
daughters-room
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Next, the daughter’s room has a beautiful window right across the bed. She is just 12years old, so a mint and white combination seemed suitable. Since it is something that will be relevant even as she heads into her teenage. To the right side of the bed, a study corner and themed wallpaper bring the space together. Paper lamps and a lattice cupboard in her room tie it to the larger monolithic scheme of the home.
The most innovative and exciting space in the home – the master bedroom. From afar, apeek into the bedroom reveals the sight of a cantilever staircase that has a slightly industrial look. But once you step foot inside the room, immediately a small alley surprises you.
This is the walk-in wardrobe. Between two distressed cupboards, a cobalt blue wall with artefacts accessories the space. Inside the main area of the bedroom, the towering 16ft height of the room is divided by a mezzanine floor.
A home inspired by dated eras, and missing a four-poster bed? That’s not possible. The poster bed has dainty, bamboo lamps dangling that fill up the mass of the space. Black and white jungle-themed wallpaper covers one of the walls as a nod to the woody inspirations throughout the home. Once up the staircase a wooden panelled sliding door and a clerestory window imbue secret-tunnel vibes.
parents-room
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The guest bedroom exemplifies subtlety with style. Blue being the colour of honour, makes its presence known via a printed wallpaper and a few accents here and there. The bed is a carry-on from their previous home and fits right into the setting. What perks up the space are the low-hanging cane pendant lights and sleek wall-mounted light.

Swati Seraan Says,

This home loudly and proudly declares ‘Home is where the heart is’. For an IT couple from Kolkata based in Bangalore, life is dominated by logistics, statistics and all kinds of cerebral jargon. For them, it was a need to feel like their home is a space that reflectstheir liking and mindset. A rustic home is not everyone’s first choice, maybe because, incurrent times it may feel like it doesn’t fit. But for them, it is what they wanted and to feel connected artwork from Calcutta peppers the home, and reminds them of their roots.

Hear what our client says

We wanted a rustic home but were not sure that the other people we spoke to understood our needs. We then spoke with Swati. She asked us to visit a previous customer's home that she had designed. And the rest is history. We saw the house and knew that she takes rustic to another level. Her interesting play with colors and refusal to follow what others are doing brings forth fresh creativity every time. We are happy with our home.
Meenakshi & Saurav