A weave of culture and contemporary design, this traditional Indian home design narrates a legacy of stories. “Katha Tarana” is a four-bedroom residence based on the tales and stories of family traditions and generations. The idea of “Katha”, as in tales crocheted in the corners of the residence, and “Tarana”, as in a final abode, personalizing the residence to its inhabitants. Set amidst Gurgaon’s urban landscape, this residence is a bold splash of traditional heritage. Every design element and material showcases antiquity, timelessness, and endurance.
Editor’s Note: “Katha Tarana in Gurgaon skillfully combines tradition and modernity. Inspired by family traditions, the home blends art, heritage, and innovative design. Custom-made features include marquetry murals, Pahari art, and antique Kochi columns, echoing classical Indianness. Lush and functional spaces reflect modern design while celebrating ancient heritage, offering a haven of stories and elegance.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
A Traditional Indian Home Design Narrating A Legacy Of Stories | Untitled Design
This traditional Indian home design consists of four bedrooms, an ensuite bath, a family lounge, and two studies. One study, adjacent to the primary bedroom, serves as a home office, while the other is for the kids. They were crafted along the family’s narration of carefully blending art elements to enhance the private and public spaces.
The client’s brief emphasized incorporating experimental spaces that explore innovative techniques and materials while honoring modern living. It also aimed to balance the family’s rich heritage from their ancestral home. The family was not very keen on having formal spaces in the house. Fabric-sandwiched screens separate the formal living room, drawing room, and dining area. When pulled back, they create a single L-shaped space.
The entrance lift lobby opens to the thoughtful curations inside, using Girjesh Kumar Singh’s installation titled “Often I find myself near the doors that allow me to leave.” Symbolizing their purpose, the sculptures are highlighted by a custom-designed stone panel in the background. The grand entry door opens to a warm wooden paneling with organic forms in a linear elevation. Free-flowing brass inlay on the flooring takes the curved highlight further, directing users to different house spaces through a familiar passage. The entrance also features magnificent Shola and ceramic art from Untitled’s Shola Art series, while symbolizing the ‘Tilak of Shiva’.
Alongside the Shola, a door opens to the puja room, whose walls are graced with a contemporary version of Pahari miniature wall art developed through a collaboration with Padmashree awardee artist Jay Prakash.
The main 40-foot wall in the lounge is enlivened by a wooden marquetry mural from Mysore featuring horses fitted in traditional regalia. Wanting a flow in the space, the backdrop wall is crafted with Indian sandstone, and the panels are made of solid wood, creating a nice contrast. The Czechoslovakian pendant lights from Lightbox bring a touch of industrial elegance into the space. Another unique design element is the bold women-centric narrative highlighted through Kalighat paintings from West Bengal in the lounge area.
Adding a touch reminiscent of the family’s ancestral home, the traditional Indian stepwell “Chand Baori” visually strikes one as they enter the space. It symbolises life, people, and creation. Thoughtfully placed according to Vastu principles, where flowing water is required, it respects the family’s traditional beliefs and greets users while they enter the lounge and living areas. Following the footsteps of traditional Indian design, the house features a long corridor with an installation of five bricks with miniature architectural details placed atop a mural crafted from locally sourced Indian stone designed to enhance the bricks’ natural and organic forms, emphasising the blend of artistic expression and architectural design this installation creates an engaging visual element that occupies when walking by.
Carrying forward the overriding narrative of amalgamating tradition and modernity, the design incorporates traditional motifs and materials in contemporary forms. For instance, being the attention seeker of the home, the Living area features marquetry panels with Indian stones that depict the Ashwagatha tale, honouring cultural narratives while maintaining a modern aesthetic.
The residence is thoughtfully planned to enhance each area’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. A truly capturing piece, the coffee table by Furgonomics, collaborated with the artist Ashok Acharya, is a masterpiece of art and craftsmanship. It is adorned with Jaisalmer stone, ceramic fragments, shimmering semi-precious jade, metal accents, and sand-blasted, distressed burnt wood.
This table transforms the idea of a mural, shifting it from the confines of a wall to the expanse of its surface, inviting one to behold a tapestry of textures and stories. The table embodies the profound significance of each installation for the residents. The statement pear-shaped lighting—the silver ones from one of the family weddings and ceramic ones from an artist—adds a personalised touch, blending stories with contemporary art.
Art is not just limited to individual pieces; it also seeps into the interior design of the house. The spatial design and details reflect the strong relationship between the client and architect. Modern sensibilities blend with warmth and comfort on every wall.
The parents’ bedroom features a solid wood stepped detail installation and a functional storage shape in front of the bed. It also integrates modern design with practical needs. The house features antique possessions, like columns from Kochi, which introduce intrigue in the primary bedroom foyer. Additionally, these elements beautifully contrast with a textured brass door and antique consoles, while innovatively preserving the family’s generational heritage.
The design of the bedroom layouts carefully maximizes the views of the expansive greenery outside. Each bedroom has bold features against a neutral backdrop, emphasizing the user’s personality. The multi-purpose units and sideboards showcase a range of Indian crafts. It includes Tarkaashi and Veneer Marquetry, alongside unique materials like exotic marbles and dyed veneers. The guest bedroom also showcases soft tones in cane and wood, complemented by a cane-and-mirror installation on the bed back, created in collaboration with Priankya Narula. A set of Gond paintings further enhances the space, adding vibrant color and character.
These paintings combine storage unit doors with art to create a cohesive and meaningful aesthetic. Furthermore, the children’s room features vibrant wall installations by Ankon Mitra of Hexagram, come to life through Kirigami in Parchment Leather. Additionally, these ornamental design elements infuse the space with color and playfulness.
Blending tradition and modernity, Katha Tarana tells the family’s ancestral tale through generations. Moreover, this residence captures art, culture, and harmony with its stunning lighting, furniture, and interior design, epitomizing the perfect Modern Home.
Fact File
Designed by: Untitled Design
Project Type: Residential Interior Design
Project Name: Katha Tarana
Location: Gurugram
Year Built: October 2022
Duration of the project: 2 Years
Built-up Area: 9000 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: ID Amrita Guha & ID Joya Nandurdikar
Products / Materials / Vendors: Lighting – Light box, Flos / Sanitaryware – FCML / Furniture – Furgonomics / Flooring – A-class marble, Saatvik / Paint – Asian paints
The Firm’s Website Link: Untitled Design
Firm’s Instagram Link: Untitled Design
Firm’s Facebook Link: Untitled Design
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