One abrasive and the other which has adorned the bods of royalty. Worlds apart, and how. What do these two have in common? Each plays a pivotal role in transforming its own sense of being, offering its existence to bring something honed and distinctive to life. An intricately sculpted piece of wood, or the timeless 9 yards silk saree, both affirm one’s belief in the magic of a process. Perched on the 16^th floor, this penthouse in Bangalore is home to a family of four tracing their roots to the lands of the Deccan. Sprawling over two floors, the abode gazes into the dense urban landscape of the cosmopolitan while creating an escape for the family to inhabit, far removed from the city’s humdrum.

Editor’s Note: “Sandpaper and Silk, a Bangalore penthouse by Multitude Of Sins, traces the family’s roots to the Deccan heritage and textile industry. Intricacies emerging through flooring, interior features—lighting, fabrics, decor, and bespoke furnishings speak attention to traditional details. This home is a testimony to a personal narrative, and a fusion of materials, textures, and eras.” ~ Anusha Sridhar

This Penthouse In Bangalore Draws Inspiration from the Deccan | Multitude of Sins (MOS)

Design Inspiration

The couple had the quintessential image of a rooted home etched in their minds, a symphony of woods, plush marbles, and traditional details. They also hailed from the fabric and textile industry, posing as impeccable allies when it comes to appreciating the most minor details and nuances of design!

Across the home, we’ve drawn inspiration from the refined weaves, motifs, textures, hues, and patterns the family has spent years learning about and propagating through their work. We may have been as different as chalk and cheese at the outset, but what brought us together was faith in our combined vision — a mosaic of our processes, ideas, and imaginations!

Steeped in warmth, the beige, builder-provided marble floors have been endowed with a new lease of life, with maroon marble inlay details making their way into the bold skirting band. A distressed shade of teal debuts in the central doorway, framing it like a glass storefront through which the client’s cherished Lladró collectables will peek through. The distressed finish further travels to the other side of the door onto the blue-stained unit that doubles as a statement shoe storage console, concealed behind a fluted glass and solid wood fascia, complete with ventilation apertures.

A floral light installation placed adjacent to the carved oak pooja door graces the eyes as one walks through the passage towards the living space with its fragile forms crafted in wood, brass, and petals of gauzy silks that emanate a diffused glow.

Living Area

Harbouring the home’s nucleus, the living space assumes a double-height volume that generously draws in daylight and the city’s views through the colossal windows. Imagined with an easeful simplicity, this area is earmarked by a sumptuous sectional couch, a pair of armchairs, and a loveseat that can comfortably host a large gathering.

The furniture homogeneously assumes a curvilinear grammar, portraying pastel shades of powder blue, lilac, and transitional prints. In addition, the quintessential Mid-century modern armchairs have been given a facelift with their upholstery that melds leather and printed fabric to create a unique look.

The soft blue and ivory-white custom carpet ties the visual scheme together, offsetting the omnipresence of wood tones. The classic chandelier was re-envisioned as a ring-form, contemporary objet d’art, bathed in a cool blue hue and fitted with retro Edward bulbs. A quartet of crackled white glass globes in the backdrop with brass motifs collectively create a distinctive luminaire.   

Dining Area

Looming over the dining area, a custom hand-painted mural by Artist Venkatesh depicts a pair of cranes in flight, emerging amid the embrace of celestial blooms that lend the visual a Renaissance-inspired pulse. The mural is framed on either end by a totemic lighting fixture in wood fitted with globed bulbs. This installation meets the panelling below, stratified as wooden beading, corduroy wallpaper, and composite marble skirting. The furniture sourced from Alankaram features a white and black marble table with a gilded brass base and spindled chairs by DTale Modern resting atop a pastel-toned rug designed by the studio.

Kitchen

The dry kitchen acts as a communal space, performing as an extension of the dining area. At its threshold, a massive waterfall breakfast counter composed of five marble varieties and wood defines the zone. The counter leads to a storage spot adorned with detailed arched forms that mimic the façade of an Art Deco landmark.

Storage Unit

On the other end, a roomy storage unit curves around the kitchen’s perimeter, finished in textured veneer, reeded glass, and a minimal mosaic border along the top edge. This unit inconspicuously houses the heavy-duty, built-in appliances leading towards the corten steel and veneered door of the main kitchen.

Study Area

An unassuming corner on the ground level has been transformed into a quaint study, honing it as a quiet spot to perch, read, and work from. This zone has been framed within an ornate entablature, carrying forward the home’s dominant materiality. A blend of curved and linear forms defines the desk. Moreover, it rises as an open-faced shelving system backed by a contrasting grey wallpaper. 

Saturated in an earthy appeal, the television lounge assumes a pivotal position with its thresholds brought ‘forward’ with a set of intersecting arches that compose vignettes of the space. The wooden furniture and woven rattan lend the room a sense of repose. Additionally, it playfully juxtaposes the dated charm of the plastered taupe walls, the Pichwai art print, and the modern steel luminaire.

The television wall has been treated minimalistically, with a cantilevered unit built painstakingly in marble with wood beading. Moreover, this elevation showcases a section of fluted panelling. Thus, hosting an array of wall shelves to display the family’s reads, heirloom objects, and souvenirs.

Stairwell

The stairwell connecting the two levels is a sentient being on its own! The surface of the television console sinuously makes its way outside, presenting itself as a sculptural tread. The balustrade in a blue hue and wood is studded by light globes, fuelling the awe of this structural insert. The wood wainscoting detail, veined marble, tinted veneer, and patterned wallpaper unite to enliven the volume of the stairwell.

Envisaged as an otherworldly portal of sorts, the generic builder-grade window at the landing was transfigured to a T! Distressed mirror panels, borders of brick tile, lace drapes, glass and brass lights dress the window’s surface. Thus, hinting at the unexpected union of fantastical and classic details!

Above, the eye meets a pinstriped wallpaper from which the muse of the space cascades. The upturned chandelier in a warm blue hue is candid in its expression, divulging its form and construction with candour. The chandelier’s interior comprises a mesial maroon member along which brass joinery and globed fixtures are bejewelled.

Master Suite

Nestled on the first level, the master suite evokes a modern-classical symphony that offers its inhabitants a warm haven laced with subtle nuances. The traditional parquet flooring sets the stage fittingly, nuanced further by additions that relish a tactile look and feel. The regal, maroon-toned leather headboard crowns the bed, with distressed wood and silk zari paneling above it. From this paneling, a duo of glass and marble wall sconces gracefully emerge, casting a soft glow over the bedside.

The modern form of the bed crosses over with the elaborate details of the wood beading and delicate zari patterns. Thus, iterating the fateful amalgamation of divergent styles and periods. The finely hand-textured niche, created at the intersection of the columns and the overhead beam, holds a patterned wallpaper.

On the other side, a sunny corner harbours a daybed. The refurbished window now features a slanted arch detail, seamlessly blending with the room’s soft, flowing curves. A strong-formed floor lamp by The White Teak Company canopy over this corner. Additionally, a henna-inspired wall mural elevates this vignette. Moreover, high-gloss, PU-finished artisanal borders frame it beautifully.

The warm oak tones of the modish credenza riff off the textured grey wallpaper, making the piece a protagonist! From the dresser stems a polished Sadarahalli stone column, branching into angular wall shelves that host artefacts inspired by the home’s eclectic DNA.

Dressing Area

An immersive narrative of materiality also claims the canvas of the dressing area. Curvilinear forms have been translated through a palette of textured wood, while charcoal grey envelopes the zone. A traditional silhouette manifests as the vanity mirror. Additionally, it rests on a scalloped-edge wooden dresser, tipping its hat to the geometric continuity the space portrays. Flanking one side of the dresser, an open-form shelving system cum light installation emerges. Globed lights and a wooden tray protrude from the central pole, creating a  sculptural detail.

Daughter’s Bedroom

Children undeniably make for the most experimental and unforgivingly forthright clients! With the daughter’s bedroom, we could embark on a wondrous journey of our own! The inspiration was the young end-user’s insatiable love for wildlife, safari rides she has enjoyed with her parents, and the teeming animal kingdom. The vision focused on transforming utilitarian pieces into delightful experiences, making them a joy to engage with!

The bed’s fabric and leather headboard paints a vivid undersea scene. Thus, drawing one into a palpable story that requires you to lean into childlike curiosities. A giant fish chases fervently after a smaller one, leaving behind a trail of bubbles masquerading as bedside lights. The nightstands emulate the forms of fish, adding intricate detail to the visual. An unbothered and dapperly suited kingfisher watches this affair perched atop a metallic rail, highlighting the seamless culmination of 2D and 3D elements.

Her wardrobe, a composition of hand-stained veneers, depicts a little birdie resting amid thick tree foliage. The wardrobe’s design integrates drawers and baskets along the lower edge. Thus, making it easy for the young one to tidy up and use her space efficiently. The study table takes shape over the back of a hungry croc on a rock. Meanwhile, its tail rises into a daring jungle gym for the mischievous monkey! The dresser area takes to her love for bugs. Reimagining it in a deconstructed and interpretative light, we endearingly adapt insects, butterflies, and wasps!

Peripheral Balcony

Offering its embrace as the home’s extended oasis, the peripheral balcony creates a retreat-like milieu for the family. The predominantly grey-toned space celebrates poetic views of the horizon. Moreover, they peer into the sky that transforms from a vermilion orange to an inky blue as early mornings melt into dusks. Additionally, the grey terrazzo and wood tiles matrix create a dynamic lattice over the floor. Furthermore, it rises as a monolithic alfresco bar counter sheathed in sepia-toned brick tiles.

Sweeping, arched forms create the backdrop and counter imagined in the robust Sadarahalli stone. Meanwhile, antiqued mirror and mosaic work add relief to the designed elevation. A wee floor seat by the window creates a snug nook. Moreover, globed wall lights illuminate the space, while an assortment of plants punctuating the open-faced shelves rejuvenates it.

Taking inspiration from the hues of sky, the custom seating corner revels in the contrasts of cool and warm tones. Constructed in bison board and finished in lime plaster, the seats create an idyllic corner to soak in the views! Sprightly, mosaic-dotted end tables interject the neutral seats, making room for embedded planters and diaphanous, white marble table lamps.

A Marriage of Opposites

Marriage and design are institutions that bank on shared trust, collaboration, and banter in healthy doses! Creating this space and carrying its story over the finish line has been an exercise in honouring the vision. Thus, making room for oodles of personality. At the same time, brewing a sense of belonging stays staunchly at command!

We’d recommend Crossroads. They guide you down an unfamiliar path while unlocking the possibility of creating something you never imagined was possible.

As this sojourn ended, the client’s loved ones shared heartfelt testimonials, leaving us with our biggest takeaway. They see the affable couple earnestly celebrated within the home. This is a win for us wild ones at MOS. Us, who took the traditional brief head-on and managed to leave a little bit of us behind!

Fact File

Designed by: Multitude of Sins (MOS)

Project Type: Residential Interior Design

Project Name: Sandpaper and Silk

Location: Bangalore

Year Built: February 2023

Built-Up Area: 5000 Sq.ft

Principal Designer: Smita Thomas

Team Design Credits: Sachin Bhat, Rahul Naidu, Aysha Amrin & Bharath Magaji

Photograph Courtesy: Ishi Sitwala

Text Credit: Lavanya Chopra

Firm’s Instagram Link: Multitude of Sins (MOS)

For Similar projects>>>Soothing Color Tones, Minimalistic Aesthetics and Zen Vibe is what Describes this Home