Step into a very eclectic and mindful, nature-inspired home within the coastal Goan fabric, showcasing coastal interior design. Say hello to ‘Villa Akari,’ nestled amidst the quiet bylanes of Goa. While the homeowners wanted to borrow from both Balinese and Japanese cultures, being inclined towards Buddhist spiritualism, they wanted the home to be anything but typically neutral-hued. Nikita and Tanuj, passionate about blending rich traditions, sought a space that felt both grounded and vibrant—a place that would harmonize their love for nature with their deep spiritual values. This is when team Studio Tilt was roped in to see their vision come to life.
Essentially a holiday home for Singapore-based clients, every corner is designed to foster connection to nature and self, while exuding a feeling of being personalized and lived in. The juxtaposition of clean lines from Japanese-inspired design with bold, organic patterns, bring about a fusion that celebrates both simplicity and complexity, creating a sense of balance that is effortless yet intentional.
Editor’s Note: Villa Akari is a peaceful retreat where nature and spirit embrace in perfect harmony. With its calm energy and inviting spaces, it feels like a gentle invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect. Every corner of this home offers a quiet moment of balance and serenity. ~Isha Bora
Villa Akari Is A Reflection of Coastal Interior Design and Spiritual Harmony | Studio Tilt
The 1500 sq. ft., two bedroom villa is bathed in natural light, with large, floor to ceiling windows and an openness that brings the outdoors in effortlessly. The entrance area features an outdoor bench in wood and concrete against a laterite stone wall, where a deep grey main door leads you indoors. Upon entering, a bespoke black console greets you with red Kanji characters from the Japanese script signifying Happiness, Peace, Harmony, Love and Spirit, Home and Welcome among others.
The ground floor features the common areas, a large living and dining space with an open kitchen, overlooking a splash pool and garden.
The living area features mainly timeless whites with leather accent armchairs against a rustic, brick backdrop and black-and-white chequered flooring.
A lovely cactus floor lamp from LMNOH sits quietly in one corner, whereas a black, metal chandelier customized by Lights capes dangles above. An abstract rug in ivory and moss green from Loops by Latika anchors the space.
The dining area is a pocket that truly captivates with a green, wrap-around bookshelf and seating within, accentuated by grey, wabi-sabi pendant lights, illuminating the space. The warmth of the space really makes it the heart of the home.
As the name ‘Akari’ suggests, the natural light pouring into the home is the true hero, allowing for a true connect to nature.
The passage upstairs features irregular wall niches in a lovely white textured finish , that house books, collectibles and knick-knacks, leading on to the private spaces.
The bedrooms offer a lesson in contrast. Bold, cement tiles create the perfect canvas, allowing even bolder colors to follow.
The secondary bedroom features a more restrained layout with a reading nook in one corner against the large windows.
Instead of a traditional wardrobe in the secondary bedroom, simple open shelves were chosen. These shelves were built into a niche, creating a clean and functional design.
The intent was to go easy on the eye and avoid heavy blocks of furniture for that neat, unobstructed look. The bathroom features a combination of marble and green IPS. However, the best part is the natural light pouring in from a skylight above.
The large glass facade in the primary bedroom overlooks the forest, creating a fairytale-like setting. A rattan headboard pairs with a rustic white brick wall. Additionally, a bespoke jute and rope art piece by Shashirekha of Crafts and Drape adds a unique touch.
Origami wall lights from Orange Tree add a serene glow above round end tables in a rich, terracotta hue that are Home4u finds.
A defining element in the primary bedroom is the custom cherry blossom wallpaper from Ekki Bekki on the wardrobe shutters. What truly makes the home special is the lively art frames from the homeowners’ personal collection.
Ample private spaces within the villa allow you to immerse and unwind. You can snuggle up with a good book, enjoy a steaming cup of coffee, or meditate. Moreover, you can simply revel in the picturesque views outside. Large floor-to-ceiling windows capitalize on the villa’s layout, with each room maintaining a strong connection to the outdoors.
Be it in the form of reading nooks or lounging spaces by the large windows, that are warm and inviting to just relax and gaze at nature outside. These spaces serve as connectors between the indoors and outdoors. Moreover, they play an essential role in promoting a better lifestyle, good health, and overall well-being. We have tried to embody the essence of holistic design, promoting physical well-being. Furthermore, it also nurtures the mind and soul.
Fact File
Designed by: Studio Tilt
Project Type: Residential Interior- Holiday Home
Project Name: Villa Akari
Location: Siolim, North Goa
Year Built: December 2024
Duration of the project: 3 Months
Built-up Area: 1500 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Ar. Natasha Kumar & Ar. Abhijit Sawant
Team Design Credits: Shweta Nair & Mahek Gupta
Photograph Courtesy: Manthan Yadav
Products / Materials / Vendors: Finishes – Goa Trends / Wallcovering / Cladding – Goa Trends / Lighting – LMNOH, Lightscapes, Orange Tree, Living Shapes, Fandom Lights/ Furniture – Spellbound, Fleck, LMNOH, Home4u, Ikiru / Soft furnishings- Habitat, Amala Earth, Obeetee, Mason Home / Paint – Asian Paints / Artefacts – Muun Home, Fleck, Whispering Homes, Modern Quests, Ellementry, Living Shapes, Nestasia, Purple Turtles, Spellbound, Midori Gardens / Rugs- Loops by Latika, Habere / Wall Art- Crafts & Drapes, The Artment / Wallpaper – Ekki Bekki
Firm’s Instagram Link: Studio Tilt
Firm’s Facebook Link: Studio Tilt
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