The Elephant home in Pune is an embodiment of tradition and culture, blending in seamlessly into a minimalistic and peaceful home for its residents. Previously a congested apartment confined within rooms and walls, the 1825 sq. ft. home has been redesigned to open up into a bright, airy, and inviting space that embraces its residents’ simplicity, yet makes a statement with its design aesthetic that is rooted in the Indian heritage.
A Peaceful Home with a Laid-Back Take on Living | Sthetic Design Studio
A part of the Kasturkunj society, the apartment was originally a 4 BHK which was converted into a 3 BHK to suit the lifestyle of the four residents that needed more common areas as compared to private, seclusive spaces. The homeowners wanted a habitat that they could call their own, and were adamant on adding idiosyncratic touches throughout, moving away from the modern fad of the chic hotel/show-flat look. With an aim to minimize wastage, majority of the furniture from the old house was repurposed into the new design.
The entrance was a narrow, tunnel-like passage, that was redesigned and opened up to the outside through vast arches that allow daylight and fresh air to wash in. An added element of verdant planters lined along the arches enhances the connection with the outdoors, and subtly introduces the visitor to the tranquil home beyond the little wooden door marking the end of the passage.
Upon entering through the foyer, the visitor is greeted by the family room—previously a dingy bedroom enclosed within walls, that was converted into an open informal living area with a low Indian seating sofa. This sofa also functions as a day bed, and reinvigorates their ideologies of togetherness in daily activities like eating and entertaining.
The older toilet was split up into a powder room and a storage area, and the once smaller window was broken down into a wider one, peppered with flower beds behind the sofa to ginger up the residents’ favorite space in their house. Smaller windows opening into the duct were transformed into niches for displaying art and curios.
Adjoining the family room is the dining nook and a traditional swing juxtaposed between the two areas. The swing, anchored in elephant-shaped carvings and framed by the shear walls of the activity room on either sides, functions as a two-way seating between the dining and the former.
Old furniture was repurposed into a round dining table with fresh upholstery and polish, with an intent to encourage conversations on occasions with guests. A lush carpet by Jaipur rugs complements the area with its subtle colours and textures.
A colossal artwork wall—the backdrop to the living setup—becomes the showstopper element of the elephant home. Bedecked in Lipan art, a traditional artwork style from Kutch, this wall is the central part of the living area, untainted by a television or any extra accessory.
Maitreyee Nilawar, the talented artist behind the masterpiece, has handcrafted it using pristine white with mirrors and elephant shapes—their most beloved design element that represents their family—to add a touch of personalization. On either sides behind this art wall is the entry to the kitchen. Ardent lovers of cooking, the clients wanted a bright and fun kitchen with a touch of Indian culture, which is brought in through the herringbone tile patterns in a vivid, turmeric colour that kindles one’s appetite.
The master bedroom stands out from the conventional room with its unique functionality. The owners chose to replace the customary bed with a Tatami mat from Japan, converting the bedroom into an all-day Yoga and activity room, using only a thin mattress to sleep at night. A free-standing mirror repurposed from an old bed was used to conceal the large hooks on the wall that are required for the practice of Iyengar Yoga. Handwoven bamboo sheets soften the imposing volume of the cupboards, and three elegant niches in the wall enhance the items on display.
The second bedroom belonging to the grandmother was mostly untouched with a basic revamp to change the overall look of the space. The cupboards were reworked on with new veneer, and a headboard was added to provide comfort, with wall lights to frame it on either sides. A sewing table fitted with a television on the side has been provided to cater to her daily interests, along with wooden flooring that softens the floor and provides a safety net incase the elderly lady slips.
The children’s bedroom originally had a standard bed with a top open storage, which was converted into a princess bed for the ten year old little girl. The four-poster bed was designed with a turning radius for each leg to maximize safety and avoid sharp edges, and a small storage below the bed with a smaller width to conceal it visually.
The room is fitted with a work desk, a small library behind the dressing and blackboards for daily use. Since the kid will soon be a teenager, the design aesthetic of the room was intentionally kept conventional, as opposed to a flashy one that is difficult to grow into.
The residence with three improvised living rooms and two bedrooms, is a place of joy and celebration of the everyday life for the family. The walls and furniture tell stories from different nooks around the country—some of the residents’ own, some that they liked and embraced as their own—bringing them together to the wonderful stage set by the Elephant home, with a promise of many more stories to join them over the years.
Fact File
Designed by: Sthetic Design Studio
Project Type: Residential Interior Design
Project Name: The Elephant Home
Location: Pune
Project Size: 1825 sq. ft.
Principal Architect: Ar. Snehal Jajoo
Photography Courtesy: Hemant Patil Photographer
Text Credits: Ruchika Agarwal
Architectural Videographer: Anup Baheti
Firm’s Instagram Link: Sthetic Design Studio
For Similar Projects > A Fusion of Minimalism, Muted Tones and Contemporary Aesthetics
In the realm of contemporary interior architecture, few projects manage to strike the delicate balance between structural rigidity and organic grace. The architects conceptualised and executed “The Sinuous Soul,” by the visionary team at Design Inset Atelier. It is a profound exploration of this exact duality. It moves away from the sterile, rigid lines that […]
The interior design philosophy of this residence is rooted in creating a seamless balance between classical elegance and contemporary functionality. Designers envision the space as a refined yet warm home where timeless architectural detailing meets modern-day living needs. A Warm Home Rooted In Classical Elegance & Functionality | Tvashta Architects & Interiors A soft, neutral […]
“The Tellapur Atelier” is a 1965 sq. ft. sanctuary designed by Ordell Interiors. Led by Vikas Kumar and Rachana Reddy, the project moves away from superficial decor, focusing instead on structural detailing and custom craftsmanship. Custom Craftsmanship In This Home Is A Masterclass In Modern Transitional Style| Ordell Interiors The home is a masterclass in […]
Across Horizon is a modern apartment designed as a calm yet expressive retreat above the city. Located on a higher floor, the home is conceived around openness, visual continuity, and a strong connection to the urban skyline. The design explores how contemporary interiors can remain warm, personal, and functional while embracing expansive views and modern […]
Nest Harmony is a sophisticated residential interior design project that redefines modern luxury living. Contemporary design meets timeless comfort in this sanctuary, creating a home that is both aesthetically refined and profoundly welcoming. The design philosophy centers on the concept of a curated ‘nest’. A personal retreat built on balance, high-end materiality, and an effortless […]
In a city where apartments often feel sealed off from their surroundings, this 1500 sq ft home off Kanakapura Main Road holds an unexpected advantage: a continuous fringe of mature trees that frame every window. It is this rare connection to nature that shaped HabitArt Studio’s approach, guiding the project toward a design language that […]
Luxury today is no longer defined by excess. It is shaped by intention, emotion, and experience. The Tropicals is a residential project conceived with this belief at its core—where design transcends visual appeal to create a deeply sensory, restorative environment that feels both rooted and refined. Designed as a permanent retreat from the fast-paced rhythm […]
High above the city, on the 54th floor, Sthira finds its grounding not in spectacle, but in a sense of steadiness that moves quietly through the inviting home. The family wanted a place that felt pure and enduring. Somewhere the pace softened, the eye rested, and every room held a quiet assurance of being lived in, not […]
An Urban Family Alcove Nestled in the heart of Nashik, this 3BHK city home residence, designed by PiNiK_The Architect’s Design Studio, is a refined reflection of serene sophistication, blending tactile textures, natural palettes, and curated detailing. Crafted for a family seeking timeless design with contemporary functionality, every space within this home unfolds as a sensorial […]
This home is a thoughtful expression of the modern interior design style, infused with creative and personalised touches that make it both distinctive and inviting. Every material, colour, and finish has been carefully curated to achieve a sense of timelessness, with a clear emphasis on balance and harmony. The muted colour palette seamlessly extended across […]