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
Tucked away in the bustling neighbourhood of Powai, Mumbai, The Little Wild is a 1115 sqft. apartment that reimagines urban living through the lens of nature. Designed for a young couple and their toddler, the 2.5-bedroom home draws inspiration from the serenity of the outdoors, blending modern minimalism and soft tones with organic warmth. At its core, […]
Stepping into this modern luxury home feels like entering a world where comfort and elegance coexist effortlessly. Every inch of the space has been crafted with intention — from the color palette that gently soothes the senses to the thoughtful and functional planning that ensures seamless functionality. This is not just a living room; it […]
In the dense urban fabric of Ahmedabad, Sukoon emerges as a home shaped not by a rigid brief, but by the personalities of the family who would inhabit it. Spanning 2500 sq ft, the residence is envisioned as a sanctuary—an environment that softens the noise of the city and replaces it with quiet refinement, tactile […]
“Bare Beauty” is the celebration of intentional emptiness, raw materials, honest form, and natural imperfections. It is a design philosophy that strips away the excess to uncover beauty in what’s left behind — in the bare walls, quiet corners, raw textures, and subtle light. HNine designs Who says white is boring? This home is a […]
Some designs feel like a true form of art. The same can be said about this 4BHK designed by Design Studio Associates. From warm textures and muted tones to clever functionality, every room here feels like a chapter in a story that’s stitched together with elegance and ease. “The aim was to design a home […]
Located in Vadodara, this 4BHK residence spans an ample 1692 square feet, with modern comfort can harmonize with rich Indian artistry and traditions. Generous space, thoughtful planning, and creative detailing give the home its distinctive character, with every room weaving together color, craftsmanship, and custom accents for a sophisticated yet deeply inviting environment fit for daily […]
Aangan, a 4BHK residence in Whitefield, Bangalore, beautifully balances cultural design with modern sensibilities, creating meaningful spaces for every generation. Rooted in the spirit of the wada, the design reinterprets traditional elements like intricate woodwork, earthy textures and regionally inspired art in a fresh, contemporary language. The Cultural Design Of This Bangalore Home Balances Culture And […]
Nestled within the vibrant neighborhood of Agrawal Palazzo in Borivali, Urban Zen is a 1200 sq. ft. 3BHK residence envisioned as a calm refuge from Mumbai’s relentless pace. Designed by Maitri Doshi, Founder and Principal Designer of Msttudio. The home is a study in restraint, mindfulness, and modern contemporary expression. It celebrates the poetry of […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
In Indian homes with dynamic spaces, identification of standard interior door dimensions can have a positive impact on space optimization. First impressions matter, right? Beyond spaces inside the homes, doors carry long-time impressions through various panel sizes, intricate details, and more. While most of us remember the material and design, we tend to forget the […]