search

A Peaceful Home with a Laid-Back Take on Living | Sthetic Design Studio

Spread across 1800 sq. ft., this peaceful home meets at the junction where traditional and modern design collide.

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

Design conception

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.

Entrance

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.

Dining area

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.

Kitchen area

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.

Master bedroom

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.

Second bedroom

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.

Children’s bedroom

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.

In conclusion

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

75 Living Room Lighting Ideas For Indian Homes

Today, Living room lighting ideas are taking a whole new shape globally. However, certain countries reflect the local context. In India, living room lighting ideas are crucial in attaining the occupants’ visual comfort where traditional and modern design elements coexist. In this curated list of living room lighting ideas, you will be highlighted with types, […]

Read More

Minimal Home Design Soaked in Pastels | Studio3Dplus1

Nestled in the heart of Whitefield, Bengaluru, this minimal home design is a Pastel Abode that stands as a serene retreat. Here, emotive design meets the timeless elegance of minimalism. This home blends soft, pastel tones with clean, understated interiors, resulting in a space that feels both calm and inviting. Color plays a central role […]

Read More

Classical Modern House is Inspired From Spheres and Chakras | Pooja Madan designs and co.

The Serenity Sphere is a meticulously designed living space that harmoniously blends classical modern house design with minimalism. The interiors feature muted color palettes, fostering a serene and timeless environment. Furniture is kept to a minimum, allowing the thoughtfully curated art and design elements to take center stage. The concept subtly draws inspiration from spheres […]

Read More

This Modern Traditional House is a Blend of Elegance with Practicality | CreareDecore Studio

We had the privilege of working on a magnificent modern traditional house project at The Embassy on Ali Askar Road in Bangalore, where we blended elegance with practical usage while maintaining a luxurious feel. Complete freedom from clients for designing this home and thus a dream project for us. The 2,800-sq. ft. home includes a […]

Read More

This Large House Plan is a Clear Balance of Individuality and Socializing | AKG Design Studio

The intent was to design a clean, uncluttered and large house plan with ample breathing space, where the family of four could live comfortably. Being a large house, they wanted the plan to allow enjoying the space while catering to a lifestyle. That is a balance of both: a clear sense of individualism, as well […]

Read More

This Minimalist Modern Interior Design is a Peaceful Retreat | Studio Rohit Jain

The minimalist modern interior design of the house was envisioned as a peaceful retreat from the chaos of the outside world. Clean lines and a restrained colour palette create an uncluttered, serene environment. Being a family of 3, the house was planned, ensuring the left part has a master and kitchen while the other part […]

Read More

Dining Room Furniture Ideas: 75 Designs For Indian Homes

In Indian homes, the family meals are prioritized in the dining room, which acts as the center of the house. Dining room furniture ideas and the appropriate selection will enhance the user’s comfort and look refreshing. Dining room furniture ideas are unlimited, regardless of your preference for traditional Indian motifs or a more contemporary, minimalist […]

Read More

This Apartment With Three Bedrooms is the First Home of a Swiss Returned Family | Eficaz Designs

Nestled in the heart of Parel, this beautifully situated three-bedroom apartment represents a significant milestone for a Swiss-returned family—it is their very first home. After years spent living in various parts of India and abroad, including a transformative period in Switzerland, the family has returned to their roots in Mumbai. This journey through diverse cultures, […]

Read More

This Traditional Modern Home Reflects a Dedication to Quality | The Design Street

The design philosophy evident in this home project highlights a fusion of modern elegance with traditional and cultural vibrancy. The interiors exude a contemporary style with clean lines, muted colour palettes, and sophisticated material choices. Handcrafted furniture, as well as custom upholstery, reflects a dedication to quality and detail, adding a layer of warmth and […]

Read More

This Bold Apartment is an Immersive Journey Through Texture | Palak Ladhani Design Studio

“Haus of Tranquil” is a bold and transformative residential apartment project that encapsulates the perfect synergy between luxury, elegance, and modern functionality. Situated in Mumbai, this 750 sq. ft., apartment is an ode to minimalistic opulence. Here subtle design elements combine to create a space that is both visually appealing and functionally versatile. Designed by […]

Read More
  • Magazine December Edition 2024
  • Discovering Enchanting Tapestry of 20 Hanging Bridges in India

    This Cafe in Delhi Shows its Definite Love for Arches | Space Tag Architects