A home is a reflection of one’s identity, aspirations, and cultural heritage. This 900-square-foot, three bedroom residence in Ramamurthy Nagar, Bengaluru, perfectly embodies that for a family originally from Kerala. Their preference for earthy interiors with neutral and wooden tones, paired with muted colours, created a calm, sophisticated ambience. This vision materialized into Sukhavasam, a home with a name inspired by the Malayalam word for peace and a sense of belonging. In addition to fostering a serene atmosphere, the design also prioritized ample storage solutions throughout the apartment, ensuring the space remains organized without sacrificing its uncluttered feel.

Earthy Interior Bring Calm And Character To This Kerala Family’s Home | Aarthaa Design Studio

Entrance

Upon entering the home, a charming passage leads to a stunning Ganesha mural, adorned with traditional Indian floral patterns and rich mustard tones. The artisans polished two locally sourced elephant head carvings from Chitrakala Parishat to match the solid teak wood, alongside brass hanging deepams, beside the painting.

Living Room

The living room is bathed in natural light, which accentuates the minimalistic furniture featuring rattan finishes—a favourite of the client—and warm, earthy hues. A niche near the window, with a gentle curve, echoes the curvature of the passage architrave, adding a soft, inviting touch to the space. The design meticulously details the ceiling with cornices that blend seamlessly into the ceiling’s colour. Thus, creating a subtle yet refined finish.

To add depth and character, half-round solid teak wood moulding encircles the living area, dividing the walls into two distinct sections, each with its own unique texture. The delicate wallpaper adorns the lower half, while Morning Glory by Asian Paints paints the upper half, amplifying the earthy, organic feel.

The custom-designed TV unit showcases understated elegance, crafting it from solid teak wood and laminate. The drawers feature solid teak slats arranged with precision and finished with polished V-grooves.

Given the absence of a dedicated Pooja room, Aartha Design Studio thoughtfully incorporated one next to the TV unit. Staying true to the design’s flowing curves, the pooja unit features elegantly curved details, a rattan-finished pull-out drawer, and fluted glass shutters, all set against a textured wallpaper backdrop. Finishing touches, such as the luxurious carpet from Carpet Kingdom and oak-toned blinds layered with sheer fabric, add warmth and richness to the space.

Dining Area

The dining area retains the client’s existing dining table and chairs, refreshed with a stylish cane fixture from Ikea. The crockery unit combines fluted glass shutters with brass knobs on the upper cabinet, while the lower cabinet features a sophisticated mix of rattan finish and groove detailing. Floral print dado tiles add elegance, and customized legs further elevate the design.

A gallery wall, illuminated by amber glass wall lights, displays contemporary floral images that reflect the client’s taste, moving away from traditional Indian motifs. The detailed wooden rafters adorn the ceiling, while a tailored pelmet enhances the flow of the curtains, beautifully highlighted by discreet strip lighting.

Kitchen

Adjacent to the dining area, the open kitchen showcases a faux beam clad in polished teak veneer, adding warmth and sophistication to the transition between the spaces.

The kitchen cabinets feature pastel mint green laminate on the lower level, paired with white textured laminate on the upper, creating a refreshing contrast.

Oak-tone laminate ledges introduce an inviting warmth, accentuated by custom oak knobs sourced specifically for the loft.

To maintain a sleek, streamlined look, handle-less cabinets incorporate a 45-degree chamfered detail. The countertop is finished in elegant grey quartz, complemented by dual-toned fluted dado tiles that elevate the kitchen’s aesthetic.

Parents’ Bedroom

The parents’ bedroom exudes serenity and calm. The bed wall features teak wood beading, elegantly dividing the space. The lower half showcases sage green wallpaper, while the upper half is finished with soft, coordinating paint. A curved mirror hangs thoughtfully above a movable side table from Ikea, adding both style and function.

The wardrobe features a sleek Shekar design with a laminate finish, complemented by sage green wallpaper on the lower portion. Brass handles accentuate the wardrobe doors, while brass knobs add a refined touch to the loft. An open storage section with curved detailing, echoing the dresser, provides additional shelves for functionality. To complete the room’s cohesive look, we incorporated double-layered blinds—featuring a main layer and a sheer fabric in sage green—that beautifully complement the wallpaper and enhance the room’s soothing aesthetic.

Master Bedroom

The master bedroom is centred around a queen-size bed flanked by matching side tables. The bed wall is enhanced by fluted POP panels finished in soft paint and accented with a subtle lime plaster wallpaper.

Cream-coloured curtains paired with sheer layers contribute to a calming, serene ambience. Opposite the bed, a sliding wardrobe in the Shaker style features a polished teak wood frame surrounding rattan laminate panels, with sleek, concealed handles for a clean look.

Above, a loft with wooden knobs provides extra storage. Adjacent to the wardrobe, a dresser combines practical storage with open shelves. Moreover, a mirror framed in teak wood beading with a gentle curve echoes the design of the wall niches, bringing a harmonious flow to the room.

Study Room

The study room is thoughtfully designed with the family’s future needs in mind, anticipating its transformation into a children’s bedroom. The layout offers generous open space in the centre, ideal for both play and study.

The double‑shutter wardrobe features a sleek design, with the lower section adorned in white fluted laminate. Additionally, the upper half is clad in warm oak laminate and complemented by matching oak handles. An open study unit with drawers and shelves provides practical storage while maintaining a clean, uncluttered look.

The bay window seater, finished in oak laminate and fluted white laminate, mirrors the wardrobe’s aesthetic. Additionally, it doubles as extra book storage. The refurbished single bed wall is elegantly divided by MDF beading. The lower half showcases beige and white pinstripe wallpaper by Wall Queen, while the upper half is finished in a soft paint colour. A large painting completes the room, tying the elements together and enhancing its inviting, cohesive atmosphere.

Timeless Sanctuary

This home is a tribute to the homeowner’s Kerala roots, offering a serene and minimalist atmosphere. The natural finishes of oak and rattan take centre stage. Furthermore, they harmoniously blend with the decor, creating a cohesive and inviting space. The result is a timeless sanctuary that reflects both heritage and modern elegance.

Fact File

Designed by: Aarthaa Design Studio

Project Type: Apartment Interior Design

Project Name: Sukhavasam

Location: Ramamurthy Nagar, Bangalore

Year Built: 2024

Duration of the project: 4 Months

Project Size: 900 Sq.ft

Principal Designer: Shilpa Srinivas

Design Credits: Nithin Shivakumar, Liya Liijo

Photograph Courtesy: Shine Parsana

Interior Styling: Surabhi Dhole

Products / Materials / Vendors: Lighting – Aditya Lamps / Furniture – Ikea, wooden street / Paint – Asian Artefacts – Aalekh Artisan crafts works (hand painted terracotta plates in the living area) / Wallpaper – Wallqueen / Hardware – Hettich

Firm’s Website Link: Aarthaa Design Studio

Firm’s Instagram Link: Aarthaa Design Studio

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