The new direction invited some strenuous design discussions. With a little help from the initial ideations and 3D views, as well as the studio’s previous work in Indian Modernism, they managed to convince the client for a different design angle. Alternatively, these discussions revealed a resounding common ground: inspiring memories rooted in art and nature. The positive response soon transformed into the theme of the home, ‘Layers of Life’.
Editor’s Note: The artistic symphony of organic patterns and golden traces is an assemblage of eclectic features and Indian traits. Bold and soft patterns converge into one while perfectly balancing the interiors. The interiors have a futuristic essence, with greenery added in moderation. However, the bedrooms are devoid of bold elements with a soothing persona. – Gopika Pramod
Layers of Life: artful Indian modernism and elemental philosophy | studiorachana369
An atypical black, burnt wood entrance door riddled with playful geometry denotes the first look of the concept: ‘Layers of Life’. One step inside, and the theme shines through the muted colour and texture layering of the spacious living room. On one end, a stone mural wall—conceived as a piece of artistry—weighs the focus of the room; effortlessly enhancing its naturally textured layers with rhythmic fluted details.
Mirroring the same fluted effect is a capsule-shaped partition wall with delightfully playful metal accessories. These organic spheres and cylindrical curvatures are sprinkled across the furniture scape, a subtle nod to the studio’s signature style. Marking its prominence, a sleek yet dynamic, palm-leaf-inspired chandelier hangs from the ceiling.
On the opposite end is the extended living room with a hand-painted brass artwork of a koi pond emanating rhythmic, fluid layers across the wall. Circling back to the concept of ‘Layers of Life’, the sculptural centrepiece invites a meditative depth to this space.
The studio enjoys designing bespoke lighting for every project. In this home, a tailor-made, palm-leaf-inspired chandelier illuminates the living room. This light also acts as an element from the tropical theme intervening in the contemporary ambience.
The extended living room is an absolute summary of how the design is moulded to their lifestyle. Since the grandparents spend most of their day playing with their grandchild, a demand for heavy storage (to accommodate toys and other necessities) was made. However, the designers intended to keep the volume visually light and spacious. As a solution, an accent cabinet called the ‘Toy Store’ was designed.
A balance of form and function, the piece instantly became a focal element and is now a favourite for both the studio and the family. Amusingly wearing a ‘crown’ made of brass, the cabinet features gradient PU finishes, hand-carved textures and zebra patterns. With a hand-painted brass artwork of a koi pond emanating rhythmic, fluid layers across the wall, the space further invites a meditative depth to it.
To the left is the colourful dining area with a fluted console on one side. Establishing a visual coherency, an abstract extension of the living room mural wall anchors itself on the console. Venturing into darker shades and taking the layering up a notch, the back-painted glass and mirror set mounted atop provide a stunning contrast. Underneath sits a shiny glass bowl basin serving functionality. While the chairs are sourced, the magnanimous dining table legs are painstakingly hand-painted by artisans to complete the overall elegant ambience.
Adjacent to the dining area lies the mandir of the house. A serene sanctuary, the space is designed to reminisce the enchanting aura and melodies of Vrindavan, spiritually transporting one into the mystical forest. A bold brass panel is purposefully added to centre the focus on the simplistic idol and pooja setup.
The four bedrooms are arranged in a row extending from the northwest corner to the southwest corner of the house. While they all are designed on simplistic layouts, each communicates a distinct colour and material palette.
Exuding warmth and comfort, the main bedroom comprises a solid wood floor, rustic earthy shades and terracotta finishes. The wall behind the bed features simple mouldings and fluting details breaking the monotonous white.
Composed in a grid, the notable art piece illustrates the various textured layers looping back to the core theme of the house. The use of black and brass in the side tables and the dresser accentuates the warm palette.
Moving to the parents’ bedroom, the mood swiftly transposes towards modern luxury. The room is devised using warm grey, exquisite black, and quirky brass details. Demonstrating the core concept of ‘Layers of Life’, the textured wall features debossed arches asymmetrically layered to accentuate the room design.
And at its heart lies a hand-painted brass plate, binding the design composition. On the other side, a linear fluted panel runs through the wardrobe breaking the room’s dewy monotony.
Introducing an element of fun and whimsy, the kid’s bedroom explores the vibrancy of blue and balances it with browns and grey. A galore of geometric forms submerge the room from the hand-painted dado to the curved bed back.
The guest bedroom evinces utter groundedness with its discreet layout, clean lines and tasteful terracotta hues. The bed back is boxed in to hold a textured artwork displaying layers and hues of warmth.
Fact File
Designed by: studiorachana369
Project Type: Residential Interior Design
Project Name: studiorachana369
Location: Surat, India
Project Size: 3,500 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Ashish Chovatiya & Rachana Chovatiya
Photograph Courtesy: Noaidwin Sttudio
Words by: Building Binary
Art: Rogán Designs, The Hue Odyssey, Rajvi Chevli
Brand list: Jaipur Rugs, D’Decor, Saheb Krupa, Westside Home, Limocoat, Jotun Paints India, Classic Marble Company
Firm’s Instagram Link: studiorachana369
For Similar Projects >> Faza Home Designed With A Minimalist Style Exuding Luxury And Elegance
A 6,500-square-foot house in a peaceful Hyderabad neighbourhood tells a story through arches in interior design, light, shadow, texture, and time rather than words. Meghana Nimmagadda founded the award-winning boutique design studio Designtales, which is responsible for this most recent residential project. Designtales is well-known for its intensely individualised approach to interior design. They create […]
A 3-bedroom apartment with beige interiors hosts a Maharashtrian couple and their two daughters as its residents. The home’s main boast is its huge, full-height windows that let in ample sunlight – a fact which later became a key guiding point in designing the interior space. With Beige Interiors, This Apartment Unfolds Comfort | Agneya […]
The project with wooden interior represents more than just interior design; it was about creating an emotional bridge between two worlds. Kerala’s rich architectural heritage, with its emphasis on natural materials, intricate wooden craftsmanship, and connection to nature, needed to be thoughtfully translated into a modern urban context without losing its authentic character. Gandhi understood […]
Nestled within one of Chennai’s most sought-after and affluent neighbourhoods, The Chic Sanctuary is a quiet luxury style 2025 sq. ft. apartment that stands as a serene and stylish oasis amidst the vibrant energy of the city. Designed with a strong sense of modern sophistication and understated luxury, this home masterfully balances aesthetics with functionality, […]
In a city that rarely sleeps, this house finds calm with neutral interiors. Nestled in the buzzing heart of Mulund, Mumbai, lies a serene sanctuary where design speaks in hushed tones and emotions find form in monochrome whispers. “Whispers of White”, a residential project by Disha Maniyar, principal designer of The Next Step Interiors, is […]
In a city constantly balancing between the fast-paced and the familiar, this serene apartment for Gurjar family in Mulund unfolds like a quiet retreat. Titled The Woven Story, this 4BHK apartment was envisioned as a coming together of different individualities, tastes, and styles, an interior narrative that acknowledges contrast yet seeks cohesion. The brief was […]
The Jade House is a celebration of green interiors through colour, texture, and thoughtful functionality. A home where every design element has been carefully curated to reflect the personality of its residents while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. Named after the precious jade stone, the home takes inspiration from its lush green tones, which appear gracefully […]
Tucked away in a bustling Bangalore neighbourhood, Anubhav is more than just a home—it’s a feeling, an experience. Designed for a young couple from Assam with a modern eye and a deep love for the arts, this 1500 sq. ft. three-bedroom apartment captures the essence of boho interior design through farmhouse chic living with a […]
When a client from Mumbai’s eastern suburbs—a quiet father-son duo, one of whom is a budding musician—approached us to design their home, it set the stage for a poetic confluence of two creative disciplines: architecture and music. It’s always a rare pleasure when design engages in dialogue with another form of cultural expression, and in […]
When one imagines a home inspired by South Indian style, the mind conjures an air of vernacular warmth—wooden tones, saturated hues, and the scent of sandalwood mingling with earthy nuances. ‘Vasudhalayah’ brings these images to life, transforming them into a 5000 sq ft abode in Bengaluru, where Mediterranean design sensibilities subtly echo through the fusion […]