In a world of frenetic energy, the allure of a haven that nurtures peace and simplicity has never been more compelling. Monochrome’s Muse, a 1500-square-foot residence in Ahmedabad, embodies this philosophy, seamlessly blending contemporary aesthetics with a grounded, earthy spirit. Designed for a client whose work has made them a consequential globetrotter, the home prioritizes spaciousness, low maintenance, and an aura of calm, with stucco wall texture—a perfect recipe for the homeowner and their elderly parents.
Editor’s Note: “The residence in Ahmedabad is a testimony to the blend of function and self-expression. Careful selection of materials and spatial expression set subtle design ideas for an oasis of calm. The home becomes a haven in this blend of modernity and peace with abundant natural light, rich textures, and thoughtful planning to teleport the users to a retreat.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
Stucco Wall Texture Enhances the Serenity of a Contemporary Home in Ahmedabad | Circle. Design Studio
The project’s genesis lies in a desire to transform a modest apartment into an expansive and inviting social space. To achieve this, a bold and functional design plan was carved out. The team led by Architect Mauli Jash, dismantled the walls of an adjacent guest bedroom and an adjoining toilet. Thus, creating a wide, airy living area that effortlessly accommodates large gatherings. Moreover, this strategic intervention not only amplifies the sense of space but also introduces an unexpected element of fluidity to the floor plan.
The design ethos of this apartment emphasizes a restrained material palette and a focus on naturallight. Moreover, the prevalent use of Kota stone flooring, an indigenous material, imparts a tactile warmth and a sense of rootedness.
The walls are adorned with a textural stucco finish, adding depth and visual interest. Additionally, this restrained backdrop allows the carefully curated elements—a vibrant artwork, a sleek metal library unit, and pops of colour in the furnishings—to make the space come alive.
Natural light teases almost every corner of the house and plays a pivotal role in shaping the ambiance. As the day draws to an end, a carefully orchestrated system of ambient lighting creates a soothing glow at night. Additionally, the foyer ceiling, typically a space relegated to functional lighting, is embellished with a delicate and striking fabric lamp. Thus, casting a warm and inviting aura upon entry.
Monochrome’s Muse is a brilliant example of thoughtful spatial planning. Slidable profile panels with fluted glass discreetly partition the living room from the dining and kitchen areas, maintaining privacy while preserving a sense of visual connectivity. This ensures that the home feels expansive and interconnected, yet offers distinct zones for relaxation and social interaction.
The bedrooms reflect a minimalist aesthetic, prioritizing comfort and serenity. Moreover, the master bedroom features a beautifully refurbished 50-year-old teakwood bed, a testament to the homeowners’ appreciation for heirloom pieces.
The parents’ room, adorned with cane and wooden elements, reflects a grounded and modest charm.
This Ahmedabad residence is an exhibit of the architects’ ability to create spaces that are not only functional but also deeply personal despite of being on a tight budget. Moreover, it is a sanctuary where the demands of modern life gently recedes, replaced by a sense of zen and easy-living!
Fact File
Designed by: Circle. Design Studio
Project Type: Apartment Interior Design
Project Name: Monochrome’s Muse
Location: Ahmedabad
Year Built: 2024
Duration of the project: 6 Months
Project Size: 1500 Sq.ft
Project Cost: 30 Lakhs
Principal Architect: Ar. Mauli Jash
Photograph Courtesy: The Space Tracing Company
Text by: Nishit Rangwala
Firm’s Instagram Link: Circle. Design Studio
For Similar Project >> A House That Is Warm And Comforting, Keeping Up With The Modern Outlook
This modern and classy 2BHK flat showcases the perfect blend of elegance and functionality. Step into a home where modern flat design meets sophistication — a beautifully designed 2BHK flat that offers the perfect fusion of luxury and comfort. The interiors exude an effortless style with meticulous attention to detail, creating an inviting atmosphere throughout. […]
The design is a minimal yet nostalgic blend of organic modern and Bombay Deco, thoughtfully influenced by the client’s deep connection to Bombay. Inspired by his personal journey—having moved from a tier-2 city and spending a decade living in the historic lanes of Colaba and working in Fort—the home reflects the charm and soul of […]
We build and design homes every day, two peas in a pod – at home & at work. However, when it came to doing up our own dream home, there were ideas, a number of them, and disagreements, quite a few! One thing was in common – every space should feel personal, comfortable and inviting. […]
Imagine this for a design brief: Design an apartment for 3 generations. The family’s young kids have an endless love for the sea and the sky, grandparents’ sensibilities are deeply rooted in traditional Indian styles, and the young parents are all about modern minimalism. The home has to integrate these diverse styles through eclectic interior […]
Tucked away on the 10th floor of Bellisimo 3, in one of Vadodara’s most upscale neighborhoods, this 2700 sqft, 4BHK apartment is a perfect fusion of elegance, comfort, and practicality. The owners, originally from Delhi, made the decision to trade the fast-paced life of the capital for the slower rhythm of Vadodara—but they didn’t want […]
The Juhu Beach Apartment revamp project, executed by Ikshana Design Studio, was an ambitious transformation aimed at redefining a small yet cozy residence into a contemporary, light-filled home. The objective was to create a space that felt expansive and seamlessly connected to its coastal surroundings, all while maintaining the existing property. Given a reasonable budget, […]
In the heart of Ahmedabad’s vibrant neighborhood of Naranpura, Studio LivInspire crafts a 1450 sq. ft. wabi sabi house that reflects the soulful quietude of the Wabi-Sabi philosophy. This residence, completed in 2024, blends minimalist elegance with handcrafted charm, celebrating the beauty of imperfection, natural materials, and the warmth of lived-in spaces. This Wabi Sabi […]
Luxury apartments often conjure images of serene beige palettes and minimalist furniture, but this project, Azure, stands apart as a true ode to modern contemporary homes, celebrating individuality and boldness. Spanning an expansive 8,000 sq ft, this home, conceptualised by Farah Agarwal of Chestnut Storeys, is infused with the warm, golden hues of the Bay […]
Conceptualisation of RGB was an exciting process. At 1000 sq ft, this home’s terracotta interior design offers a distinct ambience in each room. The living room is a place of calm and respite with creamy lime wash walls. Braided pachira plant stands tall next to the built-in seating. Editor’s Note: “Dipped in a playful palette […]
In one of Gurgaon’s towering high-rises, a young couple made a conscious decision to reject the uniformity of trends. They didn’t want their home to be manicured; they just wanted to channel themselves into it. The brief for this Gurgaon Apartment was simple and direct – “A home,” they told us. “We don’t want something […]