A stone fireplace glows softly, with a Chesterfield sofa drawn close beside it. Above, timber rafters stretch across the ceiling while a curved wooden staircase with wrought iron rails peeks from within; and for a moment, one is reminded of the lobbies of old colonial style hotels. The Earthy house: An 8,000-square-foot penthouse in Indore, reimagined by interior designers Poonam and Akash Mehta as a home that carries the romance of travel, history, and timeless design.

The Earthy house : An 8000 sq.ft Penthouse that Evokes Charm of a Colonial Hotel | Poonam Akash

The Brief Rooted in Memory and Atmosphere

The young couple based their brief on memory and atmosphere. “The husband, an outdoorsman who loves trekking and rustic colonial style spaces, desired interiors that felt like the log cabins and old country clubs of Indore,” recalls Poonam. “His wife, on the other hand,” adds Akash, “wanted the home to remain practical, uncluttered, and easy to maintain.” The challenge was to balance the two contrasting requirements. 

A Balanced Palette of Wood, Brick, and Light

From the outset, materials were central to this vision. In keeping with the client’s requirement, the designers leaned on natural finishes, a mix of wood and exposed bricks to lend a rustic feel. At the same time, the designers treated the surfaces with restraint, avoiding excessive ornamentation, so the spaces remained light-filled, breathable, and easy to upkeep.

The entryway sets the tone. A sequence of vaulted arches, inspired by Poonam’s readings of A History of Architecture, creates a gentle procession that opens into a dramatic double-height drawing room.

Here, a newspaper-collage artwork from Thailand pays homage to the iconic National Geographic cover titled ‘Afghan Girl’. Above, veneer panels crafted to resemble brick-lined rafters cloak the ceiling, conjuring the aura of a safari lodge.

At another end of the room lies the dining room framed by dark pinewood rafters on the ceiling. A wooden dining table from China sits at the centre of the space, cleverly concealing a Lazy Susan.

The walls of the space feature the couple’s collection of porcelain plates that they had amassed from travels over the years.

Opposite it, the kitchen features a cerulean hued wooden shutters and chimney that lend the space a surreal appeal. A large copper sink, breaks the colour palette, while adding natural elements to the space. 

The Master Bedroom: Calm Through Textures

Upstairs, the master bedroom is kept intentionally uncluttered to let materials lead: exposed concrete walls, solid raw-wood doors, and a wool-textured accent panel by Phillip Jeffries establish a calm, tactile palette.

The master bathroom echoes the quiet grandeur of a luxury resort with two tones of grey concrete textures, softened by a traditional Persian rug in the dry area.

A Bohemian Haven for the Daughter

The daughter’s room shifts to an ethereal register – macramé, lace, and diaphanous fabrics create a bohemian mood. Wardrobes and a dressing table are finished in a vintage-inspired palette with ceramic handles, while her bathroom carries patterned handmade tiles from Keramos.

“The son’s room evokes a Boy Scout vibe with plaid walls, walnut furniture, vintage accents, and a themed bathroom.”

“The English cigar lounge exudes a club-like mood with Chesterfields, metal-studded trunks, stone mantel, and brass-inlaid floors.”

“Rhino-painted walls and a metal-and-leather Ralph Lauren chandelier create a warm, intimate glow.”“The English cigar lounge exudes a club-like mood with Chesterfields, metal-studded trunks, stone mantel, and brass-inlaid floors.”

“The English cigar lounge sets a club-like mood with Chesterfield sofas, metal-studded trunks, a stone mantel, and brass-inlaid floors.”

“Walls in Rhino shade by Asian Paints are paired with a metal-and-leather Ralph Lauren chandelier for a warm, intimate glow.”

“A curved wooden staircase with wrought-iron rails and a caged elevator, inspired by Mumbai’s early art deco and gothic lobbies, choreographs movement between levels.” Together, they lend the vestibule the ceremonial air of a heritage hotel lobby.

Colonial Charm Meets Contemporary Living

“The colonial style penthouse blends the spirit of a colonial lounge with contemporary design through its materials and details.”. The result is a home that feels timeless yet personal, offering its inhabitants both retreat and connection in equal measure.

Fact File

Designed by: Poonam Akash

Project Type: Residential Interior Design

Project Name: The Earthy House 

Location: Indore 

Project Size: 8000 Sq.ft

Principal Designers: Akash Mehta & Poonam Mehta

Photograph Courtesy: Kuber Shah

Firm’s Instagram Link: Poonam Akash

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