“India’s ancient artwork should be enough to inspire anyone with a range of ideas” -Subarna Palai

An ode to celebrate the artisans and craftsmen of India, the abode nestled in the bye lanes of ‘Bombay’ inspired by the shades of Earth, fuses ethnic interiors with a contemporary approach. Indigenous in nature, the endeavour through this project was to create a ‘Confluence’ of varied heritage through the generations that India has portrayed and collectively bring it to the foreground for the clients. The interior of this house is a treasure trove of elements, antiques, and craft’s blended with neutral tones of beige, whites, and wood.

This House Is A Treasure Trove Of Elements, Antiques, And Crafts | Interior space by Druvi Sonawala

Visit : Interior space by Druvi Sonawala

The client’s brief and inclination of collecting art pieces and antiques was captivated in an essence of creating a house with ‘Warmth,’ sunlit spaces thriving with indoor plantations and artisanal elements. The house manages to capture, the vernacular roots through intricacy and colours of India and weaves a picture of serenity by curating architectural and interior elements. The narrative of the project explores nuances to create harmony of a truly manifested contemporary vernacular abode.

The approach to the residence infuses reclaimed wood panels, intricate woodworks, sculptures carved from sandstone, cohesively forming an indigenous entrance inspired by the royal architecture of India. Pendant lights in antique forms picturesquely capture the rustic charm presented by the abode.

Sandstone sculptures, planters in wood and stone, elements in brass add finer details to the intricacies of the entrance. Laid with a darker floor, textures in various forms and compositions at the entrance door and the ambience creates a welcoming approach to its users.

The entrance foyer’s design approach was humane as it represents the archways of temples. The brick arch casted by masons on site, resonates with the spatial quality. The parallel sides of the foyer lined with beveled tinted mirrors; the bells arranged in a rhythmic pattern give a sense of infinity to the divine space.

Art takes over as one experiences the public areas celebrating the ethnic and eclectic envelope of the house. Jharokha, carved wooden elements, lighting elements, planters that reminisce the stone capitals of the temples, brick cladded wall, in-situ shelves and ornate elements in brass capture the blend of contemporary aesthetic and local craftsmanship.

Natural light enhances the earthly palette of the living area, which features an upholstered fabric sofa against a muted backdrop.  The clients and the designer worked upon a custom artwork of Brass shringi’s and glass bottles that acts as a focal element of the space.

The core element of the living space in all its glory captures the essence of the palette, the detailing and craftsmanship.  The intricate Jharokha in wood and metal carvings, an antique bench with wagon wheels and brass links with soft upholsteries forms the ornate element of the space.

Brick in natural form adds to the humane interiors of the abode. The minimalist tv unit in oak finish complements the exposed brick wall and the beige flooring.  Accents of metal and greens in sandstone planters add to the aesthetics, thus making the living area an expression of simplicity

The abode demanded in-situ interventions to optimize functionality and integrate elements in artisanal ways. One such approach led to crafting shelves in wood planks and brass chain links. The space is further enhanced with an antique chandelier in wrought iron and brass ghungroos.

The client’s wanted a dining space that is informal in approach and engages conversations. Inspired by traditional baithak seatings, the dining area features an intricate bench, custom dining table from richly carved door in wood and metal, blends in subtle warmth of fabrics, greens and abundance of sunlight.

The kitchen is harmonious to the project’s earthy tones. Minimalist in appearance and integrating functionality, the kitchen blends warmer tones of wood, along with a beige backdrop. The powder bathroom’s uniqueness lies in exploring art as functional elements. The antique window mirrors along with hemps light adds elegance to the overall subtle and neutral palette of the space.

The parents’ bedroom draws inspirations form simplicity. The selection of fabrics, artworks and accents of colors were in consideration with a sense of belonging that evoke happiness. The bedroom is neutral in its palette yet captures the narrative of the project.

Sunlight washes the cooler hues of the master bedroom, retaining the natural tones against the light tonalites of wood.  The sculptural door handles in brass were integrated skillfully in the intricacy of the space.

Glass blown chandeliers, brass antiques and intricate wood mirror blend in with the soft upholsteries to create comfortable corners for the master bedroom.

The master bathroom is rustic in appeal, yet retains the indigeneity. With an antique lamp and mirror, blow-horn from the streets of Mumbai and stone basin, the space becomes artistically rejuvenating. Complementing the artifacts, the bathroom’s palette explores darker shades of wood and greys to create a shift from the overall muted palette.

As rightly quoted by Sunita Kohli, the abode is a collective effort of design, consultants and craftsmen that intricately carved the essence of the project which pays ode to the ‘Kala’ –evocatively singular term for Art, Traditions, Craft, Architecture, and design.

Fact File

Designed by : Interior space by Druvi Sonawala

Project Type : Residential Interior Design

Project Name : An Artist’s abode

Location : Grant Road, Mumbai

Year Built : 2023

Duration of the project : 4.5 Months

Project Size : 1050 Sq.ft

Principal Designer : Druvi Sonawala

Photograph Courtesy : Manish Malli

Interior Styling : Micasa Atelier

Products / Materials / Vendors : Wallcovering / Cladding – Atlas / Sanitaryware – Aquant / Furniture – Wardrobe : Elementra Kitchens & more / Flooring – Stupa Keramos / Kitchen – Elementra Kitchens & more / Paint – Asian paints / Artefacts – Chor Bazaar, Mumbai.

Firm’s Instagram Link : Interior space by Druvi Sonawala

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