As we prepared for our meeting with a beloved client, the mission ahead for this hygge house was crystal clear: Having already designed a home for their elder brother, we were now entrusted with transforming the younger brother’s three-bedroom Surat apartment. While the world chases perfection, a fun-loving family of four approached founders Rachana Chovatiya and Ashish Chovatiya of studiorachana369 with an explicit attraction to imperfection, a desire for authenticity to say. Their plea? “Let’s make it cosy, unpolished, and a bit imperfect – you know, like life.”
Little did they know that this sincere request would lead to the creation of ‘kōzē minka’ – a Japandi-inspired haven. A nod to traditional Japanese homes known as Minka, this 1,575 sq. ft. 3 BHK Surat apartment is crafted with a focus on cosines and unparalleled comfort.
Editor’s Note: “Drawing inspiration from Japanese art and wabi-sabi design philosophy, this residence in Surat is a haven for comfort and simplicity. With an eclectic mix of reclaimed and hand-crafted furnishings, the abode embraces the concept of sustainability. The subtle colour palette along with the intricate mix of art imparts a sense of belonging and individuality to every space.” ~Simran Khare
This Hygge House is a Japandi Inspired Heaven in Surat | studiorachana369
Inspired by Japanese art and the wabi-sabi philosophy, blended with the Scandinavian ‘hygge’ approach that champions comfort and well-being, the house is a celebration of simplicity and sustainability. The furniture landscape boasts an eclectic mix of reclaimed, handmade, and multi-seasonal pieces. Each room envelops you in a layered, neutral colour palette, thoughtfully accented with the warmth of wooden hues. From textured lime-coated walls to the enticing artwork, every facet is meticulously intentional. The curated artworks serve as windows into the homeowner’s world, establishing a backdrop that echoes with the personal stories of the inhabitants.
In this open-plan living room, the Japandi design hygge house ethos comes to life with a delicate __ wood-veneer paneling with seamless small square checks. Lotus artworks punctuate the veneer wall, narrating stories of resilience and beauty, while handcrafted furniture adds an artisanal touch.
Continuity is key, where the chequered veneer panelling extends seamlessly as the backdrop for the TV unit and the dining area. The walls, intentionally lime-coated, embrace imperfections, deviating from the notion of blank perfection.
Adorning the textured canvas of the lime stucco wall are eight masterfully crafted circular wooden plates. The center table, with its undulating top, defies rigid lines becoming a focal point. The rug with its understated patterns and muted colours, grounds the room in the tactile essence of Japandi living.
The dining area exudes cosiness with a small, round marble-top table featuring artisanal Sheesham wooden legs. The dining chairs, also crafted from Sheesham, boast warm grains, embodying the essence of Japandi living. A fine detail unfolds above, where a hidden beam is ingeniously concealed within a gracefully curved false ceiling. Adding an artistic flourish, a full-size mosaic wall art, curated as an integral part of the space, speaks to the studio’s distinctive style – where art isn’t an afterthought but a living, breathing element of the dining experience. As the dining area transitions to the main passage, a collection of six personalized artwork frames becomes the focal point. These abstract pieces share the client’s stories, turning the passage into a personalized gallery.
Along this journey, a small, understated mandir area finds its place, offering a serene corner seamlessly integrated into the passage’s flow. The flooring introduces a playful element with a hopscotch-style pattern. This whimsical design adds a touch of light-heartedness to the passage, providing an interactive space for the client’s young daughter to play, learn shapes, and make the passage more than just a walkway.
In the parents’ bedroom, geometric patterns become the protagonist. A fabric artwork graces the bed’s back wall, turning the room into a gallery of artistic expression. The black and white backdrop fulfils the client’s wish for a touch of black in the space.
Veneer panelling in a light wooden hue elegantly frames the room, creating a subtle yet stylish boundary. Additionally, the use of pure linen, sandwiched between glass panels and framed with wood, brings a natural texture and warmth to the wardrobe shutters.
Moreover, the organic touch continues with rattan planters and ceramic pottery infusing a wabi-sabi feel. Luxury takes centre stage with travertine walls in rich black, brown, and beige in the master bathroom. A handcrafted cane drawer also adds a touch of artistry, blending seamlessly with the sleek design.
In the guest room, the bed’s back wall becomes a canvas for art that mimics rammed walls, embodying the delicate earthiness of Japanese wabi-sabi.
Additionally, wavy patterns gracefully dominate the entire room, from the wardrobe to the dressing mirror, celebrating beauty in imperfect and inconsistent waves.
Each element tells a story of organic charm, where the room’s design harmonizes with the essence of Japanese aesthetics. Thus, inviting guests into a space that embraces imperfections as part of its unique allure.
In the daughter’s room, quirkiness takes center stage with an arch-shaped bed back adorned with playful balls. The arch features a charming line drawing artwork that represents the unique personalities of the two sisters.
Furthermore, a pendant light embedded in a cane cone hangs gracefully by the bedside, casting a warm glow. The wardrobe adds a touch of symmetry with an equalized square pattern distributed in wooden moulding and cane panels, bringing a sense of order to the room.
The study area doubles its functionality with a sliding panel that reveals a mirror when needed. Thus, transforming seamlessly into a practical study-table-cum-dressing-corner.
Moreover, this room is a vibrant blend of playfulness and functionality, designed to inspire creativity and comfort for the young inhabitants.
Fact File
Designed by: studiorachana369
Project Type: Apartment Interior Design
Project Name: kōzē minka
Location: Surat, Gujarat, India
Year Built: 2024
Duration of the project: 1 year
Built-up Area: 2,300 Sq.ft
Project Size: 1,575 Sq.ft
Principal Architects: Ashish Chovatiya & Rachana Chovatiya
Photograph Courtesy: Noaidwin Sttudio
Products / Materials / Vendors: Mosaic wall art- Palladio Glass Mosaic / Wallcovering / Cladding –VENZOWOOD / Lighting – GULMOHAR LANE / Sanitary ware – Jaquar India / Furniture – Loose furniture / Sofa – Shield Cons Admin / Flooring – Classic Marble Company / Kitchen – Paayal Malhotra, KalingaStone / wall texture – Limocoat By JBR Coatings / Artefacts – GULMOHAR LANE / Wall art – Rogán / Bedding – Aplito / Soft furnishing – The Pure Concept, SAHEBKRUPA
Firm’s Instagram Link: studiorachana369
For Similar Projects >> A Minimalist Interior Design With Elements That Soothe And Calm
In the midst of Mumbai’s restless hum, where the city rarely slows, stands an apartment house that feels like a deep breath. A sanctuary where quiet luxury intertwines with the timeless philosophy of wabi-sabi, it celebrates subtlety, imperfection, and the beauty of restraint. This is not a house that shouts; it is one that speaks […]
The clients, both working professionals in the IT industry, approached the design of their home with clarity and conviction. Their vision was a curated design that is elegant in a modern, sophisticated home with golden accents and a curated colour palette reflecting their style. A Curated Design And Clear Conviction Reflects The Client’s Vision In […]
In a city where every square foot comes at a premium, The Design Chapel has transformed a modest 2BHK house into a canvas of quiet sophistication and spatial ingenuity. The project exemplifies how minimal living, when executed with precision, can make a home feel not just larger—but infinitely more liveable. This 2BHK House Is A […]
“Minimal, Elegant, and Personal” — this guiding motto shaped the vision and execution of a smart space. This turns it into a calm and inviting retreat amidst the city’s constant hustle. The family’s primary wish was to have a space that felt soft, cosy, and nurturing while being highly functional for their everyday needs. “The […]
This Zen Home Reflects The Perfect Balance of Memory And Functionality. The residence was designed keeping in mind the unique personality of our client who believes in simple living and high thinking, and wanted an understated and uncluttered space. The overall design language was based in ‘mindful elegance’ with minimal yet functional elements that strive […]
In the modern house interior design of this residence, every detail tells a story of creativity and individuality. The contemporary wooden door, features exquisite black glass that adds a touch of drama and allure to the entryway, and a central metal rod accent in the safety door between those arches embraces the perfect blend of […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]
Let’s dive into a brand new topic – sliding wardrobe design, where functionality meets modern style! Whether you want to add a sleek, contemporary touch to your room or an Indo-fusion design aesthetic, sliding wardrobe can make a perfect choice to optimize space. In this post, we’ll delve into the latest trends on sliding wardrobe […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]