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.

A Living Room That Whispers Wood

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.

Personalized Art Takes the Lead in This Dining Area

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.

Wabi-Sabi Whims Dominate the Parents’ Bedroom

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.

The Guest Bedroom Offers a Serene Welcome

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.

Crafted Joy in the Daughter’s Bedroom

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

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