Casa Vistosa

Takenin Studios

• Architects

Golfer Rashid Khan’s Noida abode illustrates eclectic style with refined elegance

What makes a house a home? For ace Indian golfer Rashid Khan, the answer lies in a space that feels uniquely his own. The realisation took shape during his visit to a fellow golfer’s home in Pune, crafted by Aditi Lawate of her eponymous design firm. Captivated by the space's charm and comfort, Rashid sought Aditi’s expertise to design his own personal sanctuary.

photo_credit Takenin Studios — Takenin Studios

In response to his desire for a cozy and lively home, Aditi transformed the 1600 sq ft basic builder apartment in Noida into a vibrant oasis. She explains the design approach,”We opted for an eclectic mix of elements to sculpt an environment abundant with character, earning it the name ‘Casa Vistosa’, a Spanish term meaning attractive.” The resultant abode offers a warm, inviting contrast to the sterile hotel rooms he often finds himself in while travelling for his sport.

Upon entering, the foyer unveils a celebration of Rashid’s sporting prowess. The wooden veneer wall serves as a sophisticated backdrop for his trophies, displayed on sleek, floating metal shelves that combine strength with minimalism.

A dynamic ambience courses throughout the communal spaces, united by the flamboyance of patterned ceramic tiles underfoot. Here, a curated blend of ethnic and contemporary patterns are grounded by black details and highlighted by subtle golden accents. Sprinkles of rattan elevate the rustic charm, while antique artworks in distressed finish evoke a nostalgic reverence for the past, adding layers of intrigue to the eclectic setting.

In the formal living area, a sectional sofa in a refreshing blue is complemented by a chic coffee table. Across, modern simplicity takes centre stage in the dining area with a seating arrangement in black polished wood, its richness punctuated by the textural contrast of rattan on the chair backs and pendant lights.

Aditi notes, “The adjacent space, originally a bedroom, was reimagined as an informal living area to better suit Rashid’s social lifestyle. A top-mounted folding sliding door separates it from the formal living room, maintaining a seamless floor flow. Inside, the space is completed by a cohesive ensemble of wooden furniture: a sofa bed, a single seater, a bar cabinet, and a streamlined TV unit.”

Moving forward, the two bedrooms unfold as Indian interpretations of cottagecore style, showcasing an artful interplay of tints and tones, with light and heavy objects, all in perfect harmony. A cohesive design language is carried through in both the master suite and guest bedroom, tied together by deep hued beds, carved wooden wall art, minimalist dressers and the delicate reappearance of rattan accents. What further enhances the rooms’ appeal is the exquisite upholstery from Seerat Living, the designer’s own line of handmade and sustainable furnishings that engages the craftsmanship of local artisans. Customised hand block printed curtains sourced from Rihaa underpin the home’s commitment to timeless aesthetics.

A uniform design lexicon is established by the persistent use of gentle curves across the abode. Aditi shares,”Each furniture piece is bespoke, thoughtfully tailored to embody beauty and function in a way that contributes to the overarching visual narrative and comfort of the dwelling.” To enhance the theme, the designer incorporated air-purifying, low-maintenance plants like palm, snake plant, and fiddle leaf figs, infusing the home with life and vitality.

Navigating the balance of eclecticism is challenging, yet Aditi Lawate does it with precision. Ergo, Casa Vistosa emerges as a lesson in this artistry, marrying expression with understated elegance to create an ideal retreat for the dedicated sportsman.