Simplicity, serendipity, and serenity reside here, in this very attained residential cusp of Vadodara. The very affectionate phrase 'the world ends at home', which signifies that the home is a complete and fulfilling world in itself, personifies the ethos of this home to its very core. Located in a developing residential neighbourhood, this 3500 sq. ft. is nuanced in the layers of simple living. Away from the design ongoings that appeal to the latest trends, this project's design sense sets a self-content and satisfactory tone.
In the virtue of living with a subtle allure, the planning of the apartment delves into a zen piece of mind, a language of continuum observed from the threshold itself all the way towards the private areas. The sensory journey starts at the entrance, leading to the monochrome-swathed foyer. The splash of natural light flooding in makes up for a positively filled and welcoming space, along with the warmth undeniably radiating from the wood-lined ceiling. The entrance faces a concealed door in white vertical grooves beyond which lies the house help spaces. The passageway is the spine of the apartment, connecting the spaces through its linearity.
Further ahead, the passage immerses in a playful vocabulary that is reflected in the patterns of the flooring. The Kota stone exudes natural living; it brings a touch of playful personality with a diagonal inlay of white stone. The office space is placed straight ahead, accessible through a glass partition, making the linear passage more open and visually soothing. The spine of the apartment, the central corridor connecting all the rooms, is a crucial design feature. The L-shaped transparent layer of the multipurpose room is a metal frame, bringing a wave of airiness into the space, making it incredibly inviting. The semi-transparency nature of the glass provides adequate individuality and purpose. It remains in a calming sync with the passageway and the home office.
The concrete texture on the walls has a calming, laid-back effect, taking the earthy feel forward with ochre-coloured couches and deep wooden flooring. The artwork on the partition is a bold addition of bright colours and patterns. Crafted by artists Maharshi Mistry and Pranshu Thakore, it creates a visual appeal while walking along the passage and provides privacy between the home office and the multipurpose room.
The angled strips of the flooring continue to draw attention and awe to the living room further down the passage. The living room is a blend of art, simplicity, and recurring peace. It strikes a perfect balance between cultural roots and modern design, creating an organic base for the natural palette. The curved brick wall is a statement piece – composing an attuned symphony with the furniture in a shade of grey. The art piece on the wall, a handcrafted rug framed to bring the space together, adds a touch of tradition to the modern setting. The living room and dining room have a swing in between, which is interchangeable according to use.
The dining faces the living area, detached from the kitchen through a sleek wooden frame partition door. The custom-made dining table has layers of sophistication with brass inlay and a fluted base. The storage unit is made out of veneer and translucent glass with a wash area in the middle, smartly concealing it. The kitchen merges with the walls with its white platform top. At the same time, the overhead cabinets have fluted glass shutters similar to those of the storage unit. The console table hosts fond memories in the framed photographs, adding a homely ambience.
Further down the passage lies the bedrooms and a puja area at the end. The master bedroom follows a similar language as the rest of the house, indulging in an earthy mood with the help of wicker and wood, channelling a cosy feel. The act of generous living has been explored ardently here and with each space of this house, the narration of art and design intertwine to build a home that grounds its residents.
Team:
Name of the firm: IK Architects
Principal designers: Krimmy Patel and Ishank Patel
Photography by: mkgandhi studio
Words by: Nishal Sevak