Shreenu and Ranjeet Mukherjee of The Vrindavan Project Architecture and Interior Design Studio, have lived in and worked from this 2 BHK Gurugram apartment, over the last 10 years.
'Work from Home' as an office policy, was put into practice by this design duo in 2013 to reduce their carbon footprint while increasing operational efficiency, with an intimate studio setup.
Upon entering the space one can notice a distinct layering of design styles, colors and furniture elements. The flooring of this home is visually textured by natural local granite stone, with minimal white marble inlay work.
An entry foyer leads towards the main living area, where Shreenu often sits on a traditional Rajasthani wooden chair while reading - with 'Portrait de Calderon', an aquatint etching by Salvador Dali adorning the wall behind her.
A 'Tanpura' musical instrument rests delicately against an old-fashioned wooden display cabinet, containing various curios collected from their travels. This home office studio vividly embraces art, music, design and literature.
The dining table of their home serves as an office workspace, for design discussions and client meetings. A steel girder 'I section' sample piece sits atop a round wooden side table, mounted on a silk Persian carpet.
There is a blend of delicate and rugged objects, contrasting while complimenting each other. Golden crystal chandelier lighting fixtures from the Czech Republic share space with a heavy black powder coated aluminum sliding door.
This dining area workspace spills over onto a large well illuminated garden verandah. Holding the center of this balcony, a tall metal and stone breakfast table with barstool chairs offers a perfect view of the city panorama.
Racks containing palettes of natural stone sample pieces are mounted horizontally along the parapet wall, adding a splash of color with beautiful gradations of hues and textures. Clients can view a range of stone finishes.
Wind chimes suspended from the ceiling create ripples of ambient sound vibrations to enjoy through the day. Shreenu likes tending to her plants personally, taking care to provide them with adequate water and nutrition.
Lunch at The Vrindavan Project is a leisurely experience. Sri Aurobindo's portrait overlooks the dining space / office worktable. A pin-board with a collage of construction drawings and graphic art works highlights the corner.
An old Sony TV from the 1980's is featured prominently as a relic of an era gone by, when Ranjeet would connect it to his Nintendo gaming console during childhood. This home evidently takes pride in its history and legacy.
Shreenu and Ranjeet both cook meals for their friends and family regularly at this home office studio. White and Black granite stones form counters and backsplash wall surfaces, for their spacious kitchen.
Cobalt blue and plain white cabinetry is articulated with polished wooden beading accents. A maroon color 'Mandana' stone flooring is heavy duty enough to endure the kitchen activity's wear and tear over time.
Custom made from recycled wood, a blue and white painted vegetable rack of drawers, ensures well-ventilated storage for fresh healthy organic food. A terracotta vessel sits upon the stove next to a vintage Italian coffee Moka Pot.
The kitchen has a linear layout format, with a washing machine, dish washer and built in oven all housed neatly below counters. Bold and distinct lines of material detailing express an almost industrial and hardy aesthetic.
Preparation of food is one of those daily creative activities that is deeply resonant with the design and construction process. There is a certain joy that stems from the privilege of being able to elegantly explore culinary arts.
They spend most evenings together listening to music, wielding chopping knives and sauteing delicacies. This is accompanied with lively discussions and deep introspections on philosophy, religion, spirituality and life in general.
Located opposite the kitchen, across this home office studio's entry foyer is Ranjeet's workspace. It is a modest, small functional space filled with files, books and gadgets. This room is deliberately spartan and understated.
Exuding luxury and opulence, their master bathroom has been crafted with evident care and attention to detail. Constructed by deploying local stone and handmade tiles, this washroom is sturdy and utilitarian.
A large circular wooden mirror with a blue beading strip resonates with cabinet shutters below counter. Robust black two-way spotlights illuminate the space while highlighting the pronounced lines of stone and tile.
Shreenu's work desk is a clean line rectangular wooden table with two handy drawers. She prefers to sit on a timber stool for good seating posture. Shelves above her workstation host a Puja altar and Tibetan Singing Bowl.
The master bedroom is a multi-functional space where many aspects of a well-balanced lifestyle are interwoven seamlessly. Towards the large window Shreenu's desk serves as a private corner for focused design work.
An inbuilt cupboard with full length mirrors on the blue shutters, provides ample storage in addition to traditional wooden wardrobes and a chest of drawers. The bed continues a language of solidity and natural materiality.
Watercolor artwork on the walls compliments the blue and green color tones of this sanctuary and place of rest. A side table carved from a single tree stump adds to the character of Shreenu and Ranjeet's graceful bedroom.
Between the bed and dresser, a geometric pattern woven carpet hosts enough space for Shreenu to conduct her daily Ashtanga Yoga practice. A holistic lifestyle can be demonstrably accommodated by design... at home.
Portrait photograph of Interior Designer and Partner at The Vrindavan Project, Shreenu Mukherjee.
Team:
Interior Designer: Shreenu Mukherjee
Design Firm’s Name: The Vrindavan Project
Photographer: SHAMANTH PATIL
