When restoring a 50-year-old Pune bungalow, the clients wanted to retain the home’s original character while adapting it for contemporary living. The project was undertaken by Ranjekar Design Studio, with a focus on preserving the home’s spatial quality and emotional value. “The home carries strong emotional value, having evolved over the years alongside the family’s needs and lifestyle,” says Priyanka Ranjekar Joshi. Shared by the client, his wife, and his son’s young family, the 1,900 sq ft home now combines restored older spaces with newly added contemporary interiors through a minimalist design approach and a warm neutral palette.
The original layout retained qualities typical of older homes, including generous proportions, ample natural light, and cross ventilation. While upgrading the ageing structure, the brief was to preserve these strengths while improving functionality and circulation. Partitions, framed openings, and subtle level differences were used to define zones without disrupting visual continuity. The palette relies on warm neutrals, natural materials, wood finishes, and soft textures to create a cohesive and comfortable environment.
The homeowners’ preference for understated and practical interiors is reflected throughout the design. At the entrance, integrated storage solutions combine utility with warm wooden detailing, which continues into the living room through furniture, wall panelling, and upholstery accents. “The living room is designed as a calm, cohesive setting with a strong sense of symmetry,” shares Joshi. Muted furnishings, soft drapery, and warm lighting create a comfortable setting for both everyday use and entertaining. Botanical artworks by the client’s daughter add a personal touch to the space.
The living, dining, and kitchen areas open towards the north, allowing natural light to move through the common spaces. A wooden-framed partition separates the dining area while maintaining visual connection between rooms. “The structure required significant upgrades in terms of planning efficiency, services, and finishes,” notes Joshi. The kitchen was designed as a fully enclosed space with ample storage, farmhouse-inspired cabinetry, and a deep C-shaped counter that balances functionality with privacy.
An existing bedroom was converted into a family room that connects the older part of the house to the newly added private wing. “It acts as a bridge to the old and new parts of the house. Philosophically, a bridge between the two generations,” says Joshi. The new addition includes the master bedroom and children’s bedroom, both designed with a more contemporary material and colour palette.
The master bedroom incorporates a study area featuring artworks by Mario Miranda. Tropical wallpapers, a red accent wall, wooden furniture, and a printed headboard add character to the space, while a translucent wooden partition subtly separates the sleeping area. In the children’s bedroom, a slight level difference distinguishes the study and sleeping zones, with wooden accents continuing the home’s warm material palette.
Using natural materials, restrained detailing, and a neutral palette, the home balances restored architectural elements with contemporary interventions. “The overall design language of the home is cohesive yet layered — bringing together warmth, functionality, and subtle detailing to create spaces that feel both timeless and lived-in,” concludes Joshi.
