Studio Autumn takes cues from an Italian coastal town to sculpt this Bengaluru Apartment
Text By : Mehar Deep Kaur
Is it possible for minimalism to feel both serene and playful? Prima facie, these qualities might seem at odds. Yet, this home by Studio Autumn proves otherwise.
Tucked away in the northern fringes of Bengaluru, this 1900 sqft dwelling feels like a gentle embrace and is home to a family of four.
“The clients envisioned bright and open spaces, infused with cheerful elements. In response, we curated a melange of pastel hues, playful patterns and earthy accents, to create a space that exudes a blend of whimsy and calmness”, explains Chintan Punjabi, who helmed the transformation of this home into a serene dreamscape. Aptly named ‘Siena,’ the residence nods to the eponymous Italian town where warm tones of its architecture beautifully mingle with the girdling coastal pastels.
The tone is set the moment one steps into the living room - a white brick wall emerges as the visual anchor, its weathered texture complementing the allure of wooden underfoot that prevails across the abode. In keeping with the family’s preference to avoid a typical six-seater dining table, a snug culinary corner was carved out, brought to life by a terracotta colour block with a lime plaster finish.“This zesty hue presents a striking contrast with the deep blue sectional sofa in the adjacent living area," remarks Chintan.
A union of organic appeal and refined design is achieved through cane details that artfully weave their way through the spaces - a pendant light atop the dining area, shutters of a nearby console, and its crowning hand-woven baskets. However, the true standout feature of the communal spaces is the innovative use of cement blocks paired with wooden ledges in rabbet joints, which elegantly craft both the dining seating and the TV unit's base.
Garbed in sage green, the kitchen harbours a refreshing ambiance, where quartz countertop and marble backsplash reaffirm a sophisticated aesthetic. A sleek breakfast counter completes the space, its base discreetly housing a bar unit behind salmon pink fluted shutters.
The study room is enveloped in the warmth of oakwood - from the herringbone flooring to the expansive book display cum storage for the bibliophilic family and a streamlined desk for penning down one’s thoughts. An extendable daybed in powder blue adds a layer of versatility.
The tranquil design lexicon transcends into the bedrooms. In the master suite, the crispness of white melds with the soothe of blues to foster a coastal retreat. Sand shades appear subtly in various accents - hand woven wicker on the pastel blue wardrobe, silhouettes of botanical wall arts, and design of light fixtures - all contributing to the room's beach-inspired ambiance.
A whimsical palette graces the daughter’s bedroom, where a boho print embellishes the bed’s arched headboard, set against a muted green backdrop. Enhancing this spirited scheme, an array of cherry-picked wall sconces from Oorjaa pose as doses of earthy delight.
This Bangalore apartment is a cheerful take on seaside charm, vibrant hues and modern simplicity. "By blending a dynamic composition with sinuous forms, colorful highlights and a free flow layout, we sought to create a playful oasis where every corner invites joy and relaxation,” concludes Chintan.
The Author is a Faculty at School of Design & Innovation, RV University, Bengaluru.
