A Tabled Blend

By Savitha Hira

Photography: Courtesy the architect

Exposed brick work in family lounge 

A spacious layout aside, this home in Indore is a veritable exercise in incorporating fine hand-crafted details that may date back centuries – infusing warmth and heritage charm into contemporary interiors and lifestyle.

The role of detailing in interior design and décor is a like drawing a fine line that balances creative imagery with technical precision.  Principal Designer of Abhikalpan Architects Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Manish Kumat, a nature-inspired creator, who believes in giving 360-degree solutions to his clients, has designed this home that spills out to meet the outdoors in a chic contemporary flourish.

Open-to-sky green pocket near dining

Working around three plots of 1500 sq. ft. each; forming an L-shape with a ground plus one structure, the simple bungalow welcomes sunshine into its fold with cross ventilation and plenty of daylight via an additional 1500 sq. ft. open-to-sky courtyard.

The central theme of the home revolves around this small courtyard that can be viewed from the dining, kitchen and the bedroom, at once emphasizing the double-height foyer as one enters the home. Additionally, the ground floor houses an office space and the top floor accommodates a gym and a Steam-cum-Jacuzzi.

View of living area with cut-work done in MDF in TV unit; Jute wall covering; 
Crockery unit shutter embossed in Corian;  Beautiful cut-work in acrylic with wooden handrail.

Veering more towards creating timeless appeal, Manish keeps the colour palette and all design elements understated and juxtaposes them carefully so as not to overdo any one particular detail or craft. Whether it is the exposed brick wall in the living area; hand-made cane wallpaper; custom-designed furniture pieces; mother-of-pearl inlaid Corian in centre table; metallic grey 3d paper tile backdrop in one of the bedrooms; CNC cut frosted acrylic balustrade, or even Corian-embossed cabinet shutters, the home is personalized with little nuances that speak volumes.

Slant roof in master bedroom with beautiful vintage-appeal rafters in ceiling

Exposed brick work in the living room with a passage leading to the rooms on first floor.

Infusing the modern home with its luxurious appeal, Manish uses Butt chino Italian marble, German hardware, crystal chandeliers and VOC free paint as integral elements of his design. Discerningly juxtaposing them with traditional Indian craft practices like chattai-weaving, inlay or by including elements like the ornate brackets in ceiling rafters, and the like, he subtly but surely merges old with new.

Daughter's room in mauve and pink with smart lights on one side.

Son's room with 3d paper tile clad on walls.

Wooden bench

Consequently, the home shines through as a discerning eclectic mix of design details, materials, and ambiances that hold varying appeal within a harmonised whole. It seems as if the architect is voicing a social message via his design: that one can’t and should not ignore his roots to embrace modern methods of living.