Understated and charming

By Archit Raj Thapar

Photography: Ashish Charkraborthy; courtesy the architects

Read Time: 2 mins

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Architects Mehul and Mitul Shah chisel an understated classical touch to an otherwise minimalist apartment that exudes an avant-garde vibe…

Located in the newly developing part of Vadodara, the architects at Studio Yamini have converted this bare shell of 2300sq.ft four-bedroom apartment (master bedroom, parents and kids’ bedrooms, guest bedroom-cum-piano room along with living, dining, kitchen and a puja room) into a clean, uncluttered contemporary abode, which comes alive with nuances of a bygone era.

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Greek patterns and cornices on the ceiling, colonial style off-white doors, cabinet panels and window frames, Victorian light fixtures along with contemporary Italian furniture constitute the core ingredients of – if we may call it – this European mélange.   

The narrative of the home starts with a discreet entry to the living room via a perfunctory entrance foyer that arrives into an open concept public quarter comprising of living, dining and kitchen. Planned with negligible visual barriers, the spaces are designed to nurture interaction. 

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As one proceeds to the private areas of the home, an aspect that strikingly stands out is a continuous envelope of neutrals. Muted tones wrap the interior envelope in a subtle packaging of white ceiling, oyster grey walls and dark wood/tile flooring. Works of art and rugs constitute the prime accents and while the latter sustain the muted colour vocabulary, the art teams up with choice artefacts to infuse a touch of brightness in every space - a deep-cushioned ochre chair, a golden faucet and cabinet handles in the hand wash area, a lemon headrest in the master bedroom and the like… establish a sense of warmth.  

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A major success of this project is that despite using different styles and forms, the home retains an eclectic charm – exactly what the homeowners were looking for to begin with.  

Fact File:

Design Firm: Studio Yamini

Principal Designers/Architects: Mehul Shah and Mitul Shah

Built-up Area of project: 2300 sq. ft

Carpet Area of project: 1900 sq. ft

Location: Vadodara