Artfully Bright

Chrysalis Design Studio’s Shruti Choudhari infuses light and art in a bungalow in New Delhi having an Indian context and a modern vibe.

Natural light is the all important element in interior design. It determines how colour reacts and provides a space with authenticity — without it a room can look dull, boring and can feel unpleasant. Great skill can deftly capitalize on this resource and make a house brighter and more spacious. The above holds true for the lavish house we have featured in these pages. The story begins when Bangalore-based Chrysalis Design Studio (founded by architect Shruti Chaudhari) was roped in to carry out the renovation and interior work of the house. Having collaborated with the client previously, Shruti was aware of the required design taste and preferences. The young team at Chrysalis Design Studio are always ready to transform spaces in tandem with the environment, clients aspirations and inherent potential of the existing site. Therefore, when Shruti visited the site, her first instinct was to make the natural light the hero of the project. “Light is the main component of the design in this house,” says Shruti. “It is flooded with natural light at all times, in abundance.”

The said house, originally a one-storied structure (with basement) was occupied by the MD of a listed construction company along with his wife, daughter, son and daughter-in-law. The client wanted to renovate the house and add another floor (to accommodate a growing family) without losing the basic character of the space. The other requisites included retaining the skylight dome and skylight in the family sit out outside his bedroom, and using some of the existing furniture and artwork in the decor.

Naturally, the simple brief came with a set of challenges. The client, an authority in the construction field, was well-versed with the business. He expected the project to be completed in a quick four months. However, while he indicated his specific requirements, the interpretation and execution was left entirely to Shruti and her senior architect, Minu Sahni.

Typically, the entire house is built in such a way that it creates framed views when you stand at the centre of the space. With an interactive and open plan, the house is entirely visible from any spot. While the framework of the basement and first floor is left untouched; a slab was cast to increase the landing and lobby of the ground floor. Also, a sit out and powder room were added to the dining space. As far as the addition of a floor was concerned, the original beam and column system was followed for construction. A huge terrace; a master bedroom, small dining area, kitchenette, bar and lounge were added to the second storey. An Indian-modern theme was finalized for the decor as the architect had to use some of the original furniture and Indian artwork. Woodwork, the use of jaalis and spurts of colour through the furnishings worked well in conjunction with the existing furniture and paintings.

A set of grand wooden double doors with embedded copper sheets leads one into the house. Immediately, you are greeted by a double-heighted space with a dome-shaped skylight that suffuses the room with natural light. A wooden jaali mounted on a white wall breaks the monotony of the vast pristine surfaces. Its design is derived out of the original rectangular geometry of the railings seen nearby. One split level up is a foyer landing; while one level below is the basement (consisting of a gym and theatre). The spacious foyer overlooks the basement court below. On the left is the living area with massive windows (that let in natural light) that leads into the garden. Beige and gold are dominant colours coming through the flooring and walls. Pink and aquamarine accents (through cushions) puncture the uniformity. The hues were deliberately selected keeping in mind the huge Muzaffar Ali artwork that features a collage of Rumi’s poetry.

The dining room, a den (which is English in concept with Indian touches), a powder room and a guest room are along one side of the house. A long dining table with wooden legs and glass top, wooden chairs, art by Anand Panchal and Tanjore makes the meal area look like one found in old stately homes. A steel and wood staircase leads to the floor above. It was originally part of the house and  has been retained true to its form and lined with numerous Badami series artwork by JMS Mani. The application of a dual-toned texture paint creates a confluence of shades depending on the time of day. On top, there are three bedrooms with attached bathrooms, study and one more space. This is the highlight of course, an open sit-out/courtyard that is adjacent to the master bedroom with a double-height glass skylight that spans the length of the space. With an antique wooden carved jharoka jhoola on one side, Persian antique carpet on the floor and various antique pieces and priceless prints of Raja Ravi Verma paintings, this area of the home sports a proud Indian vibe. Next door is the master suite (for the mister and missus) that houses a four-poster canopied bed and a plush leather sofa all in tune with the minimalistic decor of the space. The other two bedrooms (one of which belongs to the daughter while the other is a guestroom) are lined with art by Samir Mondal, prints by Krsna Mehta and old classic paintings by Kishori.

In contrast, Shruti made sure the second storey had a youthful, modern vibe as it belongs to the son and daughter-n-law. Hardwood flooring, a four-poster bed and vibrant linen make the rooms on this floor especially vivacious and inviting. A door opens up to a wooden deck with a view of the backside of the house. The small dining area is dotted with shelves and the couple’s memorabilia. The knick-knacks (such as a red painting from Spain, funky watches from Brazil and a massive collection of Starbucks mugs) are eclectic and have been picked up during their various travels highlighting their passions and age.

With light playing a pivotal role in the design dynamics of the space, the architect has created a glass box  that’s touted as the main entertainment area. This section comprises a pantry, bar and home theatre). This den is bound by glass on two sides and opens into a wrap-around balcony with glass railings. Soft roomy leather sofas, antique models of ships and other eclectic pieces form the decor. The space has wooden deck flooring and a wooden canopy as the roof. Sunlight streams through the transparent surfaces, creating patterns during the day while at night one can sit for hours gazing at the stars. It also provides a panoramic view of the garden and lush trees at front of the house.

The Kashyap residence is an experience bathed in light and art; a home that leaves lasting impressions of its spatial compositions around the skylights, one where the architect has successfully captured the essence and soul of the site and responded with a design that enhances and embodies that spirit.

CONCEPTTo design a modern yet Indian home by adding another floor to the existing structure.

MATERIALSFlooring Wood, Italian marble, mosaic chips in white cement flooring Walls Glass, mother-of-pearl wallpaper, wooden blinds Staircases and railings Steel

FACT FILEProject Kashyap Residence Location New Delhi Area 5,000 sq ft Principal architect Shruti Choudhari Design team Minu Sahni

By: Betterinteriors