A warm abode that is cosy yet effervescent!

Located in a quaint, cloistered corner in the heart of New Delhi is a cosy apartment that is the epitome of life and vigour. Nestled at the edge of a ridge and facing the sylvan panoramas—commonly known as the lungs of Delhi— the home paints a pretty picture of a buoyant, yet a tranquil lifestyle. It bestows upon its inhabitants the blessing of dwelling in the city centre, yet away from the chaos of the metropolis.

Envisaged for a couple with a keen interest in all things colours, the design scheme weaves the whims and fancies of the well-travelled clients into the design story of the tangible, colourful and stimulating piece of art that is the Ridge-View apartment. With a frontal of almost 60 ft., the apartment enjoys vistas of the panoply of nature, through all key areas— the living and dining area, along with the three rooms. Ample sunlight washes the interiors in warmth and comfort, endowing dynamism into the spaces and becoming a canvas as the shadows change patterns through the day. The apartment tapers towards the rear end, where the kitchen and the utility areas are tucked in.

The 1800 sq. ft. home opens up through a wide foyer passageway into an open living-cum-dining area with expansive windows that frame the verdant neighbourhood. Mirroring the outdoors, a botanical print wallpaper forms the backdrop of the living room, syncing harmony with the pastel blue sofas. A set of lounging chairs against the window becomes the clients’ sanctuary, where they spend time relaxing and basking in nature’s glory and turn the chairs around when entertaining guests. A shelf and a console in deep blue, the client’s much-loved colour pick, become the showstopper elements that house interesting memorabilia, books and a royal chessboard.

Set adjacent to the living area, the dining space is an unconventional design intervention that attempts to break away from the customary model of rectangular tables. A curvilinear, bean-shaped table, oriented diagonally in the space radiates gusto, adding a fun element and an informal vibe to the room; it does not remain just a dining table anymore, but also a place for interaction and recreation. These semi-private areas are free of partitions, flowing into each other seamlessly, opening up the apartment into a lively, breezy abode.

Aligned with the living and dining area, the walk-in closet flanks the hallway passage on the other side. Tall shutter doors embellished in the delicate fabric open up to reveal a fully mirrored room in soft brown undertones, complete with a myriad of wardrobes and drawers accommodating the clients’ eclectic range of fashion accessories. The plush carpets allow one to sink their feet in as they take in the luxurious feel, whilst the centre island table tied in with the subtle neutrality of the browns enables clothes and accessories to be laid out and to pop with their vivid colours.

A passage abutting the foyer leads to the master bedroom and the den. A neutral theme in the bedroom allows bursts of colours to draw attention to the pieces with stories to tell. A wooden herringbone-patterned panel sweeps across one end of the ceiling, adding drama to the otherwise plain opus. Two pendant lights are suspended from the panel, hovering gracefully over the side tables. A cosy chair in a bright, canary yellow, the wife’s favourite, overlooks the sombre landscape outside, emanating a meditative, spa-like feel.

Insistent on avoiding wastage of space on the rarely used guest bedrooms, the clients wanted the smallest room to be converted into a cosy den that echoes their passions and hobbies and allows them to research and reflect. Peppered with lush planters, the den weaves a playful visual story replete with checks and abstract patterns in hues of blue to fashion a narrative that truly speaks of the family. The furniture pieces crafted in natural oak wood keep the colour tones light, giving the illusion of expanse. A treadmill sits in a nook, while a comfortable work desk faces the window, inviting one to squeeze in a quick, impromptu workout session in the day or curl up to read a book amidst the warm glow of sunlight.

Tucked towards the rear, the kitchen has been designed as a minimal, sturdy and easy-maintenance utility space. The sleek cabinetry combining light brown laminate with high gloss blues is brought to life with a backsplash of dazzling Moroccan-style tiles. A white quartz countertop gives a clean, pristine look, complemented by glass shutters in overhead cabinets that fuse flair and finesse to make a modern, practical and decluttered kitchen space.

Every furniture accessory—whether a fixed or a loose piece—has been handcrafted in the workshop by the studio’s team of seasoned artisans with utmost love, labour and acute attention to detail. The pieces are bespoke and made to exact sizes, with the ability to be refurbished, upcycled and repurposed- defining luxury in its true sense. The oak wood used in the home is procured from plantation timber that is sustainable and versatile in different shapes and colours. Wall adornments are neatly fitted to the wall, avoiding legs or supporting columns that make cleaning the floor a hassle. Indian white marble in the flooring was retained to help keep the house cool in the sweltering Delhi weather.

In the Ridge View Home, modern flirts with mid-century as a striking range of artwork, luxurious handcrafted furniture and murals bedeck the walls and fill the house with warmth, merriment and memories. Unafraid of colour, the design merges comfort, style and functionality to curate a vibrant home with surprises in every corner.