When the clients specified that they wanted a lavish home
with a contemporary aesthetic, Vaibhav Patel decided to restrict his color palette to a classic ivory, offset by the natural tones of wood. ‘They also wanted the living room to be larger than what was provided for in the original plan,’ says Vaibhav. ‘They were not keen on too much seating, but specified high gloss finishes together with pooja and storage areas which were not in the plan. Stainless steel and metal hardware were not to be used for wardrobes and drawers. Using a material palette of teakwood, veneer and nuwood with PU (polyurethane) polish, Vaibhav provided a textured wall at the entrance and foyer, highlighted by an LED light. A geometrical pattern on an ACP (aluminium composite panel) sheet is backed with a mirror for depth, adding interest to the wall. The main door has chamfered strips of wood, with a full height handle in a veneer finish bearing a burnt leaf engraving. In the foyer, the wall is clad with paneling in cement sheets with 4mm grooves. The simple geometry of a large flower in CNC (a manufacturing process in which computer numeric control software automates the machine) above the ledge for seating complements the lines of the leaf graphic, the basic shape of the petals echoing the leaves. A narrow slatted vertical partition at the end of the seating provides a measure of privacy to the living room beyond, while maintaining a visual connect. The living, dining and kitchen areas are one contiguous space, an island separating the latter from the dining table. In this open plan, the kitchen is a scrupulously maintained space. The issue of multiple beams has been dealt with by various treatments and coves in the ceiling in different areas, to disguise awkward drops in the height. The square ceiling above the seating area is covered in readily available brown pvc strips. Alongside, the long, narrow space between two beams has an acrylic panel bearing a decorative rose flower pattern. By employing these solutions, Vaibhav has made it appear that the detailing on the ceiling was intended, rather than dictated by necessity. Cove lighting and recessed spot lights provide illumination. Behind the sofa, a recessed panel on the wall in NuWood with grooves in a geometric pattern is finished with a semi-gloss pu polish. It has an LED rope light at its periphery, while a darker panel behind the low TV unit is composed of horizontal strips of wood in a veneer finish. The coffee and chocolate palette continues in the wood tones, upholstery on the sofa and rug under the curved glass coffee table – contrasting with the pale flooring and curtains. The four-seater dining table with a stone top and wooden frame is accessible from all sides, the chairs upholstered in a rich dark leather. The ceiling above echoes the geometrical pattern of the panel behind the sofa in the living area. Three globes are suspended at different heights from the pendant light which illuminates the table. The adjacent kitchen is in white and grey, a granite slab with a chamfered edge atop the counter. A three-tiered ceiling houses both warm cove lighting as well as concealed spot lights of a cooler temperature. This compact kitchen houses wet and dry areas together with a cooking hob, the shutters on the cabinet on the wall bearing a high gloss laminate finish. Since there was limited storage in this kitchen, a large storage space for utilities has been provided adjacent to the pooja area, with an appropriate gap to segregate spiritual and functional activities. The master bedroom has vitrified tiles in a concrete finish, the headboard clad in veneer strips extending outwards behind the cantilevered side tables. The flooring visible under the bed as well as the side tables imparts an airy, spacious feel. Above the bed, the ceiling has a circular burnt engraving in a Moroccan pattern on veneer. A beige leather bench at the foot of the bed is placed on a strip of wood which runs across the floor, echoing the cove on the ceiling above. The coffee and cream color palette continues here as well, with the three leaf artworks on the wall in understated hues deriving their inspiration from nature. The parents’ bedroom is a sleek space with a floating bed, while the side tables take the form of a low extended platform. The headboard is a polished veneer sheet with vertical veins, framed with a two-inch border. The wardrobes have customized handles, while the cantilevered drawer in front of the TV houses media utilities. Blue and yellow cushions add a small splash of color to the grey, brown and ivory palette. The children’s bedroom sees the largest splash of color in its blue tones. The star shaped cove on the ceiling is accentuated by rope lights running at the periphery of the design while the curtains and study table in blue offer the dominating color in the room. A dark panel behind the bed represents the solar system, scattered with planets. The guest bedroom is a narrow space, with just adequate circulation space on both sides of the bed which has been set under a window. As in other rooms, the headboard is simple with a geometric pattern, with cantilevered side tables to impart a floating feel. The color palette leans towards ivory with cove lights highlighting the vertical panels behind the side tables. A roman blind behind the bed provides privacy. Putting function first, the firm have delivered a home with clean lines and a simple color palette which can grow with the residents. Its quiet aesthetic is timeless in its appeal, rendering it resistant to the vagaries of fashion and fleeting trends.Sensible, grounded, it delivers what the brief required.