This Pune apartment was designed by Mind Manifestation Design LLP for an art-loving family who used to rent this space, and eventually decided to purchase it. Part of a 15- year-old housing society the apartment was renovated to suit the family’s requirements in a traditional design style, but in a modern context. “The thought process behind designing this apartment was to maximise usable carpet space. For this, architects we decided to demolish possible internal walls, to which the client instinctively concurred,” informs Anand Deshmukh and Chetan Lahoti, principal architects of Mind Manifestation Design LLP
Natural brick cladding serves as a backdrop to the entrance lobby, the living area and the dining sit-out. The abstraction of classical wooden ceiling rafters in monochromatic tones add a note of refinement to the living space, setting up a charming traditional ambience. Concrete finished floors enable a sense of continuity between spaces in the apartment. Monochromatic furnishings in the vibrant colourful envelope of living area neatly balance the melamine finished natural wood cabinetries. A fluted glass serving window to the kitchen provides superfluous functionality and adds to the visual connectivity, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the area. A miniature bonsai at the corner of the seating area enlivens the frame.
The demolished common wall between the kitchen and multipurpose hobby room gave way to a panelled TV unit cum shared storage which can be used from both sides. This feature maximises the usable space which acts as a hobby room, and also entertains guests when needed — complete with a folding bed on the opposite wall. A wall engraved with a white Buddha adorns the terrace wall of the multipurpose room, adding a sense of calm to it. A potted Alba tree in front of the Buddha introduces just the right amount of green in that section. A wooden framed, sliding fluted glass door panels acts as an obscure divide between the circulation space and the multipurpose room.
Pastel hued bands envelope the kid’s room’s multiuse platform adding an elusive tint of colour to the space. The multiuse platform acts as a low height bed, a pop up table for board games and an extensive play area for the kids. The storage unit doors are covered with sliding sun shade screens that filter sunlight coming into the room and create an interesting play of shadows, creating a sense of drama in the space. A large blackboard on one side of the wall neatly complements the arrangement of the kid’s room.
The master bedroom is decked up in distressed whites with a tinge of monochrome. A four post bed occupies the major portion of the space. A modern window seating provides a solitary corner for the occupant to read or peacefully sip a cup of coffee. Owing to its white undertones, the space breathes an air of freshness into it. A memory wall in the lobby adjoining the master bedroom, brings soul to the space. Indoor planters infused at various areas in the house along with selective modern art, make for engaging frames.
Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Hemant Patil; courtesy Mind Manifestation Design LLP
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