Tesor Designs mix colours, textures, and smart design to create a warm and flexible living environment.
Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Nayan Soni; courtesy Tesor Designs
The site
Nestled in one of Bengaluru’s tranquil neighbourhoods, this contemporary ground+two-storey villa is designed as a haven for two.
The brief
“The client’s requirement was for ample storage that would be easy to maintain and have a minimal and clean appearance,” state Rajesh Kudlu and Supriya S, founders, Tesor Designs. They preferred a colour palette mainly consisting of neutrals, especially whites, greys and blacks, with pops of colour.”
The design intent
The objective was creating a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic. Through the use of varying shades of grey, ranging from light to charcoal, the narrative strives towards a calming atmosphere. Subtle textures and patterns add depth and interest without overwhelming the neutrality. The thoughtful incorporation of accent colours in furnishings and decor elements provide pops of contrast, ensuring that the space feels inviting and balanced. Overall, the design emphasises simplicity, clean lines, and a balance between warm and cool tones.
The spatial configuration
The spatial configuration of this project embraces an open-concept layout, seamlessly connecting the living, dining, and kitchen areas. Abundant natural light floods the space through large windows, enhancing the overall sense of openness. The furniture arrangement is designed to encourage conversation and flow, with comfortable seating arranged around the focal point. In the dining area, a wooden dining table complements the overall design, strategically positioned to maximise views and accessibility. The kitchen boasts a functional and aesthetically pleasing layout, complete with modern appliances and ample storage. Throughout the space, carefully placed lighting fixtures enhance both functionality and ambience. This spatial configuration aims to create a cohesive and inviting environment that maximises both visual appeal and practicality.
The visual expression
The living area embodies pristine white tones complemented by a European-inspired wall panel and a neutral wallpaper, evoking a refreshing ambience. Vibrant furniture pieces add pops of colour, accentuating the beauty of the greys. The first-floor living area features a distinctive zigzag-tiled backdrop, cleverly laid out to create depth within the small space. This unique design highlights a beautiful swing and pendant lights, placed adjacent to the arch windows. The master suite embraces a palette of white, grey, black, and touches of vibrant yellow, adding a pop of cheerful colour to the space. The versatile kids’ room, doubling as a guest space, deviates from a typical kids’ theme, opting instead for a mature yet inviting ambience.
The material palette
The material palette includes laminates, Duco paint, solid wood furnishings, rattan, Archi Concrete, wallpapers, PVC rafters and gold T profile strips.
The challenges
“The challenges we faced was balancing the client’s personal preferences with design principles and functionality,” states the designer duo. “Maintaining a delicate balance between staying within budget, meeting the client’s expectations, and ensuring quality was essential. Effective communication and coordination with contractors, builders, and other professionals involved in the execution phase were crucial for achieving the desired outcome.”
The highlights
The kitchen serves as the focal point on the ground floor. The curved grooves on the kitchen shutters add an interesting facet to a largely functional element. It features a bar/crockery unit serving as an island counter with space to add bar chairs as well. The colour palette and design connect the entire theme of the house. The swing area on the upper level is another highlight. Its zigzag tile installation is a design element in itself. The pendant lights passing through the cutout in the slab, extending all the way down to the ground floor and resting above the dining area, create a wow factor.
Fact file
Project: The Serene Retreat
Location: Bengaluru
Area: 2,100 sq ft
Principal designers: Rajesh Kudlu and Supriya S
Design team: Raksha Pn
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