By the Riverside craft a 3,000-square-foot residence in Bengaluru, where Chettinad pillars, kolam motifs and terracotta textures root a modern home in Tamil heritage.
Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Nayan Soni; courtesy By The Riverside
The brief
In Bengaluru, By the Riverside was invited to design a residence for a mother–daughter duo. Located in Adarsh Premia, Banashankari — a culturally rich part of South Bengaluru — this 3,000-square-foot apartment began as a neutral shell within a premium complex. The expectation was clear: to transform it into a home that felt both bold and calm, traditional yet current.
The design intent
The apartment became a canvas for inward-looking spaces that draw strength from natural light, tactile materials, and thoughtful detailing. Rooted in Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage, the home blends traditional craftsmanship with modern sensibilities, resulting in an environment that feels warm, aspirational, and deeply personal. The design resists spectacle, leaning instead into intimacy — creating rooms that hold memory while flowing seamlessly into the rhythm of contemporary living. Without altering the structure, the layout naturally balances moments of solitude and togetherness.
Materiality lies at the heart of this narrative. Chettinad pillars stand as fragments of history, hand-painted kolam patterns inscribe cultural motifs into permanence, terracotta surfaces anchor the interiors in earthiness, and Tamil-inspired details lend continuity across the spaces. Each element was chosen not as decoration, but as a connection—a way to weave tradition into daily life. Bold colours add vibrancy, hand-finished textures celebrate the human touch, and layered materials bring depth and resonance.
“The home honours tradition without being nostalgic. It bridges the past and present through hand-finished textures, bold colours, and layered materials. Each design decision was made to foster a sensory connection between space and occupant, keeping the home grounded in both culture and comfort,” explains Swati Seraan, principal architect, By The Riverside. “The main challenge was achieving a balance between rich traditional elements and a light, breathable ambiance. The emotional backdrop of the project—a new chapter for the clients—required sensitivity, clarity, and thoughtful spatial curation,” she adds.
Civil intervention
Structural changes were minimal. One bedroom was converted into a media room, and wall openings were adjusted for better light and ventilation. Transitions between spaces were refined to improve flow between shared and private areas.
The design and material details
A hand-painted kolam and terracotta-textured surfaces set the tone at the entrance, leading into a vibrant foyer that opens to the home’s social core. The living and dining areas are visually connected and richly layered, anchored by authentic Chettinad wooden pillars and heirloom furniture. Handmade ceramic tiles—mixing Moroccan and Indian patterns—add rhythm underfoot, while a palette of deep reds, indigo, mustard, wood and brass builds warmth and cultural resonance.
The kitchen balances function and heritage. Hand-finished counters, carved cabinet details and a traditional handmade-tile backsplash keep the space practical yet rooted in craft. A media room designed for immersion adopts deeper hues—maroon, navy and forest green—tempered by velvet, raw silks, soft rugs and layered fabrics to heighten comfort and intimacy.
In the private zones, each bedroom reflects its occupant through distinct colour stories, silk drapery and considered textile layering. Wall finishes combine wood panelling with textured paint; motifs draw from South Indian traditions. Carved wooden accents, brass lamps and custom art inspired by regional textiles complete the language. Many accessories are family heirlooms, integrated thoughtfully to preserve memory and identity throughout the home.
Fact File
Project: The Varnam Edit
Location: Banashankari, Bengaluru
Area: 3,000 sq ft
Principal architect: Swati Seraan
Lead designer: Swathi Balasubramaniam
Add a Comment