A minimal, clutter-free and artful home in Ahmedabad

Architect Tapan Shah of Studionine Architects creates an airy, light-filled home for himself and his family.

Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Inclined Studio; courtesy Studionine Architects

The site

For an architect to design their own home is both a special challenge and opportunity. So it was in the case of this bathed-in-natural-light, 1,200-square-foot apartment, perched on the top-floor overlooking Ahmedabad city’s growing skyline, that Tapan Shah of Studionine Architects and his young family would call home.

The design intent

With an intent to design a minimal, clutter-free yet artful home, the designer worked out utility and storage spaces in creative ways. The apartment layout is essentially divided into two levels of privacy; with the living area, terrace, dining and adjacent playroom as semi-private zones, and the master bedroom, guest bedroom and service areas as more private areas.

The visual expression

The apartment, bathed in ample natural light, is a haven of muted tones with a soft, easygoing vibe. A palette of beiges, light pinks and textured whites, layered with metallic frames and brass accents, establish an immersive experience.

A walkthrough

The living area is a welcoming space, composed of two feature walls clad in a spectacular Indian natural stone with exquisite grains and texture. Against this artistic backdrop, a pair of plush pink couches and marble-topped coffee table create a serene vibe. To add visual richness to the minimal space, the neutral white-painted ceiling was embellished with a cornice detail, running all across the ceiling edges.

The transition space between the living and dining area is equipped with custom-designed, slender vertical shelves in white, to house knick knacks and collectables. Towards the right, transparent glass walls in thin metal framing, delineate the playroom. The custom-designed openable glass partitions create a sense of expanse, while offering a complete view of the child’s activities inside the room. The room is equipped with ergonomic and stackable furniture, along with compact, child-friendly toy storage.

Further inward, the dining and open-kitchen is a calm, inviting centre of the home, accentuated by elements such as a beautiful brass-finish chandelier. The kitchen is a functional yet aesthetically pleasing space, perfect to host gatherings or a quiet meal alone. The kitchen is finished with a glossy grey glass-acrylic and a speckled Brazilian white granite backsplash and counter.

The guest bedroom is a minimal, warm zone with a slightly darker palette. The tall, cushioned headboard and a pair of hanging lights bring a sense of symmetry, offset by a neutral white-finished wardrobe. On the other hand, the master bedroom is a slightly more indulgent and elegant space. With a plush purple bed back and panelled back walls, the bedroom is a space for relaxation in understated luxury. On the side, a custom-made wooden console and a minimal floating TV unit showcase the designer’s attention to detail and sophistication. A dark translucent wardrobe adds visual lightness to the room awash with beige tones.