This Bengaluru home designed by Studio GSA reflects the beauty of restraint… where natural materials, muted tones, and thoughtful detailing come together to create a warm and timeless family retreat.
Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Ishita Sitwala; courtesy Studio GSA
The brief
In Pebble Bay, Bengaluru, a 4,500 sq. ft. residence by Studio GSA unfolds as an ode to balance and belonging. “The clients came to us with a clear vision… they wanted something warm, grounded and understated,” says Santosh Belani, principal designer and co-founder of Studio GSA, who helms the practice with Gaurav Panjwani.
The design intent
Designed for a young family of five, the home blends elevated living with an organic sensibility. Muted tones, natural finishes, and a calm material palette define its character, while open, flowing spaces reflect the family’s rhythm of life. Rooted in the belief that less is more, the design finds warmth in simplicity and grace in restraint.
The design and material details
That intention takes shape right from the entrance. Stepping through the charcoal-panelled door, you’re met by soft natural light filtering in through tall double-height windows at the far end. In this gentle light, the home begins to reveal itself… warm wood, carved stone details, soft fabrics, and graphical marbles forming a restrained palette of browns and neutrals.
Beyond the foyer, the dining area opens up within a single-height volume that retains a sense of intimacy. A live-edge wooden table anchors the space with sculptural grace, framed by textured stone panels on one side and a pair of minimal credenzas on the other. This is where the family gathers, often when entertaining, before guests spill into the formal living area ahead. In the living room, the ceiling soars to double height as tall fenestrations flood the interiors with light and frame outdoor views. A richly veined marble table commands attention at the centre, balanced by neutral linen sofas and armchairs that encourage ease and conversation.
To one side, a panelled passage leads into a lounge and bar imagined for unwinding. A deep green sofa rests against moulded walls, adding vibrancy to the calm materiality. The staircase begins here, its lower steps doubling as casual seating before continuing through a wall cut-out—a thoughtful threshold between the lounge and the living area. Beside it stands a monolithic stone bar, grounded and understated, completing the home’s soothing choreography of texture, light, and form.
The passage unfolds into a series of tucked-away spaces (a wine cellar, a store room, and a powder room), layered with dark, rich textures. At its end, two doors open into the guest bedroom and the children’s playroom. The guest room is a calm retreat, where a charcoal-toned wooden bed pairs with brass-detailed side tables and textured fabrics. The playroom, by contrast, brims with imagination. Here an activity table, bunk bed, and resting nook come together within the home’s muted palette, punctuated by playful bursts of colour that emit energy and ease.
Upstairs, the private quarters unfold with warmth and familiarity. A family lounge with wooden flooring and relaxed couches becomes a casual gathering spot layered with personal memorabilia. The twin boys’ bedroom carries their spirit through vibrant textures, twin beds, and a vehicle-themed wallpaper, all grounded in soothing blues. Their bathroom features geometric tiles that echo the room’s youthful energy. The daughter’s room, in contrast, softens the tone with floral wallpaper, a cane-detailed bed, and gentle pink accents. Her bathroom continues the narrative with floral tiles, creating a delicate, balanced story.
The master bedroom extends the home’s refined vocabulary with an upholstered bed, minimal panelling, and brass details which set the mood for rest and reflection. Natural light filters through, enhancing the subtle material palette, while a stone-clad bathroom and vanity complete the ensemble.
Fact file
Project: Cinnamon
Location: Pebble Bay, Bengaluru
Area: 6,342 sq ft
Principal designers: Gaurav Panjwani and Santosh Belani
Styling: Samir Wadekar
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