A Bengaluru apartment with a Parisian flair

Studio TAB crafts a highly stylised yet calming atmosphere for a well-travelled and design conscious couple in Bengaluru.  

Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Nayan Soni; courtesy Studio TAB

The brief

A globetrotting couple (with an innate sense of style) who decided to finally settle down in India approached Studio TAB to design their 2,300 sq ft apartment in Bengaluru. The task given to architects Rahul Das Menon and Ojas Chaudhari, who head the Mumbai-based Studio TAB, consisted of three words — keep everything classy!

The design intent

“Neither artsy, nor outrightly young; neither mundane nor Bohemian… the design language treads precariously on a fine line, subtly stitching each of these styles, thus rendering the home a soft and refined style with a highly stylised aesthetic,” says Rahul. The design of the house is dipped in a palette that brings together artistic elements of classicism, marble and wood vignettes, muted mural colour tones and a dash of metallic gold,” adds Ojas.

The approach

The apartment is designed around the essence of Parisian living. Parisian style is hard to define — it is a beautiful design paradox defining elegance and cosmopolitanism at the same time, and blends both classic and contemporary elements. In order to strike the right balance, the overall tones are kept muted, with emphasis on furniture and decor elements. Wainscotting and wall mouldings complete the design composition by adding some character to the walls without compromising on elegance. Spaces are open, yet functionally defined. Everything just flows seamlessly, albeit the arrangements, like artworks compels one to pause and absorb what each nook has to offer.

The design and material details

The entrance of the home showcases a vibrant art piece and artsy mirrors on the wall, and an exquisite console table, creating a visual pause for the visitor. The pause point is well addressed by a warm seating which is placed right across the console unit. A ceremonial lamp hangs adjacent to the seating, juxtaposed against a grey fluted backdrop. A lattice screen divides the foyer from the living room while keeping the inside-out feel intact.

One can almost seamlessly transition into the living room, from the foyer. The flooring here features Botoccino marble and Black Noir Serpent marble; while the walls have a linear pattern of wainscotting that is seen all across the house. The vibrant blue sofas add an element of colour against the muted grey wall. A dash of metallic gold in the furniture and flooring strips balances the composition of vibrant colours and muted shades in the overall design palette. A custom-designed fluted white TV unit merges with the pastel backdrop wall. A bespoke circular bar unit sits at the brink of the foyer and the living room. It is a playful art piece with different sections designed to house a variety of liquor.

The dining area is marked by a table from Bent Chair crafted from black and white marble (top) and metal (legs), and complemented by brown leather upholstered chairs. A chandelier from White Teak completes the set-up. The dining setting is framed by wooden shelves displaying potted plants, artefacts and books. Interestingly, a wooden door leading to a bedroom subtly blends with the shelves here.

The kitchen set next to the dining is separated by a black partition screen made of laser-cut MS. A minimal colour palette (of black and white) was chosen for the kitchen, keeping in mind a clean and functional design. Fluted glass shutters and wooden details add to the elegance of the design. The kitchen top is made of quartz stone from Kalinga, while the flooring is of satin finish tiles.

In the master bedroom a grey accent wall with Parisian inspired detailed moulding forms the backdrop for the bed giving the entire wall an embellished look. The bed has an upholstered tan brown headboard with a chic round mirror juxtaposed to it. A white rug rests on the hardwood flooring, striking the right balance in colour. A white study table facing the bed blends well with the wall and creates contrast with the flooring.

In the second bedroom the highlights include a brown leather upholstered bed back, white walls and hardwood flooring. The cross patterned frame detail on the wardrobe adds the Parisian character to the elegant space. A soothing, hand textured green wall is the guest bedroom’s focal point which pairs well with the hardwood flooring. A black and white bed back design connects the green with the earthy shades of the room. The detailed wainscotting design on the wall adds a classical element to the room.

Fact File

Project: Maison d’ amour
Location: Bengaluru
Area: 2,300 sq ft
Principal architects: Rahul Das Menon and Ojas Chaudhari
Project lead: Tushal Pandey
Design team: Antara Jha, Yash Jain and Shivanie Khanka
Interior contractual team: Classic Interiors Ltd