A Pune apartment with a harmonious tapestry of warmth and sophistication

Shrutika Raut Design Studio sensitively synthesises American elements with Indian vernacular ones to establish a living environment that resonates with a sense of curated elegance.

Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Hemant Patil; courtesy Shrutika Raut Design Studio

The site

This west-facing Pune apartment, being extremely well-lit, offers an advantage of ample natural light and warmth.

The brief

A gregarious couple, the clients are frequent travellers as their daughter is settled in the USA. “Their brief was simple and direct,” says Shrutika Raut, who helms her eponymous practice in Pune, “A hands-on house with traditional and Indian influences. During our conversations with the client, we picked up on how they were fascinated by modern technology and wanted to somehow blend it with their evolving taste. Also, they always mentioned their love to play chess together and a dedicated space for that in the living room.” Additionally, they wanted an interactive and open layout for the common spaces.

The visual expression

The house is an amalgamation of Indian and American influences. The dry wall panelling is an element borrowed from the latter country. It adds depth and texture to the otherwise plain walls. “The black and white canvas being versatile allowed us to incorporate the western and Indian accents into our design,” says the architect. Indian art forms gracefully punctuate the design, adding a touch of cultural richness to the ambience.

A home tour

In the heart of the drawing room, a serene black and white canvas sets the stage for a blend of contemporary and timeless charm. The basalt flooring, meticulously arranged in elongated rectangular patterns, anchors the space with understated elegance. Teak wood furniture exudes a rustic yet polished vibe, complemented by armchairs adorned in vibrant fuchsia cotton fabric upholstery and Bhujodi weaved cushions. Pattachitra artwork grace the walls, telling stories with intricate carving, while red agra stone murals featuring South Indian temple profiles heighten the cultural richness. The focal point is the textured, indigo blue wall, which creates a contrast against the black rafters on the ceiling and the basalt. A set of Georgian sliding-folding doors expand the living room to the balcony. The basalt continues outdoors, bringing them in and creating a seamless transition between the two areas.

The hero of the dining room is a massive Mata-ni-pachedi painting that dons one of its walls. A yellow bar cabinet offers a burst of warmth to the space. The dining table, a perfect blend of sophistication and natural appeal, features a rough-textured, pearl black Lapotra granite top upheld by wooden legs. The chandelier here introduces a delicate and rustic element into the space. Right by the window, the corner creates an inviting place for conversations over culinary delights or even a hot cup of coffee. The state-of-the-art kitchen is fully equipped with an array of high-end appliances with a rather contemporary layout.

The monotone canvas continues in the master bedroom. Handmade cement tiles, adorned with traditional Indian motifs grace the floor, adding a touch of cultural elegance. The focal point is a stately four-poster bed dressed in Kantha work bedding. A bookshelf, accompanied by built-in seating near the window, creates a cosy reading nook, while cane wardrobe shutters infuse a natural and airy ambience. A subtle step-up reveals a charming study area and dresser, seamlessly integrated into the bedroom’s design.

Terracotta-coloured cement tiles with delicate floral motifs lay the foundation for a warm and inviting atmosphere in the daughter’s room. The bed with a distinctive cane-upholstered back exudes both comfort and natural charm. The Kantha bedding, carefully chosen to complement the hues of the floor, adds a touch of artisanal elegance. Hand-woven fabric frames grace the walls and subtle curved sophists behind the bed add a soft and organic touch to the space. Antique brass bedside wall lights cast a warm glow, creating an intimate ambience.