A Tropical Treat

Creative Concepts Designers’ vibrant yet soothing scheme for this weekend home offers an antidote for a fast-paced city life to a Chennai-based family of four. 

Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Art by Imagery; courtesy Creative Concepts Designers

The site

A standard 2,400-sq-ft builder-provided space with glossy tiled flooring and a short wall dividing the living area from the rest of the apartment.

The brief

“Our clients live amidst the hustle and bustle of the city and were looking for a weekend home to unwind and relax,” discloses designer Harshitaa Mocherla. “Given the proximity to the sea, they wanted a calm and serene atmosphere with elements that connect to the coast.” Over and above this general preference, each of the four family members had their distinctive requirements: the boys wanted their rooms to be dark and in tones of grey, while the parents wanted a bright and airy main bedroom. 

The design intent

The interiors for this apartment follow the modern and eclectic aesthetic, creating an informal and light-hearted atmosphere. The design team experimented by pairing opposing elements in colour, texture and pattern, giving a distinct characteristic to each area. ”An open and fluidic spatial arrangement was the key to the ambience for this apartment,” insists Harshitaa. “The intent was to provide flexibility in spatial arrangement, leaning towards an open-plan living, family and dining, and keeping the bedrooms private.”

The civil intervention

In order to achieve openness, a short wall dividing the living area from the family and dining area was broken down to create a better flow. “We replaced the wall with a movable metal screen, facilitating better visual connection throughout the space,” adds the designer. 

The spatial flow

The apartment opens into a well-defined foyer that is highlighted with patterned tiles paired with art prints from No Mad. From here, you catch a glimpse of the living room patio with lush landscaping and a Mediterranean-inspired look. 

The living room layout promotes a feeling of relaxation and conjures images of lively conversations. A pastel palette with contrasting patterns of florals and geometry unfurls against a sage wallpaper along the length of the corridor. Rustic pieces of furniture and decor elements sourced from Auroville and @thepurpleturtles efficiently bring together the tropical vibe. “Our clients wanted a bright and functional kitchen. So we introduced a subtle pattern through the dado tiles, creating a contrast to the oak-veneered open shelves and grey-toned shutters,” describes Harshitaa. 

The boys’ bedrooms were given a clean, crisp, edgy aesthetic, articulated through concrete walls, hints of wood and brass, and reflective lights. In contrast, the main bedroom is bright and airy, and features an ocean-blue chevron-patterned headboard and an accent chair from The Purple Turtles.

The highlights

The movable metal screen that replaced the living room wall adds interest and gives the family the flexibility to compartmentalise the space as required. It also provides a contrasting backdrop to the pastel palette. “The rustic cart sourced from Auroville is a personal favourite,” smiles Harshitaa. “It doubles up as a mobile bar trolley.”

The takeaway

“This project taught us how to combine different design styles and yet achieve an overall look that visually and functionally lends to a cosy and livable atmosphere.” says the designer. “Brainstorming with members of the family and exploring new techniques and materials was a great learning experience.”

Fact file

Project: House of the Tropics
Location: Chennai
Area: 2,400 sq ft
Principal designers: Sandhya Mohan and Harshitaa Mocherla
Design lead: Harshitaa Mocherla