An artfully designed apartment in Timbi, near Vadodara

Robust Studio uses rich Indian motifs and colours in a contemporary fashion in this home.

Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Tejas Shah; courtesy Robust Studio

The site

Nestled within a quaint village near Vadodara, this charming house offers a delightful vista overlooking the serene waters of Timbi Lake. With an area spanning 2,200 square feet, this villa embodies rustic elegance amidst its rural surroundings.

The brief

“Celebrating home as art rather than displaying art was brief given by the client,” says architect Mrugini Pandya of Robust Studio — which transformed every element of the living space into a canvas for artistic expression, blurring the lines between architecture and artistry.

The design intent

For the amateur art lover with a passion for warmth, Indian aesthetics and earthiness, the home design is envisioned as a vibrant and inviting sanctuary that reflects a harmonious blend of artistic expression and cultural richness.

A home tour

Crafting a foyer partition inspired by the shadow play of a perforated temple door brings a touch of ethereal elegance to the space. The perforated partition is coloured in black showcasing itself as a shadow of the light coming from the perforated door of the temple. The temple space is adorned with the rich heritage of Indian block printed fabric from Rajasthan, transforming the sacred atmosphere into a tapestry of colours and intricate patterns. The temple is made from teak wood and brass is used for the legs and handles. The top is a combination of stone and wood. The double-height temple space is bathed in abundant sunlight and creates a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.

The living room beckons with a captivating blend of artistic flair and inviting comfort. Against the backdrop of a singular wall transformed into a mesmerising art piece, the room exudes an aura of creativity and sophistication. The lower section of the wall boasts a sleek veneer backdrop, carefully selected to accentuate the light-coloured sofa, allowing it to effortlessly stand out as the focal point of relaxation and conversation. Above, a symphony of irregular bohemian shapes dances across the expanse. The TV unit partition, inspired from the abacus, becomes a sophisticated focal point in the living space.

The staircase uses Jaisalmer stone on the riser and tread in a unique and intellectual way. The staircase is on a raised platform which is covered with patterned tiles. The turmeric yellow colour of the stone and pattern of tiles adds vibrancy and an Indian touch to space.

The master bedroom design evokes a natural tropical environment, and antidote to the surrounding concrete jungle. Olive is the dominant colour. The wall is painted with stucco and a wooden log is used behind the bed with the shades of green and rhythmic waves carved on its surface, symbolising the dynamic journey of life through thick and thin. Lighting plays a pivotal role here acting as a brushstroke that highlights key features and creates a nuanced atmosphere. Every corner and edge gracefully curves, creating an atmosphere of fluidity and softness.

The first guest room seamlessly captures the rich tapestry of Indian heritage while providing a serene and welcoming ambience. The room offers a panoramic view of the lake. At the heart of the room stands an exquisite four-poster Maharaja bed with leather bed-back and posts reminiscent of abacus rods. One of the walls is bathed in a warm mustard hue, drawing inspiration from the vibrant colours seen in traditional Indian textiles and palatial interiors. A large black mirror reflects the beauty of the room, creating an illusion of spaciousness and openness.

The second guest room features lime-washed grey walls. The storage under the bed is intelligently designed to maintain lightness in the room. The patterns on the TV unit echo the commitment to continuity in the design concept.

The versatile study functions as an additional storage space and a hang-out zone. The space is covered with patterned tiles for an Indian touch. Nestled within this space is a study nook adorned with playful elements. The storage is rendered with circular patterns. The arch window offers a captivating view of the double-height temple area. The window is adorned with a lush plantation, creating a seamless connection with nature and infusing the space with a refreshing and serene ambience. The overall atmosphere of the space is lively and spirited, with pops of vibrant colours and comfortable lounge chairs.