This 1,100-sq-ft Vadodara office is distinguished by elegance and sophistication

Robust Studio pins a workspace narrative on a serene Victorian style for a sense of enduring refinement.

Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Pixellus; courtesy Robust Studio

Nestled in the heart of Vadodara’s upmarket financial hub, the interior narrative for a leading financial service expert takes you back to the grandeur of the Victorian era, encapsulating a sense of timeless royalty.

“It was a perfect canvas for us,” says Mrugini Pandya, founder of Robust Studio, which spearheaded the design exercise. “We first fell in love with the location, the view and the abundant natural light this place had — so we immediately decided to maintain the warmth and the richness of the space, not in a show-off kind of way, but a deeper quality,” says the architect, adding that the client’s exposure to European design made it easier for them to onboard him for the Victorian style-inspired design approach.

In keeping with the chosen stylistic direction, the entire space is drenched in pristine white tones, contrasted and tempered with subtle accents of black, creating compositions that exude both modernity and classical charm.

The ornate entrance is a prelude to the narrative. It features intricately detailed wall mouldings, a European-style cornice and a flooring of earthy black broken tile patterns. The company logo, which is prominently displayed on a rich circular backlit teak wood panel, framed by Doric-style pillars and an entablature.The adjoining corridor wall has a small but inviting pocket of greenery with striking black and white photo frames above.

The remaining 1,000 square feet of the office space is modulated by a wooden and glass partition into two distinct areas. On one side, is the reception area, a workspace for two, a waiting area, a pantry, and a bathroom.

The reception table, with a touch of veneer for a natural look, sports a black top from which emerges a sleek light on a metal pole. Next to the reception table is a waiting area with two large chairs with black leather upholstery. The coffered ceiling in the reception area features intricate detailing and a cornice that adds an elegant touch to the space. Within the coffered ceiling, milk finish light spheres are randomly placed, creating a soft and inviting ambience.

Accommodating two, the workstation area has a curved pocket of green that adds a refreshing and vibrant touch to the workspace. A long horizontal desk light, secured with a metal rod, illuminates the workstation. Essential facilities like pantry and bathroom are smartly hidden behind a wall panelling, maintaining the clean and organised look of the office space.

The hero of the founder’s cabin is the breathtaking, three-sided panoramic view of the city. This provides an incredible backdrop to the entire space, allowing natural light to flood in and offering an inspiring atmosphere. On one side of the cabin, is a cosy sitting arrangement comprising a pure white sofa unit, a stone-top centre table and a matt-black-finished coffee table with a single unique wooden leg.

Along with the sofas, a bespoke console table, featuring solid wooden spheres as handles, adds a decorative and artistic touch. A fiddle-leaf fig and a Chinese evergreen plant provide a pop of greenery as well as a refreshing and lively atmosphere.

The director’s desk was a challenge. “It is a completely white eight-foot-long L-shaped stone top with a giant artistic wooden leg. This desk is big enough as a workspace, yet does not dominate the space,” says Mrugini. “We’ve meticulously detailed every aspect of the space from entrance to its core, and maintained a harmonious balance between minimalism and layered design.”