DP Exclusive: The Art Of Modern Living In This Kolkata Home Where Every Detail Counts

This 1650-square-foot home in Kolkata faces the unusual conundrum of turning a family home into a bachelor pad. Aanchhal Bhuwalka of AB Designs describes the project as “a personal retreat designed with a distinctive bachelor-pad aesthetic, even though the client is married.” Typically bachelor pads are known for their versatile functions like hosting, and entertaining and are often designed to be collective spaces rather than reflecting a more individualistic taste. “The client wanted an environment that departed from the conventional multi-bedroom apartments,” Bhuwalka reveals, “open and airy to allow guests to float around.”

Unlike traditional family homes that are split between multiple private spaces and fewer communal zones, these homes shift the Indian home paradigm on its head. To bring this vision to life, Bhuwalka’s design philosophy plays a pivotal role. “My approach revolves around creating spaces that strike a harmonious balance between colour, texture, and modernity,” she explains. For her, colour is a key element of every project, adding depth and character to a space. With a focus on modern and contemporary designs, Bhuwalka is passionate about experimenting with textures to bring added dimension to the interiors she creates.

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Smart Luxury: Blending Functionality with High-End Aesthetics

There are many parts to solving this design proposition – the layout, the colour palette, and the furniture and decor choices. While the space didn’t require major structural changes, Bhuwalka faced the challenge of reworking the original multi-bedroom layout into a more open, one-bedroom configuration. This adjustment was crucial in creating distinct zones for entertainment and hosting, such as a den, a study, and an entertainment area, all while maintaining a cohesive flow throughout the home.

A vital part of any bachelor pad is a living room with a flat-screen television and an extremely comfortable chair. At ‘Sanctuary’ the den is tucked away and can be accessed by crossing the living room. The den serves as a stylish entertainment space featuring a concealed bar with ample seating— a chic adaptation of a bachelor pad. 

Prioritising comfort and movement, Bhuwalka has added marble-top tables that can be separated when hosting or brought together to create a large centre table for smaller parties. Other refined details like the chandelier by Mahal Lamp Shades and Architectural Lights by Marici add sophistication to the space. The most intriguing aspect however of this design is the concealed bar area. By combining a diverse range of custom fabrics, marble, veneer, and carefully selected lighting, she has created a space that feels both luxurious and dynamic. Notably, she pairs two contrasting shades and veining styles of marble, forging a striking visual tension that adds depth to the space. This bold juxtaposition is balanced by a carefully curated backdrop, featuring art by Artemis and décor pieces from H&M, which lend the area an eclectic yet sophisticated feel. The carpet from Carpet Couture by Rashi is an elegant touch that ties it all together. These subtle design elements work in harmony to establish refined elegance and allow each element to shine. 

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Next to the den sits a small and functional study — complete with a wooden world map from Wooden Twist, a linear hanging light from Alc Studio and chic blinds. This shift from casual to business is palpable in the austere space that uses tones of beige and white. Further into the home sits the bedroom that comes with a closet and attached washroom. Embracing an eclectic style, the bedroom is painted entirely in tones of grey from ICA and Asian Paints, keeping with the minimalist theme of the home. Pendant lights and matching consoles help maintain a clutter-free space, while the simplicity of the design is complemented by a cosy headboard, making the bed the perfect focal point for a restful retreat.

Monochrome Magic: How A Grey Tone Palette Elevates the Space

While each space has been designed to stay functional, the apartment has a cohesive aesthetic which is the result of thoughtfully coordinating material and colour. “The space has a consistent grey theme, with accents of blue tones to bring in vibrancy,” Bhuwalka explains, “This design theme is minimalist and emphasizes textures, balanced tones of colour, and understated elegance.”

Within these minimalist and monochrome spaces sit pockets of surprise and play. When asked which part of the design she enjoyed the most, Bhuwalka points to the powder rooms. “It was such a creative challenge because the homeowner loves to entertain and wanted this space to be truly unique—fun, quirky, and full of personality,” she explains, noting that it is the limitations of the space that make it exciting to design. This particular one is a contrast between white stone and avocado green marble from Atlantis Marble to create a stunning farmhouse escape. In a similar vein, the other powder room is sky blue with tropical wallpaper and a Kohler Marrakesh wash basin paired with distinctive wall lights. 

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The beauty of a monochromatic, subtly grey home with hints of earthy shades, predominantly crafted with marble, lies in its timeless allure. This versatile design allows the homeowners to move elements around or even change aspects of the space without disrupting its visual harmony. The grey tones transform the home into a gallery of cherished memorabilia. “From the drama-filled powder room and peaceful study to the warm, inviting bedroom, each space holds its distinct character while contributing to a unified vision of beauty,” Bhuwalka assures, emphasizing the project’s balanced yet energetic atmosphere.

Effortless Elegance: How Every Detail Elevates Comfort and Design

While the layout and colour palette provided a strong foundation for the home, it was equally important for the space to feel cohesive. However, for the home to truly reflect personality and charm, the designer emphasized the need for individuality in each area. 

“Although the design follows the same overarching principles, each space has its own distinct identity, allowing them to feel unique while still being part of a harmonious whole,” Bhuwalka reveals.

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The meticulous attention to detail is what unites the client’s brief, the designer’s vision, and the carefully selected materials into one harmonious and tranquil sanctuary. Every element has been thoughtfully chosen to enhance the overall aesthetic while maintaining both functionality and visual cohesion. Bhuwalka acknowledges that the process involved numerous iterations and compromises, but as she explains, “the result is a space that is modern, sophisticated, and perfectly suited for its intended purpose—entertaining and providing a personal retreat.” This balance of design and purpose ultimately creates a home that feels both timeless and tailored to the client’s lifestyle.