Inside a Pune Home That Ditches Neutrals for Bold Hues

From the eclectic hues of the Art Déco movement to the pallid tones of minimalism, colour palettes have strutted through design history, setting the tones and scenes like true gleaming gems. Building on this colour theory is an Elysian arbour set against the background of Pune’s timeless charm and modern flair. Borrowing its name from a serene hue and a gem, this abode—‘Jade’ is a love letter by The Arch Studio to every flamboyant design style that ever reigned. Drenched in flamboyant hues that reflect the inhabitants’ personalities, all the while ditching the mundane monochrome palette, this abode stands as a bridge between old-school charm and today’s subdued revolution.

With an endeavour to shift from the humdrum of minimalism, “the (home’s) design focused on creating a narrative of personal expression, comfort, and practicality,” reveals Siddhina Sakla, principal designer of The Arch Studio. Determined to shed the constraints of their past’s whitewashed interiors, a couple in their seventies, along with their 90-year-old mother, call this flamboyant oasis their home. While the coveted perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality poses a challenge Sakla explains: “(the clients’) preferences for vibrant hues, bold patterns, and specific functional needs shaped every room’s design.” This penchant for the eccentric is palpable in the “bold prints and a monochromatic yet daring aesthetic,” with each room shifting shades, unveiling a fresh character with every door that swings open.

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A Home That’s Anything But Neutral

Cruising through the grey roads punctuated by occasional verdancy, Jade emerges like a breath of fresh air with a blush door, unveiling an entryway drenched in warm peachy hues. Paired with a classic wood-and-wicker console that anchors the space, it “draws from the city’s mix of tradition and modernity, creating a home that resonates with its cultural and cosmopolitan surroundings,” says Sakla. The vibrant tale of the Jade commences in its monochromatic peachy living room, embellished with bespoke wood and wicker furniture underscoring the traditional furniture-making craft. Peering over every conversation is a magnificent, panelled ceiling with intricate wooden frames that infuse a sense of warmth into the space. A gilded lotus sticker at the frame’s heart reflects the inhabitants’ penchant for a glistening touch. The architect further reveals, “One major challenge was balancing the clients’ desire for gold accents with the overall aesthetic, which was addressed through its subtle integration,” making an appearance even in the art-deco style wall scones.

Flanking the sprawling living space, a petite pooja area is enshrined in a carved niche set against a wall etched with elaborate wainscoting and patterns that whisper depth into the otherwise serene, monotone space. The home’s open-plan layout influences the spaces, fostering a dialogue between the publicly accessible areas. Consequently, the dining area treads close to the living area, with bursts of hues underscoring the niceties of each oeuvre. For instance, the bespoke crimson dining table with bubbled legs from Afday, paired with the sleek wooden chairs, strikes a perfect equipoise between minimalism and maximalism. A wooden cabinet polished with crimson from Afday further leads into a serene pastel oasis—a kitchen that, “blends modernity and warmth, making it both a functional space and a family gathering area,” Sakla explains. With sleek cabinetry complementing the vibrant wall tiles and granite countertop, the space pulses with the family’s culinary heritage.

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A Cottage Core Fantasy

As vintage aesthetics experience a grand revival moment, this abode thoughtfully mirrors the vibrant aesthetic of every inhabitant’s bygone golden era, with a vivacious spirit that echoes in its design. Consequently, Sakla proudly reveals, “For the 90-year-old mother, her bedroom was designed with a warm, cottage-like ambience.” Basking in pastel yellows and honey-dew warmth the airy bedroom with its pinstripe (cottagecore’s essential archetype) feature wall paired with white moulding and printed upholstery beds. This space, dipped in the nostalgia of the multihued 80s reflects a delightful mix of inclusivity, with “rounded furniture edges for safety, and accessible furniture for daily ease,” Sakla quips, referring to the matriarch’s bedroom that mirrors a countryside retreat.

Inspired By Natural Radiant Tones

A softly glowing peachy passage, courtesy of the rattan pendant lamps, culminates into a serene, verdant bedroom with colossal windows that frame Pune’s bustling landscape while spilling out into an alfresco hangout space perfect for unwinding. With a feature wall whispering tales of Pune’s rich flora complemented by a wood and wicker bed, this minimalist retreat cradles a 50-year-old cherished wooden chair, proving that heirlooms deserve a stylist afterlife. “The reupholstering of a cherished 50-year-old armchair, gifted during the homeowner’s wedding, was seamlessly integrated into the new design while preserving its sentimental value,” shares Sakla. Opposing the bed, a sleek window stands as a silent advocate for sustainability, embracing the verdant bedroom’s essence, while fostering cross-ventilation and radiating the allure of a tranquil paragon.

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Drawing on the sky’s mesmerising tints, the study transpires, perfectly crafted for long hours of focused work. The clients coveted distinct spaces tailored to their personalities and needs, as they both work from home. With blackout curtains, bespoke niches for books and files, and a custom-crafted table from Lakkadhaara, the study metamorphoses into a chic haven where impetus and panache co-exist. The voluptuous niches exude a sense of depth within the banal room.

With clean lines and a clutter-free design, “regional elements are subtly woven into the design through the use of patterns, textures, and a vibrant colour palette,” Sakla explains. She adds, “(The) challenge was addressing the inconvenient height of the developer-installed AC sleeves,” which was tended with the air conditioning units’ ingenious integration into bespoke alcoves while preserving the home’s core design style. The result is a space that feels vibrantly genial while profoundly serene—an abode that wraps its inhabitants in warmth and comfort.

Much like the gem it’s monikered after, ‘Jade’ glitters with a temperament as vibrant and versatile as the stone itself. The gemstone’s traits—calming energy and its ability to bring balance are mirrored in this abode’s gallant hues, playfully mingling with nostalgic charm all the while maintaining a perfect equilibrium. A true gem in Pune’s spirited scene, the homeowners’ share, “Designing our vision into a beautiful cosiness that perfectly balances modernity. Our house feels like a warm embrace, just as we’d imagined.”