Jay Mehta's ancestral home in Porbandar is an art deco kaleidoscope of memories

This article highlights the design philosophy and personal home of Katie Kath, an interior designer and partner at Jkath Design Build + Reinvent. Kath embarked on building her dream home with her husband, Jesse, on a double-wide lot along Minnehaha Creek, aiming to create a space that prioritizes timeless interiors, exceptional quality, and impeccable craftsmanship, moving away from a standard builder-grade aesthetic. The vision for their 4,000-square-foot home was to incorporate customized features tailored to their family of five, ensuring every detail was intentional and thoughtfully chosen. The construction of the home, which commenced during the pandemic, was completed in a swift eight months. Despite the rapid timeline, design decisions were meticulously made, with Katie acting as both the manager and client. This dual role necessitated careful attention to both major and minor details to ensure the home's enduring appeal. Key design elements on the main floor include reclaimed wood beams from Manomin Resawn Timbers and alder accents in the cabinetry, island, and built-in banquette, which together create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The cast stone fireplace surround, matching the kitchen cabinetry, serves as a contemporary focal point in the living room, with white oak flooring extending up to its base for a seamless look. The home's modern design is enhanced by black-frame windows, which are balanced with gold tones to maintain a comfortable and clean feel. The baseboards and millwork are intentionally taller than standard, adding a traditional touch. Unlacquered brass cabinet hardware from Armac Martin in London provides a desired contrast in the kitchen. Beyond the physical design, the article emphasizes that the true essence of Kath's home lies in the traditions she shares with her family, especially during the holiday season. These traditions transform the house into a cozy, safe, warm, and inviting home, fulfilling her original vision of a timeless, traditional abode with festive flair. Kath also shares practical tips for incorporating seasonal spirit into home decor without overwhelming the space or compromising on timelessness. She advises decorating for the season rather than specific holidays to allow decor to remain relevant for longer periods. Sticking to neutral earth tones for the main color scheme, with bright accents, is another recommendation. Kath suggests focusing decorating efforts on main entertaining areas, like the ground floor, and involving family in the decorating process to make it an enjoyable event. Finally, she advocates for investing in high-quality, reusable decor pieces, such as garland, and taking advantage of end-of-season sales to build a collection of timeless decorations that can be cherished year after year. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #TimelessInteriors #HolidayDecor #CustomHome #JkathDesignBuild #Renovation #FamilyHome #SeasonalDecor

Nusrat Pathan, founder of Studio Orangeworks, approached the design of a Mumbai home for clients in the film industry with a philosophy centered on imbuing spaces with the characters and stories of their inhabitants. The resulting aesthetic of the home is a harmonious blend of contrasting elements, combining classic vintage with sleek modern styles to reflect the owners' creative spirits. The living room exemplifies this approach with a stunning curved couch upholstered in terracotta velvet, set against a bright teal wall. This complementary color scheme enhances the vintage-modern feel. Pathan meticulously sourced accent pieces from brands like Pottery Barn, Obeetee Carpets, and Good Earth, while custom-designing much of the furniture and even creating an abstract painting herself to perfectly encapsulate the room's mood. The curved sofa's design fosters a sense of connection, mirrored in the artwork's undulating waves, emphasizing harmony. The dining room continues the interplay of neutrals and jewel tones, with wood elements providing traditional elegance. A large wooden dining table with turned legs and vintage carvings is complemented by the brightness of maroon lampshades and a distressed jade-green cabinet. Soft wood tones and beige upholstery balance the vibrant accents, while Art Deco-style pendant lights and abundant natural light from large windows intensify the room's color palette. Eschewing a television in the main living area, the den is specifically curated for cinematic experiences. This room features deep tones, including wine-colored walls and cabinetry, and blue-green tufted ottomans, accented by dark gold rattan lamps. Unusual pairings, such as a chequered couch on a classic patterned carpet, unexpectedly coalesce into a soothing and comfortable space for movie-watching. Each bedroom in the apartment boasts a distinct visual identity. One bedroom, reminiscent of the European countryside, features bronze-gold mirror frames, rattan lamps, and a wooden bed frame, all harmonizing with a sky blue wall and floral wallpaper. This richly textured room is made airy and cheerful by natural light. In contrast, the teen's bedroom adopts a more masculine, industrial aesthetic with a brown leather headboard against a black brick wall, dominated by strong, sculptural lines. Another bedroom uses earthy tones similar to the den, but here they evoke a rustic charm. This space includes a cozy vanity nook. Overall, Studio Orangeworks has successfully crafted an eclectic Mumbai home that navigates juxtapositions of cinema and diverse personalities. It is a home defined by its contrasts—vintage and modern, light and dark, feminine and masculine—where balance is achieved through the careful integration of opposing elements, reflecting the inherent complexity and richness of its inhabitants' lives. #MumbaiHomes #InteriorDesign #CinematicFlair #OldWorldCharm #EclecticStyling #StudioOrangeworks #VintageModern #JewelTones #CustomFurniture

The article showcases five homes that embody the Art Deco architectural and interior design style, highlighting its enduring appeal and luxurious aesthetic. Art Deco, which celebrates its centenary, is characterized by its streamlined forms, geometric patterns, rich materials, and modern elegance. The featured homes, located across India, demonstrate how this lavish style is maintained, restored, or reinterpreted in contemporary settings. One featured residence is Shirin Bharucha’s 2,500-square-foot apartment in a historic Art Deco building in Mumbai, overlooking the Oval Maidan. This apartment is a testament to Mumbai’s early urban planning and its embrace of Art Deco during the city's economic rise in the early 20th century. Bharucha, a heritage activist, has passionately worked to preserve the area's architectural integrity. Her home retains original features such as vibrant terrazzo flooring from Bharat Floorings & Tiles, showcasing a mix of colors and vertical lines that subtly guide the layout. Wood is used sparingly for decorative paneling, emphasizing the clean lines characteristic of Art Deco. The apartment’s spacious layout, encompassing three bedrooms, a drawing room, dining room, kitchen, and staff quarters, reflects the grandeur of the era. Another example is a bungalow in Kolkata, home to a multigenerational business family. Originally built with Feng Shui principles by a Chinese family, the home underwent a contemporary update while preserving its Art Deco identity. Pooja Bihani of Spaces and Design led the renovation, focusing on integrating modern elements without overshadowing the original style. Key Art Deco features, such as gracefully curved elevation projections, the original wooden staircase railing, and the entrance door, were preserved and seamlessly integrated with contemporary finishes. The ground floor, spanning 3,000 square feet, features an interactive layout with collapsible fluted glass doors, a monochromatic theme, and rich materials like marble and oak wood. A prominent artwork by Kumaresan adorns the living room, designed for large gatherings. The wooden staircase, with added marble inlay elements, serves as a striking blend of old and new. The article also presents a home in Delhi’s Golf Links, belonging to Madhu and Naresh Trehan, designed by Shonan Purie Trehan. This home is described as a personal narrative, incorporating Art Deco elements, intricate inlaid floors, handcrafted tiles, and unique artworks. It breaks away from traditional bourgeois aesthetics, offering a daring and unconventional design. The house is filled with natural light and color, reflecting the owners' memories and expressions. The design deconstructs the standard rectangular plot, creating a fluid space that dynamically connects the garden, patio, and pool with the interiors. The sculptural handmade brick exterior further exemplifies the artistic freedom and precise craftsmanship evident throughout the home. A Churchgate apartment in Mumbai, inherited by Manasvi Bachhav, principal designer of The Architecture Company (TAC), showcases the restoration of old-world charm. This 1,800-square-foot apartment, purchased by Bachhav's grandfather in 1955, is located in an Art Deco building near the Brabourne Cricket Ground, offering views of Malabar Hill and the Arabian Sea. The renovation aimed to revive the apartment's original character, which had been altered by previous ad hoc repairs. Bachhav focused on retaining the 'Mumbai' flavor, blending vintage elements with contemporary details, and incorporating global influences like tropical modernism, mid-century Scandinavian warmth, and Japanese minimalism. Restored features include the original 1950s terrazzo flooring, refinished Burma teak wood doors, and vintage brass hardware. Cherished pieces collected by Bachhav’s grandparents are also integrated into the design. Finally, an 18,000-square-foot mansion in Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills, owned by Rohit Reddy and designed by Vinita Chaitanya, channels the Jazz Era. Chaitanya transformed the newly built structure, seeing beyond the glass and concrete to infuse it with soul through layers of textures, patterns, and colors. She drew inspiration from a stunning Italian marble with gold and pink streaks, which evoked European palazzo vibes, leading her to pursue an Art Deco interior. Marble was extensively used around doors, as architraves, and in floor inlays near the staircase. Chaitanya brought in elements that conveyed a sense of history, embodying the geometry, symmetry, and elegance of the 1920s. She landscaped the internal courtyard, adorned sky-high walls with classic wallpaper, and embellished passageways with old-world pendants and doors with magnificent grillework, creating a seamless blend of past and present. The resulting home is a grand and deeply personal space, reflecting artistry and intentional design. #ArtDecoHomes #IndianArchitecture #JazzEraDesign #HeritagePreservation #InteriorDesign #MumbaiArtDeco #KolkataBungalow #DelhiHomeDesign #HyderabadMansion

This article explores four distinct Indian homes, each embodying a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary design. The first residence, an 80-year-old apartment in Mumbai's Art Deco quarter, was revitalized by Studio Mestry, led by Akshaya Mestry in collaboration with Bhakti Loonawat. The renovation focused on preserving the home's ancestral character while integrating modern functionality and comfort for a couple and their two daughters. Key design elements include luminous open-plan spaces, abundant natural light, high ceilings, wooden accents, chandeliers, monochrome palettes, traditional furniture, terrazzo flooring, and black granite, all contributing to an opulent, old-world atmosphere. The careful selection of materials like terrazzo, Indian marble, and wood created diverse patterns, giving each space a unique identity. The second home featured is a 5,000-square-foot apartment in Vadodara, Gujarat, designed by Surabhi Kankaria Shah and Arpit Jain. This residence seamlessly merges contemporary Indian design with classic vintage charm. The designers aimed for an accessible, simple, and functional space, characterized by light-filled interiors, spaciousness, and airiness. The design reflects the tranquil surroundings through open windows that maximize natural light and a soft color palette combined with natural elements. The living room showcases a sophisticated mix of modern and traditional aesthetics, incorporating organic textures and luxurious accents. A muted beige and brown palette in the family room emphasizes earthy tones, while cane-style furniture adds warmth. An attached balcony enhances the indoor-outdoor connection. The dining room, with its muted scheme, features a green wall adorned with nature-inspired artworks, a wood and brass dining table with a sleek marble top, and a distinctive lighting installation. The third property is a Victorian-era 2-BHK apartment in Bengaluru, nestled amidst lush greenery. Designed by Vinithra Amarnathan, principal designer at Weespaces, with Design Assistant Lavanya Chopra, this home was envisioned as a Victorian townhouse updated for a young couple with a newborn and a dog. The design retained the original structure's beauty, making minimal structural changes primarily in the main bedroom. The project presented challenges due to its smaller size compared to typical Bengaluru homes. The chosen palette was largely neutral, featuring greys and pastels, complemented by materials such as white marble, brass accents, and wood. The entryway, reminiscent of a colonial club, serves as the central axis of the home, leading to various rooms. A striking black and white harlequin flooring makes a significant visual impact, and three glass and brass 'handi' pendants introduce old-world glamour. An arched mirror at the hallway's end creates an illusion of expanded space. Finally, the article highlights an Art Deco apartment in Mumbai, known as Sunshine apartments, with surreal views of the Oval Maidan and iconic city structures. Interior designer Annkur Khosla undertook this project, drawing inspiration from her experiences in Paris. Built in the 1920s, the apartment embodies Bombay's Art Deco movement. Khosla's design ingeniously managed space and flow. The entrance foyer features a minimal floor pattern and a subtly fluted oak backdrop concealing a closet. A mirrored partition opens into the dining space, which is paneled with a similar ribbed effect. The open balcony retains original features like twin columns with Ionic capitals and a restored Art Deco grill. Khosla focused on custom hardware, including brass door handles, knobs, and intricate carpentry details. A tall brass handle at the apartment's end stands as a sculptural element. The design maintains a consistent visual language through custom furniture, unique carpeting, and art mounted on a waved wall. Wooden screens with geometric patterns function as versatile partitions, transforming private rooms into open public spaces, with varying wood finishes adding texture and depth. #IndianHomes #OldWorldCharm #VintageDesign #ArtDeco #ContemporaryInteriors #MumbaiHomes #VadodaraDesign #BengaluruArchitecture #InteriorDesign

Sunita Ahuja, wife of Bollywood actor Govinda, provides a glimpse into their Mumbai residence, a home designed to balance style, comfort, and family warmth. The aesthetic draws inspiration from English-style interiors, curated with significant input from their children, Tina and Yashvardhan, to create a welcoming and lived-in atmosphere rather than focusing solely on ostentatious display. The family's experiences in London influenced their preference for practical luxury, ensuring each space is both elegant and functional, thereby embodying authenticity, comfort, and charm through sophisticated design and cherished family elements. The Ahuja residence prominently features English-inspired interiors, characterized by elegance, sophistication, and a timeless appeal. Sunita highlights that her children played a crucial role in selecting design elements to reflect their personal tastes. The home integrates classic furniture, soft color palettes, and cozy layouts, achieving a harmonious balance between aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. This approach makes the home feel genuinely lived-in, rather than merely a showcase of wealth. Beyond its design, the Mumbai home carries significant sentimental value for Sunita, as it is where she married Govinda and raised their children. The house also incorporates Vastu principles, integrating spiritual elements such as a Santa Claus statue, a Sai Baba idol, and an angel figurine. This spiritual consistency is also evident in Sunita's other properties in Kolkata and Darjeeling, which feature similar symbols, reflecting her dedication to positive energy across all her homes. Sunita’s daily life within the home is marked by unique spiritual practices. Each evening, a candle is lit on an ‘angel table,’ symbolizing faith and protection for the family. Diyas are placed on the balcony as a protective measure against negative energy, aligning with traditional beliefs to ward off the evil eye. The balcony is specifically designated for puja, featuring tulsi plants and other items used exclusively for spiritual rituals. The home's interiors also showcase furniture imported from Italy, a process that took seven months to complete. Each piece was chosen for its quality, comfort, and aesthetic appeal, blending luxury with practical design. The residence includes a dedicated home theatre corner equipped with a large television and a PlayStation, a lounge area furnished with green and brown Italian sofas designed for discussions and games, and various antique accents that further emphasize functional elegance. The home also features a blue wooden bar, designed with input from Yashvardhan, intended to provide a comfortable space for guests to enjoy drinks. Sundays are designated as cheat days, during which the family indulges in traditional Punjabi dishes like Sarson da Saag, Makki di Roti, Gajar ka Halwa, and Palak Paneer, and occasionally enjoys Nepali foods such as momos. Govinda’s appreciation for good food significantly influences the family’s meal choices, with Sunita preparing flavorful dishes that celebrate tradition and togetherness. The Ahuja family frequently hosts friends and extended relatives, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere where culinary exploration, laughter, and shared stories are integral to their weekend gatherings. Every aspect of the house adheres to Vastu Shastra principles, aiming to combine aesthetic design with spiritual harmony. A small elephant statue positioned with a Sai Baba idol in the living room, alongside a glass corner on the balcony, ensures compliance with Vastu guidelines. Versace candles and others are lit daily on the angel table, reinforcing the family’s spiritual devotion. A household tradition, inherited from Sunita’s mother-in-law, mandates that shoes are not allowed inside the house, maintaining cleanliness and respect for established customs. These elements collectively contribute to a home that is not only visually appealing but also deeply rooted in cultural and spiritual practices. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #VastuShastra #EnglishStyle #FamilyHome #SpiritualPractices #MumbaiResidence #CelebrityHome #IndianCulture

This blog post offers a detailed tour of a three-story shophouse in Joo Chiat, meticulously rebuilt by homeowners Natalie and Al. The property spans 3,490 square feet of land with 3,000 square feet of built-up space, designed to integrate modern living with traditional Peranakan heritage. The ground floor of the shophouse features an open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area, serving as the central hub for the homeowners and their guests. The design philosophy emphasizes preserving the area's rich heritage, evident in details such as a Peranakan privacy screen at the entrance and laser-cut patterns on the kitchen cabinet panels. These elements contribute to the home's unique charm and cultural depth. The second floor is dedicated to a study, a helper's room, and a guest room. The study is particularly notable for its custom-designed bookcase, featuring shelves with varying colored backs, adding an element of personalized design. The guest bedroom showcases a unique wallpaper and a matching bedspread, ensuring a cohesive and distinct aesthetic. The third floor accommodates the master bedroom, which is elevated on a platform, and includes an outdoor dry kitchen. This outdoor kitchen provides a convenient amenity for preparing drinks or light meals without requiring a trip to the main kitchen downstairs. Adjacent to the master bedroom, a balcony offers a serene space for relaxation and enjoyment of the peaceful surroundings. A significant feature of the shophouse is the open kitchen, which functions as the heart of the home, especially since Al, one of the homeowners, utilizes it for their private dining experience, serving home-cooked Mediterranean cuisine. The open layout facilitates interaction between Al and their guests. A unique aspect of the home is the courtyard garden, visible from the kitchen and dining areas. Despite less-than-ideal natural sunlight, specially installed grow lights nurture an exotic array of plants, transforming the courtyard into a tranquil oasis. The home tour, offered before the private dining experience begins, serves as an ice-breaker for guests, enhancing their overall experience. The renovation project focused on blending functionality with aesthetic appeal, while deeply respecting Peranakan cultural influences. Each design choice, from the structural layout to the decorative accents, reflects a thoughtful approach to creating a home that is both modern and rooted in tradition. The property exemplifies a successful integration of historical charm with contemporary living needs, providing a unique environment for the homeowners and an inviting setting for their private culinary venture. #PeranakanShophouse #JooChiat #HomeTour #ModernPeranakanDesign #CourtyardGarden #PrivateDining #ArchitecturalHeritage #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation

Neil Watson, Executive Director of the Katonah Museum of Art, and his wife, award-winning YA novelist Judy Blundell (Jude Watson), have meticulously curated their 1920s cottage-style home in Katonah. Having lived in various locations such as San Francisco, Montauk, Manhattan, West Palm Beach, Tacoma, and Delaware, the couple moved into their 1,900-square-foot home in 2005. Their aesthetic philosophy centers on a blend of high- and low-value items, prioritizing pieces that are interesting and well-made. While they indulge in occasional splurges at upscale galleries and shops, Watson demonstrates a keen eye for discovering stylish furnishings from second-hand stores, salvage shops, catalogs featuring excellent reproductions, and even discarded items, including a notable Eames chair rescued from an art museum. Among their cherished possessions is a rare plywood chair, circa 1950, by American furniture designer Norman Cherner, acquired from a West Palm Beach vintage furniture store. Watson has a notable collection of chairs, including designs by mid-century modern masters Charles and Ray Eames and Harry Bertoia, attributing a certain "karma" to these pieces. Another unique find is a chrome-and-wood side table from the 1930s by Wolfgang Hoffman, son of renowned Austrian architect and designer Josef Hoffman, discovered in Thomas O’Brien's Aero Studios in SoHo. This table now serves as a charging station in their office-cum-playroom. The living and dining rooms boast 21 light sources, prominently featuring the Zettel’z chandelier by German designer Ingo Maurer. This chandelier, purchased in 2008 from a SoHo showroom, replaces traditional crystal drops with clipped-on Japanese paper pieces adorned with scribbled notes, poems, and drawings, to which artist and illustrator friends, and their daughter Cleo, have contributed. A meaningful gift from Watson to his wife is a banded bowl by pioneering glass artist Sonja Blomdahl, acquired from a San Francisco art gallery in the mid-1980s. This piece was created using the incalmo technique, involving the seamless merging of two separate pipe-blown glass vessels. Another innovative lighting fixture is the Holonzki wall sconce, also by Ingo Maurer, positioned near the dining-room table. This sconce creates an optical illusion with a holographic red incandescent bulb over a metal socket, while the true light source emanates from above. Watson purchased this piece a decade ago from a high-end furniture store in Seattle, appreciating its blend of humor and beauty. The article also highlights a handcrafted corkscrew from Laguiole, France, a Christmas gift from Watson's wife, celebrated for its exquisite construction and design, indicative of his appreciation for well-crafted items. Finally, an eco-friendly birch bookcase by Argington, originally intended for a toddler's room, was adapted to store Watson's cookbooks and his daughter's art supplies, demonstrating the family's practical and aesthetic repurposing of objects within their thoughtfully curated home. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #MidCenturyModern #ArtCollectors #KatonahHome #CuratedLiving #UniqueFurnishings #LightingDesign #VintageFinds

Ambika Hinduja Macker undertook the design of her brother Shom's suburban Mumbai home, transforming an octagonal guest cottage into a modern sanctuary. The original structure, over 30 years old and designed by architect Phiroze Pantaki with interiors by the late Parmeshwar Godrej, served as the foundation for Ambika's vision. Shom's desire for a space of relaxation and reflection led him to Ambika, a polymath with diverse experience in film, interior and product design, and art curation. The design ethos for the home was a blend of old and new, incorporating the original octagonal form with contemporary rectilinear elements. Key influences included the natural world, particularly flora and fauna, the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi which embraces imperfection, and the minimalist styles of Scandinavian and Japanese design. To achieve Shom's vision, Ambika retained only parts of the original octagonal structure and its sloping roofs, which were converted into green roofs to promote sustainability—a principle both Shom and Ambika, as a conscious designer, strongly support. The rest of the structure underwent significant reinforcement, restructuring, and redesign. A central aspect of the renovation involved opening up the living spaces. Exposed beams and columns were removed to create a more expansive and free-flowing interior with larger rooms and cleaner lines. Ambika collaborated with landscape designer Kunal Maniar to enhance the surrounding lush gardens, ensuring that the interiors and exteriors harmonized. Each room was imbued with a distinct personality, designed to be deeply calming, sensual, and evocative, benefiting from uninterrupted views of the garden and the Arabian Sea. The dining area, a part of the original design, maintained its sloping ceiling structure, which Ambika clad in naturally oiled Burma teak, creating an engaging contrast in design language. This area features vintage 1952 tan leather dining chairs by William Katavolos, Ross Littell, and Douglas Kelley, and a 1960s ceramic screen by the Cloutier Brothers. Artwork plays a significant role, with Bruce Munro's 'Whizz Pop' fibre-optic light installation adding a fantastical element, and Alex Turco’s aluminum composite triptych of painted branches serving as a ceiling installation to conceal trapdoors. Janaina Mello’s 'Ciclotrama', a site-specific installation of unwoven strands, evokes natural forms like plant roots and circulatory systems. Shom's passion for cooking and hosting influenced the inclusion of two kitchens. The guest powder room features customized metallic wallpaper from De Gournay. In the den, Fred Eerdekens’s copper-wire sculpture creates a calming shadow. The focal point of the home's art collection is Joseph Walsh’s 'Magnus', a three-dimensional wooden sculpture that hangs gracefully in the living room ceiling, designed specifically for the space. Ambika, who represents Walsh as an artist, designed the entire living area around this piece. The overall design results in a home that feels like a luxurious yacht journey, particularly at dusk when the glazed living room offers panoramic views of the sea. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #BeachHouse #MumbaiArchitecture #AmbikaHindujaMacker #JosephWalshArt #LuxuryHomes #SustainableDesign #ArtInstallation

Art serves as a universal form of expression and plays a significant role in interior decor, reflecting personality, taste, and style. The article defines art design as elements such as point, line, two-dimensional shapes, descriptive and abstract forms, which involve texture, value, space, shape, line, form, and color. Various art types, including abstract, modern, pop art, impressionist, cubism, contemporary, graffiti, surrealism, and fantasy, are discussed as categories that capture attention in art galleries. The article then presents a curated list of 20 simple and modern art designs suitable for enhancing home interiors. Each design includes a brief description, brand information, material, color, and size details, often suggesting its placement or utility. For instance, the first design, a 'Simple Art Design,' features a butterfly pattern in a wood and acrylic frame, ideal for a living room and as a gift item. The 'Modern Art Design' emphasizes an impeccable finish and multi-color elements to create a stylish and durable piece, suitable for gifting. A 'Beautiful Art Design' by DA creation is highlighted for its blend of modern and rustic aesthetics, creating a lively ambiance. This piece is noted for being an original artwork with an artist's signed authenticity certificate. The 'Best Art Design' emphasizes durability and quality through its framed painting with a matte finish, serving both as decor and a gift. For enthusiasts of 'Mandala Art,' a DIY option made from recycled paper is presented, encouraging creativity with various coloring tools. 'Wall Painting Art Design' and 'Wall Art Design' offer modern and stylish options, with the former having a 15-year color warranty and museum-quality prints, while the latter features bird depictions made of eco-friendly vinyl with numerous design variations. 'Word Art Design' and 'Name Design Art' cater to personalized and inspirational decor, with the former being an easy-to-clean vinyl sticker and the latter offering dual-name illusions for custom gifting. 'Mural Art Designs' feature vinyl wall stickers, particularly appealing to those with an interest in mathematics, suitable for various rooms. 'Doodle Art Designs' combine doodling and Mehendi patterns on matte-finished MDF wood trays, serving as both decor and serving tools. 'Paper Design Art' provides DIY paper craft kits for creative expression and family engagement. 'Clip Art Design' offers temporary body art designs inspired by henna, while 'Stencil Art Designs' provide reusable stencils made of PET for various artistic applications. 'Circle Design Art' presents a wooden wall-hanging sign for a vintage aesthetic, suitable for multipurpose decoration. 'Lippan Art Designs' showcase traditional mud and mirror mural craft from Kutch, India, known for intricate patterns and aesthetic perfection. 'Coffee Design Art' introduces stencils for creating decorative patterns on beverages. 'Abstract Art Designs' from Inephos are noted for their unique ideas from skilled artists and interior designers, featuring high-quality printing technology and a matte finish. '3D Design Art' consists of a set of five modern art paintings made from heavy wooden MDF board, offering a scenic view and positive ambiance, suitable for various settings. Finally, 'Mosaic Art Designs' are described as 5D paintings that enhance hands-on ability and provide a family bonding experience, allowing for personalized artistic expression. The article concludes by emphasizing art's role in communication and decor, encouraging readers to choose designs that resonate with their taste and blend seamlessly with their surroundings. #ArtDesigns #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ModernArt #TraditionalArt #DIYArt #WallDecor #GiftingIdeas #IndianArt

The Cochran family, including parents Sheryl and David, and sons Luke and Matt (with wife Courtney), shares a distinct interior design aesthetic characterized by a blend of modern, vintage, and quirky elements. This aesthetic has evolved through their shared love for music, art, and eclectic pieces, with the parents' curated home inspiring their sons' living spaces. David Cochran, an artist, contributes significantly to their art collections, and family painting sessions further enrich their homes' decor. The siblings' individual design choices also influence each other, with new finds by one often sparking ideas for the other. Courtney and Matt Cochran’s historic home in the Fan District, built in 1909, exemplifies this shared style. They meticulously preserved the home's original charm, refinishing floors and retaining existing chandeliers to maintain its inherent grandeur. Their approach to furnishing involved a slow and deliberate process of acquiring pieces from estate sales, antique markets, and local stores like Class and Trash. The entryway features an original crystal chandelier juxtaposed with an industrial console table and an African elephant mask, showcasing their ability to blend diverse styles. The dining and living area combines a West Elm dining table with midcentury modern chairs and a velvet sofa, illuminated by vintage stained-glass panels. The use of subtle color notes and carefully chosen art and decor creates a harmonious space that seamlessly merges new and old. Luke Cochran's South Side Richmond home also reflects the family's aesthetic, with his mother, Sheryl, providing design guidance. Renovations in Luke's home were minimal, primarily focusing on removing walls to create a more open layout, thereby preserving its original character. His design philosophy centers around unique pieces, such as an antique carved wooden cabinet sourced from Circa in Charlottesville, which is contrasted with contemporary gold lamps. The dining room features deep blue walls and modern cabinets, softened by a wooden pantry door from Caravati’s in Ashland. A retrofuturistic Sputnik-inspired light fixture bridges modern features with warm wooden elements, resulting in a refined yet comfortable atmosphere. Across both homes, a consistent theme emerges: the juxtaposition of furniture with eclectic art collections and luxurious mirrors. This common stylistic thread connects the generations, illustrating how a shared passion for design can manifest uniquely in different living spaces while still retaining a familial signature. Each home, while reflecting the individual tastes and travel experiences of its occupants, maintains an inviting ambiance where art, music, and creativity are central to the living experience. This intergenerational influence and the conscious curation of diverse elements define the Cochran family's interior design approach. #homes #interiorDesign #homeDecor #families #antiques #vintageStyle #artCollections #eclecticDecor

The home of Dr. Srikant and Ruta Gir, located in the gated Nottoway subdivision near Poplar and Kirby, is presented as an evolving work of art, meticulously designed and crafted. The Girs, both born in India, drew inspiration from Srikant's childhood estate in Hyderabad, an architectural wonder with 30-foot ceilings, mosaic tile work, a fountain, and European chandeliers. This early exposure motivated Srikant to imbue his own home with similar architectural grandeur and detail, including custom-made chandeliers from Hong Kong that replicate those from his grandfather's home, and traditional Indian imagery throughout the decor. Beyond Indian influences, the Girs incorporated elements from their extensive travels to Europe and Southeast Asia. Srikant, an engineer and co-director of the University of Memphis’ Biofuel Energy and Sustainable Technologies Center, spent over three years conceptualizing floor plans and acquiring pieces for their nearly 7,000-square-foot residence. In 2008, construction began with the help of Memphis builders Millard and Bonnie Townsend, bringing their vision to life. The exterior and interior design prominently feature Balinese influences, a result of Srikant's annual visits to Bali to source artists and materials. The front entrance is framed by a hand-carved sandstone border and pillars, a direct reflection of Balinese design. Inside, similar hand-carved sandstone Corinthian columns and a large wall art panel depicting cranes and lotus flowers reinforce this theme, reminiscent of his grandfather's home. A focal point upon entering is the flowing steel stairway banister and second-floor railing, a creation by renowned Memphis artist Yvonne Bobo. This piece, which took nearly eight months to complete, features creeping vines, gold leafing, and Swarovski crystals that refract light. The sitting room showcases a magnificent collection of hand-carved Louis XVI-style chairs, crafted over two years by French artisan Jean Phillips in teak wood, featuring intricate details and gold leafing. The dining room table, a custom creation, features an old European marquetry look. The Girs spent seven months acquiring a 5-foot by 13-foot solid mahogany piece for the tabletop and then enlisted skilled artists in Bandung, Indonesia, for the marquetry work, which involved carving veneer organic patterns inlaid into the table's top and sides. The final wood finishing was done by Furniture Medics in Memphis. Another distinctive feature is an abalone shell sink in one of the bathrooms, with the abalone sourced from New Zealand and then crafted into a unique basin in Bali. The home boasts two kitchens: a spice kitchen for Ruta's Indian cuisine and a second for dining and entertaining. The European-style cabinetry in the main kitchen was hand-carved in Bali with an ivory marble finish, complemented by speckled Brazilian granite countertops sourced locally. Local handymen Bill and John Rush were responsible for cabinetry installation, trim work, and other finishing touches. The Girs are also planning an addition: an eighteenth-century sitting area, styled after traditional Indian homes, adjacent to the kitchen. This project underscores the Girs' belief that patient effort and collaboration with skilled artisans from around the world can transform ideas into tangible, artistic living spaces. #HomeDesign #ArtisanCraftsmanship #GlobalInfluences #CustomFurniture #ArchitecturalDetail #InteriorDesign #MemphisHomes #BalineseDesign #IndianCulture

Apartment 1701 in Mumbai, designed by Sahiba Madan of Insitu Design Studio, embodies a maximalist approach that celebrates Indian craft traditions, nostalgia, and warmth across its 2,250 square feet. The design integrates ornament and memory, with each detail, from brass inlays and carved columns to hand-painted tiles, intentionally placed to create an intimate yet exuberant residence. The home's design philosophy is evident even before entering, with a lift lobby featuring a handmade marble fountain and a Kalakaari Haath wallpaper with playful parrots. A stained-glass partition framed by hand-carved solid wood columns offers a glimpse into the interior's maximalist character. The spatial flow of the apartment is defined by its Kota stone flooring, which extends throughout, creating a warm, abstract canvas. The subtle variations in the stone mimic the patina of traditional Indian homes, grounding the maximalist aesthetic in an everyday Indian context. The living room is anchored by a Jaipur Rugs carpet, whose vibrant colors complement the surrounding elements. A classic swing sourced from Rani Arts in Chennai is centrally placed, inviting relaxation while offering views of the balcony. The home utilizes craft as its primary spatial language, with the living area serving as a central nexus from which the den and dining room extend. Brass flower inlays punctuate the Kota stone, creating delicate patterns, while the den and dining areas feature bolder expressions with large-scale floral white marble inlays, executed with meticulous craftsmanship. A significant design element is the majestic sliding-folding partition papered in Kalakaari Haath. This partition functions as a mural when closed and, when opened, dissolves boundaries to create an expansive space ideal for entertaining. The den’s brick-clad walls provide a contemporary contrast to the polished ornamental details found elsewhere. Recurring motifs such as lotuses, peacocks, and cypresses appear in wallpapers, inlays, and carved elements, establishing a cohesive visual narrative rather than merely decorative excess. The master suite draws inspiration from Jaipur's palatial aesthetics. A partition with floral brass inlays separates the bedroom from a cozy lounge, featuring pivoting wooden panels that allow for visual continuity or separation as desired. The lounge is adorned with beautifully carved jharokhas, adding dramatic framing, while a four-poster bed reflects traditional craftsmanship. These elements contribute to the room's regal presence, thoughtfully curating an authentic contemporary Indian lifestyle. The master bathroom brings nature indoors with hand-painted tiles by Shibani, depicting birds among blooming branches on the shower wall. White marble flooring, interspersed with brass leaf inlays, mimics fallen foliage, creating a serene and personalized space that reflects the client's affinity for flora and fauna. The Mumbai home distinguishes itself through its emotional resonance, utilizing materials like Kota stone, teak wood, brass, and stained glass that evoke Indian domestic memory. Each surface and detail is intentionally designed to foster a sense of cultural rootedness. Rather than pursuing luxury through minimalism, Apartment 1701 embraces a “more is more” philosophy, guided by intention, narrative, and a profound respect for Indian craft traditions. The residence successfully blends heritage with modern clarity, allowing tradition and innovation to coexist harmoniously. #MumbaiHome #IndianCrafts #MaximalistDesign #InsituDesignStudio #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #TraditionalCraftsmanship #ModernIndianHome #ArchitecturalDigest

This article details the journey of Amy and Bruce Paul in designing and decorating their 11,000-square-foot home in Rye, New York, focusing on integrating their extensive art collection into a cohesive interior design. Having previously lived in a post-modern home with traditional furnishings and a growing contemporary art collection, the Pauls sought to create a new residence where the exterior architecture and interior aesthetics were harmoniously aligned with their personal taste in design and art. Their objective was to construct a home that could comfortably accommodate their family of six while optimally showcasing their practiced and perfected collection of paintings and sculptures. The couple acquired a 13-acre estate in Rye before the 2001 World Trade Center attacks, subdividing it into seven lots and reserving a two-plus-acre parcel for their own home. They collaborated with builder Michael DiChiaro to construct a six-bedroom, seven-full-bath residence that offers views of a wooded yard, later enhanced with a pool and waterfall by Coral Sea Pools, and adorned with bronze sculptures by Mexican artist Bruno Luna. For the interior design, Amy Paul enlisted Joseph R. Stabile of J.R. Cattington, who had previously worked with them. Stabile and his team were involved from the ground up, providing input on architectural design, interior finishes, electrical layouts, and lighting selection. Stabile chose a palette of cream and gold to complement the Pauls' artwork and suggested structural modifications, such as adding a doorway to improve flow in the formal living room. Amy's primary design directive was for a "light and bright" home, which was achieved in the living room through buttery gold satin-striped fabric from Robert Allen for window treatments and crystal wall sconces by Crystorama. This room serves as a gallery for various notable paintings, including works by Janet Treby, Liane Abrieu, and Russian artists. The soft color scheme is accented by silk brocade wing chairs with colorful throw pillows and fuchsia and silk rugs from China. The family room continues the luminous theme with yellow walls, a toile pattern by Antonia Vella, Seabrook wallcoverings, and similarly colored fabrics in lemon, green, and persimmon for window treatments, pillows, and side chairs. Crystal chandeliers from Murano, imported by Castilian Imports, were chosen to coordinate with paintings by Isaac Maimon and Charles Levier. The coffered ceiling in a green apple shade with cream-colored woodwork further enhances the vibrant, garden-like atmosphere. Bruce Paul's personal space, a clubby card room, contrasts with Amy's preferences, featuring dark wood paneling, built-in bookcases, a bar, and masculine fabrics. This room, separated from the family room by a stone-front fireplace, includes Biedermeier chairs with leopard-print fabric and various personal artifacts. Stabile designed the fireplace with intricately carved mahogany lions and used a Serengeti Leopard carpet to connect Bruce’s adjoining office. The Pauls' children, Joanna, Ryan, Matt, and Jason, also contributed to the design of their respective bedrooms and bathrooms, incorporating elements such as Masland Carpets, Bernhardt furnishings, and Thibaut wallpapers. The master bedroom, with its vaulted ceiling, presented a challenge in scale, addressed by Stabile using Highland Court silk brocade for a cornice "headboard" that coordinates with custom curtains. The article highlights the Pauls' passion for art collection, which began with a French artist Charles Levier painting and expanded to include works from their travels to Europe, South America, Asia, and the Southwest. Despite concerns about diminishing wall space, their quest for art, driven by personal connection and memories from their travels, continues. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #ArtCollection #LuxuryHome #RyeResidence #JosephStabile #CustomDesign #ArchitecturalFeatures #PersonalStyle

This article offers a virtual tour of 14 spectacular homes belonging to renowned artists and architects around the world. These residences, usually open to the public but now virtually accessible, provide a glimpse into the personal spaces and creative environments that shaped these influential figures. The article highlights unique architectural styles, interior designs, and personal touches that reflect each artist's personality and work. The tour begins with Frederic Church's Olana in New York's Hudson Valley, a 19th-century landscape painter's home that blends Victorian and Middle Eastern motifs. Oscar Niemeyer's Casas das Canoas in Rio de Janeiro showcases his signature curves and reinforced concrete, with organically positioned boulders integrated into the design. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin in rural Wisconsin is described as his architectural autobiography, an 800-acre estate that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Philip Johnson’s Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut, features wraparound windows designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape, a meticulously sculpted environment inspired by a 17th-century painting. Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell’s Charleston House in Sussex, United Kingdom, embodies bohemian charm with hand-painted cupboard doors, patchwork chintz curtains, and stenciled paisley walls, complemented by a vibrant garden. Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul in Mexico City, the site of her birth, death, and many years of her life, is a cobalt-washed residence with chartreuse floors and bright white walls, showcasing local folk art, handmade ceramics, and pre-Columbian sculptures. Auguste Rodin’s La Villa des Brillants in Meudon, France, served as his workshop, business place, and home, filled with dazzling white sculptures. Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner’s East Hampton home has remained untouched since Krasner’s death, featuring paint-splashed floors in the studio and an eclectic interior with a broken anchor and Krasner’s seashell collection. Georgia O’Keeffe’s home and studio in Abiquiu, New Mexico, radiates natural light and includes surprises like a rattlesnake skeleton, along with an extensive potager garden. Clementine Hunter’s modest cabin at Melrose Plantation in Louisiana showcases her prolific artistry, with thousands of paintings depicting daily life. Frederic Church's Olana, a Persian-inspired fortress, is rich with hues of mustard, cherry, and clay, lavishly draped in Turkish rugs and ornate frames. Jim Thompson’s teak Thai-style home in Bangkok, though not an artist's own work, houses an extraordinary collection of traditional Thai art. Sam Maloof’s 1952 California ranch-style home, relocated to Pomona, features treehouse vibes with redwood walls, a hand-carved spiral staircase, and whimsical stained-glass windows. Irma Stern’s The Firs in Cape Town, South Africa, is a colorful collage of portraits and tribal artifacts, painted in mint green, sunny yellow, and and vivid corals. Finally, Claude Monet’s home in Giverny, France, is famous for its poetic interior with a stream of copper pots in the kitchen and lemony yellow dining room, alongside his collection of Japanese art. #ArtistHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #CulturalTourism #VirtualTours #ArtHistory #HistoricHomes #TravelInspiration #GlobalArt

Interior architect Kunal Shah's Goa home is a 2,500 square-foot residence designed as an homage to nature and its reflection in art, incorporating a minimalist aesthetic through white washes, wood, and natural greenery. The home is structured across two levels, with a deliberate focus on controlling heat and maximizing natural light and air circulation. A double-height living room serves as a central feature, specifically engineered to allow hot air to rise and to facilitate a constant flow of air through openings on three sides, ensuring comfort without extensive air-conditioning. This design also provides expansive views, capturing both sunrise and sunset. The layout includes a library on the mezzanine level, strategically positioned to offer a spacious view of the double-height living room, maintaining a sense of openness. The dining room, originally a bedroom, is situated on the other side of the entrance foyer, connecting to a powder room and kitchen. The upper level houses the main bedroom and a terrace, while a guest bedroom is located on the ground floor. The house prominently integrates its natural surroundings; views of lush vegetation are framed by Burma teak windows. Shah carefully considered the light filtering through existing trees like jackfruit and mango, tailoring window sizes to optimize natural light without creating symmetry, but rather solving environmental challenges and enhancing the atmosphere. The material palette emphasizes natural elements, with flooring in grey kota and black kadappa stone, chosen for their aging properties and ability to absorb solar glare. Bathrooms are finished in white Indian marble. Shah advocates for natural materials due to their sustainability, aesthetic appeal, and graceful aging process, noting that they become smoother with use and maintain their integrity without chemical intervention. The interior decor and art collection introduce color into an otherwise muted palette, complemented by the rich tones of linseed-oil-finished Burma teak wood. This wood not only adds visual depth but also provides a tactile experience, with the grain and texture perceptible to touch and feel. The art and decor pieces are a diverse collection, reflecting Shah’s personal journey and tastes, rather than adhering to a strict design philosophy. He incorporates both street finds and items collected during travels, acknowledging that the curation is an eclectic mix of pieces acquired for their momentary significance. Many larger furniture items, such as beds, wardrobes, mirrors, and bookshelves, were custom-designed by Shah himself, aligning with a mid-century modernist aesthetic blended with colonial influences and Art Deco flourishes. Notable designer pieces are interspersed throughout, complementing his extensive art collection, which includes works by Zarina Hashmi and Jeram Patel, and sculptures by Laki Senanayake. The home is a testament to thoughtful design, where art, texture, and nature harmoniously converge to create a unique living experience in Goa. #GoaHome #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #NaturalMaterials #ArtCollection #SustainableDesign #MidCenturyModern #GoaArchitecture #KunalShah

This article explores the transformation of an unloved 1904 Edwardian house in Buckinghamshire, UK, into a comfortable and welcoming home by its owner, Chris Myers, and her husband, Neil. The couple undertook extensive renovations, including knocking through rooms to create an open-plan layout, adding an extension, and refreshing the downstairs, ultimately featuring a New England-style porch and an abundant cottage garden. Chris Myers, an author, crafter, and founder of The Cozy Club workshops, infused the home with a nostalgic and welcoming aesthetic, utilizing upcycled vintage furniture, chintzy fabrics, and handmade patchwork quilts, while Neil repurposed salvaged materials. The renovation began by interconnecting the kitchen, sitting room, and dining room. The kitchen, designed with a classic Edwardian feel, features a double Aga range cooker set into the original fireplace alcove with a nostalgic tiled backsplash. The original quarry tiles were retained, and the space is adorned with a patchwork quilt tablecloth and mismatched vintage china, contributing to a homey atmosphere. The dining room embraces a vintage Scandi style, incorporating layers of winter whites, Gustavian-style cabinets, and a handmade wooden picket-fence pelmet replacing a formal fabric one. This room serves both for entertaining and for The Cozy Club's crafting sessions. The living room maintains the property's historical integrity with an original wooden fireplace, while bay windows are dressed with Colefax & Fowler’s Bowood chintz curtains. The floor throughout the house is painted white to enhance natural light. Furnishings include a sofa covered with a homemade quilt and an armchair re-covered in vintage French linen sheets. A salvaged wood door cleverly conceals the television in an alcove, with a curtain below hiding other essentials, balancing comfort with practicality. A mud room, created as part of the new additions, features a simple brick floor, tongue and groove paneling, and storage solutions using shelves, baskets, and crates, all decorated with vintage fabrics to maintain the nostalgic theme. The bedrooms are a highlight, with exquisite schemes. A guest room showcases a snug sleigh bed layered with homemade cushions and quilts, wallpapered with a vintage Colefax & Fowler print, and complemented by wooden storage crates and an antique wall cupboard. A child's room, prepared for grandchildren, includes gingham fabrics and patchwork quilts, notably featuring a Second World War hospital bed. The attic room, with its dormer window, is adorned with floral wallpaper extending to the ceiling, painted floorboards, and a quiet reading nook. All four bedrooms and three bathrooms underwent vintage or period-style makeovers. The spacious en suite bathroom, formerly the main bedroom, is a standout feature, with a roll-top cast-iron bath placed in the bay window to offer scenic views. The significant challenge of moving the heavy tub upstairs required professional movers. Outside, the New England-style veranda, inspired by Chris's Canadian childhood, adds curb appeal. It features shiplap cladding, a handmade scallop-edged pelmet, cherished quilts, chintz fabrics, and vintage furniture, blending seamlessly with the house's overall design. The front of the Edwardian home is characterized by an abundant cottage-style garden, complete with a rose arch and a pebble and brick pathway. The original 1904 windows at the back of the house are preserved despite being draughty, underscoring Chris's commitment to maintaining the property's historical character. #EdwardianHome #VintageDecor #HandmadeQuilts #CottageGarden #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #NostalgicInteriors #UpcycledFurniture #CountryStyle #TheCozyClub