7 Indian homes that revel in the rustic beauty of bricks

The article showcases a collection of six distinct brick houses across India, each celebrating the enduring appeal of brick as a building material and its integration with vernacular design principles. These homes demonstrate how brick's timeless texture, rich colors, and inherent strength contribute to spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and exceptionally durable, while also being climate-responsive. The first featured home, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, was designed by Srijit Srinivas for a family of four. This 8000-square-foot residence utilizes exposed, load-bearing bricks not only for their traditional aesthetic but also for their ability to keep the interior cool in the local climate. The architect emphasized brick as a beautiful material with properties that reduce heat, and the desire for the house to be an "art piece in brick" by embracing its natural imperfections. Next, the article highlights the ancestral home of Gurmeet Sangha Rai in Nawanpind Sardaran, Punjab. This 125-year-old haveli, built by her great-great-grandfather, has been undergoing renovations and additions for 17 years. Its design incorporates elements from the vernacular architectural vocabulary of rural Punjab, evident in the exposed brick, absence of cladding and plaster, and the presence of large verandas, corridors, and arches, reflecting the architectural style of the Lahore region. In Solapur, an ancestral home was replaced with a new structure designed by Avinash Ankalge and Harshith Nayak of A Threshold. The family desired a new building that would retain the spirit and memories of its predecessor. The architects responded by integrating a contemporary framework and materiality with traditional wisdom, ensuring the new home seamlessly blends with its tightly packed neighborhood of traditional exposed basalt and brick houses, while also addressing the harsh regional climate. The fourth example, Villa Maati, is a farmhouse on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Designed as an ode to vernacular architecture and brick houses, it aims to provide a tranquil retreat amidst coconut plantations. The architects responded to the client's brief by incorporating traditional climate-responsive elements such as wide-open courtyards, interconnected verandas, and natural building materials, fostering a harmonious connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. RLDA's design for a 4,365-square-foot farmhouse in New Delhi, named The Brick House, returns to fundamental architectural principles. The house’s primary material and aesthetic element is brick, rooted in the native craft of brickmaking. The architects, particularly Rahoul B. Singh, sought to explore space and light through this classical material, creating an interplay of light and shade with interior courtyards and expansive views. The material palette is simple, featuring brick, gravel (bajri), and concrete, with white cement tiles for the interior flooring. Finally, the article presents a ship-inspired villa in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, designed by Vignesh Sekar and Karthik Vasuki of Studio f/8. Drawing inspiration from Thoothukudi’s maritime heritage, the design features an exposed brick facade sculpted into wave-like parametric projections. The interior continues the nautical theme with marble plaster walls, metal columns, and handrails evocative of a steamship. The flooring uses Kota, Kadapa, and yellow Jaisalmer marble to mimic a tilting tide, and seashells adorn the roof as a metaphorical homage to the coastline. #BrickHouses #VernacularDesign #IndianArchitecture #ClimateResponsiveDesign #ExposedBrick #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeInteriors #TraditionalCraftsmanship

This lookbook compiles ten interior design projects from Dezeen's archive that incorporate exposed brickwork, offering visual inspiration for designers and enthusiasts. The selected projects showcase how exposed brick can add a rustic and comforting feel to interiors, moving away from traditional painted or wallpapered walls to highlight the original construction material. This design choice often imparts an industrial quality to the spaces. The lookbook includes examples from various international locations, including the UK, Brazil, Belgium, and Spain, demonstrating the versatility and global appeal of this design trend. One featured project is a Victorian terraced house in York, UK, by Studio Ben Allen, where handmade bricks form barrel vaults, echoing the city's historical brick architecture. Another example from the UK is an extension to a house in Weybridge by Soup Architects, which uses light grey exposed brick walls both externally and internally, creating texture that complements sleek modern furniture and artworks. Duggan Morris Architects' Old Bearhurst project, a converted 19th-century farm, showcases the restoration of a brickwork oast house with rugged red-brick walls contrasting with smooth concrete floors, a blend of traditional and modern elements that was shortlisted for a RIBA House of the Year award. From Brazil, Arquipélago Arquitetos designed a rammed-earth house in Cunha with straw-coloured bricks from a local pottery studio lining the interior walls, including a walk-in shower room, enhancing the house's overall simplicity. Melina Romano's Hygge Studio in São Paulo features peachy-brown brick tiles, blending a modern aesthetic with bucolic touches to create a cozy and content atmosphere. BLAF Architecten's GjG House in Ghent, Belgium, is constructed entirely from reclaimed bricks, featuring an irregular shape reflected in its curvaceous interior spaces where warm red bricks contrast with wooden beams and eclectic furniture, emphasizing waste reduction. In Argentina, Lalo Carillo, Colombo and Serboli Architecture, and SY Arquitectos designed the El Quicho guesthouse with chunky exposed brick walls that mirror a traditional brick asador oven, incorporating other rustic elements like dark wooden furniture and worn rugs against a modernist backdrop. Space Popular's Brick Vault House in Valencia, Spain, utilizes Guastavino vaults, a type of Catalan vault made from light bricks, to introduce curved elements into an otherwise geometric house. Finally, Emil Eve Architects converted a London warehouse into an apartment, preserving its original brick walls and concrete columns to maintain an industrial aesthetic, highlighting the beautiful tones and textures of the raw materials. Studio Wet's Casa Borrero in Alosno, Spain, features curved terracotta bricks lining vaulted ceilings, continuing the brick theme from its ceramic-clad exterior and responding to a narrow plot. This collection is part of a broader series of Dezeen Lookbooks, which aim to provide visual inspiration, with previous editions covering themes such as cozy cabin bedrooms, Shaker-style interiors, and interiors inspired by Wes Anderson films. #InteriorDesign #ExposedBrickwork #RusticInteriors #IndustrialStyle #ArchitecturalRenovation #ResidentialArchitecture #SustainableDesign #DesignInspiration #HomeDecor

The article explores the pervasive and enduring role of wood in Indian home design, showcasing 14 different residences that exemplify its versatility and aesthetic appeal. Wood is presented not merely as a construction material but as a fundamental element that imbues homes with character, history, and a sense of belonging. The piece highlights how wood can make new houses feel established and rich with stories, drawing on its natural warmth and cultural significance in India. Several homes demonstrate wood's application as an accent. In a Gurgaon residence designed by Joint Studio, wood provides warmth and continuity, appearing in ceiling beams, perforated screens, center tables, and antique consoles. Fluted wooden headboards in bedrooms further integrate the material, echoing traditional Indian crafts. This approach establishes wood as a unifying element with deep hues and natural finishes, creating a sense of rootedness for a retired naval family. Other examples focus on wood as a central narrative in the material palette. An apartment in Pune by Alkove-Design prioritizes tactile surfaces over visual spectacle, using reclaimed wood, black stone, lime plaster, and natural veneer. Reclaimed wood frames entryways, adding a subtle sense of memory and grounding calmness, with timber-framed elements and natural veneer contributing to richly textured spaces. The concept of homes "wrapped in wood" is also explored, where wood dominates interiors without being overbearing. A Hyderabad home for software professionals, designed to blend Indian roots with modern living, features wood-veneer ceilings, jaali lattices, and various furniture pieces. Wood becomes the leading design element, creating a timeless Indian design heritage while maintaining a refined modern aesthetic. Sustainability is another key aspect, as seen in Rahul Mishra’s family retreat in Uttarakhand. This home integrates wood and stone reclaimed from old local houses, with most wooden furniture crafted in-house. Pinewood and Jaisalmer sandstone floors, along with a wooden altar in a glass solarium, emphasize a design ethos deeply connected to its environment, pairing local craft with natural calm. Wood is also shown to articulate subtle details and evoke legacy. A Thrissur home in Kerala, built around a traditional courtyard, incorporates antiques like 200-year-old windows and consoles made from reclaimed ceiling wood. Small wooden touches in furniture, like dining chairs with wood and rattan, and repurposed wooden embellishments, quietly convey memory and emotion, highlighting how simple material use can tell profound stories. The balance between indoor and outdoor spaces is achieved through wood in a Kozhikode residence by Stapati. Here, wood frames views, defines planes, and draws the outdoors inside, helping the home blend with its lush tropical environment. Open ceilings, characteristic of the design, are complemented by the liberal use of wood, reminiscent of nostalgic wooden bungalows. Innovation in wood application is presented in a Goa villa by Ini Chatterji, which uses coconut wood as its primary architectural fabric. Collapsible louvred coconut-wood doors act as walls, allowing the entire house to open up to the outside, celebrating material ingenuity while rooting the home in Goa’s tropical vernacular. Similarly, a Hyderabad residence by Sona Reddy Studio uses seasoned wood alongside lime plaster and natural stones to blend ancestral haveli sensibilities with contemporary minimalism, with a grand teak door anchoring the design. Further illustrations include a Mumbai home by STaND Design that uses wood to create a personal sanctuary, incorporating Japanese wabi-sabi influences through vertical teak wood panels and curated wooden artifacts. A Hyderabad home by Studio Nilasha achieves warm minimalism with wood, sandstone, and lime plaster, where wooden coffee tables and storage units soften the minimalist aesthetic. A Bengaluru home by A Threshold uses teakwood doors, frames, and furniture to connect indoors with surrounding greenery, while a Hyderabad villa by Sona Reddy Studio integrates wooden pergolas and black-stained wood to create a curated nostalgic farmhouse retreat. Finally, a Pawna weekend home by NACL Studio is built like a log house with imported Russian wood, emphasizing rustic charm, and an Ahmedabad home by Kerning Design Co. uses teak wood to evoke the warm, nostalgic aroma of sandalwood, connecting design to scent and memory. #IndianHomes #WoodDesign #HomeDecor #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalFeatures #InteriorDesign #Materiality #TraditionalCrafts #ModernLiving

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

Athangudi tiles, known for their vibrancy, patterns, and colors, embody Indian design aesthetics and are increasingly being incorporated into homes across India. This article showcases ten distinct homes, ranging from Kerala to Gurgaon, that effectively utilize these traditional tiles. An India Modern Home in Mumbai, designed by Prashant and Anu Chauhan of ZERO9, features Athangudi cement tiles custom-made to add warmth and charm. These tiles, along with Jaisalmer stone and brass inlays, form the foundational design element, setting the tone for an India-inspired home rooted in culture and art. In a Karnataka farmhouse in Tulasigeri, architect Shreyas Patil integrated Athangudi and Kadappa flooring to achieve a modest build that blends with its surroundings. The design emphasizes simplicity and local materials, reflecting a deep connection to the land. A responsive holiday home in Kochi, by Studio Tab, incorporates Athangudi tiles alongside other locally sourced and reclaimed materials like Cherai teak wood and laterite blocks. The architects, including Rahul Menon, focused on respecting the intrinsic beauty and aging process of these materials to maintain the essence of Kerala throughout the project. For a Pune apartment, Studio TAB, led by Rahul Das Menon and Ojas Chaudhari, subtly introduced Kerala aesthetics. Blue tiles emulating Athangudi tiles with a kolam design at the entrance provide a welcoming and auspicious nod to the owners' home state without creating an overt 'Kerala home' in Pune. A careful conservation project in Kottayam, Kerala, by architect Anupa Kurian, features black and white Athangudi tiles in a breezy pavilion. This 100-year-old residence, Pullolickel Veedu, exemplifies sustainability and environmentally conscious design through the use of durable and locally crafted materials. The 'Best of Both Worlds' villa in Bengaluru, designed by Ganesh Nair of Whitespace, blends Athangudi and Moroccan tiles with patterned fabrics and tropical wallpapers. The family room, in particular, showcases a half-and-half aesthetic, combining modern elements with an Athangudi-tiled floor. In Gurgaon, a home named 'Anubhuti' by Meena Murthy Kakkar of Envisage, integrates Athangudi tiles at the entrance. This home blends traditional designs and elements from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, such as Kolam patterns and Nalukettu-style furniture, with contemporary living. A Chennai-style home in Delhi, also by Meena Murthy Kakkar and Vishal Kakkar of Envisage Projects, addresses the homeowner's nostalgia for Chennai. Athangudi tiles are strategically used in selected areas, highlighting their sustainable nature and the beautiful patina they acquire with use, a testament to a dying industry revived through thoughtful design. Actress Malavika Mohanan’s family home in Mumbai is a 'Malabar Oasis,' designed to reflect her family's heritage and love for the arts. The striking red floor, resembling Athangudi tiles, serves as a signature piece, evoking a sense of nostalgia and cultural identity. Finally, a grand villa in Mangalore, the 90-year-old family home of architect Apeksha Naik of Hiraya Design Studio, underwent extensive customization. Naik traveled to the Athangudi village to procure the iconic handmade tiles, notably used in the parents' bedroom, to restore and strengthen the villa while preserving its Mangalore style. #AthangudiTiles #IndianHomes #TraditionalDesign #HomeDecor #FloorTiles #InteriorDesign #SustainableMaterials #RegionalArchitecture #CulturalIntegration

The article highlights the enduring appeal and versatility of brick as a building material, challenging its perception as merely utilitarian. Despite being one of the world's oldest building materials, dating back to 7000 BC, brick is showcased through 15 diverse Australian homes as a timeless design element capable of inspiring and exciting. The discussion emphasizes brick's strength, versatility, and durability, which have contributed to its historical and contemporary popularity. Key advantages of using brick in Australian homes are outlined, including its low maintenance requirements, as it does not fade, rot, or rust, eliminating the need for frequent upkeep. Brick houses are noted for their energy efficiency, providing natural insulation that keeps interiors cool in summer and warm in winter. Furthermore, brick, being made from eco-friendly clay and shale, is presented as a sustainable choice. Its exceptional durability is underscored by the fact that many old brick homes continue to stand strong over a century after their construction. The article also touches upon some disadvantages, such as the potentially high cost due to demand and a limited color palette. The mortar used with bricks may also require repointing over time. However, these drawbacks are considered to be outweighed by the numerous benefits and aesthetic possibilities brick offers, particularly when incorporated into thoughtful designs. The main body of the article presents a curated selection of 15 beautiful Australian brick homes, each demonstrating a unique architectural style and approach to using brick. These examples range from a 1970s time capsule designed by Melbourne architect Nicholas Day, featuring original slate floors and exposed brick walls, to a Perth home by Gavin Hestelow and Tony Ricciardello that uses a mix of smooth and textured bricks in a geometric pattern. Another highlight is an 1890s manse on NSW's South Coast, celebrated for its classic heritage brick facade. An Edwardian-era stunner in Melbourne, conceived by BayleyWard, retains original exposed brick walls in its contemporary extension, maintaining a sense of history. Mid-century modern homes are also featured, with one situated in a high bushfire zone, where slender, off-white bricks were chosen for their non-combustible and low-maintenance properties. Modern farmhouses, such as one designed by Jillian Dinkel, show how traditional red bricks can be elegantly paired with parquetry flooring. A renovated period home in Melbourne, designed by Albert Mo of Architects EAT, incorporates dusty-purple brick flooring in its new wing, drawing inspiration from the original red-brick structure. The article showcases a renovated workers' cottage in Adelaide, where Benjamin Edwards of Ply Architecture utilized low-maintenance dry-pressed bricks to create a striking solid-to-void relationship with color and texture. An Italianate villa designed by Telly Theodore celebrates brick as a defining element of its extension, featuring handcrafted Danish Petersen Tegl bricks. Chyka Keebaugh's manor-style home exemplifies old-world charm with its ivy-clad brick facade. A reimagined Queenslander features a cantilevered living area with new brickwork referencing an original chimney. A post-war home in Maitland by Kennedy Nolan uses a simple palette of white painted brick and saw-cut travertine for consistency between old and new sections. A brutalist terrace extension by Inglis Architects utilizes handmade Danish bricks for a starkly modern exterior. A 'hit-and-miss' home by Clare Cousins Architects contrasts recycled red bricks with 'Chillingham White' bricks, while an industrial-inspired home in Mount Lawley blends seamlessly into its heritage suburb with reclaimed red bricks from demolished local buildings. These examples collectively illustrate brick's adaptability to various architectural styles, from Hamptons to industrial and contemporary, establishing its status as a versatile and iconic building material. #BrickHouses #BuildingMaterials #AustralianHomes #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalStyles #Renovation #HeritageHomes #ModernArchitecture #SustainableBuilding #InteriorDesign

Architectural Digest India highlights six unique Indian homes that push the boundaries of conventional design, showcasing a blend of creativity and surprise. Each residence presents a distinct narrative, transforming into a canvas for architects and designers. These homes draw inspiration from unexpected sources, ranging from soft pastel hues to intricate chakra vibrations and natural landscapes. The first featured home in Gurugram, a 2,800-square-foot apartment, is conceptualized by Rohan Gera and Nishtha Duggal of The Concreate Story. Inspired by the homeowners' global travels and a desire for urban rawness, the design pays homage to sand dunes and deserts. It incorporates natural sand-based plasters and lime wash for a cooling effect, along with textured paint called 'ghibli' in the main bedroom. Extensive use of teak as a backbone material and rustic finishes, achieved with the help of local artisans, imbue a brutalist desert aesthetic throughout the space, which includes two bedrooms, a study lounge, four bathrooms, and staff quarters. In Bengaluru, a bungalow designed by The Drawing Board takes inspiration from the sport of golf. Principal designers Meera Rajendra and Akhila Kumar incorporated an eight-degree slant in one wall, symbolic of a golfer's stance, aligning with the home's proximity to a golf course and the owner's passion. This slanted shear wall, finished in blue oxide, connects to a parabolic roof. The wall's tilt also serves a functional purpose, providing extra carpet area on the upper floors due to zoning regulations, while strategically placed punctures maintain connectivity between spaces. A minimalist dwelling in Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex, designed by Jesal Lodha of The Little Details, is a sorbet-inspired oasis. Created for a couple with contrasting preferences for colors and neutrals, the design successfully integrates pastel shades like beige, mint green, and ballet slipper pink. Textured consoles, cabinets, and sleek brass frameworks complement the delicate decor, emphasizing understated luxury. Ample storage is achieved through textured cabinet facades and wicker accessories, with Michelangelo marble slabs validating the home's intrinsic beauty. The Petal Villa in Alibaug, designed by Shivjit Sidhu of Apostrophe Architecture + Urban Design, draws formal inspiration from flower petals. Envisioned as a residential retreat for a family to connect with nature, the villa's layout metaphorically unfolds like a petal. Each wing is strategically placed in the landscape to optimize shade and ventilation and create private courtyards, resulting in a free-flowing design that blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment of sea and mountains. In Raipur, a family home by Studio Lotus, led by Sidhartha Talwar, is inspired by old rice granaries. The exterior features two barn-style volumes on a solid stone base with pitched zinc roofs, reflecting the local granaries. The interior, however, is understated, with carefully considered elements based on Vastu principles. The design incorporates a central green space flanked by residential blocks and a blueprint with intersecting axes that divide the house into four functional areas, emphasizing natural elements and privacy. Finally, a luxury penthouse in Nagpur, designed by Sagar and Leena Bhadbhade of Ferroart Interiors, is inspired by chakra and vibration theories. The 3,200-square-foot 3BHK residence consciously integrates the four tenets of energy laws, drawing on Sagar’s training in the law of attraction, theory of vibrations, and saptachakra healing. This approach offers a distinct design philosophy, contrasting with traditional Vastu, to create an oasis of calm that embodies a deeper spiritual connection within the home. #IndianHomes #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #InteriorDecor #VastuCompliant #ChakraInspiredDesign #MumbaiHomes #BengaluruHomes #GurugramHomes

The wabi-sabi aesthetic, rooted in Japanese philosophy, champions the beauty found in authenticity, imperfections, and the natural world. This design approach, characterized by its earthy tones, organic textures, and pared-back charm, has significantly influenced contemporary interior design. This article explores five Indian homes that masterfully integrate wabi-sabi elements, showcasing how this serene and tactile style can be adapted to diverse living spaces. In Mumbai, interior designer Sahiba Madan of Insitu Design Studio transformed a 1,700-square-foot apartment into a wabi-sabi haven for a young couple. Retaining the original Italian marble flooring, Madan introduced warmth through wood paneling and furniture. The design brief centered on maximizing storage while preserving the apartment's spaciousness, all within the framework of wabi-sabi principles that embrace imperfect forms and nature. The living room, the largest volume, features furniture and accessories with organic shapes encased in clean, rectilinear wooden frameworks. Lime plaster texture on the walls and wabi-sabi inspired curios further reinforce the design, creating a space that feels both humble and sophisticated. Architect Gowri Adappa crafted an elegant, pared-back interior in Chennai, reflecting her restaurateur client’s muted aesthetic. This 2,500-square-foot high-rise home is infused with tactility and warmth through natural materials and finishes. Lime-washed walls provide a uniform, soft, and textural backdrop, chosen after extensive testing. The home thoughtfully juxtaposes light and dark, raw and refined, and indulgence with restraint. Oakwood flooring, linen fabrics, and bespoke carpentry complement a carefully planned lighting scheme. Adappa skillfully integrated art and artifacts collected by the couple during their travels in Southeast Asia and India, weaving them seamlessly into the layers of wood, cement, and linen. The redesign of a 25-year-old Pune home by architects Chetan Lahoti and Anand Deshmukh of Mind Manifestation LLP drew inspiration from the Japanese philosophy of Shibui, a concept closely related to wabi-sabi. Shibui emphasizes subtle beauty, raw elegance, and fine details derived from nature. The design team opted for a monochrome color palette, utilizing minimal materials such as Banswara marble, ash wood, and paint in shades of white, beige, and brown. Banswara marble is the focal point, particularly in the living room, which is accessed after a foyer defined by a partition-cum-storage unit for shoes, books, and artifacts, establishing a cohesive and tranquil aesthetic. Vani Bhutani Designs brought a wabi-sabi aesthetic with a unique twist to a Surat apartment. Tasked with a simple brief of 'simple' and 'low-maintenance,' Vani Naik Bhutani embraced carte blanche, envisioning muted tones, minimalist finishes, and 'breathe-easy' forms. The primary challenge and achievement was maintaining a monochrome palette. Bhutani achieved visual variety by skillfully layering textures and finishes. The walls and ceilings feature a lime concrete finish, creating an imperfectly mottled effect that aligns with the wabi-sabi character. Despite its wabi-sabi foundation, the home retains a contemporary spirit, blending tradition with modern design. Finally, Komal Sachdev of KS Designer + Planner created a Thane apartment steeped in raw beauty. The client's brief for adequate storage and a sense of space was interpreted through a wabi-sabi and minimalist approach, a style new to the area. Sachdev also incorporated local artists' work and maintained a neutral palette to ensure the home felt personal, not institutional. Blessed with excellent ventilation, natural light, and views, the 1,200-square-foot home's design capitalized on these advantages. The neutral and earthy scheme, featuring beige, grey, and whites with pops of olive, brown, and terracotta, perfectly harmonizes with the wabi-sabi goal of imperfect beauty. Materials like lime plaster, terrazzo, rattan, linen, and cotton contribute to the natural, tactile overtones throughout the home. #WabiSabiDesign #IndianHomes #MinimalistInterior #JapaneseAesthetics #HomeDecor #InteriorDesignIndia #TexturalDesign #NaturalMaterials

This blog post explores five unique rustic kitchen designs across India, highlighting natural finishes, unostentatious details, and a bucolic design sensibility aimed at promoting disconnection, unwinding, and mindful engagement with food. Each featured kitchen showcases distinct architectural approaches and material palettes that contribute to a charming and refreshing aesthetic. The first example is a bungalow in Karnataka's Kundapur, designed by Hiraya Design Studio. This kitchen incorporates vernacular techniques, local materials, and humidity-resistant treatments, drawing inspiration from traditional Mangalorean homes. Key features include lime plaster walls, terracotta lights, and a gabled ceiling, with bamboo pendants from Habere India adding to the setting. The clients preferred simple layouts and minimal decor, emphasizing natural light and spacious kitchen and entertainment areas. Next is Soumya Keshavan's light-filled home in Coonoor, nestled in the Nilgiris’ Shola forests. Designed by Coimbatore-based Fiore, this modernist two-level house is integrated into the mountainside. The kitchen offers views of tea gardens, with its pared-back design allowing the natural vista to take precedence. Backsplash tiles from Floor n Decor, Chennai, introduce an element of visual interest. Divya Thakur's home in Colaba, Mumbai, features an all-teak kitchen that celebrates old Colaba and functions as a creative space for the interior architect. Vintage pots, utensils, and a Samovar adorn the kitchen cabinets, echoing rural Indian traditions. Natural light enters through a skylight, and monstera deliciosa tendrils bring the outdoors inside. Art Deco stools from Chor Bazaar provide seating at the breakfast island, complemented by old kansa glasses from Sitamarhi, Bihar, and hardware by Nest Studio Hardware. A charming Bengaluru home, designed by Anisha Chandy Design Studio, emphasizes light, space, and nature. The original kitchen layout was transformed by removing dividing walls and doors to create a spacious island kitchen, a separate working kitchen, a functional utility room, and a coffee nook. A red travertine island counter stands out as a striking element, with the overall palette providing a subtle backdrop for carefully chosen decor. Finally, an earthy villa in Tamil Nadu, a 2,800-square-foot two-storey structure by Srinath Gowtham and Vinoth Kumar of Bhutha Earthen Architecture Studio, showcases earthen materials and terracotta tones. The design prioritizes ecological sensitivity and timeless aesthetics, fostering a warm and tranquil atmosphere. The kitchen exemplifies rustic charm through elements like reclaimed wood, Kota stone, terracotta tiles, and lime wall plasters. #RusticKitchens #HomeMakeover #InteriorDesign #IndianHomes #VernacularArchitecture #SustainableDesign #KitchenDesign #Cottagecore #ArchitecturalDigest

The trend of incorporating natural materials such as wood and wicker into home decor has seen a significant resurgence, particularly in Indian homes. This return to vintage aesthetics is driven by a desire for organic, serene ambiences and sustainable living. Wicker, in particular, has evolved beyond its traditional use in chairs and stools to become a versatile element in creating compelling decor statements throughout various furniture pieces. Natural materials like terracotta, wood, and wicker are instrumental in achieving a chic bohemian aesthetic, characterized by a blend of gentle neutrals with occasional splashes of color and an abundance of houseplants. These materials are lauded for their ability to combine functionality with aesthetics, offering both easy maintenance and durability. The application of wood and wicker extends to a wide array of furniture, including sofas, sideboards, almirahs, and headboards, showcasing its adaptability in both its natural state and in various colored finishes. A key driver behind the growing popularity of wood and wicker furniture is its environmental sustainability. In an era where reducing environmental impact is paramount, these materials offer an eco-friendly alternative. Wood and wicker furniture are known for their longevity, often lasting for decades and capable of being passed down through generations, effectively becoming antique pieces. Rattan, a primary material for wicker, is harvested without harming trees, and its bark is meticulously woven into intricate patterns, highlighting its low environmental footprint and renewable nature. Maintaining wicker furniture, especially pieces made from cane or rattan, involves specific care to ensure its durability. These materials are generally hardy, but proper maintenance is crucial. It is advised to keep wicker away from extreme weather conditions, as low humidity can lead to cracking, while excessive dampness can damage the finish. Regular cleaning with a dry paintbrush or a water hose is recommended. For outdoor use, synthetic wicker materials are often preferred unless the furniture is protected from rain. Investing in real hand-crafted wicker furniture is emphasized for its ability to withstand the test of time, with occasional waxing for indoor pieces and a polyurethane surface coating for outdoor items. #WoodFurniture #WickerFurniture #IndianHomes #HomeDecor #SustainableDesign #NaturalMaterials #VintageDecor #BohemianHomes #InteriorDesign

This article highlights four Indian homes that exemplify sustainable design practices, emphasizing mindful living and environmental responsibility. The first home, located in Ernakulam, Kerala, was designed by architect Vinu Daniel of The Wallmakers. Inspired by Laurie Baker's principles, the 2,750-square-foot, two-story residence integrates a jackfruit tree into its design, creating a private courtyard. The construction utilizes compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB) and rammed earth walls, supporting a ferro-cement shell roof that significantly reduces cement and steel consumption by 40% and 30%, respectively. A spiral staircase made from cement over discarded pipes connects the floors, showcasing an innovative use of materials. The second home, known as "The Aangan" in Guwahati, Assam, is a 4,128-square-foot secondary residence for a family of four. Designed by Krittika Agarwal of Sustainable Architecture for Earth, it is located within an industrial area but maintains tranquility through its inward-looking design and a separate entrance. The core philosophy revolves around coexisting with nature, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces around a central courtyard. The design prioritizes local materials and traditional crafts, using timber sourced within a 100-kilometer radius and adorning interiors with handmade carpets, miniature paintings from Mandawa, Rajasthan, and artifacts collected from travels. The third featured home is in Trivandrum, also designed by Vinu Daniel's The Wallmakers. This house, dubbed "Pirouette House," addresses the challenge of limited space in a densely populated area by inverting its layout to funnel airflow into a central courtyard, maximizing natural ventilation. It employs Rat-Trap bond masonry, a technique where bricks are layered vertically to create wall cavities, enhancing thermal efficiency and reducing material volume. This method also helps conceal structural elements. The design prominently features upcycled decor, red bricks, and steel-reinforced MMT ferro-cement shells for the roof, which reduce cement and steel usage significantly compared to conventional reinforced concrete slabs. Daniel emphasizes the firm's dedication to using mud and waste to create both functional and aesthetically pleasing structures. Finally, the Cantilever House in Ghaziabad, designed by Sachin Rastogi of ZED Lab, showcases a response to the region's hot and dry climate. The design incorporates traditional North Indian architectural principles like 'baolis' and 'jali' lattice work for passive cooling. Living areas are strategically placed on the north and east for daylight, while private spaces are on the west and south to minimize heat gain. Features like pergolas, a double-height lobby for stack ventilation, optimum thermal mass in night-time spaces, and double-glazed facades with low e-coating contribute to thermal comfort. The integration of a water court and greenery, including vertical gardens, further enhances cooling and air purification, with rainwater harvesting and solar hot water systems completing the home's sustainable profile. #SustainableDesign #IndianArchitecture #GreenHomes #EcoFriendlyBuilding #PassiveCooling #LocalMaterials #LaurieBakerInfluence #ZEDLab #TheWallmakers

This article showcases six distinct properties across the United States, each embodying a modern farmhouse style with rustic elements. These homes are situated in various locations, including Washington, Connecticut; Garrison, New York; Bluffton, South Carolina; Sherman Oaks, California; Valley Village, California; and Atlanta, Georgia, offering a diverse range of settings from leafy, expansive acreage to more urban, tree-lined streets. The property in Washington, Connecticut, is a five-bedroom cedar-clad barn home constructed in 2008, set on eighty acres. It features a two-sided fireplace, a wood-beamed living room with glass doors opening to a covered porch, and views of a pond. The lower level includes a gym, game room, and an entertainment space with a bar. The estate also comprises a two-bedroom guesthouse, a pool, spa, patio, and an orchard, located near Lake Waramaug and New Preston. In Garrison, New York, a newly built four-bedroom home, known as The Garrison House, blends classic farmhouse details. Its interior is characterized by wide-plank wood floors, exposed reclaimed-timber beams, vintage fixtures, and a chef's farmhouse kitchen with a large, wood-topped island. The 2.74-acre lot provides a patio with a stone fireplace, grassy yards, mature trees, and a guest cottage, with proximity to hiking trails, a Metro-North train station, the Hudson River, and the cultural and dining amenities of Cold Spring. Bluffton, South Carolina, features an award-winning barn-inspired farmhouse from 2022, built with shou-sugi-ban charred cedar. This five-bedroom home highlights a living room with a shiplap ceiling, French doors, and a gas fireplace, adjoining an open kitchen-dining room. The property offers a private pool, firepit, gardens, and river views, within a resort community that provides various amenities such as restaurants, a spa, stables, and sports courts. A classic five-bedroom farm-style house from 1936 in Sherman Oaks, California, has been updated with contemporary features. This open-plan residence includes vaulted ceilings, four skylights, a floating central staircase, and a gourmet kitchen with Moroccan tiling, a glass-fronted bar, a large central island, and a built-in daybed. The exterior boasts a pergola, a gas grill and smoker, a salt-water pool, an outdoor theater, and a sports court, and is a short drive from the Getty Museum. In Valley Village, California, a 2019 four-bedroom farmhouse is distinguished by vertical board-and-batten siding and a front barn door. Its open-plan interior showcases exposed beams, shiplap ceilings, a chef's kitchen with quartz counters and a drinks refrigerator, and a living room with accordion glass doors leading to a covered patio. The landscaped property, situated 25 minutes from downtown L.A., includes a waterfall pool and spa, a built-in grill, and an orange tree. Finally, Atlanta, Georgia, presents a three-bedroom modern farmhouse built in 2021 on a tree-lined street in historic Oakland City. The home features an open main living space with a fireplace, a kitchen with an eat-in island, and a primary bedroom with sliding barn doors that open to a spa-like bathroom with marble tile and a soaker tub. The lot includes a covered patio and a large, fenced backyard, with downtown Atlanta located 15 minutes away by car. Each of these properties illustrates the enduring appeal and varied interpretations of the modern farmhouse aesthetic, combining rustic charm with contemporary living. #ModernFarmhouse #RusticHomes #PropertyShowcase #RealEstate #HomeDesign #LuxuryHomes #ArchitecturalStyle #FarmhouseRenovation #USProperties

This article explores eight distinct Indian homes, each characterized by their eclectic interior designs, showcasing a fusion of contemporary and vintage elements and a rich tapestry of materials and craftsmanship. Eclectic design, defined by its blend of diverse styles and objects, is a prominent feature in these residences, drawing from India's extensive history of artisanal traditions. The homes are presented as part of a lookbook series, offering visual inspiration from Dezeen's archives, alongside other themed collections focusing on kitchen islands, London basements, and Art Deco interiors. The first featured home is Pennyroyal Tea in Tamil Nadu, designed by Multitude of Sins. This family residence in Chennai exhibits a maximalist approach, incorporating a wide array of materials. Over 200 artisans contributed to its creation, featuring a 400-kilogram chandelier made of wooden beads and a lilac mural designed to evoke draped fabric. Toy Storey, located in Kerala by Wallmakers, demonstrates an innovative use of recycled materials, with approximately 6,200 discarded toys adorning its perforated circular walls. This unusual detail is complemented by Japanese-style shoji screens, glass, and timber accents, promoting light and ventilation through the perforations. Next, the House of Concrete Experiments in Maharashtra, by Samira Rathod Design Atelier, showcases sculptural concrete walls cast from on-site waste in Alibag. The interior blends concrete flooring inlaid with black stones, vibrant furnishings, and distinctive geometric skylights. Also in Alibag, Asmalay by Blurring Boundaries is a curvaceous home designed to integrate with its natural surroundings, wrapping around mango trees. It features natural and recycled materials such as locally sourced bricks, glass bottles, and stone, with benches made from grey rocks and curving blue mosaics on the floor. Hybrid House in Rajasthan, by Sketch Design Studio, is distinguished by its rammed-earth walls in Alwar. The interior walls are coated with lime plaster, complementing an eclectic collection of items gathered by the clients during their travels. Terracotta floors are patterned with kolam, a traditional inlay made from rice flour. The Infinite Rise, another project in Tamil Nadu by Earthscape Studio, is a holiday home near Anaikatti camouflaged with large local rocks suspended within its gabion wall. Inside, these rocks create a constellation effect, set against green oxide-painted floors and custom furniture made from scrap wood. The House of Gond in Maharashtra, by Renesa, is an apartment in Pune designed for a fashion designer with a passion for traditional Kerala crafts. The living room boasts an intricate tiled floor inspired by Chettinad mansions, alongside a curated collection of artworks, including paintings, pots, antique masks, and statues. Finally, Karai in Tamil Nadu, by Rain Studio, is a holiday home in Kuvathur that utilizes clay tiles, earthenware pots, and compressed earth bricks. Its eclectic flooring is made from discarded stone and pre-used Mangalore tiles, harmonizing with timber furniture, colorful artwork, and unique features like a courtyard swing seat. These projects collectively highlight the diverse and innovative approaches to interior design in India, emphasizing the use of local materials, traditional craftsmanship, and a creative blend of styles to create unique and functional living spaces. The article reinforces India's position as a hub for eclectic design, where tradition meets modernity in inspiring ways. #IndianHomes #EclecticDesign #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #ArchitecturalInnovation #SustainableMaterials #Craftsmanship #DesignInspiration #ModernIndianInteriors

The 'Safdarjang Residence' in New Delhi, India, designed by AKDA studio, features a distinctive facade characterized by a grand circular aperture set within a square brick screen. This architectural approach draws significant inspiration from the works of Louis Kahn, known for his monumental yet serene monolithic style and the use of geometric voids in large brick and concrete structures. AKDA's design aims to blend fore-going modernity with traditional craftsmanship and sustainability, creating a sense of calm amidst the urban environment. The residence is situated on a quiet residential street, flanked by neighboring properties. It comprises four apartments elevated above a parking level. The interior layout is thoughtfully planned: one longitudinal side of each apartment accommodates the bedrooms, kitchen, three bathrooms, a staircase, and an elevator, while the other half is dedicated to expansive living spaces. On the uppermost level, an open atrium is connected to a terrace via a staircase, offering additional communal space. A key design element is the brick screen on the facade, which is elevated off the ground to frame a perfect square encompassing a prominent circular void. This intricate brickwork is supported by stainless steel frameworks, specifically angles at the top and bottom of the screen and a ring within the circular void, ensuring both structural integrity and aesthetic precision. The choice of materials and construction methods reflects a commitment to high performance, robustness, and energy efficiency. The structure incorporates double-glazed aluminum windows for insulation, and the terrace is covered with inverted pots overlaid with terracotta tiles, contributing to thermal regulation. For climate control, the residence employs a variable refrigerant volume (VRV) air-conditioning system that actively monitors indoor usage to optimize energy consumption. Inside the apartments, exposed brick walls create a striking contrast with the board-formed concrete of the slab, emphasizing the raw beauty of the materials. The flooring throughout the house uses locally sourced paving slabs, with a touch of mustard yellow stone in the atrium and bathrooms, adding subtle pops of color and texture. The open kitchens feature blue handmade tiles as backsplashes, further enhancing the bespoke feel of the interiors, while LED lighting is integrated throughout to provide efficient and ambient illumination. This project by AKDA exemplifies a harmonious blend of historical architectural influences, modern living requirements, and sustainable design principles. #ArchitecturalDesign #BrickArchitecture #IndianArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #SustainableArchitecture #LouisKahnInfluence #ModernCraftsmanship #EnergyEfficiency #AKDAStudio

This article highlights ten buildings that utilize decorative brick facades to create unique and visually engaging exteriors. Bricks, a globally prevalent building material, are showcased not just for their structural integrity but also for their versatility in aesthetic applications. The inherent small, rectangular shape of bricks allows for diverse decorative effects, including variations in color, complex forms, intricate patterns, and strategic perforations. The featured projects demonstrate a wide array of architectural styles and functions. The Gadi House in India, by PMA Madhushala, features a facade of protruding and perforated bricks over a stone base, designed to ventilate the home and minimize the need for mechanical cooling. At the Kitrvs winery in Greece, ETH Zürich researchers used an "augmented bricklaying" technique to create a semi-transparent facade of over 13,000 individually rotated and mortared bricks, mimicking the movement of light on liquid. The Arches in the UK, by The DHaus Company, incorporates layers of red-brick slips forming arches that frame doors and balconies, paying tribute to nearby Victorian railway architecture. Wallmakers' Pirouette House in India employs the rat-trap bond technique to construct curved and twisting brick walls that animate the facade while concealing structural elements. Bureau de Change's The Interlock in London showcases matte blue bricks that appear to swell around its windows, utilizing 5,000 bespoke bricks in 44 shapes and sizes, meticulously modeled and templated for precise arrangement. Museum de Lakenhal in the Netherlands, designed by Happel Cornelisse Verhoeven and Julian Harrap Architects, features concertina-style folds and bricks set at varying angles, evoking woven textiles and referencing the site's history as a fabric factory. Kohan Ceram, the headquarters of a brick manufacturer in Tehran by Hooba Design Group, presents a six-storey facade with bricks incorporating circular glass inserts, forming distinctive patterns alongside protruding brick blocks. In Vietnam, CTA's Wall House utilizes hole-punctured bricks, seemingly haphazardly stacked, to create a tactile, irregular surface that also funnels air and sunlight into the multi-generational home. Studio Lotus's Krushi Bhawan government building in India features an elaborate brick facade made from three different colored clays, arranged to emulate the traditional Odisha Ikat dyeing technique. Finally, the Shah Muhammad Mohshin Khan Mausoleum in Bangladesh by Sthapotik is defined by six red-brick turrets with perforated tops for natural ventilation, elevated on a brick platform to mitigate flood risks. These examples collectively illustrate how brick, beyond its fundamental utility, can be transformed into an expressive architectural element, contributing significantly to a building's aesthetic identity, environmental performance, and cultural narrative. #BrickFacades #ArchitecturalDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #SustainableDesign #BuildingMaterials #InnovativeConstruction #CulturalReferences #ArchitecturalRoundup