Location: DLF: The Ultima , Gurugram
Project Area : approx. 1500 sq.ft.
Principal architect/designers :Ar.Anusha Katoch & Ar. Janesh Jain.
Photography by : Shades Studio Photography by Asmita Khodankar

What was the brief from the client? It was a bold decision for our clients, a family of three to move from the busy city of Delhi to Gurugram , Dlf -The Ultima and they envisioned just as bold and flamboyant a space for their residence. The first time we met, our clients briefed us about how they wanted a vibrant yet harmonious house with an exquisite bar and dining space , a smart play of wood and stone with other textures all blended with lively colours.
If you had to name the design style used, what would it be? The clients fancied a vibrant and theatrical space where textures of materials merged together and colours would stand out. The design style can definitely be described as Modern Classical architecture with a touch of Art Deco to spruce up the spaces. Visual balance of colours and modern furniture style complementing the classical mouldings and wall panelling. ... What were the inspirations and key concepts for the development of the project?
We decided to create a palette of materials in different colours and textures and played with the massing of the spaces to achieve symmetry and visual balance. We took inspiration from Modern Classical architecture such as the mouldings , wooden panelling and mixed it with Art Deco such as geometrical patterns, golden geometrical elements in the bar , dining , master bedroom ,etc and patterned wallpaper , to make spaces look more defined and interesting. To create focus and emphasis in the spaces we have made use of vibrant bright colours in the furniture pieces or walls.
We allowed different textures to blend together as one creating large expanses of massing that are broken by soft furnishes. Due to time constraint of the project and in anticipation of another Covid lockdown we had to work around the existing structure of the building. We decided to smartly use the existing structure of the building to our advantage and developed visual symmetry in spaces such as the living room.
Explain briefly: spatial configuration and main reasons. How was it accomplished? A 4BHK One enters into a vestibule and the Guest room is located to the left with a vibrant blue backdrop and minimal modern furniture. As one goes further via the vestibule one enters an expanse of space with the bar, crockery unit and dining in a beautiful set up in the right and the living room with two curved sofas tucked to the left and huge seamless tv console, Mandir and curio storage designed in one single unit and a White statuario clad Tv wall.
Moving further their 8yr old son occupies the room to the right with a long vestibule that has been used to create a display wall for his collectibles as well as storage for various toys and books. The bed is tucked in a corner to give him room to play and a focused corner for the study. The room right opposite the Son’s room has been made for accommodating the couple’s parents’ who visit regularly. We chose to go for a post bed and wooden panelling in the room with a play of lights to add warmth to the space.
Finally , one reaches the Master bedroom at the end of the corridor . A vestibule smartly ensures privacy to the Master bedroom. Grey ashy wooden panelling and grey tones with a rusty tan leather orange in contrast to the panelling adds vibrance to the space. There is a balance of light Tv console and a heavy wooden study area. A warm nook for lounging , relaxing and reading right next to the window.
What were the difficulties, or first setbacks encountered?
The main challenge in this project was to achieve all that we envisioned in a short span of time. What were the construction techniques and the principal materials used in the project?
Different materials were used to add drama to the space. White statuario on wall and counter of the bar , Dining table , Living room Tv wall as opposed to the warmth added from the wooden details in the niches and ceiling. SS metal in gold finish was used in geometric forms to highlight deco elements in the spaces. POP mouldings on the walls adding a classical touch to the space while a plain seamless ceiling was created with ample light to make the area appear voluminous. Fluting in glass and shutters of the bar and crockery unit were used to add a visual texture to the space. What is your favourite element of design in the project? Our favourite element of design in this particular project is the focus created by the dynamic red curved sofa. The curved sofa was designed carefully to be tucked in the middle of the symmetric columns with a shape and colour that stands out and adds volume to the space.
What do you think is the USP of this project?
We were happy to achieve functional spaces with efficiency , luxury and volume at the same time in short project timeline. In terms of design we feel the bar and bar counter created as the backdrop to the dining is a star element of this project.