Studio Pastels was given the task of turning a penthouse apartment for a sophisticated middle-aged couple into a residence that mirrors their old-money lifestyle and dynamic yet devout nature. The goal was to create a living space that reflects their rich, aesthetic tastes while incorporating contemporary materials and design elements. The end result is a home that blends timeless elegance with modern comforts, capturing the old-money charm they sought.
Project Name: The Penthaus
Studio Name: Studio Pastels
Location: Bopal, Ahmedabad
Experience: Warm, Cosy, Inviting, Luxurious
Colors: Arches and Straight Lines
Design Element: Arches and Straight Lines
Project Size: 2350 sqft carpet area
Text Credit, Video Credit: Studio Pastels
Photographs Credit: Sheenshot, Harsheen Mengar
The clients, a middle-aged couple, wanted a home that aligns with their elegant and spiritually rich lifestyle. The design directive was clear: create an environment that evokes the feel of an old-money residence while incorporating modern amenities and aesthetics. This blend ensures the home not only mirrors their current lifestyle but also the timeless allure of traditional opulence.
Inspiration and Key Concepts
Comfort is central to this project, enhanced by the couple’s love for premium materials like veneer and marble. Their preference for neutral color schemes is reflected in a palette dominated by beige and grey, giving the residence a classic and enduring look. Art, decor, and botanicals are thoughtfully placed to create intimate, inviting nooks that reflect the couple’s personalities and interests.
Spatial Configuration and Design
The apartment spans two levels. The lower floor includes the foyer, living and dining areas, kitchen, two master bedrooms, a pooja room, and a connecting staircase. The living area is divided into formal and informal zones—the former for family gatherings and the latter as a leisure spot for the couple. The upper level features a lounge room and a gazebo, both designed for entertainment and relaxation. The gazebo and adjacent kitchen pantry become hubs of activity during evening socials.
Design Techniques, Colors, Materials, Textures, Patterns
The design features wood and veneers against a backdrop of solid beige or grey, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. An olive grey velvet sofa in front of a textured beige TV wall invites relaxation, while a prominent Shrinathji painting in an arched niche adds a spiritual touch. The dining area boasts a green Italian marble table opposite a crockery unit adorned with white patterned mosaics, enhancing the space’s luxurious feel. The kitchen continues the theme with Ambaji green marble backsplashes, striking a balance between playful and subdued. The all-white Ambaji marble pooja room is delicately carved with motifs of Lord Krishna, doubling as a serene meditation space. The first master bedroom, with its grey and geometric patterns, captures natural light, creating a dynamic interplay with the organic-shaped dresser. The second bedroom embraces pastel pink hues and soft linen, exuding femininity and comfort. The upper lounge exudes rustic, industrial charm with its raw wood furniture and metal accents against cement-finished walls and a wooden beam ceiling. The gazebo is a beautiful semi-open space, celebrating privacy and nature with wooden ceilings and chevron-patterned flooring. A screen adorned with creepers adds a touch of seclusion, making it an ideal spot for tranquil evenings.
Key Design Element
The living room’s wall panel showcases thoughtful design: a wooden panel with brass lights frames the Shrinathji painting, while a rounded arch wall unit with glass shelves displays elegant brass pieces, echoing the home’s overarching theme.
