An ideal amalgamation of renaissance décor and Indian detailing, the Shah residence in Ahmedabad is a home with character…
Impressions: Kannagi Desai | Images: Kamini Gavankar
OWNER’S PRIDE
The Owners: Sachin Shah & Gauri Bakshi. | Their Home: Classic yet chic. Location: Indraprastha-8 Towers, Thaltej, Ahmedabad | Rooms: 41/2 BHK approximately. | Area: 2,100 sqft carpet area | USP: Elegant and spacious, using statement décor pieces | Designers: Chirag Doshi and Sneha Doshi, Ego Designs, Ahmedabad
“Unconventional, that’s the word I would like to use for this home. There was a risk, with everything, but it was worth taking,” says Chirag Doshi, principal designer, Ego Designs. The décor, in today’s day and age, is very classic. Located in the plush locales of Th altej, Ahmedabad, the Shah residence is a hub for period decor.
LUXE SPACE
“Mr Shah and his wife, Gauri, were very clear that they did not want modern elements. They wanted the décor to be soft and warm, but luxurious at the same time. It came as a shock to us when we heard the brief! But they were very clear about what they wanted and it was a challenge we were willing to accept,” states Chirag. Th e home uses elements inspired from the Victorian period. It is royal, but not over the top. Impressive ivory furniture with wood detailing and gold accents makes this home a sight to behold. Spread over approximately 2,100 sq. ft . carpet area, the striking factor about the home apart from the décor is that it is extremely spacious and airy. “We — my partner and wife Sneha and I — wanted to ensure that even though we were using the Renaissance period as an inspiration, we should retain the Indian-ness of the home. We researched a lot about the various design elements of period interiors as well as Indian art and craft elements. Th e idea was to keep the walls and ceilings in tune with the style but sober, so that our artwork and other accents could stand out,” continues Chirag.
DRESSING UP THE WALLS
Instead of various colours or paints, they have kept the walls simple with ivory and cream, but dressed them up with paintings or rather glorifi ed wall hangings made with diff erent materials and varied motifs. Plus, there’s a very creative use of wall tattoos, not just on the walls but also on the furniture, to maintain symmetry in the décor. Th e jewel of the house though is the magnifi cent peacock motif wallpaper, applied so seamlessly on the walls that it seems like it is one with the home. “Th e wallpaper was the biggest risk we took in this house. Usually, people go in for paint in the living area and even if they do use wallpapers, it is usually the ones with smaller prints, that look dainty. When we saw this wallpaper, we just instantly fell in love with it, then we spoke to Gauri about it and she readily agreed,” Chirag reminisces.
THE LIGHT EFFECT
Th e lighting of the house played a major role in setting the mood right. It completed the décor and gave the home character. “Lighting was an integral part right from the concept stage! We were very clear about having beautiful chandeliers, but we were also clear that there would be no general lighting, no normal tube-
light or bulb just hanging out of place somewhere. Instead, we wanted focused LED lighting over the few of the highlights in every room,” adds Chirag as he gazes over the house.
NO WALLS BARRED!
Th e living area, the formal living space, the dining area and the kitchen, all look like they are part of a painting. “When we started working on the concept, we understood that the space had to be luxurious and exuberant, but it still had to retain comfort and serenity,” adds Chirag.“Th e idea was to have a home that was free from all the confi nements and crude lines and geometry of modern interiors.” So, they broke down the walls and made the whole living and dining area into an open space. What’s interesting is that they made the kitchen in such a manner that even though there wasn’t a wall dividing the dining area and the kitchen, there was still an element of privacy. Th e dining area has a beautifully hand carved large wooden clock. Th at is the only piece of décor there apart from all the cutlery and curios in glass cabinets. Th e kitchen, white as milk, is cozy yet has all the modern amenities and the space to move around freely. Th ere is also a pantry, and separate washing area, adjoining the kitchen.
KIDDIE TAVERN
Th e house had classic written all over it, but as soon as you enter the kids’ room it is a diff erent ball game all together! Th ough mainly white keeping with the rest of the house, it has a diff erent charm. Kunal (7) and Raga (5) have a distinctive twist to their own space. Kunal, the big boy, loves music and reading, so there is a wall tattoo on his side of the space, with a Casio and his books right around where he can reach them. Raga, the pretty girl, loves painting and her so toys. Her artwork is all over the study table and her room. ere is also a small dining table in one corner, with a cow chair and a panda chair to keep them company. “When choosing the beds, we did want to go with bunk beds but again we didn’t like the conventional ones. So we decided to have a bed with steps going up, and we also decided to convert the steps into a storage area, making it a utilitarian option,” explains Chirag.
THE MASTER OF THE HOUSE
The master bedroom again has the classic touch, with purple and ivory accents with a hint of silver. ey have used a couple of vintage oral chairs with a center table, to give them a personal space to unwind in. Another lovely chandelier adorns this room, giving it a very comforting vibe. It also has a walk-in closet and a washroom with a bathtub and other amenities.
BALCONY LOVE
A spacious balcony, and the house is complete! The so , nippy breeze and a chair and a table, complete the elegant balcony. “It is a nice spot, to just have a cup of co ee, or read or even entertain. We were glad when Chirag and Sneha decided to keep the balcony as is and did not make that into another room. e spectacular view of the garden and the pool is just so perfect!” adds Gauri. The balcony has a very romantic feel to it, with the classic semi round silhouette and sheer curtains. The home is where the heart is, and with a home like this, the heart will never leave!
“A statement wallpaper, though risky, lends a sense of grandeur to a space. Muted accessories with pops of colour work best with the wallpaper,”
says, Chirag Doshi
Principal designer, Ego Designs
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