A Bengaluru Home Inspired by Kerala and Kathakali

BH: So, this is why the flooring is red oxide.

GP: Yes, the flooring is a major element and we chose it to reflect the Kerala vibes. The apartment came with standard-issue builder flooring; but we didn’t want to break it and add to construction waste. So instead of red oxide, which is two inches thick, we did a two-millimetre-thick micro-concrete which mimics red oxide without adding too much weight.

We used laterite skirting around the home instead of marble skirting and the same laterite has been used for the kitchen counter, lending it an earthy charm.

BH: What kind of feeling did you want your home to evoke?

GP: We wanted the home to feel serene, so we kept the walls white. But we wanted it to feel earthy as well, which is why we incorporated shades of reds and materials like rattan. We were also clear that the space needs to feel like a home and not a hotel, so we brought in a luxe touch through textures and fabrics instead of ornate fixtures. We also had to keep the keep the overall vibe easygoing because we love to entertain and Nikhil loves to cook!

BH: That’s a great way to segue into the kitchen! Did you make any modifications here?

GP: Yes, that’s the only structural change we did in the whole house. The wall where the laterite is, that was actually closed, so we broke it down. We created a peninsula instead of an island because we wanted an open kitchen-plus-dining space.

BH: What was the inspiration behind the dining room light fixture?

GP: The light piece has been custom-made by Bengaluru-based lighting and design studio Olie. It’s modelled around a banana flower—two buds, one open and one closed.

BH: Speaking of customisations, you craft bespoke furniture at Tusker Katha. Is everything in the home custom-made or do you have some antique pieces as well?

GP: Everything is either custom made or antique. We have a 30-60 ratio, with 30% antique pieces we have collected over time. We love wooden antique furniture. Nikhil is from an advertising background and he looks at design and functionality, so each piece has been chosen carefully.