A modish Bengaluru home swathed in dark hues

Beautiful Homes (BH): Achieving a dark, mysterious look can be challenging. How did you envision this?

Arun Shekar (AS): The way my mother, who is an artist herself, carved out designs, instilled a sense of volume and proportion in me. This house is impeccably organised, reflecting our clients' passion for animals with such sculptures scattered playfully. It boasts of harmonious proportions, rich dark tones, and a warm, inviting ambiance. The lighting makes sure that the interiors don’t look too dark. When incorporating such tones in a home, having a balanced look is quite a task to nail down. We always wanted a dark interior for this home to make it feel like an exquisitely tailored piece for the clients.

BH: How did you pick the decor pieces for this home?

AS: Unique artworks and bold hues were nearly obligatory for the couple. To guests, items are furnishings or art; for the couple, they are treasured stories and encapsulated experiences. From the handcrafted Asiatic cheetah by KALA art + objects to the black-and-white mannequin floor lamp, each piece is thoughtfully selected to align with the ambience and the clients' tastes.

BH: The home is uber stylish. Does it reflect the homeowners' personality?

Mohammed Afnan (MA): We believe that good design is one that aligns with the owner's needs. We were determined to make it reflect our clients' personalities. They both work in the design industry and frequently host friends and family, and we wanted them to experience something unique. The couple’s aesthetics have subtly influenced everything—from the choice of patterns to their preferred colours, as well as the textures they find suitable, appropriate and comfortable. For instance, the hand-beaten brass artwork above the master bed is called the ‘Jaapi', and it is a symbol of Assam. The couple moved from Assam to Benguluru and sometimes miss their culture. So, we incorporated this in their bedroom. ‘Jaapi’ is worn during Bihu dance, used as protection against the elements, offered as a sign of respect in ceremonies, and placed as a decorative item around the house, especially on the walls as a positivity sign.

BH: What did you have in mind when selecting the furniture of this home?

MA: Modern yet grounded in their origins, pieces that could complement the deep-toned wooden flooring that strikes a balance between warmth and grandeur. The custom headboard in the couple’s bedroom is made with hand-beaten brass by using local, skilled craftsmen and is our all-time favourite creation.

BH: Tell us about how you picked the colour scheme?

AS: The drama varies from room to room with deep tones occasionally present, and at other times are more subdued and natural, like the terracotta ceiling and walls of the master bedroom or the cool black-and-white trim and shelving in the home office. Bright orange furniture accentuates the contrast between clean lines and mysterious curves in the living room with rich, blue walls running throughout. The home is accessible, beautiful, and creatively designed and the result was unexpectedly appealing.

BH: What creatively inspires you as designers?

MA & AS: As designers, we find inspiration in the most subtle details, whether it's the graceful silhouette of a garment, the expressive face of a Theyyam dance mask, the intricate patterns of a potter's wheel, or the fluid elegance of Islamic calligraphy, among many other sources. Our designs are also heavily influenced by our clients' eclectic cultural experiences.

All images by Hansoga Photography