Indian art and craft add warmth to this Bengaluru apartment

“They stumbled upon our website while searching for architects for their home. And it instantly clicked with them,” says Khushboo Kakkar, architect and founder of Raipur-based Basics Studio. The Bengaluru-based couple had bought a new home and found this multidisciplinary firm to be best suited to design it. So much so that “when [the homeowners] tried to connect with us, I was on my honeymoon, and they waited for two months so we could do their home”.

And as with any new long-distance relationship, communication was key. “We spent nearly two months refining the design, from 3D visualisations to working drawings before execution,” explains Kakkar. It was important, she says, to ensure the design aligned completely with the clients’ vision. She reveals how the decor and material choices—including a rather wide range of Asian Paints offerings—led to a house that captures the essence of its inhabitants. 

Beautiful Homes (BH): Did the location influence the design in any way?

Khushboo Kakkar (KK): On the 32^nd floor of a premium gated community in Bengaluru’s Hebbal area, this house has breathtaking lake views from the living room, master bedroom and bathroom, while the opposite side opens to a green expanse. The elevation and orientation of the home not only ensure privacy but also allow ample natural light and ventilation. We went with warm, earthy interiors to complement that sense of airiness.

BH: And how did the client brief tie in with that idea?

KK: The homeowners wanted the space to reflect their values and everyday comfort, and we shaped every corner around that thought. Both of them are avid travellers with a love for wildlife stays and boutique properties across India. As such, they were drawn to rustic textures that felt warm and lived-in. We also reworked the 4BHK layout into a 3BHK, per the clients’ brief, with a spacious master bedroom, a guest room and a study with a queen-sized bed.

BH: Was there any specific client request for their space?

KK: They wanted to incorporate art. While the couple are both pilots with an eye for unique collectables from around the world, it is Akershita [the wife] who has an appreciation for traditional Indian art. They didn’t have an existing collection, but they wanted to build one to reflect their taste and identity.

BH: So, was some of the artwork made specifically for the space?

KK: We commissioned artworks from various Indian artists for this house. One example is in the living room; artists Uttam and Sonali Chitrakar used natural pigments to create the Kalighat painting depicting a jungle scene. Then the entrance passage has a whimsical custom Phad painting by Kritika Joshi showing traditional Rajasthani figures boarding a plane. They even chose to display one of my own pieces, an ink-and-watercolour rendering of Rajasthan’s Amer Fort.

BH: Would it be right to say then that the art influenced the design to some extent?

KK: Absolutely. Not just that, the clients’ passion for art sparked a more intuitive and creative approach from our end, too. While the overall aesthetic is minimal, the art influenced the materials, textures and detailing. We used earthy, limewashed walls as a neutral backdrop for traditional paintings, and incorporated rich veneers, rattan and handcrafted details to echo the visual language of Indian folk art. In many ways, the art shaped the mood, movement and soul of the space.

BH: How did you arrive at the colour scheme to hold it all together?

KK: I wanted the common areas to have a soft, grey limewashed tone. The clients were initially unsure, but we created samples onsite so they could visualise the effect. Once they saw it in context, they were on board. The base palette across the home remains warm and grounded, with textures doing most of the talking. Pops of colour come through the furniture pieces, soft furnishings and the artwork. The idea was always to keep it earthy and understated, letting craftsmanship, light and materiality take centre stage.

BH: What kind of craftsmanship did you incorporate?

KK: One of the most striking elements in the house is the blue vintage, hand-carved column in the living room sourced from Auroville. Originally part of an old haveli in South India, it adds historical character to the otherwise contemporary shell. We also subtly integrated traditional crafts through the house, like the wicker weaving used in the cabinetry. The IPS-style green micro-cement walls in the master bathroom mimic traditional Indian lime plaster techniques.