This home in Kerala is sophisticated yet culturally rich

Meera Pyarelal found her calling in interior design in 1999, following which she set up a small unit in her husband’s garage. After two decades of earning a name for herself in this industry, she conceived Temple Town with the aim of designing and manufacturing sophisticated pieces of colonial furniture. Today, as its founder and creative director, she strives to preserve and promote traditional Indian designs and craftsmanship, which she believes is slowly getting lost in the sands of time. “My furniture range is based on antiques, reimagined and created for modern Indian living, all the while holding on to Kerala’s rich and colourful tradition of luxurious craftsmanship,” she explains.

She recently renovated this home for a family of four — a young couple and their two daughters — located in Palghat, Kerala. Spanning 12,000 square feet, it boasts of six bedrooms and was inherited from the client’s father who is a prominent statesman. Pyarelal takes us on a virtual tour, telling us the intricacies of putting together this home that is a melange of artefacts, family heirlooms, and varied design styles. 

Beautiful Homes (BH): What made the clients choose you for this project?

Meera Pyarelal (MP): Our clients had been following our work for quite some time and were enamoured by our aesthetic, which seamlessly blends the old with the new. They appreciated our ability to create interiors where traditional elements coexist peacefully with contemporary touches. A common friend facilitated our introduction, and the journey began from there.

BH: What was their brief to you for this home?

MP: The brief was to create a home that was a true reflection of their heritage. They wanted it to be spacious enough to host guests yet intimate enough for the young family to unwind. The client specifically wanted to display her mother’s extensive collection of art and accessories, acquired from her travels within India and abroad, making it a sanctuary far removed from the hustle of city life.

BH: How would you describe the design style of this project?

MP: The design style of this project can be described as modern Indian chic. It showcases traditional Indian arts and crafts while incorporating accessories and collectibles from around the world, creating a sophisticated yet culturally rich ambiance.

BH: Tell us more about the furniture you picked out for the home.

MP: The furniture in this home is a beautiful amalgamation of traditional Indian and European styles with a local touch. We used teakwood furniture crafted in our workshops, complemented by curated antiques. The client's mother's collection of art and accessories further enhanced the authenticity and charm of the interiors.

BH: There are several interesting art and decor pieces in this home. Tell us about them.

MP: This home is a treasure trove of art and decor. The collection of Tanjore and Mysore paintings from the client's personal collection adds a regal touch. A significant piece by the acclaimed artist Namboothiri, depicting 'Malayali life,' adorns the stairway. In the dining room, we framed a Naga shawl that lends a rustic charm, while the staircase walls are decorated with Naga necklaces and swords from their collection. The guest room features an old kimono as a piece of art, adding an exotic flair.

BH: Can you tell us your thought process for the different ceiling designs throughout the home?

MP: Each ceiling in this home tells a different story. Some ceilings serve purely aesthetic purposes, while others are functional or structural. The primary idea was to demarcate spaces and add an extra dimension to the interiors. The varying finishes and designs help create a unique identity for each room while maintaining an overall cohesive look.

BH: When it comes to layering a room with different decor elements, what do you keep in mind?

MP: Layering a space is an instinctive process for me. I focus on ensuring continuity through colour, texture, and balance. The goal is to create harmony by using complementing colour schemes, contrasting textures, and thoughtfully chosen accessories.

BH: How do you ensure the rooms look distinct yet cohesive?

MP: To achieve a distinct yet cohesive look, I use a mix of complementing colour schemes and contrasting textures. Accessories play a crucial role in tying the rooms together, ensuring a unified theme throughout the home while allowing each space to have its own unique character.