This weekend home in Raipur is all about zen living

Beautiful Homes: What was the design brief given by the clients?

Khushboo Kakkar: The brief was to create a tranquil getaway to escape their busy city life. They wanted to build a home that served as a private weekend residence and also a space to host gatherings. As they visit about twice a month, they wanted to have materials that are easy to maintain. Shilpi (wife) and her mother-in-law love to collect art, and they wanted to have corners to display it. The clients were very supportive of our design approach. They were closely involved in the details until the 3D designs were finalised, after which they placed full trust in us and rarely made any revisions. They also allowed us to pick the colour palette, and loved the idea of vibrant accent hues balanced with earthy tones.

BH: What challenges did you face during the execution process?

KK: This was an existing structure that needed major revisions to accommodate the family’s needs. The original construction was not satisfactory, so we had to intervene at a civil level. Several walls were reconfigured to create more openness and natural light flow. For instance, the central courtyard was redesigned to become the heart of the home, and we reworked circulation so each room felt visually and physically connected. The first-floor home theatre lounge was previously a living and bedroom area that was broken down to create this expansive space. One major challenge was ensuring the structure could support large openings facing the golf course and pool, while keeping the interiors cool.

BH: Tell us more about the colour and material palette of this home.

KK: The colour story draws from the hues of the Rajasthani sunset sky, particularly a calming tangerine tone. This inspired the orange home theatre and the yellow stone flooring in the master bedroom. The rest of the home is kept muted to feel timeless, calm, and balanced. Shades like muted ivory, warm beige, and pale grey lend a breezy, natural character to the interiors. They create a soothing backdrop that highlights the bolder accents.

BH: How have you showcased Indian craftsmanship in the interiors?

KK: The flooring uses Jaisalmeri stone while the poolside and patio are finished in Indian white marble. The wall-to-ceiling terracotta plates in the drawing room are by a local ceramic artist called the Orby House. The grey side tables in the living room are made on-site and finished with archi-concrete from Asian Paints. We also got a local artist on board to do the wall murals in the kids’ bedroom, and the guest bedroom backdrop wall. These choices celebrate regional craftsmanship while keeping the home grounded in tradition.

BH: What was the thought behind using circular shapes in the design?

KK: We wanted the home to feel organic and fluid, not rigid or boxy. Curves and arches soften the overall architecture, giving it a sense of flow that feels natural when moving from one space to another. Circular motifs are used strategically, for instance, in the foyer space, folded circular opening, and arched fenestrations guide the eye and break monotony. It also gives a sneak peek into the home through the courtyard. The arched niches in the primary bedroom are planned to create a beautiful backdrop while maintaining the visual synergy of the home through a pop of colour and textures.

BH: Tell us about the light fixtures chosen for this home.

KK: The lighting was curated to complement the material palette and mood of each space. We sourced a mix of custom-made fixtures from local artisans and decorative lights from brands like White Teak. Our plan was to create a warm, ambient atmosphere with a mix of ceiling, wall, and pedestal lights that provide diffused illumination and enhance comfort and mood.