A HOME DESIGNED FOR ART
Forget the time and budget constraints or the fact that this penthouse required retrofitting work, making room for works by artists such as MF Hussain and M Narayan was the true challenge for ACDS, a Pune-based design studio.
This was a time bound project of 180 days where in we had to reorient a penthouse and transform it into a cosy weekend gateway. Along with the time constraint, we had a limited budgetary allowance within which we not only had to retrofit the apartment but also complete the interior decoration. We opted for a classic American home design with specific focus on furniture coupled with furnishings that complement it. We opted for super glossy faux dark emperador vitrified tiles and balanced it with matte white wash on the walls.
The 5,000 sq ft penthouse is located on the 10th, 11th and 12th floor of the toniest building, Delta Empress, in the most sought out residential enclave of Sopan Baugh in Pune. The brief was to design a weekend home around the art collections of the client. As we had an existing relationship with the client it helped us in decoding their aesthetic needs.
Once the art collection was shared, which included art works from MF Hussain and M Narayan, to name a few, we conducted an in depth study of the scale and colour palette of the collections. Post that we allocated the art works to various areas depending upon the theme and developed a material palette around the same.
As art was the subject, we retained white washed walls and white ceiling. We opted for polished high gloss emperador tiles which provided us with a dark foreground. This design arrangement ensures that the focus remains on the art. Since the theme for the home was centered on American and south western style with specific detailing and accents, this was reflected in our selection of furniture and fixtures as well. This included the deep fabric sofas, distressed coffee table and mid-century style ascent chairs. We also used assorted curios (including the antique porcelain vase) add to the character to the home.
The colour palette of the furniture was kept earthy and neutral to ensure that it complemented the art works in the rooms. The monotony of the plain shade was then broken with use of throw cushions and stoles which were coordinated with the art works in the respective zones.
The spatial arrangement was designed based on functions with the common and entertainment functions allocated to the 10th and 12th floor. These areas include formal living, informal living, formal dining, den/cigar room, guest room and service areas on the 10th floor. The 12th floor, which houses the terrace, overlooks the serene landscapes of Pune Cantonment. We added a lap pool and decks here which act as an ideal spillover space for select evening soirees. The 11th floor was designed as a private zone which has the master bedroom, three guest rooms, a study and a pantry.
As time was of essence, we planned everything on paper, including procurements from overseas, and once we had all the delivery timelines locked in, we went live at the site. The challenge we faced in this project was to ensure that designed space highlighted the art collection while maintaining balance of function and aesthetics.
However, for us, the most important feature of this home was the art and the manner in which the design story complemented it.
Once the art collection was shared we conducted an in depth study on the scale and colour palette of the collections. Post that we allocated the art works to various areas
depending on the theme and weaved a material palette around it.