This family retreat in Coonoor has stone and wood interiors

By Tasneem Merchant

Perched on a hill, the Coonoor House incorporates architectural elements in its interiors while still maintaining its quaint charm

If you thought using architectural elements in the interiors was a décor faux pas, the Coonoor House by New Delhi based practice Studio Lotus will definitely make you think again. The 10,000 sq ft space, cradled in the Nilgiris was built as a getaway for the family and is broken down into large spaces – master bedroom, rooms for the children and their families, entertaining spaces and library.

When planning your house, chalk out rooms basis the number of people who will be using it or the activities you plan on doing in the area.

The large living space has been neatly sectioned off into different areas with the help of rugs, creating several zones for interactions. You can try doing the same – by using different flooring in sections or using rugs. Image courtesy, Ravi Asrani for Studio Lotus

The interiors are straight forward and largely functional. Says Ankur Choksi, Founding Principal, Studio Lotus, “There is a strong individuality and warmth woven into the spaces...The house offers itself as a canvas for the clients to animate it with their choice of art, furniture and objects.”

To maximise sunlight and access better views in your own house, identify the spots which provide the best sunshine and carve out windows there. To block out views that you don’t like, simply wall them up.

Take a look at the gallery below for more inspiration for your own home

Put your balcony to good use by making it a pit stop for alfresco meals. All you need are wooden chairs and a small table. You could even throw in a rug to make it more inviting.

The master bedroom in the Coonoor House is in a box like structure, creating a house within a house.

A feature wall doesn’t necessarily have to have textured paint or wallpaper. You could also build a floor to ceiling shelf and stack it with your favourite books. Arrange them according to colour for a greater impact. Image courtesy, Ravi Asrani for Studio Lotus

Large windows allow all levels of the house to bask in ample sunlight. If your house is a fairly neutral shade, add pops of colour through soft furnishings such as cushion covers, sofa covers and even drapes.

Use crevices and niches cleverly to display your showpieces. This helps fill up the odd space so you don’t have any blank corners.

Here’s how you can spruce up your entryway too: A brightly patterned rug and a wall decorated with all your artwork sets a stunning premise for the rest of your apartment.

24-Nov-2017