This & That | Design for the ages

As one moves through various stages and phases of life, the spaces you reside in become a reflection of the same. The role played by our homes is in not just reflecting who we are, but also our growth as individuals and collecting memories along that journey. A Tale of Five Homes is a visual journey through the lives of five families who found their haven on the first floor of one of the towers at One10, a gated community in Kolkata.

EMBRACE MINIMALISM

Age group: Early 30s

Design style: Minimalism

Elements of the style: Transformative furniture, space planning for multipurpose usage and efficient multitasking.

Why it works: Their home reflects their lifestyle as a young working couple with an infant, especially the transformational furniture that helps them with the flexibility of various activities. Having a dining table that can be converted into a workstation during the day is easy functionality. The use of the colour red in the apartment in exciting splashes exudes the energy of abundance and prosperity along with growth and dynamism.

CONCRETE EXPANSION

Age group: Mid to late 30s

Design style: Contemporary

Elements of the style: One-pointed direction and non-fussy inclusions in design and layout.

Why it works: Hues of blue throughout the house act as a stabilising factor in the design and adding a royal touch while working as a cohesive element. Efficient space management is reflected in the layout with long drawn windows that let in ample sunlight. The design has complete focus and clarity with no extra frills for distraction.

WELCOME MAXIMALISM

Age group: Middle Age

Design style: Maximalism

Elements of the style: Fusion of textures, colours, patterns, and designs

Why it works: It reflects the family dynamics where different ways of seeing the world come together. Each room is vibrant with different concepts and components, giving them a unique identity yet creating a balance between the myriad designs. The layout of the apartment is done in a way where each member of the family has their own personal space to express their personality and follow their busy schedules in seclusion; yet come together as one in the common dining and drawing areas.

NORDIC HARMONY

Age group: For three generations

Design style: Nordic

Elements of the style: Earthy colours, modern decor, minimal style, simple, clean lines

Why it works: The application of earthy colours of the furnishings gives the energy of solid stability and the cosy warmth of a full family. The comfort and stylish interiors give it a plush look, where one can entertain family and friends yet make it homely enough to put up the feet and relax as required. The design imbibes a minimalistic style of warm and inviting Nordic decor.

ECLECTIC MODERNISM

Age group: Three generations and a pet

Design style: Eclectic Modern

Elements of the style: Airy, getting the outdoors in, practical design elements

Why it works: The apartment creates a harmony between the vintage and modern lifestyle, since there are three generations with varied requirements cohabiting the space. This vastu-compliant home has two balconies on the southern side to allow ample light and air in and open up the circulation of fresh energy. The strings of pearls adorning the light fixtures in the drawing room, symbolises the intertwining generations, connected with a common thread of love.

Pooja Bihani is the founder and principal architect at Spaces and Design, an award-winning design studio in Kolkata. @spacesanddesign (Instagram)Â

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