JOIN USCelebration of minimalism
The main door of the home of architects, Indrajit and Nita Kembhavi of Kembhavi Architects, is so different and simply done, that it is enough to give you a sneak peek into what is in store inside. The door is painted in a shade of rust and has a plywood black panel in the centre. It is embellished with motifs made from aluminium composite panel (ACP) that looks almost like a cut mirror.
The powerful statement that this door makes sets my expectations very high and I am not disappointed by what I see. I naturally quiz Nita about the door and she explains,
“While we were doing up the home, the carpenter was here and I saw some left over material which I asked him to cut in the shape I wanted and got it fixed.” The 1,400 sq. ft. three bedroom home being used for the last four-and-a-half years is done up to meet functional needs.
The living space is done up in hues of beige and brown with solid wood panels that conceal draws and a cupboard. The highlight of the space is a large open window that not just lets natural light in, but also a wonderful view that is reflected by clever use of mirrors on the panel on the opposite side. This ensures that the entire space opens up and looks much bigger than it actually is.
Design challenge
The couple being architects, I ask them if it is hard for architects to design their own home. They explain that it is “extremely difficult as there are too many ideas and incorporating all of them is a huge challenge.” However for this home, Indrajit left it to Nita to do all the thinking. The duo agreed on all the factors, and also focussed on aspects that would suit the needs of their young son. Their design sensibilities come to the fore when you see the centre table with a concealed draw to store newspapers or the dining table made of special South African Ebony wood panels with wood shavings infused between glass to create a décor element that is unique in itself.
The inbuilt shelves in the walls again made from wood display their carefully collected artifacts. In fact, the lighting used in the shelf is muted and makes for a cosy nook in the evenings. “Most walls in the home are white and one side has been infused with a riot of colours. We like to use artifacts and paintings to add colour to the walls.” The furniture in the living space is kept low – also makes ergonomic sense and in Nita’s words allows you to “slouch and relax.” The small puja room is also simple, and has been designed using a glass background and granite slabs at an elevation so that the idols are at height.
Separation of spaces
The home is also divided into two parts visually, the public area that has the guest room (next to the main door, which can be easily missed), the living and dining area and the puja room. The wooden panels create a demarcation that leads you to the kitchen and the two bedrooms. A utility area is housed in the upper level of this minimalist home.
The guest room is furnished with a bed, dressing console and has an attached bathroom. A shelf is created alongside the bathroom door for knick knacks and again a large window ensures that there is no shortage of light. The couple’s own bedroom has an interesting colourful wall that is actually put together with screws that forms an interesting painting. “We can unscrew this and set it up again even if we change our home.”
The dressing area mirror is vertical and a set of draws adjoin the mirror which again makes it practical to store all the cosmetics neatly. The child’s bedroom is done up in sunshine yellow and the cupboard is where he has unleashed his creativity with several of his sketches plastered all over.
Again an aspect that gives this space a ‘feel good’ factor and a great personal touch as well. The kitchen is also completely modular and the numerous storage spaces ensures that the gadgets are all covered and the kitchen has a neat look at all times.
This is a house that reflects the sensibilities of its creative owners as well as a space that they call home.
“After all a home must be a space to relax. With so much happening in the outside world, you should be able to chill,” says Nita.
This home certainly has its heart in the right place. And if you want to know how you can add elements to your own home, see boxes below for some more advice from the expert couple that you can use.
Home truths
*Never overbuild on your site as you could lose on the quality of life.
*Understand the surrounding plan and build your home to take advantage of the environment.
*Within the home, keep walls to the minimum.
*You can use other separators like curio shelves, bead curtains etc.
*Identify a professional who can empathise with your sensibilities and give you ideas to ensure your dream home is what you always wanted.