Colour Theory, New DElhi

"Colour Theory" in Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, embodies an ongoing dialogue between Vir Kotak and Studio Pomegranate. The studio's prior work exhibited minimal colour usage, at times even with a hint of hesitance. Vir played a pivotal role in instilling a profound understanding of colour within the studio. This journey began with projects like Thirsty City 127 in Mumbai, The Tangra Project in New Delhi, and discussions around Vir's aversion to plain white walls. He expressed a desire to showcase his extensive art collection through bold hues. These projects have led the studio to explore colour through materials and applied techniques.

The creation of this home for Simran, Vir, and their children started in 2018, involving extensive conversations about how the family would utilize the space. Studio Pomegranate is committed to crafting spaces that users can adapt and modify over time. The studio's belief lies in creating timeless functionality rather than being tethered to temporary aesthetics.

The journey within the home commenced through a dedicated elevator and stair lobby, leading to a dining area upon entering through the main door. To the left, a cozy living room featured a fireplace against an adjacent wall. On the right-hand side, a substantial bar unit adorned the wall. Progressing from the dining area, a corridor facilitated access to a powder toilet on the right, a children's bedroom on the right, a kitchen to the left, and finally, two bedrooms at the far end. Each bedroom boasted an enclosed balcony, once open, alongside spaces for wardrobes and en-suite bathrooms. The master bath thoughtfully integrated a walk-in closet accessible through the bathroom.

The family's current overseas residence has rendered the third bedroom less practical. However, they frequently return for work and social visits, rendering this home essential. Consequently, a proposal was made to convert the children's bedroom into a dining area by dismantling walls and creating a well-equipped bar within the space previously occupied by a bathroom.

The studio's design approach for this home revolved around materials. Each room was conceptualized with a prominent "Area rug" as an integral floor element, complemented by another set of "rugs" forming part of the floor. This design was realized through terrazzo edging surrounding all rooms and a central teak-wood floor, forming the central area rug. Smaller rugs, crafted from squares of green marble, adorned this foundational layer, creating a seamless floor surface that was both weather-friendly and easy to maintain. Additional rugs from Jaipur Rugs and Obetee contributed warmth, reflecting a lived-in ambiance. Terrazzo and teak were chosen for their adaptability to diverse aesthetics, allowing a rich spectrum of wall colours while deviating from the conventional white. Furniture, either custom-designed or procured from independent designers, created a versatile backdrop for the ever-changing art collection.

The transformation of the dining room into a dynamic space created an inviting entrance, encouraging occupants to gather and navigate the home at their own pace. This transition also birthed a gallery space for artworks. The living room, bathed in a calming turquoise hue, underwent rearrangement to position the fireplace as a central focal point. This layout seamlessly blended with the adjacent gallery and two balconies, fostering a harmonious connection with the outdoors.

The home's passage, designed as a unifying thread, was enhanced by an imaginative colour strategy. Paint shades from various rooms converged in this space, constructing a visual narrative that frame the inhabitants' journey.

The dining room, now adorned in a subdued pink shade akin to the gallery, evolved into a versatile transitional area. It encompasses a fully equipped bar and accommodates intimate gatherings. The custom-designed dining table, coupled with lighting from Paul Matter, elevated the room's functionality.

The new guest bedroom was conceived as a multi-purpose zone. The bed ingeniously folds into bookshelves, while the desk relocates to the room's centre. This ingenious design enables the space to transition effortlessly between an office, a playroom, or a bedroom, fostering adaptability. Notably, this room ditches painted surfaces in favour of bookshelves crafted from vibrant green, pink, and white marble. This creative approach invites occupants to engage actively with their surroundings.

The master bedroom, adorned in a soothing light green shade, underwent strategic reconfiguration to frame artworks and cultivate cozy corners for relaxation. Enclosed balconies metamorphosed into functional areas, highlighting the fluidity of design.

Originally comprising four bathrooms, the home now features two full bathrooms and a guest powder room. Baswara marble forms the cornerstone of the design, cascading from walls to floors. Bespoke hardware, meticulously fashioned by the studio, graces the shower cubicle in the master bath.

In summation, the journey of colour theory in Vasant Vihar culminates in a dwelling where hues evoke emotions, materials foster connections, and design becomes a canvas for the family's ever-evolving experiences.

Project details:

Area: 2500 Sq.ft

Project team: Pranav Naik, Shweta Shah, Bhakti Kunder, Tulika Srivastava, Ambreen Massey, Kunth Shah.

Clients Project team: Jitin Sahni, Ashish Kaushik, Ajit Dixit, Anil Chaudhary

Art curation: Vir Kotak, Poonji Nath

Contractors:

Civil works: Mortar Construction Carpentry: Rajesh Vishwakarma Woor floor: Sim Teak Stone fireplace: Erasmic Marbles Lighting: Abner lighting, Paul Matter, Vis-à-vis, Ikea Furniture: Designbee, DeMuro Das, Wriver, Jaipur Rugs, Obetee

Images: Suryan & Dang, Pranav Naik Text: Pranav Naik