Sanguine pastel tones, tactile finishes, unique architectural tessellations, and a visually pleasing palette, paired with personal touches from the client, truly tell the story of this Gurgaon home. The 2,950-square-foot house by Maha K of Design Doodle Studio, along with cofounder Vijay Kumar and their team including Twinkle Mehta and Suhani Dhawan, is a blueprint for collaborative design, and a guide to creating spaces that feel cosy and welcoming while maintaining a distinct character that seamlessly aligns with modern living.
“The clients Sumeet and Parul first reached out to us on social media for their parents’ home,” shares Maha. “After that successful collaboration, they returned to us for their own home renovation. Having lived on one floor, they had now acquired the floor above, with the goal of redesigning the entire space into a duplex.”
This Gurgaon home required a plan that would enhance its overall flow and ambience while fostering a tranquil atmosphere. “Sumeet, who runs a 3D visualisation firm, leaned towards neutral and earthy tones, while Parul, a psychologist, was more inclined to infuse some colour to bring warmth and life into the space. The design freedom they gave was both a challenge and an opportunity, and we embraced it by creating a concept that harmonised both of their preferences,” adds Maha.
Colours and Curves
Soft, gentle turns and arcs crafted from POP and finished with a lime wash bring a sense of motion and flow to the spaces. “The home was to be more than just a space—it was to become a soft cocoon, a gentle sigh of relief for a couple whose professions are mentally taxing, a place where they could shed their worries at the door and embrace peace,” shares Maha. “We wove this idea into the very fabric of the house, using free-flowing curves and smooth edges to create a sense of continuity.”
For the colour scheme, the most surprising of inspirations—a triple chocolate mousse—was chosen as the central theme of the mood board. Colours of mocha, ivory, and caramel, forming an essentially earthy palette, evoke a sense of warmth and indulgence. “The same palette seamlessly continues onto the microcement flooring, where dual shades enhance the clean, minimal look. Without a single joint or break, the floor mirrors the design’s overarching theme of uninterrupted flow—a serene canvas for life to unfold,” adds Maha.
A Private and Social Canvas
The living room underwent significant changes; the designers transformed a cramped layout into a cohesive space by reimagining the design. They removed most of the space dividers, including a plumbing shaft, reworked the walls with soft tessellations, and introduced several custom pieces.
“This room presented us with a surprise element—two oddly placed columns that we hadn’t anticipated,” says Maha. “Initially, they seemed like a roadblock in our plan, but we decided to make them the focal point instead of hiding them. We designed a curved wall around the columns, creating a sculptural form that anchors the entire room. On one side of the wall, we integrated a custom sofa, and on the other, a coffee counter. The columns now serve both form and function.”
The seating is convivial, featuring a double-sided swing. A coffee table between the sofas doubles as an ottoman, fitting seamlessly into the seater and offering flexibility for lounging or watching TV.
The dining room, which is part of this open plan, is slightly set apart by a change in flooring colour. “Surrounded by plants and illuminated by a minimal chandelier, it offers a more serene, inviting space for meals while still being connected to the living area. This sense of flow is key to the entire design—whether you’re sitting in the living room, dining, or even in the open kitchen, you feel like every part of the space is in conversation with the others,” says Maha. A balcony adjacent to this room is filled with greenery, making the living space feel even more expansive.
A Special Treat
The kitchen, unlike most city homes, is bathed in natural light thanks to the skylight at the stairwell. “The island plays a key role here, acting as both a functional workspace and a casual gathering spot,” shares Maha. “It doubles as a serving counter for snacks, making it easy to keep the party flowing without anyone feeling isolated. To further elevate this open-concept design, we introduced a dual-tone microcement flooring that serves as a subtle yet impactful way to define the kitchen area. The flooring not only complements the openness of the layout but also adds a refined layer of functionality and visual intrigue.”
A Private Affair
The bedrooms and bathrooms embody quiet luxury. “In the master bedroom, the soft arches create a gentle flow, and the neutral beige tones blend seamlessly with a warm burnt cinnamon headboard, giving the space a grounded elegance,” explains Maha. “As you walk through the wardrobe area, you’ll notice hand-painted shutters that add a personal touch to the room—our client painted them herself, bringing her own dreamy landscape to life. Across from the bed, a semi-open terrace features a striped floor created using water jet-cut tiles that extend onto a bench.”
The bathroom also celebrates the elegance of arches. The large bathtub, nestled beside a planter box, is the heart of the design, and the soft, muted tones provide the perfect ambience for a long, relaxing soak. “The true measure of success for us came when Sumeet and Parul shared their heartfelt feedback. They told us that they loved it so much, they no longer had the desire for staycations outside of their home—their space felt like a luxurious getaway,” shares Maha.
