What happens when an art aficionado with a deep appreciation for traditional craftsmanship envisions the home of her dreams along with a pragmatist who values modernity and the comforts that come with it? For Nishtha Duggal and Rohan Gera, co-founders of interior design firm The Concreate Story, the answer to their clients' dilemma lay in a balanced approach that speaks to both the past and the present. Along with team member Vaibhav Rakde, they created a striking vernacular modern home interior, filled with art and amenities in equal measure.
“The challenge was to blend two very distinct personalities,” Nishtha tells us. “Ruchika has a natural inclination towards artistic expression and an understanding of the cultural richness embedded in the pieces she collects. On the other hand, Pranav brought a more practical, functional approach to the design. He values modernity and comfort, believing that furniture should be both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. He understands the importance of comfort and usability, particularly in a home that would be a refuge for both work and relaxation.” Their contrasting yet harmonious personalities ultimately defined the design.
Spatial Reimaginings
Beyond aesthetic considerations, the layout called for a spatial restructuring. Walls were knocked down and spaces opened up, to ensure a feeling of expansiveness throughout the 3,200-square-foot home. What was originally a four-bedroom apartment was converted into a two-bedroom home with a lounge and study. “The overall goal of tearing down walls was to create a space that’s bathed in natural light, allowing the colours to truly come to life,” Nishtha says. “A potential setback was the reimagining of spaces, particularly the living room, which was once a closed-off area. Balancing natural light, heritage elements, and modern comforts required meticulous planning and adjustments.”
A Warm Embrace
Throughout the home, a sense of warmth pervades. This is unsurprising given that the key material used across the interior is wood, reclaimed traditional teak in particular, which has been incorporated into the wooden partitions, wardrobes, and kitchen. Toasty beiges and browns, rich rust hues, and warm whites are used liberally and in conjunction with the tactility of natural cane, hand-plastered finishes, and rich linens.
This backdrop of rich, layered neutrals formed a canvas onto which colour-deep hues of red, emerald green, and cerulean come to life. “Colours played a pivotal role in creating the mood and enhancing the narrative of each space,” Nishtha says. “The dining area, with its bold colour palette, contrasted with serene spaces like the guest bedroom with pale, distressed French yellow walls, creating a balance of serenity and vibrancy.”
An Aesthete’s Dream
In the foyer, a grand floor-to-ceiling pichwaii painting, in vibrant hues of blue, orange, green, and gold, takes centre stage, while a brass Nandi statue from Ishatvam art gallery lies beside. The bathrooms are decorated with exquisite mirror mosaic work by Kanika Singh, and in the dining room, a stunning Sabyasachi for Nilaya wallpaper steals the scene. All throughout, vintage lights and chandeliers from Delhi Brass add an antique flair to the interior, along with distressed metal fittings and ornate accessories. Attention to detail is evidenced throughout the vernacular modern home. Nishtha says, “Through this thoughtful interplay of tradition and modernity, we aimed to craft not just a home, but a reflection of the clients’ journey—an environment that speaks to their past, celebrates their present, and serves as a foundation for their future.”
Also read: A contemporary home in Bengaluru sits snug within its vernacular roots
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