Decorating

AD Small Spaces: This 450-square-foot Bengaluru home is a warm, textured sanctuary

House of Ruya drew inspiration from Japan's wabi-sabi aesthetic to lend this Bengaluru home a lovely earthy palette that's warm and welcoming.
AD Small Spaces This 450squarefoot Bengaluru home is a warm textured sanctuary
Nayan Soni Photography

For IT professionals, navigating the fast-paced world, design practice House of Ruya took the principles of wabi-sabi aesthetic to wrap a young couple’s tiny 450-square-foot Bengaluru home in warm, natural tones and earthen textures, creating a soothing sanctuary away from the city’s bustle.

A foyer adorned in warm lime wash textures from Splash Textures features a striking custom red dot art by Ishika Shandilya.

Nayan Soni Photography

The foyer transitions seamlessly to the living area with a custom boucle sofa by Studio Spectrum, sitting on a vibrant round rug by Loops by lj. A sleek TV unit in oak veneer adds warmth to this composition.

Nayan Soni Photography

Upon entering, a small foyer-like alcove unfolds into a communal area encompassing the living, dining, and kitchen zones. “We took down a few walls to allow natural light to penetrate deep into the space,” says Aishwarya. Softened edges, lime-washed walls, and warm grey tiles establish the apartment’s tactile backdrop. White accents, including a curved boucle couch, cloud pendant lights, and textured POP art, delicately contrast the earthy monotone palette.

Also read: AD Small Spaces: 5 uber stylish homes under 500 square feet

Custom printed tiles are from Osaanj, and sleek outdoor furniture from IKEA decorates the balcony.

Nayan Soni Photography

Black dining chairs from Objectry complement a custom oak dining table. A versatile bench slides beneath the table for intimate meals and emerges as additional seating when guests arrive.

Nayan Soni Photography

A breakfast counter and a suspended custom-built bar unit by House of Ruya separate the kitchen from the living room. Full-body tiles blend seamlessly with the wall, while textured laminate introduces a subtle contrast. An arched doorway leads to the utility.

Nayan Soni Photography

Positioned behind the couch, a bespoke oak dining table and bench infuse warmth into the stark palette. The neutral tones of the walls and floors find a striking contrast in black details. Aishwarya skillfuly introduces imperfect edges and organic shapes through the dining chairs and coffee table, perfectly capturing the essence of the wabi-sabi aesthetic. The tiny balcony extends the living space outdoors, featuring potted greenery, vibrant floor tiles, and sleek IKEA furniture—a perfect retreat, especially in the evenings.

A tiny breakfast island visually separates the kitchen from the living-dining. The grey palette extends seamlessly into full-height cabinetry, accentuated by bold black details, including kitchen equipment, faucets, and decorative accents.

Arch doorways, replacing builder-provided doors, create a seamless, fluid look. Curved beams and wall edges contribute to the cohesive design language.

Nayan Soni Photography

Bedroom entrance showcasing a custom-built bed by House of Ruya with a padded headboard. Concealed push-to-open side tables maximise space. Texture paint on walls and ceilings continues the design narrative.

Nayan Soni Photography

A cosy reading nook in the bedroom featuring a custom lounge chair by Studio Spectrum and a pendant light from Smart Lights.

Nayan Soni Photography

A narrow corridor leads to the bed and bath. Arch-shaped doors open into the zen-like bedroom. A custom fabric-padded bed, a snug reading chair beside the window, and a sleek wardrobe make this space. The bathroom, an extension of the bedroom, showcases grey subway tiles in alternate textures (glossy and matt), complemented by black fittings from Kohler.

Also read: 7 perfect small space sofas to make tiny living rooms look bigger

Grey tiles, textured subway tiles, and black fixtures form the primary palette in the bathroom.

Nayan Soni Photography

Throughout this Bengaluru home's transformation, House of Ruya addressed spatial challenges, encouraging a minimalist lifestyle for the homeowners. Concealed storage and strategically placed furniture foster a clutter-free environment, creating an illusion of expanded space. The trinity of materials — concrete tiles, warm grey lime wash texture paint, and oak wood harmoniously converge, draped in warm beige tones, resonating with a rawness that embodies imperfection—the very essence of wabi-sabi philosophy.