Bespoke Design By ZERO9 (Home Tour)

I cannot emphasize enough on how “Good Design” can enhance the quality of everyday living. Good design has the ability to magically transform square footage into comfortable, functional and stylishly livable spaces. The Mumbai based multi-disciplinary design studio “Zero9" is adept at balancing cutting edge design with traditional interpretation of comfort and function. I was particularly blown away by their design approach adopted to stylize a 950 sq.ft. apartment in Mumbai owned by a young couple. The design team lead by Prashant Chauhan and Anu Chauhan completed the project within a time span of 5 months. Logically altering the walls that existed in this Mumbai apartment, the team successfully maximized space utility and created a home that exudes contemporary flair integrated with a rustic+homey vibe. Clean lines and simple design is brilliantly combined with old décor elements to create a sense of history in this new Mumbai apartment.

Firm Zero9's strong design beliefs have steered them in the right direction since launching their firm in 2005, "We believe in an evolving and long lasting relationship with the people we connect. We place our client’s virtuous sense and taste as the focus of our works. Our sensitivities translate the client needs to reality by using innovative and state of art mediums like digital art, photography, new-age technology and material analysis. Each of our projects with a unique style has a story to tell." It's no surprise that the distinct design style of the firm is much sort after by young home owners and design enthusiasts who second Zero9's design mantra, "Design is boundless.", and are "aesthetically inclined towards integrating art and space converting it to refined design solutions."

I reached out to Prashant Chauhan to get my answers on latest design trends and how he and his team managed to achieve the design feat in a 950 sq. ft. space. His answer to the latter is straight forward,"It's all about keeping it simple. The lesser the clutter, the bigger the space. Another prerequisite included to see as much as the floor as possible. That makes a space look bigger.” Quoting Prashant on following design trends in the industry, "We believe good, efficient design defining the user and his lifestyle is timeless. Trends are temporary.” 

Characterized by beautiful turmeric colored Jaisalmer stone floors (etched with silhouettes of frangipani leaves in brass) and textured white stucco walls with carved geometric niches,  the space sports a warm rustic vibe with an open airy floor plan. Niches created in the wall along with wooden shelves serve as the perfect display platform for interesting decor accessories and quirky collections. The decor accessories seen in the home are a combination of those that the owners had collected themselves and others that were sourced by the Zero9 design team from Oshiwara Antiques Market in Mumbai and Good Earth. 

The palette of sea foam blue-greens, ocher and nut brown come together in the most charmingly eclectic way to punctuate an otherwise white backdrop. 

My absolute favorite spot in the house, has to be this antique painted "parsi style" day bed tucked close to the window, a perfect spot to curl up and read a good book. 

The colors flow unhindered from one space to the other thus keeping the look cohesive  and creating photogenic corners in every room in the home.

Design challenges to keep the kitchen looking fresh and unique were tackled by thoughtfully combining real wood cabinets, modern G4 stone platform, cheerful ocher colored tiles and wooden carved jali that are lit to emphasize their design presence. All in all, the kitchen is the perfect model of how form and function can come together to create stylish interiors.

Won't you agree when I say that it's all in the details?

As we transition to the master bedroom and bath, the mood is intimate and inviting. Departing from the rest of the design style at home, the master bedroom and bath have a more contemporary, modern, clean line approach to it. White flooring and wardrobe shutters in brown mirror, create that sanctuary spa like feel.

Zero9's services are not limited to Interiors for commercial & residential projects.They are proficient in the areas of advertising, exhibitions and architecture too. You can get acquainted with their range of skill right here. Should you wish to stay abreast of their latest projects and work, follow them via FB or Instagram. 

Thank you Prashant for taking the time to connect with TECD. We wish you and Zero9 all the very best!

(Image credit: Sebastian Zachariah and Rashmi Mallaya, Image Copyright: Zero9. The images may NOT be reproduced with the prior permission of Zero9) 

A Tour of Rosie's Retreat Homestay (Lakeside)

With sweeping views of man-made Lake Pachola, this Airbnb homestay is a hallmark of individuality and ethnic style done right! Rosie's Retreat Homestay (Lakeside) blends beautifully into Udaipur's architectural backdrop with emphasis being on a place of escape and relaxation.This quaint two story apartment is owned by Rosie Cornwallis and is filled with architectural niches and arches, tribal treasures, art and antiques creating what I call "spirited interiors".

Let's start with a tour of the breath-taking master bedroom.....A carved stone jharokha not only serves to enhance the architectural quotient of the home but it also serves as one of a kind headboard. 

Image waking up in this bed with magical views of the beautiful lake! Do take note of the small spinning windows at the side of the bed for late night lake viewing. It doesn't get any more romantic than this, does it? 

Wooden beams decorating the ceiling and flat woven kilims on the floor bring warmth and character to this beautiful living room dressed with furniture in rustic wood tones.

Adorning this corner is a 1920's English chest-of-drawers with the Brijbasi prints of the Hindu Gods serving as art.

Drooling over this handpainted Jodhpur almari and the rustic bedroom door that leads to the breakfast courtyard.

More door love!

The alfresco breakfast nook located just off the bedroom seems like the perfect spot to enjoy some mouth watering parathas smeared with butter before one heads out to take in all that Udaipur (also known as "The Venice of the East") has to offer. Potted plants, granite carvings and a village carving of Mira guarding the doorway are simple touches that bring about a huge impact.

The house is fitted with an expansive private terrace complete with diwan style seating and a sigdi (firepit)  for some serious lounging.

And finally a view of the scenic sunsets from the terrace with the Amet Haveli and Leela Palace in the background. Now who wouldn't want a piece of this?

Images: Airbnb

Made to Order (Home Tour)

A well curated home reveals itself one bit at a time. Every corner you turn has a story or memory waiting to unfold. This truly works as an antidote for me and makes everyday living so much more enjoyable. The Joseph's home in Kerala (India) is no different. The homeowners have reconnoitered every aspect of creating a dream home. Functionality, comfort, balancing the old with the new, working in the right amounts of color, a pinch of sassy sparkle and not to mention their personality stamped all over it. 

(Clockwise from top left : Image 1- A front view of the elevation of the home, Image 2- main door with a favorite bonsai setting the tone for what's to follow, Image 3- the front yard on a dreamy rainy day, Image 4 - more terracotta love) 

The home was originally built 30 years ago, however the Josephs decided to give their home a face-lift and took on the herculean task of renovating it, a year and a half ago. With the renovations now complete, Bindu breathes a sigh of relief and says,“It was exhausting and draining to say the least. However, I have enjoyed every aspect of the process, as we were that much closer to our objective of a bright, open and airy space.” 

As we make our way into the home, the foyer greets us with fresh blooms and the warm glow of flickering candles. The functional divider, ingeniously separates the dining hall from the family room while also serving as the family's bookcase. An antique mirror, console and brass hanging lamps dress this divider and add character to an otherwise new piece. Fresh flowers and potted plants are always a part of this arrangement, as Bindu believes that flower power is the most cheerful way to greet her guests.

Color and style wrap their arms around this gorgeous living room. Talking about their design choices and inspiration for the home, Bindu says, “The various interior magazines that I had collected over a period of ten years were our go to source for inspiration. I decided to custom make all the furniture in the house based on the ones that I had book-marked from the magazines. As for the artifacts, most of them were collected from our travels." 

The Josephs are also avid antique collectors and wanted to incorporate some favorite pieces to the architecture of the home. And as we can see, ornate antique pillars have been beautifully married into the architecture of the home, forming an almost  palatial gateway like effect into the entertainment and lounging area. 

When asked what genre of style would she like to associate her home with, Bindu shares, “I wouldn't want to categorize my style . My home is a collage of some Indian, some western and all things that my family and I love.”

Our lady takes the word "entertaining" very seriously. She goes the whole nine yards to ensure that the ambiance fosters an unforgettable experience for family and friends! Formal dinner ware, symphonic arrangement of flowers and candle light become a part of a decadent tablescape!  

At the far end of the formal dining room, a collection of colorful glass bottles dress up an octagonal shaped traditional south Indian table. Most of the bottles were brought back from the family’s travels abroad. As challenging as it may have been to bring these fragile pieces back with them, the final effect is well worth the effort!

Our next stop, is the heart of the home - the kitchen. A place where Bindu loves to spend her time cooking gustatory delicacies for her family and friends. Updated with the latest kitchen gadgets and shiny granite counter-tops, this kitchen is a gracious mix of convenience, function and design. It is lovingly sprinkled with cheerful kitchen accessories injecting interest and beauty and thus making the mundane chore of everyday cooking a pleasurable experience. 

More snap shots of everyday moments from the Joseph household.

A sneak peek into  one of the son’s rooms.....and I dare say is it is nothing less of being termed a Xanadu - Color done right, music , Suzani and an eclectic soul! Seriously, I could move into this room today;)

Bindu is a lady after my own heart. She loves changing things up every now and then and adores having little vignettes cozy up her space without looking overly busy. Flowers, glitterati effect, global finds and mood light are the ingredients that harmoniously come together to amplify the personal design style of these lovely home owners.

Bindu also channels her love for color by sprinkling her home with colorful accessories and textiles in vivid shades to reinvigorate the space. This little nook, makes me want to drop everything that I'm doing and just curl up by the window with a good read and chai. Thank you Josephs for letting us tour your beautiful home! We wish you all the very best in all that life has to offer.....

(And finally a view of the backyard with a gorgeous wall mural done by a local artist. With a swing to add to the outdoor drama, it's no surprise that the Josephs love spending a considerable amount of time outdoors.) 

With that we come to the end of our fabulous home tour. And as we can see there are no rules to decorating, only guidelines. So just have fun and allow your instincts to lead you on......

Happy decorating folks!

Images are the property of Bindu Joseph and may not be used without prior written permission.