SETTING A

Contemporary Eclectic Style

in an oceanfront apartment

featuring

Ocean Front Home

Project type: Residential
Area: 2700 sq ft
Project Location: Chennai, India
Interior Design Firm: Studio Neon Attic, Chennai, India
Written Description: Architect Sadhana Raghu, Studio Neon Attic
Photography: Yash R Jain

About

Nestled in Chennai’s premium residential gated community in MRC Nagar is a sea-facing apartment recently designed and finished by Neon Attic, a luxury architecture and interior design studio based out of Chennai, India.

The 2700-square feet apartment accommodates a young couple. Enveloped within a glass shell framework, the home includes a large open-plan living and dining area, an entertainment room, four bedrooms and a kitchen. The balcony is the most unique element and runs along the length of the home from which unobstructed views of the sea can be captured.

The design brief provided by the client called for the coming together of disparate styles which include art, collectibles and vintage pieces collected over time which they were eager to showcase in their new abode.

The Design

We start right with the foyer space which leads to the open plan of the Living/Dining. As you walk in, your eyes are drawn to the balcony and the spectacular view around. Light floods the space throughout the day due to the usage of light white sheer curtains cloaking the interiors in an opalescent sheen.

“Our primary objective was to evoke sentiments of calmness and well- being in the space. There was an uninterrupted floor plate which acted as a blank canvas for us to explore and experiment creatively. We wanted to retain the sense of space and openness throughout the apartment”
-Priya, Co-founder of Neon Attic

“Deliberate use of bold colours, wide material palette, clean lines, crisp finishes, and contrasting textures were used to create distinct space”
-Rambha, Co-founder of Neon Attic

Contemporary Eclectic

The wide material palette includes wood, micro concrete used for dining table top which ties in with the textured walls, blue focal elements and gold metallic accents. Gold metal, especially, has been used optimally as seen on the nested tables, side tables and on the lights in the room to brighten up the space.

Mixing and matching different furniture design styles was essential to create an eclectic space with all the furniture being custom-made based on the client’s specific requirements for height.

Distinct textures and patterns have been introduced in the form of upholstery fabric and an area rug which ties in the living room together. A couple of indoor plants such as the fig plant was added to give a touch of greenery to the space.

A great number of art works- paintings and digital prints have been incorporated into the space.

Dining

The whimsical element of the living/ dining space is a mesmerizing dining built in unit in a striking matt blue finish.

An eight seater dining table with a wooden base and micro concrete table top was proposed to match the treatment of the walls and the cylindrical exposed structural column in the room.

The stunning glass and metal Shikara Pendant light by Arjun Ratti, in its unconventional geometry and form crowning the dining brings an understated elegance and class to the space.

Balcony

This east facing balcony with cosy outdoor seating, a bar table and a large gold planter makes it the perfect spot to enjoy a hot cup of coffee with serene views of sunrise over the backwaters.

This space doubles up as a space to entertain guests for a drink. It is also used as a spill over space from the living in case of large gatherings.

The wooden deck flooring and the wicker poufs give a rustic touch to the whole setup.

Study

The main element of this formal study is the distinctive, fluted, curved work desk carved out of Kalimardhu wood, in natural finish.

The work desk is paired with a comfortable swivel chair upholstered in soft grey velvet fabric.

On the opposite side, we have 2 ghost chairs in a grey tint; the chairs are translucent, let light pass through and hence take up no visual space.

Acting as a backdrop to this desk against a large wall is an open utilitarian home library shelf flaunting minimalistic aesthetics, with ample storage augmenting the flair of the space.

A large mirror in a simple wooden frame is mounted behind the work desk. This reflection ensures the space looks bigger and brighter.

The gold accents in this space are the table lamp, the swivel chaise base and the handles in the utilitarian shelf.

A very personal space, this room houses the client’s souvenirs and family portraits.

Masterbed Suite

The master suite was designed with the intention of making it feel like a relaxed retreat.

A corner floor to ceiling window ensures this room is naturally well lit during the day.

This high bed, made in a Cairo walnut finish, upholstered with a bright orange headboard with brass button detailing is the dominant feature of this room.

The subtle grey and white striped wallpaper and the simple, graceful wall light directs our attention to the majestic king size bed that is accompanied by 2 S-shaped side tables.

A love seat, a dresser table and Hawaiian printed curtains constitute the various other textures in the room.

The spacious wardrobes finished with muted grey shutters balances out the other bright colours in the room.

The floral printed duvet cover and the loose gold and white cushions also lend more character to the room.

“It’s all about the details” says Sripriya. Much like the icing on the cake, home décor and accessories are important to make the space feel complete. Those finishing touches enhance every home. The idea was to allow all these individual elements to speak without burdening and overpowering the important décor items, to ensure they don’t get lost in surrounding décor.