BY MADHUPARNA SASTAKAR
The Rural Roots
-
Lead Architects: Madhuparna Sastakar, Siddhi Nanivadekar
-
Carpet Area: 1300 sq ft
-
Year: 2025
-
Location: Pune, IN
True to its name, The Rural Roots is an interior project designed for a client from the Konkan region who wanted a space that reflects a deep connection to his origins. The design thoughtfully incorporates elements such as a wooden ceiling, exposed columns, natural rattan, and wall niches, evoking the charm of a traditional town house within an urban setting. A warm palette of earthen tones further enhances the authenticity and soul of the space.
The entrance lobby sets the tone with a warm and inviting welcome, thoughtfully designed with a shoe rack and entrance console crafted in rich, warm woods and accented with natural rattan. A subtle pop of mustard adds a refreshing vibrancy, breaking the monotony while still staying true to the earthy palette. The wall is elegantly highlighted with framed antique lotus decals, lending a timeless, traditional charm to the space.
The living room beautifully showcases wooden ceiling columns, complemented by three gracefully arched wall niches that add depth and architectural character. The TV unit is enhanced with a subtle wallpaper inspired by the serene landscapes of the Konkan region, thoughtfully muted to blend seamlessly with the overall palette. A striking yellow console with delicate black knob detailing introduces a lively pop of colour, balancing tradition with a hint of playfulness. Anchoring the space is a meticulously carved wooden sofa, embodying the timeless craftsmanship and enduring charm of classic wooden furniture.
The dining area is kept simple and understated, allowing the full-height carved wooden column to take centre stage as its defining feature. Paired with a clean wooden dining table topped with stone and complemented by rattan chairs, the space achieves a harmonious blend of texture and materiality.
The column, standing tall in the corner, seamlessly ties in with the traditional language of the living room. Enhancing the ambiance further, a glass and antique-finish dining light adds a layer of old-world charm, while the wall adorned with a Wada-inspired painting infuses the space with cultural richness and a sense of heritage.
The living and dining areas seamlessly transition into the mandir and kitchen, creating a fluid and connected spatial experience. The mandir, crafted in warm wood, is adorned with intricately detailed columns and brass bells, exuding a sense of tradition and serenity. Below, a fluted glass crockery unit introduces a lighter visual element, beautifully balancing the richness of the wood.
In the kitchen, a pop of mustard is introduced through the pantry unit, while the rest of the space is kept in soothing shades of cream and brown. This thoughtful use of mustard ties back to the TV unit in the living room, creating a subtle visual continuity that harmoniously connects the spaces.
The master bedroom is designed with a soft, understated elegance, centred around a bed featuring a delicate headboard framed by slender columns on either side, with muted upholstery in between. The wall behind the headboard continues this subtle palette, bordered with wood and adorned with black-and-white photographs that add a personal, timeless touch.
Flanking the bed, one side opens into a study table crafted in warm wood, highlighted by an interesting and colourful leg detail that introduces a hint of playfulness. On the other side, a simple glass and antique gold light fixture adds a gentle glow, balancing the composition beautifully.
The wardrobe, finished in an earthen rust tone and accented with an ethnic fabric panel sandwiched within, creates a striking contrast against the otherwise muted room, tying the space back to its rooted, cultural narrative.
The daughter’s bedroom, designed for a 7-year-old, brings in a sense of playfulness while staying rooted in the overall earthy theme. A light wooden wardrobe is enlivened with a pop of custom-made butterfly handles, adding a whimsical touch. The wardrobe shutters incorporate a playful rattan weave, seamlessly blending texture with the home’s natural material palette.
Extending from the wardrobe, a study table runs end-to-end, creating a functional and cohesive design element, complemented by shelf storage adorned with charming wooden sphere details. Opposite this, a custom-designed wallpaper in soft shades of beige and rust, featuring delightful animal motifs, adds warmth and character, making the room both lively and comforting.
The parents’ bedroom is designed with simplicity and comfort at its core, rendered in soothing tones of light wood. The wardrobe features delicate mouldings, with floral fabric panels subtly sandwiched within, adding a gentle touch of elegance. A softly curved mirror enhances the visual warmth of the space, while two single beds in matching light wood ensure ease of use and practicality. Together, these elements create a calm, uncluttered environment that is both timeless and thoughtfully suited for everyday comfort.
