Discover how ‘Gantavya’ by Intrigue Designs Studio + Lab becomes not just a residence but a destination where elegance, functionality, and sustainability converge

“We strongly believe that a house must speak the language of its occupants. From the colour, the material, to the furniture, everything has to resonate with their way of life,” state Nehit Vij and Devyani Gupta, the creative minds behind Intrigue Designs Studio + Lab and the designers of this 5BHK home located in India’s ‘Millennium City’ Gurugram. Christened ‘Gantavya,’ that translates to ‘destination’ in Sanskrit, this 5BHK home is meticulously designed and covers 5,000 square feet.

Infused with statement accents, geometric precision, and distinctive details, the home aligns seamlessly with the design ethos of its occupants, Abhishek and Lakshmi Bhatia, who were very clear that this is going to be their home for the next 10 years and will be the house for their growing kids aged 2 and 11 years. “We wanted the house to be spacious. In terms of decor, we were looking for an international aesthetic that defied conventional Indian decor,” revealed Abhishek. In a world often marked by excess, the charm of minimalistic homes lies in their ability to embrace simplicity without compromising on elegance.

‘Gantavya’ not only captures the essence of minimalist design but elevates it to an art form. The house unfolds as a harmonious symphony of space, where each element has been carefully curated to foster a sense of openness and tranquility. The open-plan layout, the central placement of living room furniture, and the integration of dressing and bathroom spaces were all responses to the client’s desire for spaciousness and a unique design language. Rather than adhering to a specific theme, ‘Gantavya’ showcases an eclectic design, reflecting the client’s personal journey and preferences. “The ‘bought condition’ of the penthouse was bad, so we ended up changing everything,” shares Nehit. The penthouse underwent a transformation, with a base colour scheme inspired by autumn hues. Different materials were employed for various spaces, creating a dynamic yet cohesive visual narrative.

Imagine stepping into ‘Gantavya’ through a private elevator, arriving at the 10th-floor lobby adorned with a tall teakwood door—an entryway to a realm of refined aesthetics. The journey unfolds in a linear layout, with the living room at its core. This central space connects seamlessly to the kitchen, utility, and dining areas. On one side, the master suite with a TV room and bedroom beckons, while on the other, three bedrooms and a study await exploration. Each bedroom boasts an attached dresser and washroom, embodying a thoughtful approach to space utilisation.

Customised and curated furniture plays a pivotal role in achieving the desired look. Pieces from the Vakr Studio in Delhi, such as curvaceous shelves, a curved bench, and a brass inlay table, add sophistication and balance. Personal touches, like a hand-painted ‘Life of Pi’ poster on the bar front and personalised privacy screens featuring city skylines and college memories, infuse the space with sentiment. The kitchen stands out with off-white cabinetry contrasting against deep red chevron-patterned backsplash tiles. The master bedroom exudes warmth with contrasting veneer and sophisticated patterns, while the guest bedroom features a charming rattan bed in pastel green. The kids’ room embraces pastel hues, strategically placing the study table near the window for ample natural light. The ensuite bathrooms showcase spacious elegance with glass partition doors, unique accent tiles, and generous storage. Geometric patterns, floral motifs, and diverse mirror shapes enhance the visual allure. These thoughtful design elements underscore the residence’s commitment to functional luxury.

The living area emerged as the designers’ favorite—serving as the central hub that effortlessly connected different zones. Intrigue Designs Studio + Lab’s ethos of letting the house speak the language of its occupants’ found expression in personalised corners, “For instance, the entry console was hand painted with a wildlife theme graphic (the occupant couple being wildlife enthusiasts),” further elaborates Devyani.

Nehit Vij and Devyani Gupta’s thoughtful curation has not only created a home that aligns with the client’s vision but has also set a benchmark for spaces that harmonise aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. In this triumph of design, ‘Gantavya’ invites us to appreciate the beauty that lies in the careful balance of simplicity and sophistication.

FACT FILE

Location: Central Park, Golf Course Road, Gurugram, Haryana

Area: 5000 sqft

Name of the Client: Mr. Abhishek Bhatia & Mrs. Lakshmi Bhatia

Principal Designer: Nehit Vij & Devyani Gupta

Design Team: Awani Gupta, Kajal Vashist

Firm Name: Intrigue Designs Studio + Lab, New Delhi, India

DEVYANI GUPTA AND NEHIT VIJ

Founding Partners, Intrigue Designs Studio + Lab

Intrigue Designs is a multi-disciplinary Art & Architecture firm founded by Devyani Gupta and Nehit Vij in 2010. A project of any scale requires inputs from different design branches – Architecture, Interiors, Furniture, Product, Art, Graphics, Landscape, Visuals, and Lighting; and further on for a holistic approach.  The ‘Intrigue Journey’ is about the explorations and fusion of these different design aspects to create unique spaces and products for the end users. The end product is what defines Intrigue Studio and paves the way forward.