A Mediterranean Way of Life fabricated by DesignEx

Borrowing from the palette of the Mediterranean Sea and inspired by European architecture and culture, this apartment is modern, simple & minimal

Built with affordability in mind and a wow factor in every facet of the design, the Ireo Residence conjures a modern Mediterranean atmosphere right in the heart of Gurugram. The architect of the project, Smriti Raheja Sawhney intended to successfully connect the design with traces of the Mediterranean Sea. Captivated by the beauty of their favourite vacation spot, the client couple Jaya and Piyush Gupta wanted something extremely modern, but not excessively carved or European. As a result, the configuration was developed by striking a balance between the two.

Set up as a 4BHK apartment, the 2,900 square feet space is inspired by London’s walkup apartments. The concept of this residence is a confluence of Mediterranean characteristics. Furthermore, inspiration was drawn from the proportions, design language, and panelling of European culture. The moulding styles also took cues from London and Italy. The setting unfolds a serene and relaxing atmosphere embracing a palette of white, blue and grey. Additionally, white and reflective panels allow for diffused lights throughout the house. The setting includes artificial lighting that works on automation and adjusts the vibe based on the time of day or night.

The use of locally sourced materials made the space both economically and ecologically efficient, reducing pollution and transportation costs. Additionally, the flooring is kept the same as furnished by the builder, eliminating waste and aiding the same objective. Following the concept, the entire woodwork is finished in white, and the walls are clad with linen-textured wallpaper featuring a self-on-self print in white and ivory tones. This process removes the need for painting or repainting, and has a constant finish throughout the setting.

At the entrance, the first thing that catches one’s attention is the European-inspired powder blue door, lending the vibe of the theme. The door features a knocker and a vintage knob, transferring folks to somewhere in Europe. The shoe rack situated at the entrance lobby is white toned and adorned by a beautiful blue canvas that reflects the ocean and creates an ambience for the space. The furniture in the living room adheres to the same design brief. It’s simple and classic with two chesterfield sofas that are incredibly comfortable and a little deep for one to tuck their legs and relax comfortably while spending leisure time. It is a very welcoming piece of living room furniture in which to rest and unwind. The chairs have a white wood finish with a distinct print on them.

Furthermore, the sofa set is enhanced with a refurbished centre table smoothly blending in with the design language. It is painted white to render the carving more modern and minimal in appearance, and the marble is set on top to make it more user-friendly and give it a modern edge, as opposed to the classical glass carving table that it was. The TV unit in this space is quite simple because it did not require any extra design details, and is elegantly decorated. The Samsung frame, which also represents European art and embraces the series of Picassos and other European artists that are on display, virtually blends with the decor.

The dining space, which is a part of the living room, is also styled similarly. It features elevated dining bar stools instead of ordinary dining chairs to provide a playful counterbalance to the visual element and achieve the desired setting. As a versatile dining table, the set can be used standing or sitting. Additionally, it turns into a flexible space where a buffet can be set up for an event.

The kitchen is open and visible from the dining and living areas. It also reflects the same light, aqua-themed colours as the rest of the house, and contributes to the space’s pleasant ambience. The kitchen is the heart of the home and holds the most significance. Jaya, the owner, enjoys cooking and spending time in the kitchen serving her family. As a result, the kitchen features a nice breakfast table where they can sit and interact while she cooks. The countertops in the kitchen have Satvario-finish quartz with an elegant subway Spanish-style herringbone pattern over the hop. The overhead storage in the main kitchen area is kept to a minimum. The pantry is used for bulk storage and is built high so that there is no visible mass or weight in the kitchen and it appears spacious. Additionally, to enhance the environment and make the experience even better, hanging potted plants are positioned at the end directly above the breakfast table, giving the space an impression of freshness and vibrancy.

The master bedroom is adjacent to the kitchen and exudes open and pleasant vibes, which are amplified by the warm lighting. It is modestly furnished with a bed with an upholstered comfy headboard, side tables, a tiny TV unit, and a working desk. It also includes two chairs that are designed to be conversation starters for the couple to lounge on. They can just sit there and gaze out at the lovely vista, or enjoy a sunset or two. The bathroom underwent a major transformation, as the builder initially provided a tub that has no practical use in the clients’ daily lives since their club is well equipped with saunas and hot tubs. After removing all extraneous features, the space was designed with white marble, a large mirror, and soft lighting, making it appear spacious and peaceful.

The son’s bedroom is set up partially for gaming and can be utilised for study as well. The arrangement is accommodated with three different screens, the desk and the study. The signboard incorporates elements of video gaming and the Avengers, making it unique. The wallpapers have a denim touch to them and provide colour and texture to the space. The arrangement also includes a sofa-cum-bed that can be doubled if needed. The powder room, which doubles as the son’s bathroom, combines elements of the Mediterranean style to continue with the theme. It features a stunning blue Moroccan tile, a blue basin, a very light grey tiled wall, and a lot of plants to embrace the concept.

The guest bedroom is intended for the client’s parents. It has a refurbished bed with a simple headboard that runs the length of the wall. It is essentially a lightweight sleeping solution for parents who occasionally visit their children. The bathroom in this space features a beautiful Moroccan tile floor and an Italian marble counter. It is designed to be neutral and modest, making it pleasant and easy for parents to use.

The final and most exciting space is the study that doubles as a reading area and library. This is where the family prefers to spend the majority of their time. It is furnished with two chairs for reading, relaxing and conversing. The room includes a notable antique desk that brings warmth and character. This makes the place appear tasteful and attractive, making you want to stay there for a long time.

The overall space combines beauty and functionality. There is a sense of simplicity, and all of the complexity is executed in a very minimalistic and subdued manner. Hence, everything blends to give the users an ideal environment and enhanced experience.

FACTFILE

Project: Ireo Residence, Gurugram

Architects: DesignEx, Gurugram

Design Team: Smriti Raheja Sawhney

Area: 2,900 sqft