Elysian Echoes, a private home nestled on one of the upper levels of a skyscraper in Kolkata, was the brainchild of Rahul Mistri of Open Atelier Mumbai, who took on the commission to craft a music-inspired family apartment. The home’s location, in the heart of the city, and the apartment’s swathes of glazing and long, iconic views, were key in creating the resulting engaging, warm and playful interior.
One enters through the private elevator entrance of Elysian Echoes. As the doors opens, one is greeted by an expansive, interactive living area. The space is adorned with contemporary art and bathed in elegant lighting. To the right of the lift lobby, one will find the guest room and mandir. These rooms are designed with serene aesthetics and rich materials, offering a peaceful sanctuary for visitors and spiritual reflection.
As one moves deeper into the house, the design transitions to the kitchen, utility and powder room. These areas boast modern fixtures and high-end finishes that blend functionality with style. The kitchen is a chef’s dream, equipped with state-of-the-art appliances and stylish countertops, while the powder room features sleek, contemporary fixtures.
Continuing forward, one will encounter the flexible layout of the living, entertainment lounge and dining areas. Full-length partition screens allow for effortless transitions between these spaces, creating an open yet adaptable environment. The areas are highlighted by bespoke furniture, custom lighting and curated artworks, enhancing the luxurious ambiance throughout.
The guest room adheres to Vastu principles, offering a tranquil retreat. The grandparents’ and parents’ rooms feature integrated ensuites. Meanwhile, the children’s room stands out with its vibrant design elements and dynamic colours, adding a burst of energy and creativity to the home.
The client’s brief was clear: create a Vastu-compliant home where their young ones could grow up surrounded by music. This vision shaped the overall concept of blending opulence with modernity, using the theme of music to craft a harmonious living space. The design integrates music-inspired elements to nurture creativity and well-being, reflecting the rhythmic and melodic essence of the client’s lifestyle.
The overarching theme of Elysian Echoes is the fusion of music and design. Each space within the home is crafted to resonate with the rhythms and harmonies of life, creating a seamless blend of luxury and modernity. The design approach ensures that every element, from the layout to the materials, contributes to a cohesive and enchanting atmosphere akin to a grand symphony.
The colour palette features warm tones, highlighted by Red Levante and Calacatta Viola marbles. Warm, earthy tones are paired with bold materials to achieve a sophisticated and harmonious aesthetic throughout the home.
Elysian Echoes is designed with several sustainability features, including energy-efficient lighting systems, the Casambi smart home system, recycled materials like lime plaster and low volatile organic compound paints. Sustainable fabrics in furnishings further underline the project’s commitment to eco-friendly living.
“Designing the children’s room was particularly enjoyable due to its dynamic and vibrant energy. Features like pull
out beds, designated study corners and a play area positioned above the bed made it a whimsical and imaginative space” says Rahul.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the design was the children’s room, characterised by its dynamic and vibrant energy. Features like pull-out beds, designated study corners, and a play area positioned above the bed make it both whimsical and functional. This space epitomizes creativity and practicality.
The primary challenge was integrating Vastu compliance with contemporary design. This was achieved through strategic spatial planning and flexible partitions. Another challenge was incorporating smart home technology discreetly, addressed by choosing the Casambi system for its unobtrusive functionality. Sourcing sustainable materials that met luxurious standards required thorough research and collaboration, culminating in a harmonious, eco-friendly design.
FACT FILE:
Name of the project: Elysian Echoes
Firm Name: Open Atelier Mumbai
Location of the project: Kolkata
Area: 3,000 sq. ft.
Design Team and Designation: Rahul Mistri [Founder and Principal Designer], Anju Mukhi,
Parth Soni, Dhruv Chauhan, Rakesh Sharma
Photo courtesy: Prashant Bhat