This Bengaluru villa by Jois Design House illustrates an artful confluence of Indian traditional charm and contemporary flair

Home is where the heart is, but it’s also where the dwellers’ design dreams take shape. In Bengaluru’s western fringes, a family of four found their ideal abode, brought to life by Jois Design House. Nestled amidst the verdant embrace of a gated community, this villa is home to a family of four. The exterior presents a contemporary facade, but inside, the 2,500 sq ft space tells a different story – one of timeless tradition.

The clients desired for a home steeped in Indian aesthetics, replete with prints, textures, and solid wood, providing the designer with a fertile ground to experiment. Yet, the brief was not without its challenges. “The infusion of traditional sensibilities into a modern framework for a balanced living experience required careful navigation”, avers Ananya Jois of her eponymous studio, who sculpted the residential interiors. “We conceptualised the abode ‘Varnika’ in the spirit of Indo-contemporary maximalism, to create a space which feels both rooted and innovative.”

The residents’ vision manifests from the moment one steps inside. Antique wooden pillars and a traditional swing frame an inviting entrance to the living area, setting the tone for the elegant woodwork that flows throughout—from armchair frames and overhead rafters to the sleek TV unit’s cabinet. Athangudi tiles grace the underfoot, their regional artistry complemented by Rajasthani tiles on the coffee table. This eclectic mix finds continuation in the mosaic-clad risers of the sun-list staircase.

The culinary zone lies adjacent. Ananya explains, ”The family chose to forgo a separate dining space. So, we reconfigured the kitchen from an L-shape to a U-shape, adding an extension where they can enjoy their meals.” Doused in mustard yellow, the kitchen cabinets’ vibrance is tempered by the simplicity of quartz countertop and terrazzo dado tiles.

Ascending to the first floor, an open study area unfolds, enriched with hand-painted Pichwai murals by local artists, which deepen the home’s cultural resonance. Its flooring, laid with yellow Athangudi tiles, echoes the radiant elements of the communal spaces below, forming a cohesive visual dialogue throughout the dwelling.

A harmonious juxtaposition of themes defines the bedrooms. While the overall design ethos of the home is maintained, each bedroom is an individualistic sanctuary that caters to the unique preferences of its occupant.

Earthy elegance prevails in the matriarch’s room, immersed in the tranquil warmth of green and brown. A botanical tapestry forms a lively backdrop for the refurbished bed, while cane finished laminate on the wardrobe underpin the rustic mien.

Awash in soothing pastels, the master suite is highlighted by a customized wallpaper, fronted by a poster bed with a fluted crown. Yet, it’s the room’s thoughtful design solutions that capture the imagination. For instance, a bay window, elegantly fashioned from leftover marble (of the flooring), offers a serene nook, while a discreet dry closet, complete with aeration grooves, merges practicality with subtlety. In the walk-in wardrobe, the designer’s prowess shines through – where the shutters, with floral wallpaper encased in glass, introduce a delicate yet sturdy refinement to the space, while fluted panels veil the overhead loft.

The son’s bedroom is a study in contrasts, where the boldness of navy blue melds with the allure of wood. Ananya reveals, “The room’s layout is dictated by a long wall of glass that frames the lush greenery outside. We strategically positioned the bed and study desk to face this flourishing panorama.”

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On the second floor, a versatile multi-purpose room- designed as an open, flexible space- is conducive for exercise and relaxation. “A departure from the home’s overruling traditional aesthetic, this room harbours a contemporary flair, complete with wainscoting, floral accents, sleek panelling, along with added storage capabilities”, the designer notes. Outside the room, a dry pantry unit with modern finishes—black acrylic, quartz countertops, and emerald-toned ceramic tiles—completes the sophisticated narrative.

“Stepping away from our minimalist comfort zone to embrace this maximalist project was a refreshing change,” Ananya concludes. “It allowed us to explore and showcase a different facet of our design capabilities—a truly joyful journey.”

FACT FILE:

Name of the project: Varnika

Design Firm: Jois Design House

Location: Bengaluru

Area: 2,553 sq ft

Principal Architect/Designer: Ananya A Jois

Design Team: Deepa G

Photography credits: Nayan Soni