Embodying the essence of Wabi-Sabi, Jyoti Nahata crafts a holiday home that serves as an earthy, minimalist retreat

Located in a peaceful enclave, Enso was conceived as a sanctuary for Mr. and Mrs. Utsav Ganguly, who sought a minimalist, nature-inspired retreat. Their brief emphasised a desire for calm and grounded spaces, prompting Jyoti Nahata’s studio Infinity Atelier
to draw on the Japanese Wabi-Sabi philosophy, which celebrates imperfection, natural materials, and organic forms. Every aspect of the design reflects this ethos, from the choice of raw materials to the handcrafted details that fill the home.

Design Inspiration and Approach

To capture the essence of tranquility, Jyoti focused on using materials that would age gracefully, contributing to the home’s lived-in charm. The design team sourced natural textures, earthy tones, and an array of organic materials. A core focus was on integrating elements that bring a tactile, comforting quality to the interiors, using a palette of reclaimed wood, limocoat, veneer, cane, SPC flooring, and micro concrete. These materials not only lend a timeless quality but also harmonize with the home’s earthy aesthetic.

Spatial Configuration and Layout

Jyoti designed Enso to create a seamless flow of spaces that allows each room to feel connected yet distinct. Arches in doorways and walls unify the spaces, enhancing the organic and minimalistic theme throughout the home. The living room’s bay window, which melds into the seating area, serves as a focal point, flooding the room with natural light and blending indoor and outdoor elements. This openness is accentuated by the absence of a dining table, making room for ample seating and allowing the area to comfortably host up to ten guests, perfect for gatherings.

A butcher block-style long table anchors the living space, offering a sturdy, rustic centerpiece with an aesthetic that draws attention to the wood’s natural grain. The living area also showcases a niche wall with hand-molded clay shelves, enhancing the room’s tactile quality. In the den area, a deep green bookshelf and cabinets introduce a subtle touch of color, which stands out beautifully against the otherwise neutral color scheme, adding depth to the design without detracting from the home’s calming ambience.

Unique Elements and Artisanal Touches

Jyoti’s commitment to authenticity is evident in her collaboration with local craftsmen from Kolkata. This partnership allowed for the creation of custom furniture and accents that enhance Enso’s unique character. Local artisans crafted the living room sofa and the guest room’s headboard from brick and sand—a practical solution that aligned with the project’s budget and sustainability goals. Furnishings in the home are predominantly made from cotton, linen, and jute, while handmade ceramics and artisanal elements, such as rattan-style pots, were carefully selected for their unique textures and cultural significance.

A truly global approach, the home’s decor includes treasures from cultural markets across Asia. From the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, Jyoti sourced wooden vases and jute wall hangings that add organic textures to the interiors. Other standout pieces include Vietnamese metal gongs and antique blue pottery depicting Confucian imagery, as well as a collection of ceramics from Lipi Bose’s boutique in Shantiniketan, featuring bowls, plates, and containers that reflect the home’s Wabi-Sabi theme.

Colour Palette and Design Accents

The colour palette in Enso is intentionally restrained, allowing the natural materials and textures to take center stage. Beige tones dominate, complemented by the earthy shades of clay, wood, and green accents. Limocoat paint was used to impart a smooth, neutral backdrop that reflects the Wabi-Sabi style, while the archways add a sculptural softness to the interiors.

Greenery plays a prominent role in the design as well, with rattan-style pots and potted plants strategically placed to bring nature indoors. These touches of lush foliage introduce a fresh contrast to the neutral hues, adding vibrancy to the otherwise muted palette.

Sustainability and Craftsmanship

Enso is as much a celebration of craftsmanship as it is of sustainability. Jyoti incorporated reclaimed wood and other repurposed materials to reduce the project’s environmental footprint, a choice that also contributes to the home’s layered narrative. Energy-efficient lighting and ventilation systems were also integrated to enhance the eco-friendly design. By collaborating with local artisans and sourcing materials thoughtfully, Jyoti ensured that Enso not only fulfilled her client’s aesthetic desires but also adhered to sustainable practices.

The Home’s Distinctive Comfort

One of Enso’s defining features is its spatial efficiency and inviting layout. With a compact floor plan, Jyoti managed to design a living area that feels expansive and open. The decision to forgo a traditional dining table allowed for a more flexible seating arrangement, creating a cosy space where guests can linger comfortably. This thoughtful configuration speaks to Jyoti’s skill in designing functional yet intimate spaces that reflect both her clients’ needs and her design philosophy.

Enso encapsulates Jyoti Nahata’s ability to translate her clients’ vision into a serene, harmonious retreat. Each design element, from the hand-molded clay shelves to the rustic butcher block table, embodies the Wabi-Sabi ideals of simplicity, organic beauty, and intentional imperfection. Through a carefully curated mix of natural materials, artisanal craftsmanship, and sustainable choices, Jyoti has created a home that is not only a peaceful escape but also a celebration of timeless design.

FACT FILE

Furniture- Solid Bench

Lights – Decolux Lighting

Living room Rug – Chicasa

Wall Texture- Navya Associates

Switches -Norisys

Veneer- Novora

Décor- Ellementry, Westside, Chicasa

Pottery-  Shantiniketan

Total Area: 1275 sqft

Location: EM Byepass, Kolkata

Designer Firm- Infinity Atelier

Lead Designer: Jyoti A. Nahata

Photography Credits: M.K. Gandhi