Have we become too focused on what the west preaches? The Vrindavan Project’s Chhatarpur home takes us back to our roots in time

What we left behind in our search for so-called modern, minimalist homes is what our ancestors passed down to us—something that the whole world admired or at least used to: our inner maximalists. India is a land of maximalists; we have grown up appreciating vibrant colours and intricate designs, only to see them being rapidly replaced by the Western trend of pale hues over time. Fortunately, amidst the landscape filled with so-called minimal homes, there are a few like this staycation in Chhatarpur (New Delhi), designed by Shreenu Mukherjee of The Vrindavan Project, nestled amidst the farmlands that pass down our legacy for the future generations to inherit.

Owned by a Rajasthani family, this residence stands in sharp juxtaposition to the usual commercial holiday homes. With the Aravalli hills conjuring a microclimate teeming with rich biodiversity, wandering wildlife, and migratory birds, it surely tucked into its own discrete quarters. The interiors of this home reflect the owners’ reverence for archaic designs. And the standout that we also talked about a few minutes ago—bold, bright colours. No one uses colours the way Indians do (apart from a few others like Italy). Here in this home, they come out as an alchemical force that binds and divides things at once.

The thoughtful integration of ‘chromotherapy’ plays a crucial role in supporting the mental, emotional and physical well-being of those who experience this space. Every element—from the surfaces and wall panels to the artwork and fabric textures—contributes to a deliberate design narrative, weaving together a spectrum of vibrant shades that soothe and uplift the spirit.

The living room with a wall in Irish green and cushions, center table, and cushions taking up the task to add more colours to the space is something very contrasting to what we regularly see. There are optimum contemporary designs and shades, like the sofa in suede leather paired up with, again, what we will be calling the shades and designs of India.

The expansive sliding doors open up to the pool and the adjoining recreational areas. Reflecting the rather muted exteriors is the swimming pool with its surroundings layered with optimum greens.

Verandas provide a smooth transition between the indoors and outdoors, offering sheltered, semi-enclosed spaces that shield from the midday heat. Skylights bathe the stairwell in soft, diffused light, while stained glass pendants cast an air of mystery over the open space above.

Outside, a kitchen garden with vegetable patches serves as a reminder of the humble, sacred act of tending to the earth.

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The dining space has an accent table with a chiseled finish and a wall lost to the mesmerising beauty of the greenery that surrounds it. Every room keeps reiterating the importance of being in touch with nature and acknowledging our history.

The reading room in bold red with a stately stone-clad fireplace is reminiscent of the English country homes.

The bedrooms in the house are designed with a mix of textures and forms that create a sense of balance. A study table, built with detailed joinery, highlights the relationship between natural materials—stone, metal, glass and wood—that define the design throughout the home. Earthy textures and fine details offer a modern interpretation of Art Deco, focusing on both the physical materials and the subtle beauty they evoke.

This home, situated on one of the quaint lanes of Chhatarpur, points to the beauty found in traditional Indian designs and practices at a crucial juncture in the Indian design scene.

FACT FILE:

Project Name: The Heirloom House

Firm Name: The Vrindavan Project

Location: New Delhi

Area: 5,000 sq ft

Interior Designer: Shreenu Mukherjee

Photo courtesy: Ankush Maria