This Kolkata abode fashioned by Pooja Bihani emerges as a beacon of modern design and tranquility

The name ‘Avenida’ evokes images of wide, treelined boulevards—grand thoroughfares that invite exploration and connection. It’s a fitting moniker for this reimagined duplex apartment, where founder of Spaces and Design — Pooja Bihani has created expansive, flowing spaces that blur the lines between indoors and out. The project’s name likely draws inspiration from the home’s defining feature—an impressive deck that serves as a private ‘avenue’ connecting the interior living spaces with the lush communal garden beyond. At the heart of this home lies a Bengali family’s desire to transform their traditional duplex into a contemporary refuge. Pooja’s design embraces clean lines, luxurious materials, and a sophisticated colour palette to achieve this goal. The result is a space that feels both cutting-edge and warm. The expansive deck, offering panoramic views of the communal garden, was central to their vision.

“The design scheme was intricately planned around it. This natural focal point dictated the layout, emphasising seamless indoor-outdoor transitions and maximising natural light to enhance the spacious feel throughout the residence,” shares Pooja.

Centered on modernity, with sleek black outlines that define materials and panels, the design theme brings a sense of sophistication and unity to the entire home. Upon entering Avenida, visitors are greeted by a compact foyer that subtly introduces the elegance within. The foyer leads into the heart of the home, where a round dining table is positioned beneath a beautifully designed staircase, setting an elegant tone that resonates throughout the space. This dining area serves as a prelude to the double-height living room, which immediately captivates with its alabaster dancing lights, creating a mesmerising play of light and shadow.

The living room, more than just a space for relaxation, is a visual delight that extends effortlessly onto the expansive deck. With scenic garden views, the deck blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, allowing nature to become an integral part of the living experience. The deck functions as an extension of the living room, providing a serene environment where the family can unwind and connect with nature. The layout is thoughtfully designed to enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal. To the left of the living room, the modern kitchen and utility spaces boast clean lines and a minimalist design, perfectly balancing form and function, making them ideal for both daily use and entertaining guests. On the right, a sliding door reveals a study that is both inspiring and practical. Adorned with a grand bookshelf, a spacious work desk, and a world map, the study is a sanctuary for creativity and productivity. Deeper into the home, a small passage leads to the elder son’s room, a cosy den that serves as a private retreat, and a discreetly placed powder toilet. This thoughtful layout ensures that each space within the home is functional yet distinct, providing the perfect balance between privacy and connectivity.

Avenida’s design also incorporates smart space planning solutions. “The staircase, a central element in the home’s design, is compactly designed to enhance flow and connectivity between the two levels. It not only serves as a functional element but also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the space,” elaborates Pooja. Automation systems throughout the home ensure convenience and efficiency. In areas with smaller windows, large curtains create the illusion of expansive views, further emphasising the sense of openness.

Ascending the staircase, which is compact yet elegant, leads to an upper floor landing that opens up to a serene family area. This space serves as a quiet retreat for the family, offering a peaceful ambiance for relaxation. Adjacent to this area is a small puja altar, a space dedicated to spirituality and reflection, flanked by private bedrooms designed with comfort and privacy in mind, providing a tranquil environment for rest and rejuvenation. The material palette chosen for Avenida Residence plays a crucial role in creating the home’s luxurious ambiance. Bold black outlines define materials and panels, creating a modern and sophisticated aesthetic. Marble moldings integrated into
veneer add texture and elegance, while modern inlays in strategic areas enhance visual interest.

The colour palette, featuring maroon/burgundy, grey, black, peach marble, and zebra-like veins in the marble, ties the design elements together, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere throughout the home. Creating the subtle elegance that defines Avenida was not without its challenges. One of the significant hurdles was integrating fire sprinkler lines protruding from the ceiling. Pooja Bihani and her team faced this challenge head-on, employing careful coordination and creative design solutions to ensure these essential safety features were seamlessly incorporated into the overall aesthetic without compromising the design integrity of the project.

Every element of design, from the expansive deck to the intricately planned layout, highlights Pooja Bihani’s expertise in creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Her vision blends modern luxury with a deep appreciation for the natural world. The result is a home that not only meets the family’s desire
for contemporary living but also creates a sense of serenity and connection to the outdoors—a true urban oasis.

FACT FILE:

Principal Architect: Pooja Bihani
Design Team: Rakesh Banik, Samrat Roy, Preksha Jain
Area: 4,000 sq ft
Furniture: Wriver, Kann Designs, Gulmohar Lane, Abaca
Furnishings and Wallpaper: Skipper & Onset Homes
Rugs: Humming Haus, Jaipur Rugs & The Indian Rug
Decor: Art Attaichi, White Domus, Pottery Barn, Escape by Creatomy, Spacio.
Art: Exhibit 360, Kriti Shah, Parth Kothekar, Morii, Calcuttan, Esvee
Decorative Lighting: Leviosa , Black steel, ALC Studio, Kaleidoscope, Lumiere
Lighting: Marici & Delta Lights
Photography by: Talib Chitalwala
Styling by: Samir Wadekar