#aplusdhomes: Natasha Shah brings a subtle shift in the visual identity of this Pune home through traditional allusions

Equal parts sophisticated and elegant, The Modern Retro’s interiors are full of passion and personality. A rather contemporary juxtaposition of a modern home with traditional accents peppered generously across 3,500 sq ft, this 4 BHK apartment in Pune is home to a family of four humans and a cat.

The mastermind behind The Modern Retro and Principal Designer of Between Walls, Natasha Shah tries to first understand what the client really wants and then proceeds to brainstorm the various design possibilities in accordance with their lifestyles. “The clients had varied opinions amongst themselves, but they all wanted one thing—a calm but bold space. After multiple discussions, we decided to call it ‘The Modern Retro’ due to the nostalgic elements in an otherwise modish space,” reveals Natasha.

The concept remained modern and so did the mood-board. Cool colours with warmth in the accent and flooring were starting points for Natasha. As the space unveiled itself, curves and lines both married each other into a perfect combination of forms. In terms of the colour palette, the dark coloured flooring took away all the attention, so the designer thought of keeping most walls white, “Cause what’s bolder than a contrast of black and white!” she remarked. However, to add an element of surprise and to avoid monotony, Natasha added different colours to a few walls and furniture. The artworks were also chosen accordingly to balance the entire space and be in sync with it.

To feed the modest hint of desi-ness in her clients, Natasha chose from a range of traditional materials for the home. All the flooring is marble, walls are majorly cladded and painted, the master bedroom and mandir have micro-cement walls, and the ceiling is made of gypsum. But what takes the cake are the brick tiles on the terrace walls and terrazzo flooring! “The balcony looks very interesting as the terrazzo flooring got a modern makeover with a pattern that blended with the flooring inside the house,” she reveals.

Upon entering, a gradient blue door with a vibrant red handle leads into a huge space which is accessible through an arched opening. The foyer area is where first impressions are made, and The Modern Retro sure manages to leave a lasting one with a sit-out space. Right behind the seating is a partition with circular cut-outs that give a sneak peek of what’s about to unfold—a section of the living space that encompasses the library area which is further divided by a slide-fold door.

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Photo courtesy: Inclined Studio

FACT FILE:

Location of the project: Pune

Area (Sq.ft): 3500 (approx)

Name of the project: The Modern Retro

Firm Name: Between Walls

Design Team and Designation: Natasha Shah, Principal Designer