Reviving History—This Indore Neo-Art Deco home by Form Design Studio is a lesson in restoration

In the heart of Indore stands the Chandurwala Residence, a venerable home that had gracefully withstood the test of time for over 45 years. However, the passage of time had taken its toll, leaving the house in need of a reimagining. Eager to revive its former glory, the Chandurwala family entrusted Form Design Studio, as the interior architects to breathe new life into their beloved abode.

“From the onset, we understood the responsibility and privilege bestowed upon us to preserve the essence of this historical gem while infusing it with modern aesthetics and functionality. Our approach was clear—to create a harmonious blend of the past and present, with bold touches that would honor the rich heritage of the residence,” shares Mustafa Lokhandwala.

One of the primary challenges the designers faced was the layout. The original design had its quirks and idiosyncrasies that no longer suited the needs of the family. Thus, team Form Design Studio set forth to streamline and optimize the spaces, straightening out the areas and increasing the size of the bedrooms to grant the clients a more voluminous and airier feel.

“However, we were keen to retain the prominent architectural features that lent the house its unique character. We carefully preserved elements such as ornate moldings, intricate cornices, and graceful archways, ensuring that the history and charm of the Chandurwala Residence remained intact. Embracing the client’s bold vision, we made daring changes to the home’s structure. Larger openings and taller volumes were introduced, allowing natural light to flood the interiors and creating a seamless connection to the front garden,” elaborates Mustafa.

The once-dim interiors now exuded a sense of brightness and openness, uplifting the spirits of the occupants and emphasizing the beauty of the surrounding landscape. To complement the architectural character of the residence, they embarked on an exploration of the neo-art deco style. Drawing inspiration from the golden age of design, team Form curated a bespoke selection of furniture that seamlessly married the past and the present. The neo-art deco furniture pieces added a touch of elegance and sophistication, exuding a timeless charm that harmoniously coexisted with the modern elements.

Color played a pivotal role in breathing life into the renewed spaces. Pastel hues in soft finishes imbued the interiors with a sense of serenity and tranquility, evoking a soothing ambience throughout the home. For a striking contrast, we incorporated bold and vibrant colors in some of the hard finishes, accentuating key focal points and creating moments of visual delight. The result was an enchanting transformation that paid homage to the history of the Chandurwala Residence while instilling it with contemporary grandeur.

Each room became a canvas of artistry, telling a story of seamless integration between timeless elegance and modern finesse. As the project reached its completion, we stood in awe of the metamorphosis that had taken place. The Chandurwala Residence had emerged from its cocoon, spreading its wings to embrace a new era of sophisticated living. It stood not only as a testament to architectural brilliance but as a loving tribute to the memories shared by the family for generations.

In conclusion, the Chandurwala Residence is more than just a home renovation project; it is a celebration of history, design, and the indomitable spirit of a family committed to preserving the past while embracing the future.

Fact File:

Project name: Chandurwala Residence
Location: Indore, MP (INDIA)
Firm Website: www.formdesign.in
Location: Indore, MP (India)
Area: 2400 sq ft
Designer Name: Mustafa Lokhandwala
Photographer: Dhawal Bumb, Ruuhchitra