This Gurugram home is designed by SAND for a couple who sought comfort wrapped in character

In DLF Camellias, Gurugram, lies a home that beautifully balances structure and soul—a 6,000 sq ft residence designed by SAND, an interior design and styling studio based in New Delhi. The project honours tradition and embraces modernity, transforming a stark contemporary shell into a warm, character-filled home that feels as if it has been lived in and loved for generations, despite being newly designed. “When we first visited the clients’ previous home, we noticed their inclination toward traditional and classical aesthetics,” explains Drishty Vaswani, Co-founder of SAND. “Our challenge was to honour that preference while introducing contemporary elements that would elevate their style without losing its essence.”

A Journey Through Thoughtful Transitions

As one steps into the lift lobby, the home begins to reveal its personality through sleek marble finishes and soft lighting that set an inviting tone. A striking black console from Sarita Handa Now immediately catches the eye, complemented by a vibrant red brocade artwork of a bull by Sreekant Kurba. Two oriental chairs upholstered in mustard-printed fabric and a charming coat stand displaying the homeowners’ personal belongings complete this initial impression—a space that whispers of the design narrative to come.

Moving deeper into the residence, the foyer welcomes visitors with panelled walls adorned in striped wallpaper. A Jamini Roy painting adds cultural significance, while a beautiful black-and-white inlay console grounds the space. The traditional red carpet underfoot and vintage art deco chandelier overhead create a transitional moment that bridges old-world charm with contemporary sensibilities.

Living Spaces

Perhaps the most ambitious aspect of this project lies in the transformation of the living room. What was originally a vast, undefined expanse has been thoughtfully divided into two distinct yet harmonious sections—each with its own personality yet united by a central Fortuny chandelier. “Designing the living room was both challenging and incredibly enjoyable,” shares Sidharth Khanna, Co-founder of SAND. “The client was clear from the beginning that they wanted two separate seating zones that wouldn’t feel disconnected yet would maintain the number of seats required for entertaining guests. This required multiple iterations and site markings before we achieved a flow that satisfied everyone.”

One side embraces contemporary fluidity with a curved sofa from Sarita Handa Now, a three-seater from Gulmohar Lane, rounded swivel chairs in boucle upholstery from West Elm, and a custom-made coffee table. This arrangement creates an informal, conversation-friendly atmosphere. The opposing side offers a more formal setting with a classic three-seater in rust from Sarita Handa, a round inlay and brass coffee table from Krea, and a pair of distinctive chairs from Gulmohar Lane positioned near a fireplace.

Despite their stylistic differences, both areas share the magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows that frame panoramic views of the surrounding greenery and golf course, effortlessly connecting indoor living with outdoor beauty. Throughout the space, carefully curated art and artifacts speak to the homeowners’ personality and experiences, adding layers of meaning to an already rich environment.

Dining and Study

The dining room continues the home’s thoughtful curation with an eight-seater wooden table from Pinakin Studios paired with floral-upholstered chairs from Gulmohar Lane. An antique lace Pichwai artwork commands attention on the main wall, while a custom-made sleek wooden buffet cabinet and modern elliptical mirror from White Domus introduce contemporary elements. The result is a space that feels simultaneously grounded in tradition and refreshingly current.

The study cum family room departs from the home’s transitional approach to embrace a more specific theme—a vintage man cave reimagined for contemporary living. A custom-made wooden desk with leather detailing anchors one side of the room, accompanied by a wall-to-wall media cabinet integrated with bookshelves displaying books and collectibles. The opposite side features a checkered-fabric sofa from Gulmohar Lane, a leather trunk-style coffee table from Portside Cafe, and a Kilim side table. Vintage maps and lithographs adorn the walls, contributing to the room’s distinctive character. “For the study, an existing leather desk and vintage map were our starting points,” explains Drishty. “These elements led us to theme the room around a man cave concept but updated for a contemporary setting.”

Bedrooms

The master bedroom stands as a testament to the power of restraint. Soft neutrals, abundant natural light, and minimal furniture create a serene retreat from the outside world. Large windows invite the outdoors in, making the space feel both expansive and intimate. Every element, from the rug to the artwork, was selected to foster a sense of peace and tranquility.

Each guest bedroom tells its own unique story. One celebrates the clients’ love of Indian crafts and weaves with ikkat wallpaper, warm green tones, a rattan bed, and matching side tables from Gulmohar Lane. Indo-themed artworks complete this celebration of tradition.

The second guest bedroom draws inspiration from the clients’ travels to Africa. “A textile purchased during their travels to Africa inspired this themed bedroom,” notes Sidharth. A dramatic four-poster bed commands attention, while raw textures and bold patterns evoke the spirit of adventure. Every fabric, wall hanging, artwork, and decorative piece was carefully sourced to recreate the essence of the African landscape and culture.

A Transitional Dialogue Between Shell and Soul

What makes Nest at Camellias truly unique is how it transcends the limitations of architectural context. Set within a sleek, modern building with polished floors and paneled walls, the home feels like it has lived many lives. This sense of timelessness is not accidental—it’s the result of careful layering, eclectic sourcing, and emotional resonance. “The space had to feel new but lived-in. Sophisticated but warm. And above all, personal,” shares Drishty. “That contrast—between the sleekness of the shell and the warmth of the interiors—is the essence of this home.

The residence achieves what many aspire to but few accomplish—a space that feels simultaneously fresh and established, contemporary and timeless, sophisticated and comfortable. It’s a home that embraces its occupants with warmth, beauty, and character from the moment they step through the door. In bridging the gap between modern architecture and traditional sensibilities, Nest at Camellias doesn’t merely accommodate its residents—it celebrates them, their history, and the life they continue to build together within its thoughtfully designed walls.

FACT FILE :

Name of the project: Nest at Camellias

Firm Name: SAND

Design Team and Designation: Drishty Vaswani (Co-founder), Sidharth Khanna (Co-founder), Shivam Arora (Interior Designer)

Website: www.sandstories.in

Location of the project: DLF Camellias, Gurgaon

Area (Sq.ft): 6000 sq ft

Photo courtesy: Rohan Dayal

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