Washed in a muted shade, Ajay Arya’s Ochre at Home Studio in Kolkata speaks the loudest

Ajay Arya’s Ochre at Home Studio in Kolkata feels more like a home than a studio. It’s uncommon to step into a studio and perceive it as a cohesive whole rather than a collection of individual products and spaces. Rarer still is the feeling of being at home in one. An antipode to Arya’s typically bold and glamorous interiors, this space offers a fresh take on office design.

The central vision for Ochre at Home’s studio was to forge a refuge of perennial design, where the mastery of traditional Indian craftsmanship fuses with the polished sensibilities of contemporary global aesthetics. “We envisioned a studio that not only showcases our bespoke furniture and curated décor but also embodies a luxurious lifestyle that appeals to the modern connoisseur. Every element in the studio was carefully chosen to reflect our philosophy of blending rich materials, innovative forms, and artistic expressions, resulting in a space that is as inviting as it is inspiring” says Ajay Arya.

The idea was to bring together past and the present design trends to make up a space that always stays relevant. “This theme guided our design choices, where we juxtaposed classic silhouettes with innovative materials and finishes. The neutral colour palette serves as a canvas, allowing our bespoke furnishings and curated art pieces to shine” says Ajay.

The flooring presents a restrained, hushed spectrum of natural stone. The walls, washed in delicate neutral hues, provide a calm stage, allowing the furnishings and artwork to stand out.

The space unfolds with ease, its subtle hues and neutral tones providing a calm backdrop for the custom-made pieces that enhance the room. First, one is greeted by the Gilded Arch Console, a bold creation with its deceptive metallic arches in gold.

As you move forward, your attention is caught by the Rhythmic Arches Coffee Table, a sculptural wonder that seems to flow with its graceful arches. The open-pore, raw veneer tabletop, contrasting with the hollow center designed to hold a planter or sculpture, entices one to explore the endless potential of design.

The expansive layout reveals carefully placed armchairs and consoles, each piece telling its own story of Indian heritage reinterpreted through modern sensibilities. The Sunehri collection and Harvest Hues décor, thoughtfully arranged on hand-crafted racks adds depth and colour.

A striking chandelier casts a gentle glow over the studio and accentuating the selection of paintings and artworks on the walls.

Moving toward the heart of the studio, you come upon the 3D printed vases by artist Pran Gopal Ghosh. These eco-conscious creations, made from recycled PLA demonstrates the studio’s dedication to sustainability and innovation.

“One of the key challenges we faced was balancing the studio’s dual role as both a showcase for our furniture and a gallery for curated art pieces. We wanted to ensure that neither element overshadowed the other, but instead, they complimented each other harmoniously.” says Ajay.

To address this, the studio crafted the layout with a focus on creating a flow that leads visitors through the space, enabling them to experience each piece within its intended context.

A space that doesn’t just speak—it resonates.

FACT FILE:

Name of the project: Ochre at Home Studio

Firm Name: A Square Designs

Design Team and Designation: Ajay Arya

Location: Kolkata, India

Area: 2,200 sq. ft.

Photo courtesy: Talib Chitalwala