The whisper of worldly walls: Humming Tree interweaves minimalist serenity with global artefacts, crafting a space where simplicity and storytelling coalesce

We need to have sensitive interviews and a lot of discourse to understand what a homeowner really wants”. This pearl of wisdom shared by the founders of Humming Tree — Mohammed Afnan & Arun Shekar, left me pondering a crucial question— How do we bridge the gap between what homeowners express and what they truly envision for their living spaces? Every blank space whispers potential, inviting the designer to weave stories through carefully chosen elements. Each decision—from the sweep of a curtain to the placement of a lamp—is a deliberate mark, building layers of meaning and emotion. So, when Arun and Afnan engaged with the homeowners, Jacob and Aneekha, they saw an opportunity to experiment with ornamental minimalism. The clients, who consciously rejected hyper-consumerism, desired a home that was calm, organised, and structured, with crisp geometric lines and plain walls.

Understanding the brief, the designers focused on creating minimal layouts that would result in an uncluttered and clean-living space, aligning with the clients’ preference for structure and efficiency. Known for their love of designing lived-in homes, the duo skillfully balanced ornamentation and minimalism by incorporating decorative elements sparingly. This approach enhanced visual interest without overwhelming the simplicity of the design. “We always love designing a lived in home, we love the character that it gets with lots of layering. So, the balance between ornamentation and minimalism in design involves combining decorative elements sparingly within a clean, uncluttered space to enhance visual interest without overwhelming simplicity,” elaborates Arun.

True to the hallmark of their projects, craftsmanship takes center stage in this home located in Thrissur, Kerala, “We create a livable space with equilibrium and a classic foundation, yet it’s the intricate details and thoughtful compositions that truly stand out,” say the architects. The spacious home is adorned with breathtaking art collected from travels, while the sumptuous black wooden flooring contrasts beautifully against eggshell white walls. Unique marble tables further embellish the space, creating a blend of simplicity and luxury. “Black wood adds depth and modern elegance, grounding the space with a dramatic yet refined tone. Unique travertine marble selections introduce luxury and individuality, with their natural veining patterns bringing a sense of artistry and exclusivity. These materials likely balance the rustic elements of a countryside farmhouse with a contemporary, upscale twist,” reveals Afnan.

Craftsmanship is undeniably a central theme in this project, with every detail reflecting the skill and artistry of local artisans. This is evident in the handmade jute rugs by Neytt and vintage tapestries by Kala Art Objects, which infuse the space with rich textures and cultural significance. The use of reclaimed wood flooring, locally sourced timber, and rough-hewn stone highlights the commitment to authenticity and sustainability. Wrought iron fixtures, handcrafted cabinetry, and console tables made from sleeper wood further emphasize the rustic, authentic charm of the farmhouse aesthetic. Each element is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that defines the character and soul of this home.

Throughout the apartment, the colour palette is dominated by ‘natural tints.’ Neutral tones, including dark, deep tobacco-hued wooden flooring, off-white walls, pale greens, and various shades of light grays, create a serene backdrop that allows the art and exotic stones to shine. The fabric selection for the furniture is nothing short of exquisite. Every piece is meticulously chosen, ensuring that while no detail is plain, everything feels harmoniously cohesive and balanced. Let’s embark on a tour of this exquisite home. In the living room, classic barn sofas and a custom travertine coffee table, adorned with AESOP candles, set the tone for a perfectly curated space. A classic lamp chandelier adds a touch of timeless elegance, enhancing the room’s sophisticated ambiance. The spacious kitchen features a distinctive marble countertop, wooden flooring, and a custom farmhouse dining table carved from a single monolithic bark, adding a unique and rustic charm to the space.

In the master bedroom, the upholstered furniture, designed by Humming Tree, adds an extra layer of refinement. When we enquired about the process of crafting the furniture, the architects responded, “Designing custom furniture involved closely studying the space’s proportions, materials, and aesthetic to ensure a perfect fit. The process began with understanding the client’s functional needs and personal taste, followed by sketching and selecting materials that complement the overall design. Coffee table was executed by Oriental Living, and barn table by Laze.” The entire floor is wooden, complemented by a custom rug from Neytt with intricate black trim, creating a cosy yet elegant atmosphere. The entryway, like every room in the apartment, features white walls, bringing a sense of balance and calm to the overall design. With the stunning collectible art adorning the walls of this 19thcentury home, the absence of colour on the walls allows the artwork to take center stage, making a powerful visual statement.

This home stands as a brilliant example of Ornamental Minimalism, proving that a space can be both uncluttered and rich with personality. As Arun concludes, “There is nothing more satisfying than them telling you how they feel at home, and they enjoy their inner self within the space.”

Also Read: This family home designed by reD Architects captures a modern essence with adaptable spaces and versatile room configurations

FACTFILE:

Flooring: Wooden Sofas: Custom Coffee Table: Custom travertine marble

Foyer Artwork: sourced by Kala Metal Lamp Shade: sourced

Bedroom Lampshade: Takshak

Wooden Table: wood sourced from barns & custom by Laze

Master bedroom art: Spill by Kala Kitchen: Terracotta pots sourced by Kala

Living Room: Sourced vintage tapestry by Kala Master Bedroom Rug: Neytt

Living Room Rug: Zara Home Custom Walk-in Closet: PU Paint Finish

Guest Bedroom: Sourced 1980 hand painted lost horses Kids Bedroom: Custom cane cot by Laze

Mirror & Wash Counter: Custom

Photograph courtesy: Turtle Arts