With uninterrupted views flanked by the Hebbal Lake and the Nagavara Lake on either end, The Deck Home celebrates the essence of dwelling in the verdant embrace of the Garden City. This North Bangalore residence upholds the beacon of transitional design, skilfully melding the principles of contemporary and traditional influences that lend it a nascent identity.  

The home is inhabited by a family of four, spanning over three generations. Our design discussions usually revolve around identifying an overarching design style, but the clients completely entrusted this task of honing their vision to life to us! With the home’s canvas awaiting a transformation, we sought inspiration from the layout, its expanse, and the admirable light conditions the home was blessed with.  

Fact File:

Project Name, Location – The Deck Home, Bangalore

Typology and Square Footage – 4-BHK Apartment, 5,000 Square Feet

Text Credit – Lavanya Chopra

Photography Credit – Nayan Soni   

Design Execution Partners – Creative Geometry

Design Team – Nain Belliappa, Shifa Parveen (Design Lead), and Vidhika Narain

Month and Year of Completion – April 2023

A modern vocabulary rules the roost at The Deck Home, interwoven with nuances of rooted design in intentional vignettes. An open-ended brief comes with its fair share of responsibility. While we were delighted with the free reign we held, we strived to achieve a fine balance between the old and new that would best personify the aspirations of our clients.

The private lift to the apartment opens to a petite, jewel box-like foyer. The erstwhile daylight-deprived space was transformed with a new set of double doors that ushered in more light. The oak-veneered doors frame views of the deck along the home’s periphery, drawing in scenes of the tree canopies and sprawling city below.

Inspired by nature, the foyer’s treatment is a minimalist take on channelling the outdoors! The visual comprises a wood and woven cane (topped off with white marble) console resting against a focal wall. The latter is sectioned into a lower half hosting teak beading, and the upper half is finished in textured grasscloth wallpaper. A pair of bespoke lotus wall sconces by The Purple Turtles flank a botanical wallpaper-portrait crafted by Design by Metamorph.

Preserving this influence, the powder room right off the foyer was given a facelift that echoes nature’s imprint. A matrix of tropical-patterned tiles unites to create a vivid mural, against which a brass wall sconce and mirror have been mounted to elevate the space’s look. The green-stained cabinet completes the vanity fittingly, celebrating the hue’s omnipresence within the powder room. 

Awash in dollops of sunlight and warm hues, the living space fulfils the brief of posing as a cosy oasis for the family. Defining the conversation area, a large carpet from the ‘Someplace In Time’ collection by grounds the space. The furniture and corresponding furnishing choices were kept pared-down to retain the room’s airy and generous blueprint.

Two 7.5-foot-long sofas sit symmetrically in the company of a set of Mid-Century Modern style armchairs, all pieces created by the artisans at Cane Boutique. The infusion of botanical and geometric patterns grace the soft furnishings, breaking the sea of monotones and Gingham.

The circular, pedestal coffee table has been ingeniously engineered using upcycled marble from other parts of the home. The backdrop to this room is strengthened by a Sachin Sagare painting from Artisera, invigorating the space with a concoction of vermillion, ochre, and deep reds.

Overhead, a successive array of white gypsum rafters line the underside of the ceiling, blanketing the area over the living area. This design intervention allowed us to create a seamless transition between the living and dining spaces as they co-inhabit the open floor plan.

Off to the edge of the living area, a puja nook was introduced per the client’s request for their mother’s daily rituals. The CNC-milled, jaali doors in white PU have been inserted into fluted glass-infilled jambs, creating a threshold of privacy. Inside, a black marble slab rests upon a built-in storage segment, perfect for neatly storing supplies and efficiently maintaining the space.

Occupying the other side of the home’s heart, the dining area displays a shift in the studio’s typical design approach!Navigating in a more edgy and evocative direction, we conceived a modern, functional, and timeless space. Clean-lined geometry meets a layered palette of materials, creating one of our most celebrated spaces within The Deck Home.

A custom-made, rough-cut veneer table in a deep stain is the space’s muse and lends the dining experience a highly tactile finish with its pronounced grain. The upholstered grey and brass, Beetle-style chairs soften the palette. A duo of neoteric, monochrome chandeliers by Sunshine Boulevard illuminate the extent of the 8-occupant dining area.

The traditional hutch unit assumes a refreshed identity, lacing the length of the dining area. Oak veneer, black metal profiles, and clear glass have been compiled harmoniously to construct this lofty yet sleek cabinet structure, finished with brushed gold hardware by Studio Made. The apricot-hued wallpaper by Kosh Furnishing Studio paints a vibrant picture, extending into the interior of the vertical cabinets.    

Fringing the communal locus, the deck is the residence’s crown jewel, giving the home its name! Spanning over 40 feet in length, this space is accessed via a medley of glass sliding doors, creating a porous tether between the inside and outside. Soaking in the bountiful views of the greenery-cloaked lake in the distance, this part of the home extends the living spaces, especially while hosting.

Drenched in northern light, the deck has been bisected into two zones — the seating lounge and the bar nook. The lounge is peppered with rope chairs and a swing, perfect for taking in daybreak and sunsets from the 6th floor. On the other side, the bar has a waterfall-style marble counter, providing a quiet corner to relish a drink. Myriad ceramic and terracotta planters by Hybiscus dot the deck, drawing nature closer.

Urban homes seldom have the luxury of hearty kitchens, and The Deck Home was blessed with a kitchen that allowed us to dream big! There’s no denying it is my favourite space.

Though large, the kitchen’s footprint lacked definition and natural light gravely. With a sole window peering into the utility, the team’s modus operandi focused on opening the space, connecting it effectively to the living areas while maintaining the privacy the clients desired. The membrane dividing the living and kitchen assembles a bi-fold sliding window system in black metal and glass, endowing the space with a light and airy persona.

The mundane vitrified flooring has been supplanted by a collage of blue and grey tiles (passionately customised by Ceramique) that meld to create a geometric progression that travels the kitchen’s extent.

The cabinetry witnesses the blend of the old and new, exhibiting a cornice detail over the crisp light grey cabinets harbouring fine profiles. The cornice’s addition is a clever intervention, perfect for extending the volume. Towards the window, the cabinets have been fitted with pocket doors which can be opened to reveal a bijou coffee station. 

A segment of wicker baskets in the centre and overhead shelving create a classic vignette. The utility window hosts the perfect apron sink under it, procured from IKEA in keeping with the neo-vintage impulse. The backsplash is sheathed by 6x6 inch porcelain tiles by Ceramique, offering a touch of texture. A mildly speckled quartz variety has been used as countertops, guaranteeing minimal maintenance. 

The family was keen on having a dedicated spot for baking and other shared culinary experiences. The sumptuous island addresses that need with utmost panache! Finished in sapphire PU and Statuario marble that waterfalls over the edge, the island is the epicentre of activity and intimate meals, also equipped with umpteen exposed storage. Decadent accents debut here as the Pottery Barn chairs and the monochrome chandelier by The Kaleido Store.

The kitchen leads into a heavy-duty utility, acting as an extension of the former. This is echoed in the continued use of light grey over the cabinetry, matching the kitchen’s aesthetic. The addition of louvred, full-length closets allows for storing cleaning supplies organised to a T. The comparatively spacious utility also harbours a dishwasher, an additional sink, a washer-dryer, and a handy hanger rail along one side. Packing in vibrancy, six botanical watercolour prints sourced from Etsy have been added over the wall seen from the kitchen, connecting the zones visually. 

An ideal setting for feisty game nights and languid movie marathons, the family room is a well-loved spot in the dwelling! Exuding comfort and repose, the space indulges in warm hues and pattern-play, which lend an easeful charm.  

The room is defined by a denim sectional sofa paired with sepia leather armchairs. The wood and woven rope coffee table ties the space together, placed upon the patterned, beige carpet by Jaipur Rugs. The art prints are family mementoes, representing the constellations during landmark memories for them! The television wall is sculpted with a semi-open shelving system that projects lightness. The veneered unit embracing the bottom half of the wall is met in sections by a rope detail, interlacing floating shelves displaying reads and artefacts. 

Donning the role of a retreat for the couple, the master bedroom is a haven of restraint that relishes an interplay of florals. Blessed with a lavish footprint, the space is grounded by builder-provided, stained oak floors. Urbanites at heart, the clients desired a master suite that evoked serenity and elevated luxury that also felt homey. The intentionally curated palette of materials, furniture, and finishes are a response the same.

The luxe poster bed in black is the protagonist, crafted with a linen headboard and footboard, complementing the cottage-country style teak nightstands. The artisanal bedding by Cottons and Satins in a flamingo print and the throw by Fabindia concoct warmth, adding to the cauldron of textures.

The deep-toned wallpaper exhibits a transitional, floral print, bolstering the perception of depth the room displays. The Kanna pendant lamps by Olie Lighting and the floral carpet by Jaipur Rugs add the finishing touches to this frame, underscoring the classical nuances.

A bespoke television console designed by the studio graces the other end, rich with chevron indents. This nook gazes into the master balcony, an alfresco space dotted with sculptural greens and seating from West Elm’s outdoor furniture line.

The walk-in section extends into the bedroom as a quaint study, making it look continuous while upping on function. The panel detail carries into this area, topped by glass sconces by Lap and Dado. The desk’s top is white marble, with open shelves and under-desk drawers in the company of a chair by West Elm.

In the walk-in area, concealed and exposed drawer sections have been worked out to provide the couple with generous closet space. On the interior end, a full-length mirror is installed with a louvred wardrobe that houses their footwear. The fascia of the wardrobes is lined by printed fabric lodged in between glass. 

The materiality of the master bathroom fuels its luxurious demeanour, achieved with a complete overhaul. The space is homogeneously enveloped in grey Italian marble varieties with exaggerated veining — a white and grey for the walls and a leather-finished black on the floors.

An expansive vanity in warm oak is crowned by white marble and a hex marble variety as the dado. Upgraded lighting from Black Steel adds welcome contrast, elevating the luxury quotient. The shower displays a similar mien, equipped with newly introduced niches and a built-in marble bench. Bordering this area, a dresser in brass and PU creates a sunny nook perfect for self-care routines!

In the child’s bedroom, there is a palpable emphasis on the concept of Montessori learning, which indulges in mindful playing, art, and craft. The room’s layout is flexible, with various zones anchoring activities tailored to their son’s interests and routine.

A built-in daybed is placed adjacent to the large window for the child’s naps, reading, and playtime. The corner is pragmatically designed to host a roomy bookshelf off to one side, housing his favourite reads and trinkets. The vivid daybed is paired with interactive animal-print blinds; each illustration has fabric textures to give it a tactile feel.

The 4x8 feet rock-climbing wall crafted in consultation with Equilibrium Climbing Station is a cherished feature, designed with a colourful ladder and monkey bar. The room’s centre is surrounded by a craft table over an automobile-themed, circular rug. 

His wardrobe in oak veneer has been detailed with three-dimensional cubes in the centre and incorporates sensor-driven lighting on the inside. The chalkboard is the perfect element for him to unleash the artist within, while the floating wood shelves boast his coveted Lego creations.

Crisp and brimming with life, the child’s bathroom is a heady mix of white and aqua. The hexagonal terrazzo tiles meshed with gold inlay traverse the floors, meeting the subway tiles. The vanity comprises upcycled white marble, a pop of teal, and powder-coated metal legs under the brass mirror and wall lights.

Designed with a penchant for nostalgia, the grandmother’s bedroom initiates a dialogue between the splendid views of the lakefront neighbourhood and the serenity that brews indoors. A muted contrast between white, warm grey, and deep green energise the zen-exuding bedroom.

The wainscoting detail nods to the charm of an era bygone, while the upholstered teak and fabric bed adds a touch of modern plushness. The two pieces of Indian art are from the client’s personal collection, and the vintage sconces build on the aesthetic effortlessly. A salmon pink-hued armchair and footstool grace the window side, adjacent to the PU, wood, and brass television console. Inhabiting the edge of the room, the wardrobes are bathed in a deep green hue, contrasted by the gilded brass hardware.

Extending the mellow sentiment, the grandmother’s bathroom is reimagined to channel grace and potency of colour. Beige wall tiles and light sepia inlay-laden floor tiles from Ceramique comprise the visual, paired with the toasty terracotta hue that washes over the vanity.

A moody and tropical fervour takes over the guest bedroom, creating a welcoming space for the family’s loved ones! Smaller rooms, especially, can witness a complete overhaul of identity when darker colours are introduced in balanced doses. We went charcoal with the wall shade, enabling all elements to stand out effortlessly.

The custom wicker and wood bed sits in the company of minimalist nightstands against the dark wall. A duo of Black Steel wall lights and jungle-inspired prints from Tilla layer the vignette compellingly. The wardrobes are an ensemble consisting of Robusta veneer and jute fabric infills with brass knobs that tell a story of the new and old.

A slatted teak wood treatment earmarks the vanity cum study nook on the other side. The cantilevered work desk runs the wall’s length and culminates as a full-length mirror on the far end.

The guest bathroom was minimally spruced up to retain the original tiles the space came with. The team added a vanity, a black-rimmed mirror, a wall light, and patterned floor tiles that enhanced the space’s existing material palette.

In retrospect, this home has always had a feel-good factor associated with it right from the beginning! Every detail, process, and addition has been conscious, rendering a unique living experience for the family. The residence truly represents what trust-fuelled endeavours can transform into.