AMRITHA KARNAKAR

This seaside bungalow was built around 15 years ago on the coast of Kelwa, Maharashtra. The site is located 105 km to the north of Mumbai, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is peaceful and beautiful, with a plethora of coconut trees.

The design was primarily influenced by the location and view of the ocean, as well as the tropical material palette. As a result, the existing property was redesigned and converted into a three-bedroom home with an extended kitchen and a new dining area. A private outhouse is also constructed which doubles as a guest room. The idea was to create spaces which are private yet open towards the sea. Hence, the porch was extended to provide uninterrupted views of the ocean

The house peeks through the tropical trees that surround it and reveals itself slowly. It has a linear plan which is enclosed on the entrance side and wide open on the seaside. The walls are finished with rough white plaster serving as a blank canvas for the surrounding environment. The dark wooden polished interiors contrast the softer, muted look of the exterior. The exterior is designed in dual tons of white and black defining the contrast clearly and making it stand out amongst the landscape. The old gable roof, which was covered in worn out terracotta tiles, is now sheathed in dark grey clay tiles giving it a completely new character. This project uses locally available materials such as laterite, basalt, and granite.

The entrance porch, designed with a combination of basalt and laterite, is surrounded by ‘Champa’ trees. An antique wooden door stands at centre of the entrance.

The living room has large openings providing a direct connection to the back porch along with allowing maximum daylight and showcasing the vast ocean. It is centrally located with bedrooms on either side.

The indoor bathroom is designed with a white terrazzo floor accented with green and yellow glass chips. This is separated from the outdoor bath area by a coloured glass partition, which creates colourful shadow patterns on the floor, making the bathroom a lively space.

The kitchen is positioned such that it is connected to the living and dining area. Open shelves, separate cooking and washing area make the design functional. The kitchen leads onto a semi-open dining area with a direct view of the sea, making it light and airy.

The New Bedroom is built next to the dining area and has glass partitions to soak the breathtaking vista from every angle. This room can seamlessly shift between openness to privacy. This is purposefully designed adaptable so that it can be altered. This space is highlighted by an antique wooden bed and an open library to house the client's extensive book collection.

This bedroom's bathroom features a private courtyard with a chikoo tree. This was done to continue the concept of merging the indoors with the outdoors. As a result, even a private location like a bathroom has nature peeking in. The bathroom is designed in black tones to highlight the greenery outside.

A family holiday home perched on top of a hill sits amidst the hills overlooking the tranquil view of Kalote lake, making it a blissful getaway from a bustling city like Mumbai. This lavish home sits on an 6 acre land.

The basic idea was to keep the interiors minimal plus have the main focus on the scenic view from every room. The structure itself is huge, thus the greatest challenge was to understand and mold on to the spatial scale and proportions of the house.

It is a two-story structure with a basement, surrounded by an extensive garden. The ground floor comprises of the living room, a dining room, a bar area, kitchen, and three bedrooms . The play area with a snooker table and Fosse ball, and the other three bedrooms are on the first floor along with a large deck facing the lake and a smaller deck at the back overlooking the majestic mountains. The basement has the staff quarters on one front while the gym, spa, steam room, and a kid's play area on the other front.

To complement the gigantic structure the entry to the house is made grand through a 12 feet large solid wood door, only to open into double heightened space. The living area with the seating overlooks the large deck and pool overlooking the beautiful view. At the foot of the staircase, we have two enticing lounge chairs with footrest adorned by the hanging lights from double heightened space. The staircase spirals around the lounge chairs up to the first floor encasing the hanging lights overlooking the upper deck which in turn fronts the mountains.

The living area is in neutral shades of beige and greys all bound together with much of greens and earthy artifacts; may it be large wooden barks on either side of the doorway or large grey slate pots in the living room. The living room and dining room open up to a large deck facing a scenic view.

The fourteen seater marble-top dining table adorned by a string of hanging lights connects the living room to the bar area.

While the rest of the areas are in the neutral color palette, the bar area has a hint of color splash contrasting the outer green mountains. The red leather sofa rests on top of a blue and white chevron-patterned floor. An industrial pipe fitted open bar with a natural wood-top bar table gives the area a grungy yet English barroom character.

The wooden staircase leads to the upper first floor, to the games area where the pool table and Foose ball table are enhanced by a bright yellow-white flooring and three-sided green view of the outside.

The concept was to keep each space including the six bedrooms, simple yet elegant, where the player is the view. Even the outer deck has minimal and simple seating with a pop of green from the landscape, pool lounge chairs, and sunbeds to enjoy the incredible view.

The challenge for designing the interiors was not only the vast space over the layout but also taking into consideration the height and massive scale, connecting such spaces to have a smooth continuity and transition spill out into different spaces.

Connecting the outside and inside; Every space had the furniture, lights and accessories, ideally placed to have framed the picture-perfect view.

The brief from the client was that the house was to have a traditional south Indian vibe with modern amenities. A lot of colour, art and quirks around the house. The house needed to represent their roots and though it was a holiday home they wanted it to have a sense of home – comfortable and energetic.

It’s a plot area of 3000 sq. ft. and carpet area of 2500 sq. ft. 2bhk stand alone holiday home, nestled in the hills of the Sahyadri mountains surrounded by green landscape on all four sides, in Khopoli, the outskirts of Mumbai.

As soon as you enter the house you are welcomed by a beautiful Ganesha wooden statue adorned by intricate south Indian temple detailed brass elements, accentuated by an Indian rustic long mirror to complement the space. You automatically are transported into a home in the south of India. On either side of the Ganesha wall leads you to the main house, which overlooks a small cosy personal garden. It’s an open layout with the sofa and living area on the left and the dining and open kitchen to the right. The living area is highlighted with an earthy terracotta textured finish wall, complimented by a dark jungle green sofa with wicker embellishments. The old wicker easy chair reminds you of the grandfather sitting with his legs atop in the front porch of the Kerala bungalow reading his newspaper. The green kalamkari day bed on the other side overlooks the green garden. Brass elements like the pots, the face mask on the centre table and the floor lamps add that indian touch to the space.

The central staircase is the only partial divide between the living room and the dining kitchen. The dining is positioned close to the window thus overlooking the lovely banana plants in the garden. The wooden dining table has an alternate wicker and nature print fabric chair. The green glass and brass hanging lamp over the dining table compliments the greens outside. The brass vintage south indian tiffin boxes and pickle jars enhance the dining table.

The glass façade brings in a lot of natural light and green scape visual of the garden adorned by bamboo, banana, mango and papaya trees. We used an antique wooden and brass swing traditionally called Unjal in the garden to enjoy the outdoors. Stone elephant carved blocks carving the brass urli’s enhance the garden.

The central floating staircase is covered with different carved frames with artwork and paintings. This staircase leads to the upper floor and is flanked by two bedrooms on either side. Both bedrooms are looking in the same direction as the lower floor, overlooking the garden and a stunning view of extensive uninterrupted green landscape.

The master bedroom has a dark wooden bed complimented by a south indian wall hung mirror and dark wood wooden thin panels. The headboard banana print fabric adds to the south indian vibe. The dark forest green study table overlooks the green landscape outside.

The daughter’s bedroom has a special carved south indian four poster bed. The dark green wall backdrop works beautifully along with this carved four poster bed.

This holiday home in regards to the size and scale of the house, we have tried to keep it really simple, clean and as open as possible to be closest to nature. The idea is to design a home away from home. So keeping the clients in mind- we have kept the house in a very deep culturally rooted South Indian vibe, yet very relaxed and easy.

The idea was to bring back the old South indian home feel at the same time keep it vibrant with art and elements of nature. Keeping it simple, open and let the green scape of the garden be an integral part of the house. ‘Celebrate India’ and all things indian – is what we have been working towards in this project.

Since the house is mostly open to the outside, to create the blend and connect with the outside we have kept the material palate very earthy. Also to give the Indian vibe a lot of wooden elements and textures have been used. Extensive use of indian carving has been used in different parts of the house along with brass elements to adorn the home.

Colours ply very important role in this project. Trying to keep things earthy yet on a bright note. We have used an earthy rustic brick red textured paint on the walls in the living room. We have paired it with an earthy dark jungle green sofa, and a green kalamkari printed fabric for the day bed. The artwork on the wall adds a lot of bright colour pops still keeping the earthy colour theme in mind. Brass elements at every corner brings in the brightness and indian feel to the space may it be in the form of a lamp, side table décor or brass pots as accessories.

The dining area has been kept neural with a dark wooden table and chairs alternated with wicker and light fabric with birds and nature prints. The green hanging lamp is used to complement the green landscape seen from the window outside.

The master bedroom is an all wood theme complemented with a beautiful dark green study table and drapes.

The daughter’s bedroom has a beautiful south indian carved four poster bed adorned by a dark jungle green back wall.

The living room was the most exciting part of the house to design. It had to be the highlight, comfortable and unique in its own way. Always keeping in mind the view of the green garden needed to be the highlight. It was fun and challenging to use the earthy yet bold fun colours to bring this space to life.

We have used to artists to enhance the living room. One is a local village artist who has made the rangoli which we call as KOLAM over the easy chair in the living room. The other artist is from Mumbai who specialises in using Indian motifs and bright colours. we had specifically asked to use south indian elements for the artwork.

The fun yet challenging space was the outdoor landscaping of the garden. We needed it to be simple clean yet add a lot of green as it was the first thing that people see when you enter the house and the house is designed in such a way that all rooms look in the direction of the garden. The big bananas growing in the corner of the garden are the highlight adding the south indian touch to the landscape. The swing in front of the banana plant acts as an ideal location and relaxing spot in the house.

Our designs are for the present, yet sensitive to the past and future.

We design spaces according to the needs and dreams of the client. We definitely over a few years have been inclined to working with all things India made. Celebrating the art and craft, exploring the amazing craftsmanship in India. At the same time working with artists local, young talent to encourage and bring in a fresh vibe to our spaces.

The south indian, earthy vibe has been the main theme throughout the house. Yet each space has its own charm and designed specifically. Each space has its own unique style and décor.

The apartment house is a modern home with a built up area of 911 sqft located close to Arabian sea in Juhu, Mumbai. The brief from the client was to transform the space from old to new and to have something fresh, clean and give a modern touch with the elements of Indian aesthetics. The living area was the most exciting part of the house to design. It had to be the highlight, comfortable and unique in its own way.The orange sofa and the printed wallpaper behind became the unifying factor for the living room. We have paired it with the swivel and wicker chair which has a little wooden finish and a black and white stripes fabric for the daybed. It gives a good contrast to the beige marble flooring. A lot of wooden elements and textures have been used to continue the uniformity throughout the space. For walls instead of paint or texture, we used a wallpaper which has a backdrop of lakes, mountains and trees with a subtle beige tone which gives a feel of outdoors. Another interesting aspect of the house is the old murtis that add Indian touch to the space.For the balcony a combination of alternate black and white tiles is used. The dining is positioned close to the window thus overlooking the balcony with the view outdoors. The brass legs used for the dining table enhances it well. The wooden dining table has black fabric chair along with the white hanging lamp over the dining table which compliments the space.We used a wooden swing with black and white stripes fabric. The wicker and brass used for the back rest enhances the swing. The wicker is used as a connecting element in crockery units as well.The idea was to open up the space to bring in more natural light and complete revamping of the space. Yet each space has its own unique style and decor and is designed specifically.

residential interiors (2015-2016)

This 3bhk residence in Goregoan,Mumbai is surrounded by the green thick forest of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Our first approach was to get the feeling of outside - inside. We thus tried to create an abode with a feeling of an earthy jungle feel. A feeling of freshness and keeping it as natural as possible.

THE LIVING ROOM - used of a lot of wood in the form of furniture and the main wall. the wood used for the dining table, chairs to the coffee table was kept in its natural form with the rough edges creating an interesting feel. The main wall is covered with a light colored square blocks of wood placed in a checkered format to create an interesting pattern. The bright two toned bottle green sofa gives a breath of fresh air in contrast to the wood used.

THE MASTER BEDROOM - The head board has an interesting 3d pattern created by use of 3 different types of veneers placed in different directions. A 3d pattern is created by used of veneers in 2d. the same color theme of the earthy look is used in the master bedroom.

A fashionably furnished home done up in a Contemporary-modern style but then sprinkled with just the right amount of Indian touches that readily identify the home owner’s Indian roots. The home is brimming with personality, class and an electric mix of styles. But more importantly, it is suggestive of an unhurried pace of living that balances an otherwise very demanding metro lifestyle. The love for antiques and nature set the tone for the design elements and color scheme in the home. A close observation and global exposure that effortlessly brought the modern edge and architectural interest to the scene. Set on the 6th floor of an apartment with a terrace garden, the crux of the design plan sought to make the most of this wonderful space by blending the indoors with the outdoors. The antique artifacts in the home not only talk of the homeowner’s love for timeless treasures but the collection also imparts an authentic vibe of the by gone era to an otherwise modern palette. Wooden carvings from the south of India and metal/brass work from Gujarat are thoughtfully placed to add visual drama and interest. The outdoors too are dotted with stone sculptures from Hampi, making it a captivating green sanctuary.  A green oasis like this in the midst of an otherwise urban concrete landscape is sure to have a calming effect.

Residential interiors - (2018)

This sprawling 4 bedroom apartment overlooking a stretch of green land was for a young family. Their brief was something fun and energetic. So at every corner of the house there is an element of quirkiness.

The large round drift wood chandelier over the dining table is the highlight of the living room and also complimenting the space is the red console. The balcony in the living room is given importance taking into consideration that a large amount of time would be spent there. The accessories have been chosen carefully to embody the theme.

The master bedroom has been given a vintage yet elegant, calming vibe. The use of blue leather and dark wood furniture with a grey high back rest is complemented by a vintage blue floral wallpaper.

“Up in the air” is the concept used for the small girl’s bedroom. A white-house shaped bed with an upper play area amidst the onion pink room. The cupboards are in shapes of houses as well. The walls have white cloud shaped storage boxes with stars all over to give it the dreamy- floaty feel. The central light is in the shape of a balloon. A little girl’s dream bedroom.

A batman themed bedroom is chosen for the boy. Main wall is textured in a concrete grey with the furniture in all black. Quirkiness has been introduced as hints of yellow in the form of container boxes as side table or details in the cupboards or the study chair.

The fourth bedroom, meant for a professional makeup artist, needed to have a calm yet positive-productive vibe. Sea foam blue on the walls is complemented on one side by a large industrial mirror and on the other side by a hanging caged light with a planter in it.

residential interiors (2016-2017)

The client’s specification was something luxurious yet simple, chic.

Gold is timeless. It is very approachable and can be combined with numerous schemes, setting a luxurious mood. Gold is used in a minimal way as a connecting element for all the spaces from the entrance to the living room to the bedrooms and mainly the prayer room. In the other rooms it is used in detailing like the furniture, lights, metal detailing - handles etc.

While the living room it is mainly gold with black for creating an opulent mood,the mandir is jazzed up with gold 3d tiles. In the master bedroom, gold is used with whites and light greys to create a heavenly look. The guest bedroom is funked up with customized gold metal hanging lights. While the girls bedroom has an eclectic yet earthy feel as gold is teamed up with pine wood.

This 3 bhk home situated in the heart of the bustling Mumbai city, is designed for a young family where the common area have a luxurious cozy vibe where they can entertain guests. While the three bedrooms have a fresh, relaxing yet cozy vibe . The early morning sun kissed sand hues were used as the color palette for the living room and the master bedroom. Wall have been painted in a bluish grey tint and the pop of gold yellow lounge chairs give the bold sun kissed feel . Matt gold has been used as a key element to add a dash of luxury. The gold rush effect pours into the powder bathroom by using Matt gold basin and fittings- creating a rich exclusive feel .

The kids bedroom has been given a subtle pastel candy feel. A girly vibe for the two Young’s girl we have given a baby pink wall paper to compliment the green pastel furniture.

The master bedroom has the same gold sand wallpaper as the backdrop in contrast with the grayish white bedroom. Keeping it clean, cozy yet elegant.

The guest bedroom has a unique back rest wall. Use of beaten black metal sheets in contrast with chocolate wooden finish creating a warm cozy vibe.

residential interiors (2013)

The clients brief was to breakaway with walls and let go a dining area so as to incorporate a huge open kitchen.

This contemporary style kitchen equipped with advanced gadgets reflects a taste that is timeless yet technologically sophisticated. The customized storage like ward drawers and equipment holders like teppanyaki were detailed keeping in mind the refined yet rustic style concept sketched for the kitchen space. While the glossy black flooring and counters present the chic and finesse of a contemporary open kitchen, the patterned bright yellow algate counter top forms an artefact like center-piece in the space connecting kitchen seamlessly to the living space through the bar counter. The lights over the counter add to the quirkiness of the bar and the metallic copper tiles of the kitchen provide a rustic backdrop for this playfulness.

The amalgamation of serene white and glittering gold that envelops the bathroom space emerges from the concept of developing a spatial experience that is elegant yet bold, placid yet quirky and peaceful yet playful! The white spatial canvas of satvario marble is intercepted with elegant floor mounted fixtures and gold stylized accessories that accentuate the contrast of the shiny white and glossy gold. The chequered matt and glossy gold mosaic patterned wall is the highlight of the bathroom that adds a distinguishing exuberance to this bathing space. The mirror wall that adds the illusion of larger space further emphasizes the richness of the contrast design. Completing the design are the quirky blue Buddha statue accessories that reflect that same ‘bold yet beautiful’ design concept, by adding tranquility and playfulness with a splash of bright color.

architecture + interior restaurant design - (2018)

YUZU – THE SUSHI BAR is named after the citrus fruit called Yuzu - a simple yet flavorful ingredient, native to Japan. The sushi bar needed to be a representative of Japan and its culture.

The space is built with two concepts in mind.

1.     “Kareansui” – the Zen garden or dry landscape. It creates a miniature stylized landscape through carefully composed arrangements of rocks, water features, moss, pruned trees and bushes, and uses gravel or sand that is raked to represent ripples in water.

2.     The second concept is “Kawadoko” which means “place at the river” - it is a dining concept which involves eating next to or on top of a water-body in order to feel the breeze it supplies, especially during the summer months.

THE PASSAGE TO THE SUSHI BAR - is a narrow passage enclosed with wooden vertical slates. The focal point is the native tree of Japan - the Cloud Pruning Camilla. The path way is filled with pebbles and chunks of stone slabs as the foot path leading to the bar.

Simple clean lines was the main focus. There is use of only two materials - wood and stone, to connect with nature. The bar is designed in such a way that it is surrounded by the Zen garden, keeping the space open and minimalist.

THE MAIN BAR WALL - is highlighted by a composition of different sized barrels of Sake which is traditional Japanese Rice Wine. The space where the masters will make the live sushi is highlighted by the cluster of different sized cane hanging lights. A conveyor belt for delivering sushi from the chef to the patron is the main attraction. The space also has the traditional Zaisu, chairs with no legs with heated Kotatsu tables. The low seating is a tradition Japanese way of eating. Each table is a highlighted with its on wooden deck risen from a bed of pebbles.

office interiors (2012-2013)

The concept was to design stark contrasting spaces – one being a rigid, rustic envelope with an earthy feel and another being an organic, fluid and glossy enclosure; with both converging in the centre of the office. This concept enabled spatial division of spaces without partitions and allowed larger usable areas. While one half of the office enveloped the reception area, finance staff cabin, the director’s cabin; the other half enclosed the waiting area, the staff cabin, the pantry and the conference room. The distinction of materiality was rigidly followed in the language of furniture design in these spaces as well. The rustic wooden box has a structured spatial quality and an engaging sectional profile visible to the user as soon as the office is entered. The opposite side of the envelope is a fluid, organic bulging double curvature cave like enclosure which is reflects a freeform, animated and dynamic space.

residential interiors (2015)

It’s rare to have clients who want a darker, woody feel to a space with minimal white. So we jumped onto an autumn feel. Our color swatches were shades of brown and yellows. With shades of brown and wood as our main color we used a contrast vibrant golden yellow as the leather color for our sofa. The walls have a molding highlighting the wall scones. The use of brown leather furniture adds a touch of vintage luxury to the space. The wooden flooring and the wooden ceiling create a warm cozy feel to the living room.

residential interiors (2010-2011)

Built in the midst of Lokhandwala in the sleepless city of Mumbai, this residence had tobecome an oasis of escape and modernity. The deft balance of form and feel was achieved by keeping everything from the get go simple. The client brief was to have a sober yet modern look and feel and the second most importance was given to storage. The main challenge was to make the site clutter free by knocking off a lot the walls to create a sense of openness and omit waste spaces. The colour white is the residing deity of this residential project. It is critical to the project’s casual feel and warmth, and also for its sense of spaciousness. The living room is a plush warm space that is devoid of unnecessary frills. The sofa seating is kept simple but is luxurious in white leather with a burst of bright colored cushions. In spite of the expressed preference for white, this home has managed to retain an air of informality .The whiteness is often punctuated by brilliant dark wood detailing. The Turkish beige Italian marble flooring in the living room has a patch of contrasting wooden flooring which carpets the dining table and spills out into the balcony. All furniture from the sofa to the centre table to the dining table and chairs has been designed specifically to the needs and comfort of the client. The dining table was given a twist by using a bench concept on side amidst the chairs. We have always tried to search and use new materials for every project. The dining table has been highlighted by the use of a copper stone pellets sandwiched in a resin sheet. The back-drop of the dining table from the main seating is highlighted by the glossy white bar with the contrasting rose petals sandwiched in resin panels. The identity of the clients has been creatively carved on the doors in order to avoid name plates and the carving gave a sense of existence of every member of the house. A very big challenge was to do away with the banal look of the powder basin which could be seen from the main sofa seating. At the same time this open powder room area was an entry point into the three bedrooms. We designed our basin to look like a vase and have a mixer that comes from the ceiling to give it an innovative yet classy feel. Instead of giving one big mirror behind the vase basin we made all the flushed white glossy doors merge with the walls had embedded lotus cut outs in mirrors and mother of pearls in them. The mirrors reflecting images gave a very calm and composed space. In every room storage has been given uttermost importance. The main idea was to not have them visible to the eye. Full height storages have been made tucked away behind walls acting as surprise element on being pulled out. The concept of the white has been followed into all the room but giving a twist to each room in its own way. The master bedroom has the concept of continuity where the flooring turns into the headboard and the ceiling .The glossy white ribbon stands out against the beige flooring and the wall papered ceiling giving a sense of unique importance to the bed. At every given space there has been a remarkable subtle play of contrasts, may it be the versatility of the composite stone to the marble, or the glossy duco white against the reflective mirrors which break the monotony of color in the house. Carefully placing the veneers of oak brought in a solid sense of purpose. The home is in one of the iconic Mumbai buildings so there were limitations to what we could do. We kept whatever we had to, and still built a visual identity that was light, modern, fresh and cool.

Our first interior project in Dubai. A beautiful two bedroom apartment with a gorgeous view of Sheik Zayed Road and Marina. its a quirky home with alot of collectibles and beautiful paintings by renowned Indian painters.

residential interiors (2012)

A newly married couple’s home where the bathroom was given equal important as much as the bedroom. The two spaces were given a connect via a window. The huge bathroom was designed to give a white luxurious feel. The bathtub near the window overlook into the bedroom. Ceiling above the bathtub was made in triangular mirrors. To give a modern glamorous feel. To complement the bathroom the bedroom was given a large tufted headboard with a contoured light ceiling.

residential interiors (2011-2012)

A black and white bedroom bathroom was designed for a girl aspiring to be an architect. The 3d triangulated glossy white headboard turns into the ceiling panel acting as the main highlight of the bedroom. The side wardrobe with huge back painted white glass compliments the bed design.

The same black n white theme is used in the bathroom. The use of checkered black granite in different textures creates a playful effect on the wall complimented by the matt black basin and a waterfall basin faucet.

office interiors (2013-2014)

An office designed in the heart of Mumbai city for a Shipping agency. Simple clean lines , keeping it as open as possible. kept the color them in grey and whites with a color pop of orange.

A WALK THROUGH THE FOREST - Is a concept used for this office space where the staff can come take a break, get rejuvenated. The idea was to create a space where one feels like they are walking through a forest, under the shade of the trees , walking through the greens. Mounds of grass for people to laze on or raw wooden swings to relax and destress. An idea to transport the mind into a more calming space. Many different pods were created for people with different moods. Some are individual pods for a single person to get his own private alone me time space , or just a sleep pod. One of the pod is a hammock to rest and be transported into a relaxing vibe. One is a reading pod with books, magazines. The first pod as you enter is a pantry for people to get a coffee/tea or juice to get energized and the pod next to it for then to sit together and hang together. Mounds of grass are placed nearby for people to sit or lie down comfortably.
A raw light earthy veneer with natural knots have been used to give the closest feel to the forest raw feel and to compliment the forest green .