The project aimed to create a home for an entrepreneur in his seventies and his mother in her nineties, reflecting their rich history while accommodating a slower pace of life. The challenge was to design a space that was a living tribute to their memories, offering both practicality and emotional grounding.
Core Concept: Tranquil Retreat
The guiding principle was to create a peaceful, serene environment that supported mindful living. The home would be emotionally grounding, offering spaces where every corner invited pause and reflection. Yogesh’s design emphasized:
Calm and warmth: Soft, inviting tones, warm woods, and leather finishes.
Thoughtful materials: Custom timber furniture and built-ins, complemented by Art Deco and mid-century modern styles.
Balanced aesthetics: The design kept the focus on simplicity, using whited walls to highlight the materials and textures while creating a space of understated elegance.
Key Transformations
Dining Room Revitalization: The original, awkwardly-shaped dining area was reimagined by merging it with a small underused balcony. This increased the dining space’s functionality and flow.
Kitchen Expansion: The cramped kitchen was expanded into the adjoining storage room, creating more space with a custom geometric flooring pattern to tie the area together.
Functional, Personal Spaces
The layout was driven by how the homeowners would spend their time. Specific areas were created for activities like knitting or enjoying a cup of coffee. The home was designed with an intimate feel for family members while allowing it to be expansive for visiting guests. Key considerations included:
Senior-friendly design: Features like slip-resistant flooring, wider doorways, and unobtrusive lighting prioritized ease of movement and safety.
Practical yet beautiful: The furniture was adapted to ensure comfort and safety, with rounded edges and tailored proportions. Circulation areas were carved out to ensure effortless navigation.
Durable and maintenance-free finishes: The use of long-lasting materials ensured the space would remain elegant without requiring excessive upkeep.
Outcome
The 1,800-square-foot home emerged as a nurturing, intuitive space where every decision was made with comfort and usability in mind, without compromising on beauty. Yogesh’s design approach successfully created a home that was both practical for aging residents and emotionally resonant, proving that thoughtful design can honor the past while supporting the future.
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