In This Chennai Weekend Home, Traditional Motifs Meet Earthy Serenity

Upon entry, one of Menon’s signature design identities comes to the forefront: a heady mix of traditional motifs that add an “Indian” touch to the space. “Even if it is a contemporary or minimalist design, I try to introduce a traditional element, if only to adapt the space to the context and subconsciously make it feel like home “, explains Menon. While its eclectic traditional touches add plenty of bold and playful pops of color to the design, the visual vocabulary exudes a feeling of warmth, comfort and dread. Lime-washed walls, terracotta brick accents, rattan and bamboo light fixtures and shutters: there is an intentional juxtaposition of hard and soft, textured and polished surfaces and colors to strike a balance.

In the dining room, the table and chairs are from IKEA, the black console is from Toran Home Decor while the striking art of artist Raju Durshettiwar takes pride of place with its vibrant colors.

Yash Jain

This strong sense of materiality seeps through the entire design, from the expansive living room, through to the open plan kitchen and dining room, through to the bedrooms with their individually distinct yet complementary aesthetic. “We have the entire house in a neutral white wash, over which we layered warm wood tones, colorful and vibrant artwork, and eclectic decor pieces,” says Varsha.

Organize a break

Yash Jain

Yash Jain

The only room where the design deviates from its overall aesthetic is the living room. Oddly enough, it’s one of the designer’s favorite pieces. The smallest room in this house, the bedroom-turned-office, is one of the many breakout points Menon strives to create through his design. “As with the antique horse next to the bar (image below), whether or not one knows what it is, their eyes move around the room, creating a moment of pause and wonder. For me, good design is about creating several small floors within a larger space,” she explains.

An antique horse from HB Studio makes a striking addition to this nook as one transitions from the living room to the dining room, creating one of Menon’s curated “break points.” She chooses to place it on the ground without ceremony or pedestal, thus adding to its mystery. The bar console can be hidden and withdrawn into the wooden cabinet when not in use.

Yash Jain