Project Type: 4 BHK
Project Area: 4400 sqft
Project Location: Embassy Lake Terraces, Bangalore
KAIA is a home where modern minimalism meets soulful warmth, a serene sanctuary for a family of five in an upscale Bangalore apartment. From our very first meeting with the clients, we realized that they were well-prepared and deeply invested in finding the perfect design partner. Having explored multiple design firms, they sought not just expertise, but something more—a personal connection with their designers, a rapport that would make this transformative journey enjoyable and meaningful.
Studio Ipsa resonated with them on every level—our design aesthetic, our execution expertise, and the personalized approach we bring to each project. This connection marked the beginning of a year-long journey to create a 4BHK home that would reflect their desire for a modern minimalist space while capturing the essence of their close-knit family life.
Our design intent was clear from the outset: to craft a home that feels lovingly tended to, exuding calmness, serenity, and warmth. A space that feels effortless yet profound, balancing timeless elegance with contemporary nuances. This vision was translated into a neutral color palette enriched with subtle accents, ensuring a cohesive and tranquil atmosphere throughout. The result—an embodiment of simplicity that seamlessly integrates with soulful living.
Foyer: The Prelude
The journey into KAIA begins with a thoughtfully designed foyer that sets the tone for the entire home. We envisioned this space as a perfect prelude—minimal yet deeply intentional. A bespoke console stands elegantly against the front wall, adorned with a spiritual ‘OM’ art piece, collaboratively designed with artist Prachi Kothari . The muted color palette of this artwork was carefully chosen to harmonize with the home’s overarching aesthetic of simplicity and serenity.
To ground the space, we collaborated with rug designer Lathika from Loops by LJ to craft a bespoke rug. The rug’s design reflects the home’s architectural language—clean linear spokes interspersed with a soft, scalloped circumference, echoing the curved elements woven throughout the interiors.
A sliding pocket door with fabric sandwiched in glass separates the foyer from the main living areas. This design choice was both functional and aesthetic, with the geometric fabric pattern serving as a subtle introduction to the home’s design narrative. Complementing this was the addition of cornice details, where simple linear accents contributed to the home’s overall cohesive visual story.
Powder Room:
Adjacent to the foyer, the powder room was conceived as a compact yet statement-making space. We adopted an unconventional two-highlight tile approach, marrying blush subway tiles—laid in a delicate herringbone pattern—with square grey pitted tiles, adding depth and contrast. The flooring was envisioned as a custom mosaic mat, featuring a black and white checker pattern exclusively designed for this space.
Every detail was meticulously curated to elevate this space into a visual delight. A handcrafted concrete basin from Cretkala—sculpted with scalloped edges for a touch of understated luxury—was collaboratively designed to perfectly fit within the compact layout. To maintain a seamless palette, the basin and a fluted mirror by artist Prityanshi Aggarwal were color-matched – and to do so, we created a colour sample on site – complimenting the tile colour and shared these samples with both the vendors to create an outcome that felt unified. The finishing touch came in the form of matte black Gessi fittings, offering a striking contrast to the softness of the palette.
Living-Dining:
The living and dining areas form the heart of KAIA, an expansive stretch that needed to cater to both intimate family moments and large gatherings for the frequent satsangs hosted by the clients. To maintain visual continuity and highlight the space’s length, we ran subtle cornice detailing throughout, lending a sense of harmony.
To introduce character without overwhelming the space, we curated a circular seating arrangement. Neutral-toned boucle fabric sofas and armchairs were custom-designed, their soft textures complementing the serene ambiance. A deep blue loveseat was introduced to create a striking accent, injecting vibrancy while maintaining the home’s understated elegance. The seating ensemble was anchored by a stunning round rug, thoughtfully designed in collaboration with Loops by LJ to reflect the circular theme.
A truly distinctive element in the living space is the bespoke totem installation, created in collaboration with product designer Harshita Jamtani. Inspired by the form of a temple bell—a nod to the clients’ reverence for their spiritual gurus—this vertical installation stands tall, bringing a sacred aura to the space without feeling overtly religious. The totem, accentuated by subtle strip lighting, adds depth and warmth to the space in a manner that feels profound yet unobtrusive.
The adjacent dining area continues this theme of minimal elegance. The organic-shaped dining table was custom-designed with soft curves, finished in rich oak with a striking brown and black veined marble top. The contrast of black-stained wooden chairs adds a bold yet balanced visual element. Above the table, a bespoke layered light fixture by Harshita Jamtani introduces depth and texture while retaining the space’s minimalist ethos.
The dining area also features an accent wall adorned with delicately hand-painted floral art pieces housed in softly curved niches, framed with oak wood beadings to add dimension and charm.
The Balcony Deck:
Stretching along the living and dining space is an inviting balcony deck, designed as a lush retreat for family get-togethers. To create a sanctuary-like atmosphere, we introduced a variety of potted plants, a comfortable outdoor seating arrangement, and a handcrafted swing that evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort. Elements such as candle holders and wind chimes were thoughtfully placed to infuse the space with warmth and charm.
Kitchen:
Originally a dimly lit, enclosed space, the kitchen was transformed by introducing a large opening to maximize natural light from the adjoining dining area. However, to cater to the clients’ needs for privacy during satsangs, we incorporated pocket doors with sandwiched fabric glass, providing flexibility without compromising on aesthetics.
The muted sage green cabinetry was chosen to infuse a sense of freshness, while the layout was optimized for both functionality and aesthetics. The island unit—crafted with subtle curves—serves as a central gathering spot, while breakfast stools in black-stained wood visually tie it back to the dining area.
Harmonizing with the rest of the home, the kitchen lighting fixtures were custom-made to reflect the organic forms seen in the adjacent living and dining spaces.
The Family Room:
Once an open, undefined space, the family room has been thoughtfully transformed into a warm and inviting retreat—a place where moments are cherished, and connections are deepened. To create a sense of intimacy without sacrificing openness, we introduced a refined partition with sliding doors, allowing the space to adapt effortlessly to the family’s needs.
The media cabinet, designed with both function and aesthetics in mind, offers seamless storage while elegantly displaying the family’s treasured memorabilia and travel keepsakes. A touch of ambient magic comes from the backlit CNC-cut panels, casting a soft, inviting glow—perfect for quiet evenings or animated family conversations.
Comfort takes center stage with plush sofas upholstered in deep, accent-toned fabrics, adding richness and warmth to the space. A carefully layered rug, with its intricate textures and muted hues, further enhances the room’s inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to relax and unwind.
The pièce de résistance of the family room is a custom-designed artwork, created in collaboration with artist Prityanshi Aggarwal. Measuring an impressive 7’X3.5’, the piece is a heartfelt ode to the family’s love for the mountains and the sea. Bathed in neutral tones and intricate textures, it seamlessly blends with the room’s aesthetic, offering a tranquil escape and a visual narrative that resonates deeply with the homeowners.
The Master Bedroom:
The master bedroom was originally a large, rectangular space interrupted by a structural column on the front wall. Our design approach reimagined this challenge as an opportunity to enhance both functionality and aesthetics. We proposed a thoughtful layout that introduced a subtle partition, creating a defined foyer-like entryway while ensuring the bed area remained a private retreat.
To address the column, we designed an unconventional curved wall—an architectural statement that not only masked the structural element but also crafted two functional alcoves. One alcove now serves as a stylish display for the client’s cherished memorabilia, while the larger niche houses an inviting secondary seating nook—perfect for unwinding with a book or a quiet conversation. This sculptural feature, with its fluid lines, adds an element of softness and sophistication to the room.
Beyond the partition, the bedroom unfolds into a serene cocoon, anchored by a custom-designed curved headboard that echoes the gentle forms throughout the space. A tactile banana fibre panel partially frames the headboard wall, adding depth and organic charm. To complement the design narrative, bespoke nightstands were crafted, and pendant lights from Harshita Jamtani Designs were thoughtfully chosen to introduce a delicate play of light and texture.
A harmonious color palette of deep blues, soft neutrals, and a subtle peachy pink on the headboard lends warmth and character to the space. A meticulously designed rug, created in collaboration with Loops by LJ, ties the entire composition together. Its curvilinear patterns and carefully chosen hues perfectly mirror the design language of the room. Countless design iterations ensured a seamless blend of form and function, culminating in a space that feels both intimate and luxurious.
The master suite extends into a thoughtfully designed walk-in closet, where his-and-her wardrobes line either side. Finished in a subdued blue—picked from the accents within the bedroom rug—the closet exudes understated elegance while offering ample storage and organization.
The Master Bathroom:
Designed to be a sanctuary of relaxation, the master bathroom is a lavish yet minimalist space that balances luxury with restraint. A foundation of pristine white marble forms the base, accented by striking deep blue tiles that introduce a bold contrast and visual interest.
The true showstopper of this bathroom is the expansive marble vanity—an exercise in purity and sophistication. To maintain an uncluttered aesthetic, the vanity features an integrated marble basin, a sleek countertop, and drawer fronts seamlessly clad in the same luxurious material. This uninterrupted expanse of marble creates a refined, cohesive look that feels both opulent and modern.
Breaking the linearity of the space, a custom-designed curved mirror introduces an organic touch, while handcrafted wall lights from Harshita Jamtani Designs add a subtle yet compelling texture. Matt black sanitary fittings punctuate the space with a crisp contrast, lending a contemporary edge to the overall design.
Bedroom 1:
Designed with a deep understanding of the grandparents’ personalities, Bedroom 1 embodies a sense of warmth, comfort, and timeless charm. We envisioned a space that would feel pleasant, snug, and effortlessly inviting—crafted with a palette of soft greens, warm greiges, honey-toned oak, and delicate brass accents, all working in perfect harmony.
The focal point of the room is the bespoke bed, featuring a minimal yet elegant headboard framed in oak wood, with a textured grasscloth wallpaper in a soothing greige tone. To further enhance the softness, we upholstered the cushioned headboard in a matching fabric, creating a seamless and cohesive backdrop. The oak wood bed and coordinating nightstands introduce a natural contrast, adding depth and character to the neutral palette. Ambient lighting was carefully considered, with minimally designed wall lights by Harshita Jamtani casting a soft, inviting glow—perfect for winding down in the evenings.
The storage solutions were thoughtfully integrated into the design. A run of shaker-style closets lines one side of the room, featuring a unique twist—soft green shutters framed with natural banana fibre, adding texture and a touch of the organic to the space. On the opposite end, a charming window seat was created, doubling as a cozy reading nook with built-in storage, offering a serene spot to relax with a book while basking in natural light.
Bathroom 1:
Carrying the same harmonious color story from the bedroom, the en-suite bathroom is an elegant fusion of green and grey hues. We introduced a distinctive half-and-half wall treatment, where the lower half is clad in sleek fluted grey tiles, lending a sense of depth and sophistication. The upper half features striking green subway tiles that infuse the space with freshness and vibrancy.
A true highlight of this space is the bespoke mosaic border—an intricate design detail that runs seamlessly along the transition between the tiles, adding a layer of artistry and craftsmanship. To elevate this detail further, the mosaic border was thoughtfully extended around the vanity mirror, framing it as a subtle yet striking focal point.
The vanity itself is a statement of functionality and elegance, with a beautifully crafted storage cabinet that ties into the overall aesthetic. Brass fixtures punctuate the space with a touch of old-world charm, enhancing the luxurious yet understated feel of the bathroom.
Bedroom 2:
Though Bedroom 2 was more compact compared to the other rooms, we leaned into its cozy size to create a snug, inviting atmosphere. The highlight of this space is the striking headboard wall, where a checkered panel adds texture and visual interest. Complementing this feature, we chose a rich blue fabric for the headboard, infusing the room with depth and sophistication. A custom storage bed and matching bedside tables complete the serene bed setup, while beautifully designed wall lights from Harshita Jamtani serve as both functional and decorative elements, casting a soft, ambient glow throughout the room.
To add a touch of contrast, we incorporated grey graphite accents into the design. Minimally designed wardrobes, finished in grey, rise on one side of the bed, providing ample storage without overwhelming the space. Across from the bed, we crafted a tranquil reading nook, where the wall was panelled in a subtle oak veneer. This warm, natural finish creates a charming backdrop for the upholstery fabrics in blue, creating a cohesive color story. An art piece above the nook ties the design together, subtly echoing the room’s rich hues.
Bathroom 2:
Drawing from the checkered aesthetic of the bedroom, the flooring of Bathroom 2 becomes a striking design feature. We used small-format square tiles in black and grey to create a unique, eye-catching pattern that enhances the space. The walls, however, are kept minimal with muted grey tiles, allowing the flooring detail to take center stage.
To break up the monochromatic scheme, we introduced a wooden storage cabinet, adding warmth and texture to the bathroom. The highlight of the vanity area is the bespoke mirror—crafted from blocks of black and white tiles, meticulously painted to perfection. This design choice brings balance and a sense of harmony, elevating the space’s overall aesthetic.
Kids Bathroom:
Designed with the future in mind, the kids’ bathroom strikes the perfect balance between playful and timeless. We chose textured grey tiles for the walls and a rich green hue for the flooring, grounding the space in a mature, yet youthful palette.
A touch of fun comes through with the custom striped detail we added to the walls, created using small tiles in varying colors. This bespoke design element adds whimsy without compromising the room’s long-term appeal. To further enhance this playful touch, we used a similar striped section to break up the expanse of the floor, ensuring that the space remains dynamic and visually engaging.
KAIA stands as a celebration of harmony between design and lifestyle, where each room is a carefully curated reflection of the family’s needs, passions, and memories. The home exudes an understated luxury, making a lasting impression through its bespoke details and the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal. It’s more than just a residence—it’s a sanctuary where design elevates daily living and every corner tells a story.
