Project Name: Anayasa
Area: 5600 sqft
Location: Bangalore
Type: 4 BHK Villa
Interior Design Studio: Studio Ipsa (www.instagram.com/studioipsa)
Principal Designers: Sonal Mutha (www.instagram.com/sonalrmutha) and Aniketh Bafna (www.instagram.com/anikethbafna)
Design Team: Varun Balaji (https://www.instagram.com/_varun_balaji_/)
Photographs: Hansoga Photography (https://www.instagram.com/hansoga_photography/)
Video: Create Stories (https://www.instagram.com/createstories.in/)

Project Brief:
We were entrusted with the complete transformation of a 4BHK villa located in an upscale community in Bangalore. What began as a renovation soon turned into a full-scale overhaul — reimagining the layout, materials, and spatial experience from the ground up. From changing the entire flooring to reconfiguring the staircase, repositioning the kitchen and master suite, and even extending the indoors by integrating a section of the balcony — every inch of this home was reconsidered with intent. We reworked the patio spaces and gave the landscape a refreshing new language.

The home belongs to a wonderful couple who live with their Golden Retriever, Milo, and whose daughter studies overseas. Our collaboration began in the most serendipitous way — they had come across a feature on Studio Ipsa in a design publication and reached out soon after. When we met at our studio, it became instantly clear that this would be a special project. They wanted a home that felt Indian yet eclectic — rooted in tradition, but expressive in a contemporary voice. A space where their carefully collected artifacts and heirloom treasures could find resonance, while also making room for fresh, curated additions. It was an exciting brief, and we were instantly drawn in. The journey that followed was one of creative freedom, deep trust, and mutual respect. The clients gave us carte blanche to bring their vision to life, while also allowing us to infuse the home with our signature narrative — one that celebrates texture, colour, and soul.

We named this home Anayāsa — a Sanskrit word that means effortlessly graceful — because that’s exactly what it embodies. A home where design doesn’t scream for attention, but quietly stuns with its ease, elegance, and depth.

The patio of this villa was a quaint little pocket — and we knew it had to whisper what the interiors would eventually reveal. It became our prologue, setting the tone for the eclectic narrative that unfolded inside. We began by replacing the existing tiles with striking patterned green flooring, framed dramatically with a bold black border — a grounding gesture that instantly added visual drama and character. This floor became the foundation for the home’s layered, maximal spirit. To one end, we introduced a black granite textured bench — tactile and monolithic — set against a lush, green backdrop of layered plants. The planting not only softened the space but subtly created a visual partition between this space and the one tucked just behind it. The main door was reimagined entirely. We designed it in lush, richly grained teak and gave it a unique Studio Ipsa touch — antique brass bricks, carefully laid into a wooden panel, doubling as both accent and door handle. It felt regal yet rooted. Beside the door, we introduced a delicate fabric-sandwiched glass panel, adding softness and a sheer luminosity to the entrance. Framing it all was a handcrafted stone Ganesha idol from the client’s personal collection — a piece that lent presence, meaning, and a sense of quiet welcome to this threshold

Step inside, and you’re welcomed into a compact foyer — a space that we knew needed to surprise. The ceiling here was low and the footprint modest, so our approach was to shift focus — to draw the eye toward detail, materiality, and texture. A custom-designed teak console became the functional anchor of the space. But it was the wall behind that became the true showstopper. We conceptualised an embroidered wallpaper — a tactile canvas that would instantly elevate the foyer. Set against a sage green grasscloth base, delicate floral motifs cascade downward, interspersed with furry birds that lend whimsy and movement. A sculptural cane ceiling light casts a warm, dappled glow, while a bold table lamp and pieces from the client’s curated collection add character. In what could’ve been a quiet corner, we created a moment of tactile elegance — an intimate prelude to the home’s maximal story.

For seating, a contemporary sofa in warm greige upholstery was flanked by two smaller couches in a bold striped fabric — a composition that felt cohesive yet playful. At the center, a large black-stained coffee table from Magari acted as a sculptural anchor, styled with the client’s impeccable collection of books and curios. A customdesigned rug tied the palette together with nuanced tones and textures, adding softness and detail underfoot. Every surface told a story. One wall showcased the client’s vintage hand-painted window frame with a Kamadhenu vahana resting elegantly below. Another corner was home to a magnificent silver Garuda Vahana — a striking focal point that radiated quiet grandeur. Beside it, we placed a contemporary paper-mâché floor lamp — a bespoke collaboration with Vahe Ensemble. We worked closely with their team to design a piece that echoed the home’s colour story and graphic language. After multiple iterations, we arrived at a beautifully balanced, handcrafted lamp that added both art and glow. At the opposite end, adjoining the dining wall, a pair of bone inlay end tables housed a pair of exquisite Shiva busts — closing the loop between old-world charm and refined eclecticism.

Tucked beside the living room was a small extension, which we transformed into a quiet reading nook. We placed two comfortable armchairs with an end table between them, creating an inviting space perfect for curling up with a book or a cup of tea. On one side, we designed a bookshelf that doubled as a visual statement. The sliding shutter was upholstered in a custom tufted fabric, printed with a bespoke pattern that added texture and character. This unit not only housed the client’s impressive book collection, but also displayed cherished curios and memorabilia.

Just outside the reading nook, we extended a small deck into the lawn — a space thoughtfully created for Milo, their beloved pet, to lounge and gaze outdoors. To make it both functional and elegant, we introduced wooden deck flooring that flowed seamlessly from the interiors. Overhead, a sleek glass pergola offered protection from the sun and rain, allowing the space to be enjoyed in every season. The dining area was once a semi-covered outdoor space — an open quadrant just off the living room. We enclosed it and transformed it into an indoor dining zone, adding elegant curved sliding doors to separate it from the lush garden at the back. Two structural columns near the doors became an opportunity to build open shelving — perfect to display even more of the clients’ treasured art pieces. Almost everything in this space was customised. We began with the dining table — a design anchored in bold materiality and sculptural form. The tabletop was stone, while the conical wooden legs were inspired by the texture of a pineapple rind. Achieving this precise carving took nearly eight prototypes — the rhythm, proportion, and tactility finally coming together just as we were ready to give up. We designed three dining chairs and a bench to accompany it. The chairs had a custom-printed Indian motif on the backrest, printed in three-part alignment — another detail that brought a soft artisanal touch to the bold setting. And then, the showstopper — a trio of floral pendant lights suspended above the table, glowing in warm, romantic tones. Created in collaboration with Jade Designshouse, the lights featured hand-blown glass petals in a rich pink-red, paired with antique brass stems. They felt like blossoms frozen mid-bloom — dramatic, delicate, and entirely in sync with the home’s narrative. The table was finally set in maximal style with the client’s finest dinnerware — a dining scene as layered and refined as the home itself.

The back garden, visible through the curved sliding doors of the dining space, was entirely reimagined. Of the original landscape, we retained only a single, majestic tree — its presence too powerful and poetic to lose. Everything else was reworked with intention and care. We layered the periphery with lush greenery, adding depth and volume through a mix of foliage. A fresh grass mat swept across the entire space, offering a soft, expansive base. Carved stone stepping stones were embedded thoughtfully into the lawn, leading to a custom-designed curved bench nestled under the canopy of the old tree. It became the quiet heart of the garden — a space for pause, reflection, or a slow morning cup of coffee. A subtle, grounding contrast to the richness of the interiors inside.

Back inside, right opposite the dining area, sat the heart of the home — their charming little kitchen. From the earliest moodboards, we knew this space needed to echo the home’s aesthetic with equal intensity. We envisioned a dual-tone palette — a deep sage green paired with warm teak. This pairing created a rich, grounded base. To contrast and uplift, we added a bold black stone countertop and a striking backsplash that quickly became the highlight — graphic tiles in burnt clay orange and black, adding a touch of drama and vibrancy. Despite its compact footprint, the kitchen was designed with precision — every inch used smartly, every element with a place. We even carved out room for a petite breakfast counter, accompanied by two custom stools — a perfect spot for morning chats.

To create a visual divide between the kitchen and the adjoining family room, we conceptualised a fragmented partition — one we always knew had to be a focal feature. It would be visible from almost every corner of the lower floor, and so it had to be sculptural, rooted, and visually striking. We collaborated with Wicker Story to bring this idea to life. The material of choice was traditional cane, but we reimagined it in a contemporary, almost art-installation-like form. To break away from the expected honey tones of wicker, we custom colour-graded the partition in a gradient — moving from natural cane to a rich burgundy, and finally fading into a deep charcoal grey. The result was a piece that felt both rooted and radical — artisanal in spirit, modern in form, and completely in sync with the home’s layered aesthetic.

The family room was envisioned as an intimate, contemporary lounge — a cozy retreat for unwinding and connection. We designed an in-set TV wall that served more than just its primary function. Thoughtfully layered with niches and nooks, it held books, tucked-away storage, and curated memorabilia. A small shuttered cabinet within this display quietly held space for their Mandir — a spiritual corner subtly woven into the room’s narrative. For seating, we custom-built a plush sofa in a decadent shade of burgundy — rich, inviting, and indulgent. It was flanked by two wooden armchairs upholstered in fabric and accented with a striking black woven detail, adding both texture and tactility. At the centre, a bold coffee table in a black and chrome finish anchored the space, while a transitional rug from Jaipur Rugs tied it all together — grounding the room with warmth and elegance.

Just outside the family room, we designed a serene deck extension — laid with warm wooden flooring and sheltered with a sleek glass pergola. But what truly transformed this space was the bespoke stone mural we conceptualised as both a visual highlight and a privacy screen from the neighbouring villa. Inspired by the Birds of Paradise, the mural was designed in collaboration with Vidyasagar StoneX, using a soft beige sandstone as the base. During the process, we stumbled upon a beautiful red sandstone — and instantly knew it had to be part of the story. The mural was machine-carved to depict elegant stems and blooms, with select areas carefully cut out to inlay the red stone. This subtle infusion of colour against the neutral backdrop brought the mural to life — a sculptural, artistic moment that draws the eye from the very entrance of the home. Furnished with a pair of comfortable patio chairs and a classic round table, the space effortlessly transformed into the perfect nook for outdoor conversations and quiet alone-time.

Tucked away on the lower floor was a compact guest bedroom that originally suffered from a lack of natural light. We addressed this by enlarging the window, instantly brightening the space and allowing it to breathe. The design language here was understated and elegant. We custom-designed a spindle-back bed — simple in form, but with detailing that added character and quiet charm. On either side, warm drop-down wall lights flanked the bed, casting a soft, ambient glow. Across from the bed, a petite chest of drawers — echoing the spindle motif — offered storage with a subtle design nod. Above it hung an artwork from the client’s personal collection, adding depth and narrative to the room. This bedroom was all about minimal elegance — a calm, considered space that still carried the home’s spirit, but with restraint and softness.

The Guest bathroom, like the bedroom, came with spatial limitations — compact in footprint and slightly constrained in height. Our approach was to embrace simplicity, creating a clean, minimal space that echoed the quiet elegance of the bedroom. We chose to work with a single highlight tile — a neutral-toned mosaic that added just enough texture without overwhelming the space. To introduce a hint of colour and personality, we brought in a pink travertine stone for the vanity — a subtle yet striking contrast against the otherwise muted palette. Warm brass fixtures completed the look, tying the materials together with understated luxury and warmth.

Tucked under the staircase, the powder bathroom was designed as a compact yet striking space. Clad in grey travertine with warm wooden flooring, the palette felt earthy and refined. Curved elements defined the space — from the flowing vanity counter to the softly arched ledge wall, breaking away from conventional geometry. The highlight was the artist edition washbasin with a tropical print from Kohler, paired with a crystal-studded faucet from Briezo. Stone-accented wall lights and framed artwork added just the right amount of polish and personality.

The staircase was yet another stunning highlight in the home — a seamless continuation of the design language. We carried forward the warm grey terrazzo from the flooring, but added a delicate twist: small green terrazzo inserts on the risers that created a rhythmic, understated accent as you ascended. The railing was completely reimagined — curved metal balusters paired with a wooden handrail, stained in the same green as the terrazzo chips. A quiet, crafted detail that tied it all together, turning a transitional space into a design feature.

At the first landing of the staircase, tucked into the mezzanine level, was another guest bedroom — designed with a calm, understated charm. An upholstered bed with a fabric headboard in an ethnic print set the tone for the space. One wall was lined with closets featuring classic shaker details and brass inlay accents, while a quiet reading nook occupied the opposite corner — complete with a cane accent chair, a gorgeous glass end table, and a soft area rug from Loops by LJ. Simple, grounded, and welcoming. For the mezzanine guest bathroom, we envisioned a quiet elegance — soft-toned walls with a bold, statement floor. We selected 4–5 solid-colored tiles, custom-cut them into varying widths, and laid them in a rhythmic, graphic pattern that instantly drew the eye. The wet zone was fully tiled, while the dry area featured a combination of half-height tiling and lime plaster in a matching tone — adding warmth and depth to the space. A finely detailed vanity brought function with form, and a pendant light from Orange Tree cast a gentle glow, completing this softly sculpted retreat.

At the upper floor landing, a breakout zone unfolded — a transitional space that led to the two bedrooms and the terrace beyond. With its generous volume and sloping roofline, we saw immense potential here and reimagined it as a space with presence and purpose. To accommodate a larger master suite, we broke down an adjoining wall and extended the room into this volume. Instead of a complete solid partition, we introduced a double-height glass insert — offering visual continuity from the bedroom to the terrace while retaining privacy.

In the passage area, a tall, custom bookshelf framed the glass wall, adding both scale and function. A sculptural green rug from Jaipur Rugs grounded the space, with a handcrafted cane bench by Project 810 placed at its centre. Above it all, a stunning banana fibre chandelier by Oorja Lights brought in a touch of artisanal drama — turning this connector into a destination in itself.

The daughter’s bedroom was a visual treat — a space designed to feel personal, layered, and quietly indulgent. We created distinct zones by introducing a raised platform that separated the bed and cozy nooks from the closet area, lending structure and intimacy to the room. We made a couple structural changes, extending existing windows into bay areas — one transformed into a charming reading nook, the other into a study zone filled with natural light. The palette leaned into soft, feminine elegance. We laid a warm grey microcement floor as the base and placed atop it a carved green wooden bed with woven cane panels at the headboard and footboard — both bold and timeless. Matching nightstands flanked the bed, which sat against a subtly panelled geometric wall. Overhead, a dramatic banana fibre pendant from Oorja Lights added sculptural softness. The bay near the bed became a quiet reading haven, with built-in niches on either side to hold books and curios, framing a low, inviting daybed. The opposite bay housed a sleek, minimal study table — perfectly positioned to overlook the back garden. Just off the platform towards the closet area, we placed a hand-painted floral console — its colours echoing the tones of the room. Above it, a brass mirror from Gulmohar Lane added a timeless accent, styled thoughtfully with the client’s own collection of décor — each piece holding memory and meaning.

The bathroom of the daughter’s room continued the story of soft, feminine elegance. A tropical-inspired highlight tile — featuring warm wood tones and botanical motifs — defined the shower area, while sage green tiles balanced the palette with calm, earthy charm. A sleek vanity provided functionality without clutter, complemented by a brass-framed mirror and warm brass fixtures that tied the space together in quiet sophistication.

The Master bedroom was a thoughtfully curated contemporary haven, elevated by the introduction of a new double-height glass wall overlooking the terrace. This addition transformed the space — flooding it with light and lending it a striking sense of volume. To soften this expanse, we custom-designed a sheer curtain embroidered with delicate florals — a visual delight from both within the room and the outer passage. The floral narrative continued at the bed. Set against an arched, veneered wall panel, the headboard was crafted using dual fabrics — one of which was meticulously hand-embroidered to become a subtle statement piece. On either side, custom travertine and wood nightstands paired with luxurious wall sconces from Quattrefoil added elegance and balance. A custom rug — understated with a bordered accent — grounded the room in warmth. A cozy reading nook was carved out at one end, featuring a bespoke lounge chair and end table. Behind it, a mother-of-pearl floral artwork from Rare Lily added just the right hint of romance and refinement — a serendipitous find during our sourcing trails.

Though more compact than the bedroom it adjoined, the master bathroom was designed to exude refined luxury and artisanal charm. We kept the palette neutral but layered in rich details — starting with the marble flooring. Using white Statuario as the base, we introduced inlays of Udaipur green, Jaisalmer yellow, pink travertine, and grey travertine — creating a painterly mosaic of colour underfoot. The walls were finished in off-white speckled kitkat tiles, lending texture and a soft graphic rhythm to the space. The vanity was a focal moment — nestled beneath a graceful arch that made the area feel more intimate and intentional. The design was minimal, but the countertop was anything but ordinary: a bespoke striped slab crafted in white marble and pink travertine. This bold surface was paired with a clear glass artisanal wash basin from Kohler, allowing the beauty of the stonework to shine through — a subtle statement of material-forward design.

The terrace, with its original terracotta-tiled roof, was reimagined to exude a distinct mood — one of both vibrancy and retreat. We replaced the old flooring with bold, black-and-white striped tiles, creating an instant focal point that set the aesthetic tone for the entire space. The layout was zoned into two clear functions — one side designed for casual seating and gatherings, the other transformed into an outdoor gym. To define this divide, we introduced a custom partition — a combination of textured concrete and terracotta jaali blocks that added an earthy, Indian sensibility while maintaining visual openness. The seating area featured fixed Sadarhalli granite benches, sturdy yet elegant, anchored by a sculptural concrete coffee table from Jodilife. The resulting space felt grounded, expressive, and purposefully layered — the perfect outdoor extension to this deeply personal home.

This home is a tapestry of stories — layered, lived-in, and deeply personal. Every corner reflects not just thoughtful design but the spirit of its homeowners: their travels, their taste, their trust in the process. From bold material juxtapositions to curated art pieces, from bespoke collaborations to structural reinventions — the home is as much about emotional warmth as it is about aesthetic depth. Designing it was a journey of discovery, dialogue, and deep connection — and in the end, what stands is not just a beautifully crafted space, but a soulful home that feels like it was always meant to be.