Urban Residences: Light and Serenity in the City
City life moves fast, so your home should offer a quiet counterpoint. I design residences that act as sanctuaries, using natural materials and careful lighting to turn standard apartments into living, breathing spaces.
For this weekend home in Magnolias, Gurgaon, the goal was a heightened dramatic appeal. The living room is designed as an art object, with vibrant colours like deep orange and royal blue set against the glittering city skyline.
A traditional Indian swing, or 'jhoola,' brings a sense of playful nostalgia to this modern living room. Set against a cool grey lime-plastered wall with arched niches, it creates a focal point that is both elegant and inviting.
This living space is defined by its textures and tones. A concrete-finish sofa base, a traditional wooden swing, and soft woven armchairs come together to create a room that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted.
This study, cantilevered over the garden, is a true room with a view. Sheltered under the canopy of an Alistonia tree, it is a space I designed for quiet contemplation and inspiration, away from the distractions of the world.
The entrance to this home features a 'Tree of Life' motif, hand-carved into a teal-coloured feature wall. It’s a detail that immediately sets a tone of artistry and connection to nature, welcoming you into a harmonious space.
A home studio needs to be both functional and inspiring. Here, a wall of custom-built shelves in a soft teal provides ample storage, while a simple desk and chair create a workspace that is calm and uncluttered.
In this bedroom, a bold, leafy wallpaper creates a stunning feature wall, bringing the essence of nature indoors. The deep blue of the headboard and bedspread provides a rich contrast, making the room a cozy and enveloping retreat.
This hallway in a Gurgaon apartment was designed as a gallery-like experience. A sculptural wooden wall, polished marble floors, and carefully placed art create an unfolding sequence that is both dramatic and highly stylized.
This living and dining space is a perfect example of quiet luxury. Warm lighting, rich textures, and subtle details like the fluted console and tufted leather sofa create an atmosphere of comfort and understated elegance.
This bedroom is a cocoon of warmth and texture. A custom-paneled wall in varying shades of wood creates a stunning backdrop for the bed, while floor-to-ceiling sheer curtains diffuse the light, adding to the room's serene quality.
About Urban Residences: Light and Serenity in the City
When designing for the city, I focus on how light moves through a room to change its character. I often use lime plaster and natural textures instead of standard flat paints, which allows a home to breathe and creates a softer, more grounded atmosphere than typical high-gloss apartment finishes.
Living in a dense city environment often means compromising on natural light and flow. My approach to urban residences is to reclaim that sense of space.
The Art of Light and Texture In projects like the Magnolias weekend home, the goal was not just decor, but dramatic appeal. We treat the home as an art object. By integrating traditional motifs—like the Tree of Life hand-carved into feature walls—with modern, clean lines, we ground the space in Indian heritage without making it feel dated.
Materials That Age Well I avoid materials that need constant maintenance to look 'new.' Instead, I prefer lime plaster, hand-chiseled stone, and solid wood. These materials develop a patina over time, allowing the home to wear its memories. Whether it is using teal hues to energize a hallway or installing custom skylights to pull the sky into a Gurgaon living room, the focus remains on sensory richness.
Reimagining Layouts Modern apartments often arrive as rigid boxes. I look for ways to break that sequence. We often remove non-structural walls or use partition screens—such as laser-cut metal or wood—to create visual connectivity between the living, dining, and den areas. This creates an unfolding sequence of spaces that feels intentional and calm, rather than forced.
If you are looking to move away from generic, catalog-based interior design and want a home that feels uniquely yours, let us discuss how to align your apartment’s potential with your way of living.
Saka Studio
I started Saka Studio in '99 because I believe homes should be living, breathing things. My work is about finding that balance between the city's intensity and the quiet you need at home, focusing on craftsmanship that makes a house feel rooted.
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