This monochromatic Chennai home by Arvind Varuna Associates plays muse to good memories

People who feast on aesthetics like a cuisine of their choice, look at homes differently. It is no different in the case of this Chennai home woven by Arvind Varuna Associates and owned by a young couple who had a clear-cut vision of what they wanted their first city home to look like: a minimalist […]

24 Feb 2025

Pooja Prabbhan Srijith

People who feast on aesthetics like a cuisine of their choice, look at homes differently. It is no different in the case of this Chennai home woven by Arvind Varuna Associates and owned by a young couple who had a clear-cut vision of what they wanted their first city home to look like: a minimalist monochromatic haven that embodies the familiarity and grounding energies of their native home. With a design language of familiarity and warmth, the corners here are replete with eye-catching trinkets that evoke feelings of homecoming.

Love is in the details, maybe? The contemporary chandelier from Flos infuses a contemporary vibe to the overall clean and classic design aesthetic; Photography by BRS Sreenag

Art meets spatial utility: Every nook of this Chennai home is telling of a discerning eye and design sensibilities that pay an ode to timeless artefacts. An eclectic Sabyasachi for Nilaya by Asian Paints wallpaper shines from afar; Photography by BRS Sreenag

Checkmate in style

Spanning 3,500 sq ft, this home is enveloped in a minimalist, monochromatic B&W palette, with eye-catching memorabilia — a check-board pattern, reminiscent of their native home.

“We stuck to a single character throughout the space, and experimented using varied materials to bring about a symphony throughout the space adhering to the theme and clients brief,” says Varuna Arvind, Principal interior designer who conceived the home alongside Principal architect Arvind Rangan, as she takes us through the sustainably-forward space that remains drenched in natural lighting for the most part of the day. “It was interesting to incorporate the characteristics and ideals of the couple for whom the house is designed,” she smilingly adds.

Spatial utilisation, sustainable moves

A generous use of bevelled mirrors, contemporary chandeliers, Statuario and Black Marquina marble and natural stones lends a nouveau touch to the living and dining areas. A Sabyasachi for Nilaya by Asian Paints wallpaper elevates the overall aesthetic allure of the space.

The metal and tinted glass door between the kitchen and dining enhances the visual allure of the area while opening up to breakfast counter; Photography by BRS Sreenag

The master bedroom has a refined touch, where optimal use of space reigns supreme—the integration of a kids area stands as a testament to the same. The rug underneath the plush mustard yellow chair is from Drapes and Dreams; Photography by BRS Sreenag

The kids bedroom features twin beds with a slide, upping the overall aesthetic and playful vibe of the space; Photography by BRS Sreenag

While designing a space to your liking sounds good in theory, it translates to copious amounts of planning in reality. But, the catch is, work doesn’t really feel like work when it’s fun. A similar perspective had the principal designer envisioning this when tasked with refurbishing tricky nooks. Speaking of a challenge that felt like an opportunity in disguise over time, Varuna shares how the powder room was a lesson in spatial utility and planning. “Fitting everything into that small space was a challenge we enjoyed taking on. The end-result was very gratifying. It’s one of the most stunning powder rooms we have worked on so far,” she enthuses.

Love is in the details! The lighting fixtures in the washroom add to the visual allure of the space; Photography by BRS Sreenag

The Marrakesh blue basin from Kohler lends a regal finish to the powder room, which is clearly a lesson in spatial utility; Photography by BRS Sreenag

The secret ingredient is (always) love

When it comes to building anything that’s meant to last, the secret ingredient is always love—for a certain design sensibility, for familiarity, or better yet, a deep yearning for someplace that oozes a sense of belonging. The designer manages to capture it rather effortlessly, helping this property transform into a home that strikes the right balance between beauty and bliss.