The Open Door proves ‘less is more’ with this opulent holiday home in Pune

Do you also believe a clutter-free home is a myth? Well, then you’re in for a ride, because we have found an abode that will change your perception. This 4,500 sq ft family home in Pune, designed by Simran Kanungo and Preksha Shah of The Open Door design studio is straight out of any homeowner’s […]

24 Feb 2025

Navisha Sogani

Do you also believe a clutter-free home is a myth? Well, then you’re in for a ride, because we have found an abode that will change your perception. This 4,500 sq ft family home in Pune, designed by Simran Kanungo and Preksha Shah of The Open Door design studio is straight out of any homeowner’s dreams – especially for those who wish to incorporate the ‘less is more’ lifestyle.

“The owners shared their vision of creating a space that felt completely different from their city home. They wanted this to be their retreat—a place that feels warm, open, and grounded,” says Simran, as she shares the brief. As a result, the designers opted for a minimalistic approach – incorporating natural materials and a thoughtful curation of elements.

A striking feature of the living space is the hanging light by Tej Lights. The wall is cladded with limestone in a brick pattern with four layer panelling; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

Owing to an open floor plan, the dining space sits at the center and connects the living space with the kitchen; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

The dining space features limestone from Parrees cladded on the back wall. A grid and ribbed ceiling in white reflects natural light brightening up the space; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

A muted colour palette and soft curves ensure minimal living; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

Tranquil living

With an emphasis on an airy and inviting ambience, the home is enveloped in natural materials. A variety of stones, including marble and wood add depth and a sense of calm. Earthy, neutral tones paired with subtle textures create a light, warm and open atmosphere. White walls and ceilings offer a canvas to all the drama brought in a harmonious symphony of furniture, rugs, and lighting fixtures.

A conscious attention to an open-plan design offers an unobstructed view within spaces and a free-flow of movement. The living space has direct access to a pool, which leads up to a gazebo, extending as a leisure space outdoors. An indoor rock climbing zone and a lofted net zone offer a playful unwinding spot even for the young ones.

A swing suspended from the ceiling becomes a fun way to add extra seating in the bedroom. Adjacent to the swing, two circular windows offer a visual connect to the living space; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

Offering a ‘grounding’ ambience, this master bedroom features a white kitkat tiles on the rise from Cambay with the tread covered in Genuine marble. Upholstery by Bharat Furnishing is paired with black and gold composition of lines on the wall; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

The use of wood in the guest bedroom flushes the space with warmth and adds depth into the space; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

Curves at the fore

One of the ways to transform an ordinary space into a soft and inviting one is introducing organic forms and curvilinear geometries. For this home, the designers not only added arched doorways but went a step further by creating a ‘C’ shape on two sides of the columns in the kitchen, connecting the floor to the ceiling. The final outcome redefines and embraces the presence of these columns into a stand-out feature rather than an unappealing design obstruction.

A dramatic arched doorway in black and white leads the way into the theatre room; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

An arched opening decked in marble from Genuine Marble opens into the bath tub by Jaquar. The handmade blue tiles from Cambay offer a calm and serene environment; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

The semi outdoor bathroom is decked up with basalt and slate stone from Parrees. Adding a bit of green into the space by Pollination creates a serene atmosphere; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

Luxury redefined

For families who live in city homes, having an abundance of space is the true definition of luxury. Steering away from the tendency to fill every nook and corner up with elements, the designers explored a unique narrative around luxury and refined minimalism. Thus, despite the vast scale of the home, the interior design responds to the brief by subtly infusing simplicity and comfort.