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There’s no
price tag to creativity-that’s what designer-architect couple
Anshu and Pradeep Pathak exhibit in their 1,600 square foot Delhi
home
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designer Anshu Pathak grew up in an old Delhi haveli. Her
architect husband Pradeep’s childhood was spent in a rambling
courtyard mansion in Amethi. Little wonder then that both
husband and wife share a love for open spaces. Born out of a
marriage of two creative minds, their Delhi home speaks of
warmth, space and the ethnic charm of folk artifacts. And most
importantly, it speaks of an experiment where the feel of
openness is retained and the idea of a courtyard house adapted to a
modern urban space. |
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‘We wanted
a lot of fresh air.’ says Anshu, so we hit upon the idea of an
open floor plan. There are no doors except to the bedrooms.
Sheer curtains only add to this sense of openness and ensure
great cross-ventilation.’ Flanking the living room on either
side, the courtyards (open to the skies except for a fine net
cover to keep out the insects) give one the feel of being
outdoors even while inside the house. |
Anshu’s love
for solid, vibrant colours is evident everywhere. The wall of the
entrance passage and a single wall of the living room are painted
in a warm orange hue for dynamic impact. The brass sculptures,
terracotta urns and hand-embroidered silk cushions scattered
around all make for a distinctively Indian feel. Add to all the
folksy bric-a-brac her huge, wood empanelled murals, done up with
mirrors and beads, and suddenly-in a city home-you’re transported
to a space reminiscent of the nomadic huts of Kutch. And that’s
where Anshu’s inspiration came from.
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The terrace is a riot of colours,
with daliahs, pansies and marigolds in full bloom. The woven
bamboo canopy (supported by raw bamboo poles) ensures shade
even when the sun is blazing and continues the ethnic ambience
outdoors, its shamiana-like structure lending a quaint rustic
charm. The blue backdrop (cement lattice) adds to the general
ambience of restfulness. |
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Replete with
do-it-yourself, crafty ideas, Anshu’s home offers many tips
you can borrow to dress up your own space. A peek into the
children’s bedroom shows how a wall painted in bright green is
made lively with paper cut-out flowers in an array of
myriad colours. An assortment of colourful cushions on the bed, in different shapes
and sizes, adds textual interest. The master bedroom has a
boldly painted wall in midnight blue dotted with starry
sequins, and a mural of a peacock set against it. ‘I love
gazing at the stars and can now do so while lying in bed’s
says Anshu. |
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go ahead and, like the pathaks, make your home a statement of
self-expression. Even a seemingly bizarre idea may look
stunning when judiciously executed. Follow your heart. It’s
not the expensive mahogany and Persian rugs that make a great
home. Dressing up your home is all about adding small touches. |
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