This Chennai home celebrates craft and quiet luxury

The new build, called Still House, is designed for a young couple who wanted a calm, personal residence. The homeowners had a simple brief — a home that felt elegant but not overly designed. This became the guiding principle that Amrita Thomas, architect and founder of Alara Studio, an interior design studio based in Chennai, followed as she brought the vision to life.

Located in Alwarpet, the 4,000 sq. ft. apartment took approximately eight months to complete.

“It’s a space that embraces stillness — calm, quiet and intentional. Every design decision, from the restrained material palette to the way natural light moves through the home, was made to create a sense of pause,” says Thomas.The architecture offered the team generous volumes and a sense of openness, allowing them to create a restrained backdrop where materials, craftsmanship, and collected objects could take centre stage.

This was also because the homeowners have a deep appreciation for travel and craft, and wanted those interests reflected in the interiors.A muted paletteThe colour palette is muted, with cream, beige and brown forming the central theme. This was intentional, as the design team wanted materiality and craftsmanship to take precedence over colour.

“Grey marble flooring, cane, timber, ceramics and concrete create a cohesive foundation. Colour appears selectively through artwork, textiles and collected objects,” says Thomas.She adds that the warmth of wood, stone, lime plaster and handcrafted finishes was always meant to define the home, with colour appearing only in moments.

“This creates a timeless interior that feels layered without being overwhelming.” The restraint also allows the home to evolve naturally as new pieces are added over the years.Pushing creative boundaries“The sculptural concrete dome [installation] above the dining table is one of the defining features of the project,” says Thomas.

She explains that the dome introduces an unexpected sculptural element into an otherwise restrained architectural language. “While the rest of the home celebrates clean lines and quiet forms, the organic shape of the dome creates a striking focal point. It was something the clients immediately connected with, and despite its contrasting form, it felt completely at home within the grounded, earthy character of the project.”

Likewise, the furniture and furnishings are a mix of custom-made and sourced pieces. Several elements, including the sculptural cane bench and other furniture by Wicker Story, were designed specifically for the project. The team also collaborated with Mumbai-based Arjun Rathi, Bengaluru-based Olie Living, and Pune-based Olee Maatee for lighting and handcrafted ceramic totems.

“We enjoy collaborating with independent Indian brands that are pushing creative boundaries while staying rooted in handmade processess,” says Thomas.Knick and knackThe decor also incorporates Chandigarh chairs, handcrafted furniture, kilims by Jaipur Rugs, accessories by Indian makers, and carefully sourced vintage finds. “The aim was to create a layered collection of pieces that felt timeless and deeply connected to Indian design and craftsmanship,” explains Thomas.

This is also seen across the house. The foyer, for instance, has a retro console and deep red textured artwork styled with artefacts collected during the coupl’s travels. The living space has two composed zones.

A wall-mounted sculptural cane seat is balanced by a fluted console layered with vintage Jewish ritual objects and candles. Sliding screens conceal the kitchen, while a black-and-white upholstered bar, woven art, and a curated console add layered texture.The family room features a retro light by designer Arjun Rathi, cheerful artwork, and a cane console, while the master bedroom is anchored by a sculptural cane bed.

This room has a wall with a montage of black-and-white photographs, a styled guitar, and an Oriental storage unit. The guest bedroom has an upholstered bed, ethnic-inspired art, and a restrained material palette.The living room remains the family’s favourite space.

“It’s the heart of the home — filled with natural light. Visually connected to the rest of the spaces, it always feels alive,” says Thomas.Another standout feature of this home is its artefacts, as craft sits at the heart of the project.

These include vintage pieces sourced from Jew Town in Kochi, Jewish ritual objects, antique temple brackets repurposed as sculptural wall art, and aged brass artefacts. “These pieces carry history and craftsmanship that simply can’t be replicated. They bring soul and character to the interiors, making the home feel as though it has evolved over time rather than being decorated all at once,” she says.

Still House is ultimately about restraint, craftsmanship, and longevity. It is designed to evolve with its owners over time as they add new memories, and discoveries with time.The Bengaluru-based author is a freelance writer and photographer.

Published - July 24, 2026 04:06 pm