Apartment in Pune: This Japandi-style home has a soul the colour of sunshine

The thing about designing a home, more often than not, is that there’s a method to the madness—and if you’re lucky, the method is all that remains when the madness dies down. Anyone who knows architect Preeti Dhumal knows this to be true—not only because she’s a magnificent mad-hatter, but also because she’s the kind to disguise the madness in the method so you never even know it’s there. “We certainly never felt the madness,” jokes Manisha, the Pune-based IT professional who was at the receiving end of Dhumal’s methodical approach during the design of her and her husband Prasad’s new apartment in Pune. To be fair, the couple, who wed in 2019 and have lived in the city for eleven years, had exhausted their madness before they found the founder and principal of Pune-based The Archville Studio. “From the start, we were clear about our vision, being highly inspired by Japandi. We wanted a home that was simple, minimalist, cosy, and functional,” recalls Manisha. But simple, cosy, and functional was a tough combination to find, at least as far as a designer was concerned. So, when they stumbled upon Dhumal—or more specifically, one of her previous projects—“it felt like our stars instantly aligned.”
Less Is More
Not too much, not too little—that was priority one for Dhumal. “This project draws from the clients’ love of balance and simplicity, blending Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian warmth for a space that’s functional and effortlessly chic. Every detail speaks of intentionality and purpose,” says Dhumal, who was assisted by in-house designers Gaurangi Pitale and Shruti Marade. Think minimal storage solutions, uncluttered layouts, marble flooring, mellow walls, and light furniture that exudes calm and order. As far as colour went, Dhumal pared down the palette to allow the home to evolve and make room for the future. “We imagined a space with just the right amount of furniture, allowing for free movement.” Where many designers would have opted for a false ceiling, she retained the original ceiling height. And where some would have picked statement furniture, she gravitated towards low profiles that could have grown out of the ground and could disappear back into it.
Drama In The Details
Pranit Bora Studio
Where she held back with colour, she compensated with other things—in the foyer, with an amorphous mirror, and in the dining area with a sculptural table with fluted legs—all while keeping storage in mind. “Maximising space in a 850-square-foot layout while keeping it clutter-free was a challenge,” Dhumal shares. “And balancing the Japandi aesthetic with functional pieces and integrated storage, especially in the master bedroom, required careful planning.” And yet, you’d never know it. A gust of tones and textures breezes through this apartment in Pune, effortlessly guiding the eye from one element to the next, until they eventually fade into a whisper. “Keeping textures natural, letting in plenty of light, and still keeping things private were big priorities. Even with the challenges, the Japandi vibe kept everything balanced and functional,” Dhumal reflects.
Lots To Love
You’d think that for a home so minimalist, the minimalism would minimise the effort—“but in reality, every detail was carefully thought out to keep things simple, balanced, and functional,” Manisha confirms—so functional that the couple’s favourite space changes depending on the time of day. “We love every part,” Manisha insists, “but the living room takes the top spot.” With the kind of light and breeze that spills in and out, it’s no surprise, really. “We love the low furniture and comfy seating—perfect for sipping tea, watching TV, or diving into a book. The indoor plants bring a fresh, lively vibe to the space.” The master bedroom is another favourite, thanks to the sun, which in the summer, perches right outside the window. “On those days, we enjoy relaxing in bed, using the little workspace, and gazing out at the greenery.” On those days, especially, it seems less is more indeed.
Also read: 8 most beautiful homes in Pune as featured in AD
Also read: This 4,500-square-foot home in Pune is a lesson in colour-drenching
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