This dreamy home in Madras is a cloud-inspired sanctuary

When approached by the owners of this 2,500-square-foot home in Madras to design a sanctuary filled with natural light, Amrita Thomas of Alara Studio naturally turned to the well-established and calming tenets of Japanese interior aesthetics. “We wanted to embrace minimalism without compromising on warmth and craftsmanship, allowing each element to tell its own story,” she elaborates. Her design touches here are both organic and modern, characterised by an appreciation for natural shapes and textures, minimalism, and an understated elegance rooted in the Japanese design styles of wabi-sabi and Zen, as well as Indian craftsmanship. She entitles the apartment ‘Kumo’ (Home), Japanese for cloud, a fitting name for a tranquil home that feels so ethereal yet grounded.

White cloud lights from Arjun Rathi Design lend a touch of whimsy to the living room, the accessories are from Purple Turtles. A Jaipur Rugs carpet anchors the space.

When inspired by the organic lines and textures of clouds, its translation to architectural elements lends a softness to the space—brought about mainly by rounded edges, asymmetrical forms and a predominantly white colour palette that reinforces the dreamy atmosphere. To underscore subtle luxury, Thomas ensures that aesthetic simplicity leads to effortless sophistication, with each contour echoing a fluidity that makes the home intimate and inviting.

A dynamic light installation by The Wicker Story captures the softness of the design concept by echoing the fluidity of a wave.

Dining chairs custom-created by Alara in collaboration with Gunava complement the dining table set-up.

The colour scheme of Kumo Home is predominantly white, establishing a clean and minimal foundation that allows natural materials like wood and stone to take centre stage. Bouclé textured, white upholstery evokes the gentle softness of clouds while earthy hues like paper mache and clay accents are subtly woven into the decor, adding warmth. Even the lighting features, with their milky white shades, maintain a cohesive and gentle glow. But the material choices go beyond establishing the aesthetic, to weave sustainability into the design as a fundamental principle. “We prioritised using locally sourced, natural materials to minimize our environmental footprint,” Thomas notes. Oak wood, chosen for its warmth and durability, adorns all paneling and the stunning dining table, while raw travertine accents add an earthy elegance.