Cover The living room in a Chennai, India home designed by Chestnut Storeys
The living room in a Chennai, India home designed by Chestnut Storeys
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Explore how Chestnut Storeys transforms this Chennai, India apartment into a reflection of a family’s growth over time
Within a 4,000-square-foot apartment in Chennai, India, Chestnut Storeys transformed a deceptively simple three-word brief, ‘panels, patterns and purpose’, into a sophisticated study of multigenerational living. The project demonstrates how thoughtful interior architecture can create harmony between diverse family needs while maintaining visual coherence throughout the space.
The property’s original architectural shell provided an ideal foundation for this dynamic intervention. Balancing restraint and openness, it opened up to the unique needs and personalities of the residents who would soon inhabit the space. The designers leveraged this backdrop to introduce moments of visual complexity and surprise, creating what they describe as a home where “form and function speak differently to each member, yet come together harmoniously.”
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The living room in a Chennai, India home designed by Chestnut Storeys
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The living room establishes the home’s geometric vocabulary through an embossed tessellated ceiling that creates dynamic interplays of light and shadow throughout the day. This element works in tandem with carefully selected furniture pieces, including a seafoam-toned velvet sofa from Studio Ochre and complementary armchairs from Gulmohar Lane, all anchored by a carpet from Jaipur Rugs that unifies the colour palette.
Sculptural elements punctuate the space without overwhelming it: a black lamp by Harshita Jhamtani, a charcoal finial from HB The Studio and a painting by Chandra Bhattacharya create artistic focal points while accessories from West Elm and Cottons and Satins provide subtle textural variety. The design strategy consistently blurs the boundary between utility and art. The Ming-dynasty-inspired lacquer-finished sideboard by Oriental Living exemplifies this approach, serving as a storage piece while commanding attention.
Above The dining room in a Chennai, India home designed by Chestnut Storeys
The dining room in a Chennai, India home designed by Chestnut Storeys
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The dining area centres around a hand-painted mural by local artist Gautam, a piece of such lifelike quality that it transforms routine meals into immersive experiences. Sculptural pendant lights from Clearte are suspended above the six-seater table, while chairs from Alankaram and the Oriental Living credenza complete the composition with tonal sophistication that supports the mural's visual dominance.
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Above The master bedroom in a Chennai, India home designed by Chestnut Storeys
Above The master bedroom in a Chennai, India home designed by Chestnut Storeys
The master bedroom in a Chennai, India home designed by Chestnut Storeys
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Each bedroom develops a distinct visual vocabulary while maintaining a connection to the overarching design narrative. The primary suite features slants and curves as recurring motifs, where a tapered headboard introduces organic softness against fluted wall panels and linear architectural details. Arched forms and spherical lighting elements further modulate the geometric language, creating a space that achieves both visual interest and psychological calm.
Above The kids' room in a Chennai, India home designed by Chestnut Storeys
Above The bedroom in a Chennai, India home designed by Chestnut Storeys
The kids' room in a Chennai, India home designed by Chestnut Storeys
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The children's bedroom takes a different approach, embracing vibrant colour and playful geometric forms. A patterned headboard establishes visual rhythm alongside geometric wall treatments, while a chalkboard and orange glass notice board above the study area provide interactive surfaces that encourage creativity and personal expression. Altogether, the space is catered to the children’s need for structure and spontaneity, while reflecting their growth over time.
Above The kids' room in a Chennai, India home designed by Chestnut Storeys
The kids' room in a Chennai, India home designed by Chestnut Storeys
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Meanwhile, the black-and-white bathroom presents a deliberate counterpoint to the apartment's broader colour palette. With sable tiles and carefully integrated whimsical details, this space demonstrates how restraint can generate impact when deployed strategically. The monochromatic scheme creates visual drama while remaining timeless enough to age gracefully with the family’s evolving needs.
Material selection throughout the project prioritises both aesthetic impact and practical durability. The designers collaborated with local artisans and Indian manufacturers wherever possible, ensuring that the design supported regional creative communities while addressing Chennai's specific climate challenges. Finishes were chosen for their ability to withstand humidity while maintaining visual integrity as the family settles into the space.
Project Mirage succeeds in translating abstract design principles into reality. The ‘panels’ manifest through tessellated surfaces and fluted wall treatments, the ‘patterns’ emerge in geometric furniture arrangements and textile selections, and the ‘purpose’ becomes evident in how each space serves its multi-generational inhabitants while contributing to a cohesive whole. By layering visual complexity within an elegant architectural framework, the designers created a residence that invites discovery while supporting the practical rhythms of life, creating a companion for the family through the years.
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About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
