Home tour: a multigenerational family home imbued with nostalgic elegance in Chennai, India

The home is divided into two wings, centred on a foyer that orients visitors and residents alike. For the designer, it was essential that the space feel open, with each room serving a distinct purpose while flowing seamlessly into one another. The living room, dining room, and entertainment areas maintain a cohesive design story. 

Material selection prioritises longevity and climatic appropriateness over visual novelty. Limewash walls enable the structure to breathe in Chennai's humid environment, requiring minimal maintenance. The furniture throughout employs plantain teak sourced from Kerala—chosen specifically for its moisture resistance, being native to one of India's wettest regions.

Exposed wooden planks add a rustic feel to the space, while a neutral palette punctuated with pops of orange and ochre enhances the meditative atmosphere. The plantain teak furniture strewn throughout the space, from the woven details of the cabinet to the sloping arch of the chairs, embodies an organic charm. Avoiding harsh lines and sharp angles, the space forms the foundation for a vibrant, social atmosphere to unfold. Aside from the undeniable beauty of the pieces, they also function well in Chennai’s humid environment, with moisture resistance ensuring minimal maintenance. 

In case you missed it: Home tour: an art collector’s serene family haven in the heart of Makati, Philippines

A notable piece in the area is the bar counter, which also functions as an art piece. With a beautiful artwork by Richa Kashelkar on its front, it pivots a full 180 degrees to maintain functionality. “With a one-year-old in the house who is drawn to anything shiny, the design became both thoughtful and practical,” shared the designer. “It keeps the bottles hidden when not in use while allowing the piece to stand out in the home.”

Another notable piece of furniture is the custom dining set, carved from plantain teak in a mid-century design style. Patterned upholstery on the chairs introduces a sense of whimsy to the room, ensuring that guests can share delicious meals without compromising on style. 

Entertaining is an essential part of the homeowners’ lives, as evidenced by the nearby kitchen. “We spent a lot of time perfecting it for the husband, who is a food consultant and wanted the home to revolve around meals and conversation,” the designer shared. This focus on culinary function extends naturally into an integrated pantry and utility area that maintains workflow without disrupting spatial continuity.

Moving into the right wing of the home, one has the privilege of exploring the master bedroom. The bed is oriented towards the river view, inviting the homeowners to bask in soft light and the soothing sounds of nature. The bedroom design maintains a tropical continuity with the other rooms, with a woven wooden bedframe complemented by a mural of palm trees, as well as a bedspread reflecting the greenery on the other side of the home. 

Other rooms in this area include the study and the secondary bedroom. The study features a pull-out table that transforms from a work desk into a meeting table, a solid piece of craftsmanship that grounds the room. The red fabrics lying throughout the space add dramatic flair, particularly through the textural bedspread. 

Meanwhile, the child’s bedroom sets the stage for his growth over time. The rattan furniture encloses his toy storage, soon to be filled with books and toys that he can then spread out on the nearby study area. The patterned green headboard adds a touch of playfulness to the space, one that blends into the natural world around the Chennai home. 

Another notable room in the home is the entertainment area, which features a hidden collapsible door that tucks into the TV unit. This allows the space to function as additional guest accommodation when needed.

A notable element of Rangjaran’s philosophy was to leave some of the space unfilled, reflecting the home’s anticipation of change over time. “We wanted the space to grow with the family, allowing their lives, memories and belongings to take shape gradually,” they said. “The idea was never to fill every corner, but to create a framework that would adapt gracefully.” 

Altogether, the home balances contemporary urban living through the prism of personal history and contextual design, creating a residence that demonstrates how honest architectural practice can produce spaces of genuine warmth and enduring reflection.

NOW READ 

Home tour: a richly layered maximalist apartment in Madrid celebrating Spanish heritage

Home tour: an art-filled Kensington, London home balancing Hong Kong influences with Italian flair

Home tour: how Banyan Group chief architect Ho Kwon Cjan designed his Good Class Bungalow around a rain tree