Sea to Sky: A Palatial Blend of Nature and Tradition

Blending Indian Interiors with European Influence in a Residential Apartment Renovation

The Sea to Sky project, designed by Anushrii Jaain, is a unique residential apartment renovation that blends the vibrancy of Indian interiors with a subtle European influence. The client's main requirement was to create a living space that resembled a palatial bungalow rather than a compartmentalized apartment. They wanted to capture the nostalgia of their growing-up years with large open spaces and the feel of Old India interlacing with today's India. Additionally, they desired to bring the outdoors inside, creating a space that felt alive and connected to nature.

What sets this project apart is the successful blending of four predominant themes: the Vibe of India, Nature, Palatial feel, and European influence. The extensive use of elements, whether in decor products or furniture, has been aesthetically produced by collaborating with artisans and craftsmen. Each piece is handcrafted, showcasing the traditional craftsmanship that is slowly fading away in modern times.

The realization of this design involved a meticulous process of collaboration with skilled artists and craftsmen from different regions of India. The furniture was made in the North region, known for its intricate carvings, while the walls, doors, and ceilings featured intricate moldings created by local craftsmen from the South region. A local artist was hired to hand paint patterns on some walls and ceilings, adding a personal touch to the space. Decor items were sourced from around the world, including mirrors from Peru that showcased the technique of reverse glass painting.

The Sea to Sky project covers approximately 1200 sq.ft of renovated space, including the foyer, hallway, informal and formal living rooms, formal dining room, and a casual dining room. The challenge was to make this small space feel palatial and break free from its compartmentalized structure. By using a deep teal color palette, the space was lifted and appeared larger than its actual size, creating a sense of grandeur.

The interaction of every element in this design is what brings the space to life. The vibrant Indianness blends with the subtle European influence, creating a harmonious atmosphere. The power punches of metal combinations and the mystical romanticness of nature add depth and character to the space, making it feel breathing, swaying with the breeze, and dancing in joy.

The Sea to Sky project was completed between November 2018 and April 2019 in India. It required extensive research on color combinations and collaboration with various craftsmen, carpenters, artisans, and manufacturers to achieve the desired outcome. The project not only transformed the space but also challenged the limited approach of the client's belief regarding dark-hued walls, proving that thoughtful color combinations can elevate a space and make it appear larger and grander.

This exceptional design was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in 2021 for its outstanding creativity and ingenious incorporation of art, science, design, and technology. The Sea to Sky project exemplifies the best practices in interior space design, contributing to quality of life improvements and making the world a better place.