Page 64 - MASALA Vol 8 Issue 6 June-July 2017

Back up on the first floor, along with the temple, are three nicely appointed
bedrooms for Kanika and her husband, and her two children, and an open-plan
study. All the bedrooms feature a balcony and are fully fitted with blonde wood
furniture. As for the master room, here the comfort factor is raised a notch
higher still. The bed is kept in a peaceful section of its own, separated by a large
wooden sliding door. Here, the only furniture are the bedside cupboards and low-
lying wall-to-wall fitted cabinet opposite, displaying photographs of the family
holidaying in a variety of overseas locations.
Behind the door is Kanika’s private TV room, an inviting area with a cosy blue-green
sofa and pastel pink cushions. It looks out over a small balcony with generous
ceiling height doors. Then, to the right, and opposite the bathroom is a large wall
of fully fitted wardrobes. “I didn’t want a walk-in-wardrobe,” Kanika says, reading
my mind, “I don’t like messy things.” The bathroom resembles the sort you find in
outdoor spas, with dark grey jagged brick tiles and a stone-look floor.
An exquisitely finished bathroom
Finally we make it to floor two, but not before taking in the sights
from the glorious staircase windows — affording fabulous views
of a neighbour’s park-like garden. “I designed the stairs to be
comfortable even for the elderly,” reveals Kanika. “The trick is not
to make each step too deep, and to make them wide.” There are
even tiny wall lights to light the way.

From floor two, we can easily make out the pagoda, around
which the whole house has been designed. It is as impressive
as the rest of the floor. Designed like an up-to-date penthouse,
complete with several rooms, the space is perfect for indoor-
outdoor living and parties. “I designed it with my son in mind,
in case next time he wants to live here with his family,” says
Kanika, as we come to the end of our tour.

It is with a mixture of sadness and happiness that we leave
this home and its inspired designer. Sadness because it is too
lovely to leave, and happiness because Kanika, with the help
of her husband, has achieved the unachievable — with no
design experience whatsoever, she has translated her dream
into a space of soulful elegance, where she and her family are
delighted to call home.
The magnificent view from the staircase

There are three nicely appointed bedrooms, each with a balcony.

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