将公婆30年老宅改造成艺术天堂丨印度金奈丨Tanya Mallavarapu Studio

A designer transformed her in-laws' 30-year-old family home into an art haven

Designer Tanya Mallavarapu breathes new life into her in-laws’ family home in Chennai, blending rich Indian artistry with modern craftsmanship. The result? A seamless fusion of nostalgia and renewal, where every space tells a story of thoughtful curation and design ingenuity.

A plush and roomy sofa designed by Tanya Mallavarapu Studio curves along the living room, complemented by a brushed matte bronze base coffee table with a Calacatta marble top. An alabaster chandelier hangs above, with a Jaipur Rugs hand-knotted silk carpet tying the space together.

Renovating a family home is often an act of

nostalgia

and renewal—a careful balance between honouring its past and shaping its future. When designer Tanya Mallavarapu took on the task of redesigning her in-laws’ 30-year-old residence, she saw an opportunity to create a home that would adapt to the evolving needs of the family while celebrating their deep-rooted love for Indian art and

craftsmanship

. The result is a space that blends functionality with artistic expression, where each room tells a story of thoughtful curation and seamless integration with the lush greenery outside.

The living room is anchored by a eucalyptus-finished coffee table with a brushed matte bronze base; a Casamance wallpaper brings out the rich hues in an S.H. Raza artwork, which lends a bold artistic statement to the space.

Set within an expansive landscape, the family home was structurally sound but required a reworking of its interiors to improve flow and maximize usability. “Over the years, as our family expanded, so did the need for more

adaptable living spaces

,” Mallavarapu explains. The renovation sought to create a sanctuary that was equally suited for quiet living as well as hosting—a place where art, materials, and nature intertwined effortlessly.

One of the home’s most striking elements is its vast collection of artworks, carefully repositioned to ensure they command attention in spaces that elevate their presence. “The Raza piece, which was originally in the dining room, often got lost within the space. We relocated it to the living room and gave it a deep rust wallpaper backdrop to amplify its richness,” she shares. A triptych artwork in the dining room introduces an element of vibrancy, while a work by Anjolie Ela Menon, placed between the living room windows, reflects the surrounding greenery, strengthening the connection between the indoors and lush plants outside.

The foyer makes an immediate impression with its sculptural console and large mirrored panels that enhance a sense of openness. Flanked by metal-framed doors with sandwich glass, this transitional space offers both elegance and privacy.

Mallavarapu’s design philosophy is deeply rooted in materiality and craftsmanship. “Much of the furniture was custom-designed in-house, which meant experimenting with finishes to achieve a unique yet timeless aesthetic,” she notes. From textured glass tables to bespoke lighting fixtures, the process involved a meticulous balance of artistry and technical precision. One of the biggest design challenges was crafting the sliding glass doors, requiring a balance between aesthetics and function. "To ensure maintenance was seamless, we incorporated service openings and framed them with a delicate beading detail, making them appear more like elegant paneling rather than service shutters."

For the designer, the living room transformation remains the most rewarding aspect of the

renovation

. "Previously, the space felt linear and underutilized. By redefining the flow and embracing bolder elements—like the rust wallpaper—we created a warm, inviting space that still feels expansive enough for hosting large gatherings." A key takeaway from the project was the importance of curating art in tandem with interior design. "We always plan artwork placement early in the design process, ensuring that interiors and statement pieces speak to each other rather than competing for attention," Mallavarapu advises.

A sculptural chandelier from CTO Lighting defines the dining room, with an M.F. Hussain artwork lending artistic gravitas to the space. Oak paneling conceals hidden doors leading into the kitchen, while antique furniture pieces, restored to retain their character, sit alongside a tropical triptych artwork that injects a burst of colour in the room.

Adjacent to the formal dining room, the daily dining and lounge space is bathed in sunlight. Designed for intimate gatherings, the daily dining area features a lacquered eucalyptus veneer table with a brass-trimmed base, illuminated by Hespherus lighting.

Helma A.F. Klimt prints add artistic depth and visual play about the bed in the guest bedroom.

A dreamy nursery unfolds with Papermint Paris and Sanderson wallpaper, Nursery Works crib, and accent pieces from Hermès, with custom lighting creating a serene ambiance.

The nursery’s hardwood parquet flooring sets a warm foundation for the custom-made furniture, a Weaver carpet, and Elitus and Sanderson wallpaper, with fabric accents from Beata Heuman.