A charming Art Deco bungalow in Kolkata gets a contemporary makeover

Pooja Bihani of Spaces and Design pays homage to the Art Deco era while skilfully introducing contemporary elements in the ground floor of this bungalow in Kolkata.

Sleek curves, bold lines and an exquisite material palette are among the

Art Deco

features that define this

bungalow

in Kolkata, home to a multigenerational business family. Initially constructed by a Chinese family as per the guidelines of Feng Shui, the current homeowners acquired the home in 1985, eventually moving into it in 1994. However, nearly two decades in, they wanted a contemporary update - something that gives it a new life while not straying too far from its original identity. Pooja Bihani of Spaces and Design was up for the challenge. “Our approach aimed to maintain the integrity of the Art Deco features, achieving a harmonious blend by incorporating thoughtfully designed modern elements that complemented the style rather than overshadowing it,” she says.

Bihani’s work encompasses the ground floor of the three storey bungalow. Housing all the common areas where the 15 members of the family can congregate and spend time together, this floor is the core that connects the three generations - each of which occupies a separate floor. The goal was to create a curious blend of modern and sociable spaces, while retaining the Art Deco charm and identity of the bungalow. “We preserved the gracefully curved elevation projections, the original wooden railing of the staircase, and the entrance door, seamlessly integrating them with contemporary finishes and styles through thoughtful retrofitting,” Bihani tells us.

Spread over 3,000 square feet, the sprawling ground floor features an interactive layout such that one room leads to another, beginning with the living room. Collapsible fluted glass doors with bold black frames mark each opening, guiding this unfolding array of spaces.

A contemporary monochromatic theme and rich material palette with elements such as

marble

and oak wood, define the living room. A large artwork by artist Kumaresan commands attention in this room, which is designed to comfortably play host to a gathering of over 20 people. The living room further opens out to two smaller rooms which can be used separately for more intimate gatherings, or completely opened up to serve as one big spacious room.

The dining area has been designed with side stations, capable of housing buffets and refreshments. It also opens up into the built-in bar cabinet. Beside the bar is a bespoke basin. “The linearity of these interconnected rooms allows them all to draw light from the adjoining garden, creating the perfect spill-over space,” says Bihani. Connecting the indoors with the masterfully landscaped gardens of the outdoors is a deck equipped with a bespoke bar station.

The star of this three storeyed bungalow in Kolkata is a striking wooden staircase that connects all floors. Bihani retains the wooden railings of the structure, but adds marble inlay elements to accentuate its Art Deco character. “The wooden staircase is an extraordinary element in this residence and sports the perfect blend of the two prevailing styles of this house,” she tells us. The panelling that accompanies the staircase was extended throughout the house as a defining element. The team also installed a series of suspended terra cotta lights along the flights of this staircase. Also part of the communal areas is the

Pooja

room, which is designed with a palette of greys and gold, stepping away from traditional design choices.

“Preserving the historical essence of the structure requires a mindful balance, knowing when to cease embellishment,” says Bihani, when asked about the challenges that came with achieving this masterfully delicate balance of old and new. By skilfully retaining - at times even accentuating - the bungalow’s Art Deco elements, and simultaneously introducing sleek contemporary features, Bihani effortlessly achieves this perfect balance.