Living with the Art!

June 13, 2022

Mrinmoy Dey

The kitchen in the arthouse, designed by Monica Khosla Bhargava reflects the overall design philosophy of ‘standing out while not being in the face’. The zoning and intelligent placement of cabinets and appliances increases the efficiency and the overall functionality of the space, reckons Mrinmoy Dey

A contemporary design sensibility with muted colours and seamlessly integrating pieces of the art collection in the design is what stands out in a residential project at Salt Lake City in Kolkata, designed by Kolkata-based architectural firm Kham Consultants, headed by Monica Khosla Bhargava. The project exemplifies the firm’s design philosophy – a house is a reflection of its people and their personalities.

The place is designed for a multigenerational family which shares a close bond where they intermingle and eat together. “In fact, the members of the family are so close to each other, that they haven’t segregated a floor for each nuclear family. Their bedrooms have been intentionally distributed such that a child may have his room adjacent to that of an uncle and aunt, while his parents are on another floor altogether,” informs Monica while briefing the client profile.

A contemporary design sensibility with muted colours and seamlessly integrating pieces of art collection. Photo Courtesy: Kham Consultants

She is of the opinion that the way walls are designed can affect human relationships. “This openness in thought is reflected in the design of the house and a large open kitchen along with the living and dining space was planned on the first floor.”

The Design Brief

Designing a home for a client with an art collection is always special. In this instance, it was not just any art collection, but a significant one, with several pieces from the Bengal School.

Speaking on the design brief of the project, Monica says, “The family wanted to live with the art, not just display it, as in a gallery. Consequently, art is not the focus of attention. It sits back, waiting to participate in an intimate dialogue with viewers, rather than initiating any conversation.”

Fact File

Location: Salt Lake, Kolkata

Area of kitchen: 202 sq ft.

Built-up Area of the house: 5289 sq. ft.

Principal Architect: Monica Khosla Bhargava

Design Team: Kham Consultants

She further added that art and artworks are integrated into every aspect of design in the house. “While paying proper homage to this prized collection, soft focal light treats them as interactive members rather than highlighted displays in a gallery. The emphasis is on the experience of these masterpieces through light and space.”

However, with no bright hues that are ‘in your face', it may be easy for the uninitiated to miss the gravitas of the art collection in the interiors.

The openness in thought is reflected in the design of the house and a large open kitchen along with the living and dining space was planned on the first floor.

Monica Khosla Bhargava

Principal Architect

Kham Consultants