LuxeBook September -2021

of KNS Architects says colours inspired by nature such as herbal green, electric blue, and the Pantone colour of the year, yellow, are set to be big in design. Disha Bhavsar and Shivani Ajmera, Principal Designers and Co- Founders, Quirk Studio concur,“It seems like people have majorly missed the outdoors, and these colour palettes are a way of bringing the outdoors to the interiors.” Shobhan Kothari and Anand Menon of ADND notice that tastes have changed from beige and brown to a grey palette. Taupe, sage green and dove grey are colours to watch out for. Sanjyt Syngh stressed the importance of tonal colour palettes, as they provide a textural response to the metal and colour accents— a tonal colour palette refers to different shades of colours in the same main colour group. Cooking craze All those #pandemicfails and Dalgona coffee recipes need a fully equipped kitchen. The kitchen has become a hangout spot for all members of the family; it has transformed into a family bonding space. As Gandhi puts it: “There is an increasing demand for larger, upgraded kitchens to match their owner’s newfound culinary skills.” Decorate your walls “What is a space without art? Art is storytelling,” says interior designer Sanjyt Syngh. He recommends taking risks with art, mixing eras, adding pops of colour to make a Zoom call background even artsier. Another pandemic- related trend is the addition of décor inspired by happy times. Furnish homes with smiling family holiday snaps, mementoes and collectibles from trips that remind one of the old normal. Say yes to sustainability Bhavsar and Ajmera of Quirk Studio believe that on the whole, India still has a long way to go when it comes to sustainability. It is not just one industry that can decide to become sustainable; it has to include the entire circle of manufactures, vendors, providers and all the stakeholders. “However, the conversation has started; people have begun to talk about it, which in itself is a step in the right direction,” say the designers. Inclination towards natural, renewable materials, upcycled or repurposed furniture and sustainable practices is at an all-time high. Energy-efficient appliances are also in demand, as they don’t just save money in the short term but also help in the fight against global warming in the long term. Smart home technology like self-regulating thermostats that only heat or cool when an occupant is present, and smart hydroponic systems prevent wastage of scarce natural resources. Architects and designers understand that each product and design decision has an effect on the climate, says Aparna Kaushik. Choices made in materials, packaging, manufacturing all impact human and environmental health. Emphasis is made on the evergreen principles of the 3Rs: Reuse, recycle, and reduce. One space, multiple functions "Every space and every piece of furniture in our homes today is thought of critically because it is now used not by one person but by multiple end-users, all of whom use it differently,” say the founders of Quirk Studio. Now bedrooms are used as workspaces, the living room becomes a work out space and entrance foyers have become package quarantine zones. Fluidity in design is going to be a huge trend in the coming years. Spaces must address the compounded lifestyle of work from home and school from home.The future will demand that spaces are no longer specific but encourage the thought of multiple functions, as the need arises. According to ADND architects, design needs to be more responsive and should cater to a more expanded brief from clients. There is an increasing requirement for flexible furniture like murphy beds that come over the sofa in a living room and turn it into a bedroom. A study desk has become the norm in unused corners of rooms and movable partitions that can be used in need-based combinations are also making a comeback. A house is not just a place to live anymore. “It has become multifunctional — holding an office, gym, yoga studio, relaxation area and people are looking to create homes that reflect this,” says Ar. Aparna Kaushik. Livable Luxury “So many of us had to do household work ourselves this year and it made us rethink less-used spaces and objects of opulence that are difficult to maintain,” says the founder of KNS Architects. The definition of luxury has changed to accommodate essentials, trimming the extra to create a comfortable and functional space. Lavish and versatile sofas and loungers, preferably upholstered in durable natural fabrics, and accented with bright, textural KNS Architects The Mysa Home, Quirk Studio, Photo Credits: Kuber Shah KNS Architects 52| L U X E B O O K | S E P T E MB E R 2 0 2 1 S E P T E MB E R 2 0 2 1 | L U X E B O O K | 53