Residential

A US-based couple gets closer to their roots in this evocative Kochi home Pairing ethnic Keralan furniture with classic European styles, interior designer Meera Pyarelal designs a four-bedroom sanctuary for an expat couple to visit, and stay closer to, their parents   13 April 2024 Justin Sebastian When the Pareiras—a couple based in the United States with their three daughters—chanced upon Meera Pyarelal’s work at their friend’s home and later visited her handmade-furniture store, they were drawn to the charming colonial styles that echoed across her designs. “Like many expats, they were constantly yearning being closer to home and their roots; and they bought this place to be closer to both their parents to take more care of them as they grow older. This was tremendously heartwarming to hear and immediately told me a lot about them as a family,” recalls Pyarelal, who chanced upon interior design after designing her own apartment in 1999. This led to starting her bespoke heritage-inspired furniture label, Temple Town, out of her husband’s garage, which today retails in two stores in Thrissur and Kochi. An old wooden ceiling found in Rajasthan hangs above the monotone Fabienne sofa custom-made at Temple Town.  Justin Sebastian “The couple is very house proud, and longed for a home here, especially after their three daughters had grown up and moved out for university and work. They wanted to build a collection of heritage pieces and art in this Kochi home, which could eventually be handed down as heirlooms in the family, or even taken back to their home in the US,” Pyarelal looks back at the Pareiras’ vision for their 5,000-square-foot four-bedroom apartment. While the colonial-style inspired space visually unfolds like an ancestral home with charming and intricate vintage designs in every corner, every form of modern day creature comfort has been quietly tucked away behind clever paneling. A painting by Suneesh, a local artist, depicts sisters which Pyarelal chose as a symbol for the relationship between the couple’s three daughters; an antique door salvaged from a home in Kerala has been repurposed for the top of the living’s room coffee table with legs designed by the firm’s workshop, which have been inspired by traditional Keralan massage beds.  Justin Sebastian A Haven To Grow Old In One of the biggest asks for this Kochi home was a muted, soothing palette for a sense of calm for the couple’s now-ageing parents. Pyarelal, who has a penchant for tastefully playing with colour—adding accent points in her spaces with bright, jewel-toned pieces or textiles—achieved this by keeping the bedroom spaces neutral, and adding hints of colour in the common rooms. “The turquoise console at the entrance is the brightest colour I’ve used to open up the home. From there, you’ll see small bursts through the art or some of the upholstery, but overall, there are far more pared down hues and tones than I’d usually use.”   A collection of antique crystal lights, collected over the years by Pyarelal in Firozabad, have been strung together as a chandelier over the ten-seater Kerala teak dining table paired with Louis XVI chairs; a cast iron mirror hangs over a wooden console held together with repurposed balustrades.  Justin Sebastian Another challenge, “which was the trickiest,” accordingly to Pyarelal, was uniformly continuing the heritage essence of the home while fitting in every modern-day appliance, gadget and technology the family was used to. “After living in the States for so many decades, they were reliant on far more home automation than most homes here, and we had to make sure every room was fitted with it; without a single wire, electric point or device visible in clear sight!” The kitchen across the dining room has been fitted with the latest fittings and automations—all cleverly tucked away behind strategic panelling to retain the home’s heritage charm.  Justin Sebastian To cleverly tackle this, the home entertainment system has been tucked away behind a teak console in the living room, with a projector rolled up behind a panel above. Similarly, strategic panelling in the royal blue kitchen has hidden every functional appliance—from the dishwasher to the chimney. A master bedroom has been designed for an air of serenity with tussar silk cladded mouldings paired with hand-sketched landscapes. “There’s a sense of calm that has been created in this room by using furniture and accessories made only from natural materials which balances the muted colour scheme,” shares Pyarelal.  Justin Sebastian Crafting Heritage “India is always my biggest inspiration,” Pyarelal fondly proclaims, when describing her work and knack for collecting unique pieces across the country. “I have an entire godown of furniture, lights and objects, which I’ve discovered over the years. There’s never any particular reason I buy them—if it has an interesting story or made in an unusual way, I know it will eventually find the perfect home.” An emperor-size bed fits all three daughters, who love to huddle together during vacations; square mouldings on the wall behind pay homage to heritage American homes.  Justin Sebastian Each home she designs unfurls like a story, largely through its furniture, which is either built from scratch with inspiration from historical pieces or restored at Temple Town’s workshop. Pyarelal coins this to her love for heritage styles, with mid-century being the closest to contemporary she’ll ever come to. “I always learn about the client’s history before bringing their home to life, and more often than not, there’s something I’ve collected or built that can echo that in their spaces. A set of flop-down rails on each side of the parent’s bed have been fitted for safety; while a trundle bed removes all ambiguity for accommodating extra guests when needed.  Justin Sebastian And sustainability plays the largest role in her workshop, where each piece is built to be long-lasting and “handed down for generations. That’s the best way to be conscious of our consumption,” she muses, pointing to how all the wood used at her workshop is sourced responsibly within a 50-kilometre radius, with not a single material being imported in the process. “A lot of homeowners ask me how they can add an old or traditional piece in a contemporary space, wondering if it might be a mismatch. I never think that’s true—it is actually quite fascinating to see furniture telling a quiet story of your heritage in your home. This works in any house—from the opulently maximalist to the sleekest and starkly minimal.”

  Homes Temple Town brings together traditional crafts and tropical accents to design a contemporary home in Thrissur MAY 23, 2023 | By Diya Shah Daylight filters into the living room, reflecting off the bright blues and greens; Photography by Justin Sebastian The kitchen and dining room are made with endurable surfaces of wood, marble and metal surfaces and minimal adornment. The botanicals on the bespoke cane buffet table add a touch of luxury; Photography by Justin Sebastian. A lack of obstruction allows daylight to seep into the living room from the foyer, creating a bright and cheery atmosphere. The foyer and living room make use of discount designing styles, materials and textures; Photography by Justin Sebastian The kitchen is a streamlined, all-wood kitchen that is functional and practical; Photography by Justin Sebastian The second daughters’ room is a tropical paradise. A luxuriously upholstered headboard in the background creates a cocooning effect; Photography by Justin Sebastian Unified by traditional wood furniture and tropical accents is a home that lies at the intersection of timeless and modern. Blending classical styles with contemporary demeanour was key for Meera Pyarelal, the founder and interior designer of Temple Town, to envision this family home for five in Thrissur, Kerala. The home is not dictated by a prevalent style or trend, but a reflection of the designer’s ethos, which, as Meera puts it, “Is the ability to stick to our design ethos of sustainable design irrespective of the style of interiors.” The earthy colours and botanicals in the veranda emulate tropical settings and leave one with a sense of calm and tranquillity; Photography by Justin Sebastian   The live edge swing makes the foyer reminiscent of a rustic home in Kerala. Beside it, a long console and seating arrangement are placed in front of an iron mirror; Photography by Justin Sebastian Dichotomies of the old and new This space occupies 4,500 sq ft and comprises four bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, two kitchens and a family room with open terraces that hint at a dichotomy between old world charm and day-to-day practicalities. The foyer hosts a live edge swing made of locally sourced wood that adds a rustic touch to the setting.  Light from large glass windows on the landing of the stairs reflects off the beige walls of the foyer, livening up the atmosphere; Photography by Justin Sebastian   The brightly coloured couch adds a playful splash of colour to the otherwise rustic tropical marked by the use of earthy colours, cane baskets and botanicals. Caricatures by Mario Fernandez are bound to cheer one up on a gloomy day; Photography by Justin Sebastian The morning sun streams into through the glass windows at the top of the stairs and reflects off the beige walls of the foyer. The light spills over to the living room, unobstructed by a door, spreading an air of cheerfulness and warmth across the home. In the living room, the decor transitions to millwork walls that are reminiscent of Western classical traditions. The more experimental wood and metal coffee table adds a sense of modernity to the space.  Cane lamps and geometric China adornment break away from sleek, modern and monochrome appearance, giving the kitchen an Eastern touch; Photography by Justin Sebastian   The dining room maintains a classic appearance through simple designing. The dining table that seats eight people has a wooden surface and brass base; Photography by Justin Sebastian However, the kitchen and dining is where the stakes have been raised. “​​The dining room is cool and classic with an eight-seater dining table with a wooden top and brass base. A bespoke cane buffet table on the side with a line of botanicals that add low key luxe. The kitchen is streamlined, all wood, really functional and practical with no fussy details,” says Meera. A sink is inset into the marble platform, under which there are wooden shelves. A mirror hangs on a backsplash of opaque blue stone over the sink. The sheer variety of materials lend a sense of luxury to the otherwise simple dining room and kitchen; Photography by Justin Sebastian A stylish bar finds space underneath the staircase which has a mix of materials and textures that renders a tropical flourish to the nook. The bedrooms are located on the ground as well as the upper floor. One of these bedrooms has its moment with a dramatic accent chair in Frida Kahlo prints with artworks predominantly by Mario Fernandez. While the eldest daughter’s room is elegantly decked in monochromes, the second daughter’s bedroom is what Meera calls, “A tropical paradise!”  A stylish bar under the stairs with geometric patterned tiles, and custom-made brass and glass ledges are imbibes itself in one’s memory and walk across the house; Photography by Justin Sebastian   The eldest daughter’s bedroom has four posters with iron and wood. This otherwise monochrome room in black and white has a splash of colour from the deep blue chest placed opposite the bed; Photography by Justin Sebastian Furniture for the future Temple Town aims to design and manufacture sophisticated pieces of sustainable wood furniture, echoes of which are evident across the home. Meera explains that wood is responsibly and locally sourced, and used by local craftsmen to create furniture. Keeping with the traditions of inheriting furniture within families in Kerala, these pieces can last three generations, resulting in a limited environmental impact.  A cane study table and comfortable armchair; Photography by Justin Sebastian   A sumptuous four poster bed with a silk headrest, ikat cushions, and artwork that we made by taking palm prints of the entire family; Photography by Justin Sebastian A Splash of Playfulness While Meera uses wood to balance classicism and modernity, she does not overlook the play of light and colour and caters to her client’s request for a comfortable, homely atmosphere. Sober, monochrome black, brown and beige surfaces that offer a sense of atemporality and luxury are regularly interrupted with splashes of colours that display a certain playfulness. Western and Eastern styles function together to create an aesthetic entrance into the home; Photography by Justin Sebastian Designed using various styles, materials and textures, this is a living space that is both elegant and edgy while retaining the warmth of a family home. “We have experimented with different decor ideas from one room to the other, each having a distinct vibe of its own. Yet they flow into each other making sure you’re always inspired when you walk into each room,” concludes Meera. 

Homes The Joy Alukkas Kochi residence by Meera Pyarelal of Temple Town is a novel perspective on finely nuanced design principles NOV 17, 2022 | By Ankita Rathod Demystifying a charming slice of India’s colonial past. Illustrating impeccably nuanced design ideologies and aesthetics. Enriched in India’s rich textile grandeur and reminiscent of Kerala’s cultural history. “This home is an endearing gift from a father to his daughter,” describes Meera Pyarelal, Founder and Interior Designer, Temple Town, referring to the 5,000 sq ft home owned by gold baron Joy Alukkas in the picturesque city of Kochi. Boasting of nine thoughtfully designed spaces, from the entrance lobby leading to the foyer, which makes its way into the drawing room, dining area and kitchen, which is equipped with a breakfast station. A long corridor lined by the master bedroom, another winter-blue bedroom and a media room lead to the more private spaces of the apartment that it outlined with slivers of history, exuding a fascinating blend of design classics. An inviting chesterfield sofa by Temple Town in the living room is upholstered in luxurious velvet from Ador by Nilaya, Asian Paints, while the formal Dutch colonial diwan is furnished in a monochromatic ikat furnishing from D’Decor. A bold Carpet Kingdom rug plays host to an eclectic grouping of design classics, including a set of brass coffee tables, a south Indian oonjal (swing), and a table lamp, all by Temple Town under Fanzart fans; Photography by Justin Sebastin An updated twist on classic decor can be found in the dining room. A fabric-based floral Adam’s Eden wallpaper by Lewis & Wood is a breath of fresh air next to more traditional Louis XVI furniture and candleholders from Anthropologie and Good Earth accessories. The gold banana leaf pendant light by Temple Town depicting an imagery of little children huddling under large banana leaves during torrential Kerala monsoons hangs over a 10-seater dining table, accented by Royal Doulton crystal glasses, Ellementry silverware and Good Earth Rosabagh dinner plates; Photography by Justin Sebastin What began as a clairvoyant pandemic move, interestingly, evolved into a full fledged wedding present for the homeowner’s 29-year-old daughter Elsa Joy, who is a well-travelled millennial, born and raised in Dubai. Meera was commissioned to complete the project within 90 days. “There could be no room for error!” she says. However, in response to today’s shifting aesthetic, “It was fascinating to see a millennial journey back in time, value colonial furniture, and retain ancient traditions,”recalls Meera of her interactions with Joy. “Elsa was in love with the concept of merging reclaimed materials with antiques,”she adds. Keeping up with the thought—whether it is an ancient haveli door surrounded by regency chairs upholstered in ivory-gold fabric (reflective of Kerala’s cultural heritage) or the layering though vintage textiles, the living area is accented with colours of royalty. The kitchen is lacquered in a pastel green shade and features a breakfast station with a range of storage, making it ideal for hosting guests. Häfele fixtures and Ellementry accents are used throughout the space; Photography by Justin Sebastin Enumerating to the warmth is a smattering of brass-stools serving as coffee-tables and coveted Louis XVI furniture. A commissioned charcoal-on-silk painting by renowned local artist Suneesh SS commands attention. Featuring a lovely cane bed set against the backdrop of Kalakaari Haath wallpaper on one side and a Kalavai dry flower wall by Chindu on the other, Meera Pyarelal’s favourite wintry-blue bedroom evokes the urge to merge more tropical materials like cane and wood with English tones; Photography by Justin Sebastin “Depicting the legacy of the Joy Alukkas Group, the artwork shows a lotus flower rising from the muck and blossoming despite unfavourable conditions, symbolising power and resilience,” Meera explains metaphorically.  Photography by Justin Sebastin The media room’s study, though, is her “favourite space,” she says. With its leather-topped colonial desk against modern panelling and antique stamp collection, this room evokes nothing but nostalgia. “The sofa opens out into a bed, so it’s great for a night in with a nice book or catching up on world events on television,” says Meera. Evidently, the house may be steeped in history, but the modcons are in full check with state-of-the-art kitchen fittings, sensor lights and automated curtains. Mouldings in the master bedroom accompany a Temple Town four-poster bed, table lamps, chair and footstool. Good Earth tropical cushions, a Carpet Barn rug and a Fanzart fan create an ambiance of calm elegance with tropical flourishes; Photography by Justin Sebastin Besides a bedroom wall full of dry flowers, a collection of Eravipuram lace frames and black-and-white prints of the Vatican sourced from Italy, the home also boasts of coveted paintings dating back 100 years adding to the colonial splendour. Reflecting her love affair with heirloom-quality colonial pieces, Meera theoretically articulates, “The production process begins with the selection of materials, consisting of locally-obtained teak wood. Then our skilled carpenters and artisans use time-honoured methods to create one-of-a-kind raw wooden carvings.” And while these pieces may appear archaic and heavy, “In reality they are effortlessly portable, with all the modern hardware and fittings suitable for contemporary living,” mentions the veteran with over two decades of experience. Every furniture in the house is handcrafted in Temple Town workshops with artwork from The Purple Turtles; Photography by Justin Sebastin Synonymous with creating reimagined timeless classics for modern living, Temple Town has employed refined artisanal skills to painstakingly handcraft every piece in the home over months, in advance. “After World War II, the industrial revolution occurred and no more of these pieces were being produced. However, the Arts and Crafts movement paved by William Morris reintroduced botanicals and maximalist interiors,” says Meera, who frequently visits the V&A Museum in London and is inspired by its curation of textiles, jewellery, chinoiseries among furniture and decor collectibles.   Photography by Justin Sebastin In a world that glorifies the new, it is a rare joy to walk into a home as profoundly connected with India’s colonial past as Joy Alukkas Kochi residence. Setting the stage for a modern Indian home where colonial meets contemporary, Temple Town has skilfully conveyed the Indian narrative with nuanced influences from the world over, while vibrant accents and contemporary conveniences transform this home into a modern abode. The house also marks a generational shift, symbolising how antique and vintage furniture is becoming an essential part of the circular economy, led by mindful millennials.   

The Home where Time Stood Still https://www.architecturaldigest.in/story/step-into-a-kerala-home-built-around-a-beautiful-traditional-courtyard/ Based in Thrissur Kerala, around 5000 sqft, this house is a traditional Kerala style home called the NALUKETTU. Built according to the scientific principles of olden times called the THACHU SASTHRA, it has a central courtyard or nadumuttam, placed right in the centre of the house.  This is a home that was built from scratch on a plot of land the client had inherited from her father. It housed winding verandas on both floors, a living ,dining 4,bedrooms , a kitchen, work area ,laundry, pooja ,media room and library which has been designed for a family of 5: the client, her husband, their son and her elderly parents housing 3 generations. It’s a quaint neighbourhood close to the local temple. The main entrance also referred to as the "PADIPPURA' is a roofed gateway that leads to the main part of the house. One of the most distinctive features you notice in this house are the long steep roofs, gabled windows and tall pillars to withstand the heavy monsoon rains. There is always a beautiful mix of stone, wood and clay which is intrinsic to the region. As you enter the home there is a veranda with winding passage ways on both sides, as we step into the inner space its burst of colour and life placed around the courtyard that connects all the other rooms in the house. There is a small but significant garden in the front that has been planted with ayurvedic plants and flowers that are relevant to the region. Everything in this home is bright and beautiful from the emerald green brocade fabric on the bench to the canary yellow block printed dining seats, the green sideboard in the dining with a collection of old keys, mirrors and old lithographs. It is not often that you get free rein to change spaces around and do the architectural detailing and the decoration. One of the favourite spaces in this home is the courtyard and the pooja room on which an enchanting mural of Yashoda and Krishna was commissioned, which was actually reflective of the beautiful relationship between sandhya and her son. The mural was done by artist S Suneesh.  The dining room is a riot of colours. A stunning brass thali setting with Kerala fabric napkins and lotuses, an old wooden cooking utensil has been converted to a beautiful center piece that holds a garland of tulsi and pink Aralipoo or Oleander from the garden. Walls filled with vintage ceramic plates. The color from the rest of the rooms spills into the kitchen as well. The guest bedroom has a handsome headrest with vintage tiles, all custom-made at temple town. The master bed is a symphony of muted shades and maroons, a vintage jewellery box that doubles up as a side table when not in use, an oil painting of the famous Carnatic singer MS Subalaxmi whom the client listens to ardently, and a glimpse of the 200-year-old windows we had sourced from karaikudi.  The artwork in this room is also very special. During the month of Ramamyana there is a tradition in Kerala where the Ramayana is recited throughout the 30days. The designer chanced upon a copy of the” Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilipatu’ written by Thunchathu ezhuthachan the father of Malayalam. This was a fitting tribute to her roots and a beautiful backdrop for the colonial bed. The son’s room had a four-poster bed with traditional Kerala spindles, a beautiful painting in the pichwai style. Client BriefSandhya the client happened to visit the designers house and fell completely in love with the traditional style tiles, furniture and antiques that she saw at the place. However, she had a very clear picture of what her house would be. Being an NRI having spent more than a quarter of a century abroad, she was someone with deep-rooted to her culture, traditions and beliefs. Her aim was to recreate the traditional Kerala home she had grew up in with her parents, now in their early eighties and a home for her to settle in whenever she chooses to come back.    She had travelled a lot around south India collecting antique windows, doors, and columns. On my first visit to the site the moment the designer saw those windows and columns, she was all in. This was labour of love, every nook and corner were carefully planned, going down to the tiniest of details from the size of the cornice to the colour of tassle on the paintings. Over the period of 2 and half years that this house was built, they had developed a very warm friendship that is clearly reflected in the interiors.          

CRAFTED BY MEERA PYARELAL, THIS KERALA HOME REFLECTS A NEW AND MODERN INDIA With this home, Meera Pyarelal perfects the narrative that is contemporary India  BY AVRIL NOEL D'SOUZA | JUN 11, 2021, 17:43 IST Meera Pyarelal of Temple Town designs homes that are sustainable in function with a strong Indian style to them. While we are used to seeing intricate wood carvings and artisanal crafts at the forefront of almost all her projects, this one is different. For this 1,800sqft home located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, the interior and product designer, and founder of Temple Town responded to the strengths of the site. Talking about the brief and the design, Meera says, “The brief was clear: The owners, a young working couple with two children, wanted a contemporary and crisp interior. They wanted to unwind at the end of a long day. We interpreted that as the need to create an uncomplicated light and airy space. Once the brief was clear I wanted to keep things simple and clean. So, pale surfaces are mixed with colourful accessories, while natural materials introduce texture. We made sure to optimize space, as that is crucial when working in a small space.” Natural light is integral to the spatial experience of this home, designed by Meera Pyarelal of Temple Town. Against a white background, Meera introducing sculptural pieces of furniture to make a poignant statement. Meera layers whites, with browns and neutral tones for a effortlessly-stylish look. Love this vignette! Meera worked with contrasts for a tropical, nordic style. Soft shades of charcoal and chalk on the furnishings are teamed with rough granite and timber, while greenery against white walls gives life to this vision. One of the hallmarks of this home is the profusion of natural light. As this home measures 1,800sqft Meera wanted to play to the strengths and employ this sunlight filtration into the overall scheme of design. The plan was to create a fresh and airy space that distracted from the compact nature of the different areas. The designer explored a combination of pale-bright for the neutral colour scheme and played with texture and materiality to layer the home with dynamic details. She goes on to add, “For the living room, to create a style that resonated with nature, we used a lot of earthy tones to harness in that effortless vibe. Splashes of colour modernise this soothing narrative.” In the dining area, Meera used classic pieces of furniture that never date. The table is a piece of natural granite and the chairs are replicas of Hans Wegner's Wishbone chairs. For the dining area, Meera uses classic designs. Inspired by the erstwhile and legandary designer, Hans Wegner, Meera crafts dining chairs that are replicas of his Wishbone Chairs. Wood has been masterfully used to introduce depth, warmth and comfort to this otherwise neutral scape. This is our favourite photographs from this home. It's clever how Meera pairs heavy patterns with reflective surfaces and warm tones. Meera is very passionate about sustainable design habits. And this train of thought is obvious in this home too. She says, “The need of the hour is to create awareness among younger generations to reuse and recycle. We must understand, providing sustainable options does not mean compromising on your interior style choice or quality." And she proves that here in this home located in the Capital of God's own country. To create a sustainable address, Meera custom made the furniture with locally sourced teak wood. To add colour, she introduced a combination of artworks and accessories, and to further add more depth of detail, tactile designs in cane, natural stone and material were incorporated. The kitchen reflects the spatial tonality of this home. With the bathrooms, Meera infuses luxurious finishes for a luxe edge. The pink bedroom, with a four-poster bed. Black, white and comfort...the hallmarks that make up the design narrative of this old-world bedroom. Modern and refreshing, this wood-infused bedroom space is lovely. The function is crucial, particularly for this home. Pragmatic designs were the need of the hour. Built-in storage with a chameleon design was custom-designed to cater to the space. Meera was mindful that for this young family functional spaces should easily transition from family areas to stylish interiors. And with that emphasis on the design, she creates a home that accommodates needs along with the aesthetics of a dream home. The stage is set for a modern Indian home where earthy tones reflect the Indian narrative, while vivid and bright details, transforms this home into a modern residence.  PHOTOGRAPHS JUSTIN SEBASTIANABOUT THE DESIGNERMEERA PYARELALArmed with a Masters in English literature, she discovered her love for interiors while doing up her own apartment way back in 1999. She decided to give it a try and set up a small unit in her husband’s garage 20 years ago, giving wings to her creative side. After two decades of earning a name for herself in the interiors industry, she conceived her own brand — Temple Town — with the aim of designing and manufacturing sophisticated pieces of colonial furniture.

                                 Of tropics and London— Temple Town crafts this Kochi home with a dramatic dash of clean white, crisp green and bold red DEC 21, 2021  A well-thought out series of interior elements such as the accent table, artwork and kitchen accessories work well together; Photographs by Justin Sebastian A stunning red sofa sits in the living room; Photographs by Justin Sebastian A dining area carved rather astutely on one side exhibits a dinner table made from a live edge piece of wood with black industrial-style legs; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Spacious and inviting lots of daylight is the master bedroom; Photographs by Justin Sebastian The girls' bedroom is bathed with soft hues of powder blue, cream and white; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Lit and cosy is the girls' bedroom engulfing a calming mood; Photographs by Justin Sebastian A well-thought out series of interior elements such as the accent table, artwork and kitchen accessories work well together; Photographs by Justin Sebastian A stunning red sofa sits in the living room; Photographs by Justin Sebastian A residence that looks no less than a riveting storybook at one glance, every turn and nook of Rivera Suites, recites a tale of its homeowners’ experiences and personalities. Temple Town After living in the UK for over a decade, when the family of four, a home baker wife, a neurosurgeon husband, and their two young girls decided to make Kochi their new home, they knew exactly what they were seeking. Dreaming of a little but prominent slice of London in their Kerala abode, they entrusted Meera Pyarelal, Founder and Creative Head, Temple Town, to compose their home into a perfect sanctuary of comfort, style and design inspiration. Perched on a 1,850 sq ft area, this home is a resplendent departure from a traditional South Indian home. More contemporary, chic and experimental, the space breathes fresh and easy but equally vivacious energy, duly soaked in plenty of joyful daylight.  A vivid red sofa along with planters and a teak wood sofa presents balanced contrasts; Photographs by Justin Sebastian   Naturally lit and roomy, the living area evokes understated glamour; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Pyarelal recounts, “The client needed an uncomplicated, airy, light space and a place to unwind at the end of the day. They weren’t afraid of colours and that was a boon!” Facing the backwaters of Kochi, the residence serenades the calm waters with a fascinating colour scheme of bold and muted. Lining the walls is the wainscoting done with limited edition Sara Miller London plates; Photographs by Justin Sebastian   The black door is reminiscent of houses in Nottingham Hill; Photographs by Justin Sebastian The walls, wainscot panelling, Statuario floor tiles and passageways, all speak the clean elegance of white tone, while the furniture and decor accessories are coloured in interesting hues to present a visual contrast that one cannot take their eyes off. Before taking us further into the abode, Pyarelal reveals, “The project saw the whole apartment stripped back so we could start from scratch and tackle not only the extensions but the wiring and plumbing work too.” A majority of the furniture at this home is custom made by the Temple Town studio; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Fitting like a piece of a puzzle in the London narrative is the polished black door with brass accents at the entrance, reminiscent of the classic homes seen on the residential streets of the capital city.  The foyer displays wainscoting on both sides with limited edition Sara Miller London plates lining the wall that leads to the living room. The Dinner table is made from a live edge piece of wood with black industrial legs; Photographs by Justin Sebastian   The wall opposite the dinner table is frescoed by a local artist; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Enter the living zone, and an alluring red sofa dominates the design commentary. In sync with this hue is a teak wood console with an asymmetrical mirror that bounces light into the home, giving it a breezy and bright feel. A dining area carved rather astutely on one side exhibits a dinner table made from a live edge piece of wood with black industrial-style legs. Facing the black dining chairs is a banquet style seating that saves up a large chunk of space, all while making more space for diners to sit. The kitchen is where one can leash their creativity to the fullest and cook up a cosy meal; Photographs by Justin Sebastian   Treats lined up for the festivities; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Speckled with an outdoorsy mood, the backdrop wall here is swathed with a tropical-themed fresco done by a local artist, teamed with a row of gorgeous glass pendant lights, adding some drama and luminosity. Scene from the bedroom; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Moving on to the master bedroom, Pyarelal chose to go earthy and dark on the bed headrest and cabinetry. For the girls’ room, the thought was to allow a creative zone for them to read, ideate and enjoy hobbies without any restrictions. On a wooden flooring, a comfy bed rests matched with soft powdery blues and whites to pull off the perfect contemporary look.  A massive mirror is placed on an arched-style wall in the bathroom; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Musing on this stylish address and her design philosophy, Pyarelal says, “I have always promoted local and sustainable interiors. Every piece at Rivera Suites is painstakingly created in our workshops in Kerala, combining workmanship with collectables from all over the world.”  Connecting all the corners of this abode together is Temple Town ‘s confident blend of colourful fabrics and bespoke decor against the backdrop of a more muted mood board of hard surfaces.

                                    Soothing sanctuary—This Kerala home by Temple Town is a zen zone of functionality and appeal JUL 21, 2022  Courtyard connects all the main zones—living, dining, and bedrooms; Photographs by Justin Sebastian On a canvas of earthy tones, furniture from Temple Town and cushions from The Pure Concept besets a custom-made wooden flooring; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Subtle pops of blue render charm and character to the room; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Courtyard connects all the main zones—living, dining, and bedrooms; Photographs by Justin Sebastian On a canvas of earthy tones, furniture from Temple Town and cushions from The Pure Concept besets a custom-made wooden flooring; Photographs by Justin Sebastian A shelter to dwell, a haven of peace, a break from the hustle and a retreat to relax—a home is all this and so much more. Striding towards acquiring these cosy shores, is this Kerala home by Temple Town. This 12,000 sq ft, The Hill Crest Home situated atop a small hill in Thrissur, Kerala is designed by Founder and Creative Director, Meera Pyarelal of Temple Town. A roof, swimming pool and guest house are built to the existing house, erected 17 years ago.  You may also like: Of tropics and London—Temple Town crafts this Kochi home with a dramatic dash of clean white, crisp green and bold red The living area is rendered in a theme that harnesses natural hues with a bright and contemporary twist. The traditional-style fans are from fanzart; Photographs by Justin Sebastian The curious brief Residence to a business family that spends majority of their time travelling, the owner’s brief reflected the need for a home that commingles functionality and clean lines with an appeal of a sanctuary—a zen zone and a soothing sensory sanctum.  Art in the living room are framed fabrics from the Yugantar collection by The Pure Concept; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Tour every turn of the serene home Feel of sunny days in the lap of nature, a sizzling cup of tea during monsoon showers and woollen wraps on cold winter days resonates with an idyllic notion of tranquillity and calm. Treading along this idea is one of the roles of courtyards in a house, along with an interconnected flow between spaces.  Upon entrance into The Hill Crest Home, the foyer frames the extensive courtyard ahead with the left side leading towards the formal living room.  An artwork ‘The balancing act’ by Ameen houses the family living; Photographs by Justin Sebastian A canvas of earthy tones with grey, brown, beige, and green, the living area and family lounge are rendered in a theme that harnesses natural hues with a bright and contemporary twist. Mid-century yet modern furniture with wooden accents and white upholstery pairs with a dash of green to fabricate the living space.  Set against a white shaker wall panelling, the dining room houses a 10 seater Italian marble table. The natural texture of the marble adds a tactile element to a pared-back scheme. Salon-style doors with mirrors direct towards the kitchen and grant the room an atmospheric glow.  Accentuated with a 5ft long iron pendant, the dining table is set with white dinnerware from Wedgwood complemented by curtains from D’Decor; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Mid-century yet modern furniture with wooden accents furnishes a tranquil space; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Giving definition to the space whilst retaining the open views, the courtyard connects all the main zones—living, dining, and bedrooms. Neutral palette of wooden flooring and white walls offset with charming accessories furnish all three rooms. Subtle pops of grey, blue and green in the rooms render charm and character. Neutral palette and white walls offset with charming accessories furnish the room; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Ideas to bookmark—rejuvenating colours and materials  With a minimal theme, the home bestows a contemporary, fresh and relaxing allure. A restrained palette of materials—glass and wood with crisp whites, craft a visual unity throughout the home. Inspired by the wealth of nature surrounding this home, a few key shades are found throughout the house—grey, beige, brown and green.  In the main bedroom, green batik print artwork on handmade paper is sourced from Pondicherry; Photographs by Justin Sebastian What Meera fell in love with… Meera surmised and said, “Not only does this house boast stylish good looks and a functional flowing layout, it is also energy-efficient. The entire house is solar-powered with rainwater harvesting tanks and filtration. During the daytime, the courtyard provides ample natural light and ventilation.” The foyer frames the extensive courtyard ahead with the left side leading towards the formal living room; Photographs by Justin Sebastian

                             Meera Pyarelal revamps this quintessentially Kerala styled home with European interiors AUG 17, 2020 | By Sakshi Rai A four-poster bed and floral prints are seen in one of the six bedrooms; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Photography A pair of vintage printed cushions sit atop a tufted, leather couch. Framed black and white photographs are positioned on either side of the wall clock; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Photography A four-poster bed and floral prints are seen in one of the six bedrooms; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Photography A pair of vintage printed cushions sit atop a tufted, leather couch. Framed black and white photographs are positioned on either side of the wall clock; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Photography Conceived as the gathering grounds for a joint family to enjoy quality time together a few times a year, this capacious getaway beguiles with its vintage construction. The wholesome property, fashioned by designer Meera Pyarelal, founder of handcrafted wooden furniture label Temple Town, houses three living rooms, six bedrooms, a lush courtyard, sprawling verandahs, a bar and a pool. Built over 50 years ago, this aged Kerala home retains vernacular construction traits of a past era. Some of its telltale signs include the low wooden ceilings, sloping roofs, courtyards with inbuilt skylights and a maze of interconnected rooms.  Without straying away from its innate ancestral charm, the creative enhanced the interiors further with a colonial theme—seamlessly blending the east with the west. It was only fitting then that the furniture occupying such a residence had been around for a while as well.  A Fornasetti plate, fresh flowers and glassware are placed on the wooden table that’s adjacent to a cane armchair with bold, striped padding; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Photography Pyarelal used recycled, reclaimed and responsibly sourced local teak for a lot of the handcrafted pieces seen in the abode. While hard surfaces stick to a neutral palette, soft furnishings from Sarita Handa and D’Decor add a touch of vibrance. The framed and wall mounted floral patterned rug serves as a backdrop in this seating area. Most of the wooden furniture is handcrafted by Temple Town using reclaimed teak; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Photography The entrance hallway is flanked on either side with a series of wall mounted mirrors in a square, grid-like pattern, positioned over a demilune console holding fresh, tropical flowers. This simple, symmetric ensemble is a trailer to the rest of the understated design that the home has in store for us! Flora acts as a muse and accessory both as seen in this tropical printed armchair, paired with a cheery pouffe; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Photography On the right, beyond the hallway, lies the main living room—effused with elegant decor in muted shades including a Grosvenor sofa, vintage treasure chest and Fornasetti plates, among other tabletop accessories. These pair well with bespoke, handcrafted furniture from Pyarelal’s own practice such as a teak console with brass gallery and bun feet, and cane-back, colonial-style armchairs with striped upholstery. Typical, colourful Indian motifs are seen on upholstery; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Photography A set of 12 Indian miniature paintings from Jaipur depicting the journey of Krishna and Radha frame either side of the sofa, adding colour to the white walls and Botticcino Italian marble flooring. An old world setting is achieved with a vintage printed cushion, Victorian wall clock, tufted leather couch and this antique styled tripod spotlight; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Photography To the left of the foyer, the son’s bed chamber hints at a darker palette with soft duck egg blue walls interspersed with William Morris wallpapers. A statement headboard, valet stand and a gentleman’s chest in nostalgic styles add to the dignified aesthetic of this room. A solid hued armchair is offset by a chevron patterned pouffe and botanical wallpapers on white wainscoting; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Photography Truly completing the picture of a grand, old house is a second living room-cum-library decked with vintage furniture pieces. Beyond it lies a spacious dining room with a mirrored partition that bifurcates the pantry from the dining area. Numerous greens, ceramic planters, brass accessories, wooden furniture and figurines make the courtyard a picturesque setting; Photographs by Justin Sebastian Photography We love the verandah for its 14-seater, wooden dining table that’s paired with green upholstered chairs, which borrow hues from the adjacent mango tree in the courtyard. It is styled with white cotton napkins, Spode and Wedgwood crockery designed by Jasper Conran, fresh carnations and mango leaves. It is here that the family enjoys many sumptuous meals, looking out onto the terracotta tiled courtyard that houses numerous greens, a pool and a bar.