Residential

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.   

A 5,000 sq ft Nalukettu in Thrissur, built around a central courtyard for three generations of one family, designed and furnished by Temple Town.

                                    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