Interior Design

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.