This 4,015 sq. ft. ground-floor apartment serves as both a sanctuary during the couple's work trips and a gathering space for family. A key aspect of the design brief was connection—connection to family, Bangalorean roots, and their Bostonian way of living. “The clients were clear from the start: the kitchen had to be the heart of the home,” says Santosh, co-founder of Studio GSA. “They wanted a space that encouraged togetherness, where family and friends could gather effortlessly, much like their Boston home.” This vision materializes in a chic, open kitchen, adorned with a striking Bocci chandelier whose fluid shapes and colors are inspired by a cherished Murano glass artifact.
Fact file
Project name: Renata
Design firm: Studio GSA
Area (in sqft): 4015 sq. ft.
Location: Sampangi Ramnagar, Bangalore
Principal Designer/s: Gaurav Panjwani & Santosh Belani
For the architects, the design posed an intriguing challenge: the ground-floor location with openings on only one side required innovative solutions to maximize natural light. This was achieved by replacing a solid wall with glass, establishing a direct visual and spatial connection to the garden. The use of reflective polished marble flooring further amplified natural light, enhancing the apartment’s ambiance. In the foyer and dining area, textured basalt walls shift in appearance as the light changes throughout the day, adding depth and dimension to the space. To preserve the sculptural purity of the space, a projector and drop-down screen were discreetly integrated along the glass panel.
Light—both natural and artificial—acts as a dynamic storytelling tool within the residence. Seepi, a wall light sculpture by Sailesh Rajput, casts soft hues that shift with the daylight, while an Olie pendant in the reading corner of the living room adds a quiet, artistic presence. The overall ambiance is further elevated through a sophisticated automation system that enables customized lighting moods from morning to night.
At Renata, art and sculpture are not merely decorative elements, but intentional and meaningful pieces that are woven into the client’s everyday life. The Murano artefact, Saraswati sculpture in the dining area and Mahishasura Mardini panel in the garden, holds profound spiritual and personal significance to the clients. The Ripple wall art by Celestile and Manchaha Carpet by Jaipur Rugs fit into the space, bringing a sense of continuity and connection to the clients’ intellectual and modern life. Serpentine chair by Escape Creatomy and a bespoke bench and TV console from Magari, further setting the tone, inviting guests to explore the subtle integration of art and everyday living.
The material palette is thoughtfully layered to balance natural textures and colours. A cool grey marble floor works in harmony with textured basalt stone, while the grey monotones serve to highlight the lush green outdoor space and maximise natural light. The choice of stone and inlay patterns carved into it not only lends the space an artistic timeless elegance, but also defines pauses throughout the space, offering an intimate exploration of the textures. The stoic nature of the stone is softened by fluid furniture shapes and organic textiles, adding much needed warmth and comfort to the space.
In terms of functionality, the design caters to the clients needs for easy maintenance and monitoring of the space when they are abroad. State-of-the-art automation systems, security measures, and access control features, are seamlessly integrated into the services, ensuring safety and security of the home.
The ultimate goal of Renata’s design was to craft a space that feels like a sanctuary—a place that is reminiscent of the clients’ Boston home yet imbued with a distinctly Bangalorean warmth and authenticity. “Its transformation—ushered by light, textures and materials”, as described by Gaurav, co-founder of Studio GSA, “from a blank canvas, to a living, artistic and visual experience is a testament to design that can transcend beyond mere aesthetics and become a deeply personal experience.” Renata is a celebration of the beauty of life’s everyday moments, and its design—an expression of the people who dwell within.
