Project Name: The Waterside Residence
Area: 3,500 sq. ft.
Location: Kerala
Principal Designer: Meera Pyarelal, Founder & Creative Director
Design Firm: Temple Town
Photography Credits: Justin Sebastian Photography
Stylist: Meera Pyarelal, Founder & Creative Director – Temple Town
A key transformation involved reimagining the layout by integrating balconies into the living and bedroom areas, expanding lake-facing windows to enhance the breathtaking views, and removing walls to create an open, airy atmosphere.
Upon entering, a mirrored passage subtly amplifies the space, leading into the expansive living and dining areas. The living room is a thoughtful composition of nature-inspired hues, with a teal sofa echoing the waters beyond, wooden paneling adding warmth, and repurposed ukhlis lending a touch of rustic charm as coffee tables. A brass swing takes center stage, offering both seating and a nostalgic nod to traditional Indian homes, while perfectly framing the picturesque lake view.
Adjacent to this, the dining area exudes understated luxury with a mirrored wall featuring brass detailing, reflecting the soft light streaming in through French windows. A long bench paired with classic chairs fosters an inviting setting for lively conversations over meals. The open kitchen seamlessly extends from this space, leading to a pantry that ensures a balance between accessibility and organization.
Each bedroom tells its own story while maintaining a cohesive theme of modern Indian elegance. The master bedroom is a sanctuary of warmth, featuring a cozy four-poster bed, botanical prints, ikats, and hand-painted table lamps, all coming together to create an intimate retreat. In contrast, the daughter’s room bursts with personality, dressed in a striking red-and-white palette with intricate wall moldings adding a refined edge. The son’s room offers a moody, contemplative escape with forest-inspired wallpaper, mirroring his occasional visits home.
Throughout the apartment, the theme remains consistent—clean-lined furniture paired with traditional accents like brass elements, cane detailing, and sustainable décor pieces. While the core aesthetic is rooted in a natural palette of teal blues, earthy greens, rust tones, and warm wood, certain spaces embrace bold experimentation, such as the daughter’s vibrant hues and the son’s dark, immersive backdrop.
Staying true to the contemporary preference for open-plan living, the home also weaves in biophilic design principles, ensuring the lake view remains a focal point. The seamless flow between indoor and outdoor elements allows nature to play an integral role in shaping the experience of the space. Sustainability was equally important in the design philosophy, with conscious choices like using recycled and locally sourced wood, repurposing traditional elements such as ukhlis into functional décor, and opting for water-based polishes to maintain a toxin-free environment. The project also placed a strong emphasis on working with local artisans, ensuring craftsmanship remained at the heart of the design while reducing its environmental footprint.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was designing the living room, where every detail—from the brass swing to the custom furniture—came together to create a space that feels both luxurious and lived-in. The biggest challenge, however, was incorporating a second work kitchen and utility area without compromising the openness and aesthetic flow of the home. Despite these complexities, the apartment stands as a testament to a thoughtful, soulful approach to design, where every corner holds a story, and every detail resonates with the family’s way of life.
