A COLONIAL PANORAMA

The Joy Alukkas Kochi residence by Meera Pyarelal of Temple Town is a novel perspective on finely nuanced design principles, handcrafted artisanal excellence and modern-day comfort

- ANKITA RATHOD

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

A charcoal-on-silk painting by a local artist named Suneesh SS hangs in the living room, serving as a beautiful backdrop for the Temple Town diwan upholstered in an Ikat fabric from D'Decor, and accessorised with cushions from Good Earth and a wooden treasure chest by Temple Town, as well as candle stands and antiques collected over time

Furniture in the house is created by hand in Temple Town workshops using traditional techniques and locally sourced teak wood

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.