MATKAS OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FORM, RESIST-DYED SACRED CLOTHS HUNG AS TAPESTRIES, MUD PLASTER OR "LIPAI" WALLS, AND A JOURNEY IN COLOURS AND PODDAR AND EESHAAN PIGMENTS ANUPAM KASHYAP 'S DELHI HOME IS A PURSUIT OF A LAYERED, TACTILE BEAUTY.

Anupam Poddar and Eeshaan Kashyap's generous first-floor apartment in the shadow of Humayun's Tomb harks to a leisurely way of living.

- SUNIL SETHI

Yet nothing could be in greater, more captivating contrast than the building's elderly exterior is to the brilliantly imaginative coalescing of colour, texture and pattern that define its interiors.

As one enters, a long corridor stretches on one side; on the other is an indigo dining room, with a table setting composed of Burmese lacquer, rock-crystal candleholders, and amethyst minerals. This is just the start of the visual feast. In room after room, a treasury of layered wall colours-emerald, rose madder and yellow ochre-are offset with a collection of sculptural ceramics and rare textiles. It is as well that the apartment was a blank canvas when the duo moved in two years ago for, in some ways, their professional backgrounds are a creative trajectory with overlapping interests.

Poddar honed his skills in hoteliering (Devigarh hotels in Rajasthan) and art management (the Devi Art Foundation museum) before establishing Devi Design, a studio producing tableware. Kashyap worked in hotels cross-country before helping launch Jamun and other restaurants in Delhi and Goa, known for their atmospheric ambiance and innovative menus. Today he's one of the most sought-after consultants in food and beverage curation with a branded line in table ceramics. His tablescapes at top-of-the-line catered events are often in partnership with chef Ritu Dalmia.