ostentation. Tt should be a house, not a hotel.” Indeed, while her home

boasts of grandeur, it still feels like home.

From the entrance foyer when you move towards the formal

drawing room, you are taken in by the sheer harmony of space.

Windows adorn one entire length of the wall, allowing the lazy winter

afternoon sun to bathe it in warm honey tones. Custom-made furniture

designed by Manpreet adds a plush feel to the space. “Ready-made

things don’t go down well with me.” Dressed with both real and faux

flowers, the space is inviting. “If that is how you call it, I am happy

because that was my aim. I want my house to be warm and welcoming.”

One arm of the L-shaped room extends longitudinally into the

bar—a spot that owes its existence to Arjun! This area is knitted to the

main room with a carved wooden screen sourced by architects and

designers Gunceta and Arunjit Sodhi. Further, the bar opens up onto a

small outdoor area where Arjun puffs his occasional cigar.

This side of the L-shaped drawing room is a little

more relaxed in its feel,

facing page.

The artwork of

monks on the wall is by GR Iranna. Another abstract

piece that Manpreet loves for its vibrant colours

bedecks the adjacent wall.

The drawing room extends into the bar,

above.

A

wooden carved screen demarcates the area without

compromising the open feel. Beyond is a small

outdoor alcove that is Arjun’s smoking zone. A part

of the wall on the right side was replaced with glass

to lend an illusion of space.

BETTER HOMESANDGARDENS FEBRUARY 2011

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