PEAKLIFE

By Abhya Adlakha

In the heart of Sultanpur, New Delhi, where the city’s bustling energy begins to wane and give way to more pastoral scenes, stands a testament to the art of preservation and reinvention. The Khosla Farmhouse, a 2.5-acre property, doesn’t announce itself with grandiose gestures or ostentatious design. Instead, it whispers a story of transformation, where a 30-year-old bungalow has been reimagined without erasing its history.

As one approaches the entrance, you’re with a thoughtful fusion of old and new. Indigenous green marble paves the way, leading to an airy verandah that serves as a threshold between the outside world and the carefully curated interior. It’s here that you begin to understand: this is not a showcase of fleeting trends, but a carefully orchestrated dialogue between past and present, nature and design, heritage and contemporary living.

This harmonious blend is the brainchild of Saba Kapoor, co-founder of luxury interior and furniture company Nivasa. But to call it solely her creation would be to miss the point. The Khosla Farmhouse is a collaborative endeavour, where every family member’s essence is woven into the fabric of the space, creating a home that is both deeply personal and universally appealing.

When asked about why she chose to renovate the withered bungalow instead of starting from scratch, as many would do, Saba highlights Nivasa’s commitment to sustainability.

“Our commitment to sustainability inspires us to look at each project holistically,” Saba says in an exclusive interview with PEAKLIFE. “We believe that if we can transform an existing space with imaginative design, then there’s no need to bring it down. Homes hold a lot of emotional connection with people inhabiting them, so we need to be mindful of that.”

As one moves from the welcoming verandah into the home, the seamless blend of classic and contemporary becomes evident. A Neoclassical foyer greets you, its walls adorned with arresting mouldings, complemented by two striking black and white chairs flanking a center table. It’s a space that seems to exist out of time, neither purely traditional nor entirely modern.

This juxtaposition of styles is a recurring theme throughout the house. “My design philosophy is to ensure that a home reflects the personality of its inhabitants,” Saba shares. “It’s about bringing together disparate aesthetics, bridging the generational gap, and creating a timeless modernity and serenity.”

Nowhere is this philosophy more apparent than in the living room. As the majestic double doors swing open, one is greeted by a space that exudes old-world charm yet feels undeniably contemporary. The secret lies in the materials and artwork carefully chosen to create this delicate balance.

The space is a masterclass in balance, where every element has been carefully curated to create a cohesive yet dynamic environment. Soft, neutral whites dominate the walls, providing a serene backdrop that allows other elements to shine. The room’s focal point is undoubtedly the exquisite play of white and gold, a theme that runs throughout the space, lending it an air of understated opulence. Carefully selected furniture pieces, with their classic silhouettes and modern finishes, bridge the gap between eras. Artwork adorning the walls tells stories of tradition reimagined, while bespoke accessories crafted from brass – a nod to the family’s heritage – catch and reflect light, adding warmth and depth to the space.

One cannot help but be drawn to the bar, aptly named Serengeti. Inspired by Saba’s travels, it features intricate metalwork depicting the fauna and flora of the African savannah. Step outside, and you find yourself in what can only be described as a zen garden with an Indian twist. A serene water body, a sectional sofa, and an outdoor dining table sit under the protective canopy of a beautiful mango tree.

“This space has been inspired by Japanese gardens,” Saba explains, “but we’ve made it Indian by using Kota stone and other materials indigenous to Delhi.”

As one continues the tour, one comes across a space that perfectly encapsulates the home’s ethos: the green zen room. Bold and dramatic, this room features an array of green planters and, most strikingly, an antique Kerala boat placed on a pedestal. Once used for fishing, this boat now serves as a unique planter, adorned with three playful Buddha figurines. It’s a perfect example of how Saba’s design repurposes the old to create something entirely new and captivating.

However, perhaps the most touching aspect of this home is how it celebrates family heritage. The dining area bears testimony to a unique collaboration between Saba and her father-in-law, a handicrafts exporter. Together, they designed the base of the dining table and the chandeliers, which were then cast in brass at her father-in-law’s facility.

“It celebrates brass, a material close to the heart of my parents-in-law, in a contemporary manner,” Saba explains. “Its warm glow is juxtaposed against white walls, subtle earthy tones and soft textures, evoking sublime elegance.”

This celebration of brass continues in the master bedroom, where the age-old material finds a unique modern application. The minimalistic palette is matched by refined furniture pieces and contemporary brass details, creating a space that redefines timeless allure.

One of the most striking features of the home is its connection to nature. Creepers intertwine with the columns of the verandah, a bamboo grove forms the nucleus around which living spaces are planned, and large windows ensure that the interface between indoors and outdoors remains alive.

And to take it up a notch, the farmhouse is powered by solar panels, harnessing Delhi’s abundant sunshine to light up the entire house. It’s a testament to the family’s commitment to sustainable living, seamlessly integrated into the luxurious setting.

When questioned about her design philosophy, Saba strongly believes that her design approach is deeply personal, yet collaborative.

“We spend time talking to the client, listening to their stories, understanding their sensibilities and studying their lifestyle and specific needs,” she explains. “As a designer, I endeavour to ensure that the space resonates with the personality and lifestyle of the people living there. So, I have to adapt my style to create spaces that define their dreams and aspirations.”

In the case of this farmhouse, the clients were her own family, allowing her to create environments that bring joy and comfort to each member while speaking to their aesthetic sensibilities and experiences.

As we bid farewell, I quickly turn around and ask Saba for a piece of advice for homeowners looking to blend traditional and contemporary styles: “Maintaining equilibrium is of utmost importance. Plan in advance and decide to what extent you want to bring in the traditional elements into your contemporary home. A neutral canvas allows the intricate beauty of Indian workmanship to shine through better.”

It’s when I write this article and look back at the pictures of the farmhouse, I realize that what Saba Kapoor has created is more than just a beautiful home — it’s a refreshing example of thoughtful design. This farmhouse stands as a brilliant example of how one can honour the past while embracing the future, weave family heritage into contemporary living, and create a space that is both a personal sanctuary and a work of art.