Latest news with #AnujRamchandran


News18
11-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- News18
Warm Minimalism: The Soulful Simplicity Transforming Small Urban Homes
Last Updated: Warm minimalism blends clean lines with earthy textures to create soulful, space-savvy homes that feel both modern and deeply personal In the heart of India's bustling cities, where compact living has become the norm and space is a premium, a new design philosophy is taking root—one that softens the sharp edges of traditional minimalism with the warmth of earthy materials and comforting textures. Known as Warm Minimalism, this trend is redefining the way small Indian homes look, feel, and function. Gone are the days when minimalism meant stark white walls, cold steel finishes, and a sense of emotional detachment. In its place is a gentler, more human-centric design approach. 'Warm Minimalism is a design style that blends the clean, clutter-free appeal of traditional minimalism with the comfort and character of warm, earthy elements," explains Anuj Ramchandran, Associate Director, Design & Build, Livspace. 'Instead of stark white spaces and cold finishes, warm minimalism uses soft neutrals like beige, taupe, and muted greys, paired with natural materials such as wood, cane, linen, and stone." This evolution in style is more than aesthetic—it's deeply functional and responsive to real-life needs. With cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune seeing a rise in compact apartments, homeowners are seeking solutions that not only make their homes look larger but also feel more inviting. Warm minimalism offers just that: a sense of openness without sterility. 'Warm Minimalism works exceptionally well in small Indian homes because it aligns beautifully with both our evolving lifestyles and spatial realities," says Ramchandran. 'It offers a clean, clutter-free layout while still celebrating the soul of an Indian home through earthy tones, natural materials like khadi or terracotta, and thoughtfully chosen accents like block-printed cushions or brass lamps." In many ways, warm minimalism is the bridge between past and present—a way to embrace the efficiencies of modern living without losing the warmth and personality of traditional Indian interiors. It's not just about what you remove, but what you keep: pieces that speak of craft, culture, and calm. At its core, warm minimalism reflects a desire for a home that feels both contemporary and grounded. 'This approach is not just about decluttering physical spaces and creating a calming, restorative environment," says Mandrekar. 'As more homeowners embrace thoughtful living, warm minimalism is redefining how urban India envisions the dream home: simple, soulful, and sophisticated." Whether it's a cane-back chair in a reading nook, linen drapes filtering soft sunlight, or a modular sofa that hides away your clutter, warm minimalism is proving that elegance doesn't have to be extravagant—and that even the smallest of homes can be a sanctuary. First Published: May 11, 2025, 15:52 IST


Hindustan Times
09-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Hindustan Times
Balcony styles to unmissable essentials: Ultimate decor guide to make a cosy outdoor retreat at home
Are you neglecting your balcony, relegating it to just drying clothes and dumping discarded knick-knacks? It turns out, you may be missing out on a whole lot of untapped potential. This place could be so much more, and with the right styling, you can infuse your personality into this space, making your stylish balcony a definite conversation-starter. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Anuj Ramchandran from Livspace, an interior design brand, explained what it takes to ace your balcony look. He said, 'Designers often get asked how to design a beautiful balcony. I believe your balcony should reflect your personality. It does not have to follow any specific design rule. It just needs to feel like you. Whether you lean toward a laid-back tropical vibe with bold prints and plenty of plants, or a Japandi-inspired retreat with clean lines and neutral tones, the key is consistency, comfort, and functionality.' Anuj Ramchandran shared a comprehensive guide with us covering everything about balcony decor, from basics and styles to functionality, including how to weatherproof your space. Here's the detailed guide: A post shared by Khadiza | Luxury Home Decor (@lxhome_decor) A post shared by Studio Ipsa | Interior Design Studio (@studioipsa) A post shared by Yasmin (@holayasmin_) A post shared by 𝙁𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙗𝙮 𝙇𝙖𝙧𝙖 (@flowbylara) Choose hardy, low-maintenance plants suited to Indian climates. A post shared by Nupur | Lifestyle | Travel | Recipe (@travel_bitee) ALSO READ: Home decor, interior design tips: Beat the heat with these beautiful sun-blocking facade ideas