Layam: A Kerala Inspired Abode for an Architect and her young family

In the way that a self portrait by an artist tells us something about the way they witness the world around them, an architect’s own residence is an articulation of their identity through their built space. Architect Gayathri Padmam’s design of her Koramangala apartment is a celebration of, and reflects a nostalgia for, her Kerala roots. 

If artists use self portraits to convey their point of view on identity and self to the outside world, then it would stand to reason that an architect’s home is, by extension, a reflection of their world view on home, belonging and identity too.  

For Aanai’s principal architect Gayathri Padmam, the home that she created for herself and her family in a Koramangala highrise, is a reflection of her deep connection to her Kerala roots. 

For Architect Gayathri Padmam and her husband Nikhil Haridas, their first apartment was a chance to tell a story of their belonging- their deep nostalgia for their Kerala roots. 

From the wall art, to the carefully crafted furniture (from the firm’s in-house furniture division Tusker Katha), to the upholstery and soft furnishings, every design decision was carefully considered for its cultural context. 

Kathakali related iconography forms the inspiration for many of the visual motifs in the apartment. The symbolism, though, is layered and nuanced. It asks the viewer to take a moment to pause and pay attention to the small details, the playful interpretation of elements drawn from one of Kerala’s most revered dance forms. 

Kathakali related iconography forms the inspiration for many of the visual motifs in the apartment.

At the entrance in the foyer, visitors are greeted by a console table with brass detailing from Tusker Katha. The legs of the console draw its inspiration from the Nilavilakku, the traditional brass lamp used in Kerala homes. Above the console, a painting by Malayalee artist Sachin Samson draws one’s attention, with its depiction of an old man playing a pipe against a tropical backdrop. 

In the foyer, a painting by Malayali artist Sachin Samson rests above a console table with brass detailing  from Tusker Katha 

The legs of the console table draws its inspiration from the Nilavilakku, the traditional brass lamp used in Kerala homes. 

The handles on the side tables in the bedroom are styled in the shape of a Kathakali artists’ makeup. The design of the headboard in the master bedroom is inspired by the Thiranottam - the ceremonial curtain behind which the Kathakali artist stands before their performance.    

The design of the headboard in the master bedroom is inspired by the Thirunottam - the act of peeping from behind the curtain before the Kathakali performance starts, the first glimpse. 

The Guest bedroom features a custom rattan bed from Tusker Katha and bedspreads from Cananore Guild.

The material usage across the apartment pays respect to the traditional and the earthy. The red oxide flooring, reminiscent of old Kerala homes finds itself reinvented in the apartment with a choice of micro concrete to give a feel of a traditional red oxide floor, and also to minimise construction wastage. 

The red oxide flooring, reminiscent of old Kerala homes, is mimicked with a choice of micro concrete to give a feel of a traditional red oxide floor. 

The restructuring carried out in the apartment was minimal and only extended to removing the wall between the kitchen, the dining space and the living room. This allowed for an expansive and continuous communal space for the couple to entertain their close friends and family. 

The main restructuring in the apartment was carried out to break the wall between the kitchen, the dining room and the hall, to afford more space while entertaining.  

The custom statement lighting created by Olie Lighting was based on the design of the Banana flower or Vaazha pooh, again, a  recognisable visual motif, common to Kerala’s geography. The Vallam Kalli, Kerala’s traditional boat race, finds itself depicted in the jade green living room rug from Neytt. The sheer curtains in the living room are inspired by the visual of husk from the paddy field.

The rug from Neytt depicts The Vallam Kalli, Kerala’s traditional boat race.  

And of course, the elephant- Kerala’s state animal, and Aanai’s resident in-house mascot finds expression throughout the apartment in little decor objects displayed thoughtfully, sometimes on the wall  and other times, on tablescapes. The apartment is a layered mix of nuance and playfulness, paying homage to the couple’s Kerala roots while staying true to their need for a contemporary abode that reflects their lifestyle needs.

Aanai (‘elephant’ in Malayalam) motifs are scattered across the apartment, a nod to the couple’s love for this much adored pachyderm.