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Bengaluru-based Signa Design Realty has designed Dakshin, a residential project that is a blend of South Indian decor blended with modern aesthetics. Much of the work was done using recycled materials, which promotes our innate way of living with simplicity.

A rust console with tiny brass bells, reconditioned bullheads, kerosene lamps and a faux brass marigold flower bowl welcomes visitors into the house. A customized veneer panel with a molded sofa was built for the living room. The ‘oonjal’, or swing, remains an essential décor piece in most traditional homes, got a modern touch with a backrest and customized brass chain. The poufs were inspired by flower bundles, especially marigold, while the chandelier was built on-site, adapted from traditional Thanjavur art with gold leafing, kundan, and semi-precious stones on lime mortar paste. Traditional brocade or old-school frills with silk saree borders made up the curtains.

A customized lacquered tabletop adapted from the ‘rangoli’ was used for the dining room, which resembles traditional brocade work used for festivals. Multi-configured customized low seating in an organic cotton print, ombre curtains and handloom textiles were traditional South Indian elements that were used. A curated artwork using beadwork, brass and ceramic trinkets on a woven cargo trunk acts as a console for TV accessories.

Custom overhead sandwich-glass cabinets with shutters with a silk saree print were designed for the kitchen. A breakfast counter was designed using an old sewing machine base and a customized wooden bench. Brass handles, traditional vessels and jars, and frilly curtains, add nostalgia.

The bed in the master bedroom has a floral headboard set against the exposed herringbone brick-textured wall. Lights made from banana paper and a woven cane ottoman add traditional charm, while customized side tables were set up with ceramic knobs and brass lamps. Bidri-style filigree work on brass plates comprises the wall art. Mysore silk curtains, two-toned silk blinds, and handpainted birds on a plate complete the design.

The guest bedroom is a tribute to the painter Raja Ravi Varma with a classic four-poster bed with a custom-made organic cotton headboard. The side table has handmade lace sourced from Jew Town, Kochi, and an Art-Deco-styled rattan armchair in the reading corner. Madras checks in blinds, metal and naturally-wood-stained bunk beds form part of the children’s bedroom. Coir rope anchored on cast-iron clamps and restored woven chairs make up their study tables.

The second guest bedroom has upcycled carved wooden panels from a door frame, a leather-strapped bolstered headboard, organic printed cotton duvets and a dhurrie against turmeric walls. Weathered Duco frames with fabric-sandwiched glass and brass handles feature on the wardrobes.