Set in the vibrant heart of the capital city, the Gatsby, bearing the eponymous charm of its American masterpiece penned by Fitzgerald features the glitz and glamor of the portrayed extravagant soirées.

“Can’t repeat the past? Why, of course, you can!” - Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby- Scott Fitzgerald)

Referencing this very line from the classic literature, the principal architect of Envisage, Meena Murthy Kakkar, fashioned an abode that nostalgically looks back to the razzle-dazzle era of the 1920s. You speculated correctly! This home lounges in the allure of Art Deco - a timeless style that has garnered a cult over its glamourous years. This residence, however, seamlessly amalgamates contemporary and Art Deco aesthetics, with jarring regional influence, to emerge as a timeless piece that eschews hopping on fleeting trends.

FACT FILE

OLD SPORT

While the brief, explicitly stated expansive spaces, being positioned on a crammed plot while sharing walls with houses on either side, posed a complex challenge for the architects. Catering to the dichotomy of space constraints and the prerequisite for sprawling areas, the architect zoned the spaces in a vertical fashion. The Envisage team refined the clients’ initial brief, pivoting solely from opulence and larger-than-life lavishness, to beget a rich tapestry of vibrant regional influence woven with vintage elements. This nuanced approach resulted in a two-storied home, in the middle of a residential neighborhood that transcends ‘luxury’.

THE BUILDINGS WERE HIGHER

A segregated entry for vehicles and pedestrians, on the stilt floor extends a warm welcome to each visitor separately. It accommodates an array of services that are ingeniously concealed by the presence of a foyer and a lounge space. These hangout spaces serve a dual purpose, where the family members can entertain their guests without the obligation of inviting them in the inner sanctum. A series of treads, with a hint of verdancy smack in the middle of the stairwell, is a conscious effort by the architect to mirror the exteriors.

Upon crossing the threshold, a sleek brass partition offers glimpses of a living space drenched in natural light from the double-height French window. It turns out to be, roomies with a modest dining area complementing each other with black and gold accents, accompanied by plush leather and velvet upholstery. Flanking this ensemble sits a kitchen bathed in azure hues, lending a vibrant dash to the otherwise neutral palette. The entire troupe sits glittering in the soft glow of the golden light that seamlessly filters in through the expansive windows. Adjoining the kitchen is a lounge space. “It is a beautiful space to connect with someone over a glass of wine probably,” gushes architect Meena while peeking through the niche, from the kitchen inside the lounge area. This space boasts puffy armchairs and a fluted feature wall that complements the bar counter. The family is filled with art connoisseurs, evident from the artworks that make an appearance on the austere walls.

“…The minute I put a straight line, it kind of, splits the spaces up into many different parts” narrates architect Meena, standing in front of a finned wall in the living area. This marble-clad finned wall partakes the position of a feature wall. The curve further extends to reveal a mahogany wood-paneled wall that conceals an opulent powder room. This room is immersed in the glistening texture of tiles, brass-edged mirrors, and a vintage wash basin console, perpetuating the overall decadent theme of the residence.

BEYOND THE DREAMS OF CASTILE

A series of stairs clad with gray and chrome marble, adjoined by a patterned gold railing, pay homage to the charm of the Art Deco style. On trudging the treads, one comes face-to-face with a convex railing that allows a sneak peek into the living area offering a front-row seat to watch the whimsical rose gold chandelier that trickles down. On trailing the curvy trail, of a petite corridor the innermost sanctum of the residents is unveiled tucked away for added privacy. The master bedroom idly lounges in the extravagance, “…(it) has a very Gatsby esque headboard and detailing to it. It has the same bold emerald colour that you know, you associate with Art Deco, but we have also kind of brought it down; in terms of the colour giving it a very nice gray background,” explains architect Meena. The gray-printed wallpaper features a pristine white veneer cladding with gilded grooves that complement the emerald green headboard. The daughter’s room sits in its pastel Barbie core aesthetic featuring a curvy dual-colour upholstered headboard, slightly deviating from the neutral palette used all over. “… (their)daughter is a teenager, and we wanted to bring in some fun elements,” Meena adds, standing beneath an Art Deco Esque chandelier. This exquisite chandelier stands as an impeccable illustration of the regional nuances fused with the Art Deco style, adorned with prints and hues as vibrant as Delhi’s cityscape.

“We curved the roof in an asymmetrical way. Because one of the requirements of the clients was also, that they wanted a very cozy, comfortable space on the top floor, where they could meet friends or probably their parents came over, they had a personal space,” explains Meena elucidating about the flowy curve that graces the façade. This loft, with living spaces and two bedrooms, serves as an exclusive piece of haven with curved ceilings, sprawling bedrooms, and swanky textures. Subsequently, the home’s crowning jewel is the terrace area, a jazzy getaway, perfect for elaborate evening soirees. Featuring a seating around a fireplace, and an openable covered patio that pirates the hues and textures of the home.

As for this jazzy architectural pièce de résistance, luxury altered its definition to choose the clients’ version. “We had to merge their (clients’) requirement of a little bling, with some classical elements, and a style that would stand the test of time,” the architect explains while gazing at her design. Adorned with plush textures, flamboyant artwork, and the splendor of Italian stone, this abode orchestrates a harmonious liaison between luxury and warmth. The Gatsby, standing in the heart of Delhi, hums a melodic narrative, reverberating through the locality, much like the romantic tunes emanating from a carefully curated vinyl collection.

To watch the complete home tour, peruse the drawings in detail, and browse additional photographs, visit Buildofy. While there, don’t miss out on the other spectacular traditional homes in Delhi and across India.