Home style guide: Abhay Deol
Goa is about the sun and the sand, but there’s another face to this place that tourists do not get to see: the forest. Drive away from the sea, and you find that that’s where locals live, far from the madding crowds, and nestled in the calming greens of Goa. And that is precisely where Abhay has built a stunning home for himself.
The rooflines soar high, and there’s a very purposeful stance to this house; Abhay’s vision for this home is clear: clean, sharp, airy, and a structure that brings the forest into the house. Glass walls are all that separates the interior from the exterior, and there’s a sense of openness to the decor that matches this theme: exposed brick and cement surfaces, wooden stairs, and more.
Bold colour makes its appearance: there’s deep blue walls that contrast with the flooring, and visiting artists have made their mark in the home with stunning work on the exterior walls. In the end, that’s what stands out about Abhay’s home: it’s strong ideas brought to life with a clear vision.
Colour palette, finishes and surfaces
Like the rest of the house, the primary bedroom too has a muted base which is enhanced with the use of colours, prints and textures through the furniture, art and soft furnishings. “We
paired a solid wooden bed headboard with genteel origami-like wall lamps that accentuate the space. Open-grained black wardrobes with breathable louvred shutters complement the room while soft furnishings, handpicked antiques and Gond art pieces in black-and-white complete the look,” says Sheth. In the living room, a large wall art of hand-painted lotus leaves by a Vietnamese artist catches the eye. The seating area too is peppered with antique sculptures of a lion and tribals that enhance the décor element. As you move into the dining room, you can spot marble pears and wooden handicraft pieces on the table. But the showstopper here is the antique wooden framed mirror which was originally a haveli door frame. Adjacent to it lies a hand-chiselled stone sink that builds on the bare material identity of the space. In the open kitchen, a chandelier above the black granite island creates visual interest. On the other end of the dining area lies an alcove with a display of sculptural monkeys, a large succulent and art prints picked from Bangkok showcasing attire from southeast Asia.
Secondary palette: accents on furniture
Furniture cheatsheet
Get inspired: three magic makeovers based on Abhay’s style
Makeover 1: Quiet room. Gray accents, bright pops of colour, clean lines
As you move to the next level, the staircase connecting the two floors engages you with its visual imagery with a collection of Chinese horoscope symbols framed on the wall. The flooring on the terrace is of Shahabad stone, reminiscent of cobbled Sri Lankan gardens, while the walls are painted in ‘sage green’ hue by Asian Paints. It opens into three different zones. There’s a lounge under a gridded pergola with antiques interspersed in the seating area with a backdrop of thriving greens. As you move to the bar, a slatted bamboo roof allows sunlight to stream into the area. The wall niches created are decorated with antique lamp holders, while the intricately carved wooden panel forms the backdrop. The third seating area features an eclectic mix of furniture with an assortment of small tables and sculptures placed on a rug. There’s also a suspended bronze wild horse statue from The Purple Turtles that ties the décor together.
Makeover 2: Styling a dining room with muted colours and wooden accents
As you move to the next level, the staircase connecting the two floors engages you with its visual imagery with a collection of Chinese horoscope symbols framed on the wall. The flooring on the terrace is of Shahabad stone, reminiscent of cobbled Sri Lankan gardens, while the walls are painted in ‘sage green’ hue by Asian Paints. It opens into three different zones. There’s a lounge under a gridded pergola with antiques interspersed in the seating area with a backdrop of thriving greens. As you move to the bar, a slatted bamboo roof allows sunlight to stream into the area. The wall niches created are decorated with antique lamp holders, while the intricately carved wooden panel forms the backdrop. The third seating area features an eclectic mix of furniture with an assortment of small tables and sculptures placed on a rug. There’s also a suspended bronze wild horse statue from The Purple Turtles that ties the décor together.
Makeover 3: A room for the family
