THE FIFTH ELEMENT
Sage & Silk
Lead Architects: Siddhi Nanivadekar, Madhuparna Sastakar
Carpet Area: 1200 sq.ft.
Year: 2026
Location: Pune, Maharashtra
“Sage & Silk” is a contemporary, minimal project defined by a balanced use of wood and a soft, elegant palette. Subtle accents of sage green gently enliven the otherwise muted spaces, adding freshness without overwhelming the design. Every element is thoughtfully curated to create a sense of cohesion and calm. Despite the compact layout, the careful selection of colours and materials enhances openness, making the spaces feel more expansive and airy.
The living room is designed to be simple yet sophisticated, dominated by a soft palette of whites and beiges, complemented by warm wooden accents. The TV unit remains minimal in tone but is enriched through a thoughtful play of materials—beige paint, fluted panels, and textured tiles—creating a subtle yet layered visual appeal.
A portion of the ceiling features fluted detailing finished in the same white, adding depth and a gentle textural contrast without disrupting the calm aesthetic. The sofa introduces a refreshing pop of green, bringing life into the muted space. One side is beautifully framed with wooden panelling and a large statement artwork, while the other is kept understated with simple wooden mouldings, striking a perfect balance between elegance and restraint.
The compact kitchen is thoughtfully designed to balance functionality with visual lightness. The base cabinets, finished in a soft salmon shade, introduce a gentle warmth and act as a subtle focal point within the space. In contrast, the overhead shutters in warm wood, paired with fluted glass panels, add an element of lightness and transparency, preventing the kitchen from feeling visually heavy.
Subtle black details—seen in the sleek knobs and a thin black partition—add definition and a contemporary edge, tying the design together with understated contrast. This interplay of colour and material creates a harmonious composition, making the compact space feel open, elegant, and well-balanced while maintaining its refined, modern appeal.
This compact master bedroom is thoughtfully designed to feel light, airy, and spacious through the use of soft, light-toned finishes. The bed, headboard, and mirror unit are seamlessly unified in a light wood finish, with the headboard featuring subtle rattan weave detailing that adds warmth and texture. Opposite this, the wardrobe is finished in a combination of whites and light brown tones, maintaining the room’s calm and balanced palette.
A sage green band running along the beam level gently highlights the space, adding character without visually lowering the height or making the room feel smaller. Black accents are introduced through refined details—a statement hanging light, sleek elongated handles, and delicate moulding lines—bringing in a sense of contrast and modern definition while tying the entire design together.
The guest bedroom is designed to feel playful yet airy, with a light and refreshing palette. The wardrobe features fluted pastel blue laminate paired with light wood, creating a soft and cheerful visual contrast. The bed is anchored by a statement upholstered headboard in a chequered white and blue fabric, with fluted panelling above that adds texture and continuity.
Beside the bed, a multifunctional side table in blue and wood doubles as a cozy corner window seat, enhancing both utility and charm. Large, round handles act as distinctive detailing elements, adding a touch of fun and making the space feel lively and inviting.
The study room is thoughtfully designed to accommodate the client’s extensive book collection, featuring large, transparent bookshelves that lend a sense of openness and lightness. Interspersed open niches break the monotony, adding visual interest and rhythm to the unit.
Hanging shelves, detailed with slender black metal rods, seamlessly extend from the main bookshelf, creating a cohesive and layered composition. Above the study table, a sculptural hanging light with black accents becomes a subtle statement piece, echoing the detailing language seen throughout the home.
The study table and hanging shelves are set against a muted wallpaper backdrop, gently tying all the elements together and enhancing the overall sense of harmony and calm within the space.
