House of Rasa | Serenity by Sadhana | Chennai
House of Rasa at Appasamy Orchards is a thoughtfully reimagined residence that captures the poetry of contemporary living infused with cultural depth. Elegantly knotted by Serenity by Sadhana, this 3BHK home in Chennai is an exploration of emotion, textural materiality, and mindful design.
Designed primarily for Ashok and Kala, the home reflects their everyday rhythms and evolving needs, while thoughtfully accommodating moments of togetherness. Their daughter Hamsini’s room was envisioned as a warm, welcoming retreat designed for her visits with her husband, Sriram — a comfortable and thoughtful space for them whenever they visit.
Rooted in modern minimalism yet deeply reflective of Indian ethos, the project transforms the existing home into a refined, layered sanctuary where handcrafted nuances, natural textures, and carefully orchestrated spatial planning shape an environment that feels both grounded and enduring.
The Principal Architect shares that House of Rasa was envisioned as a dwelling where every detail evokes feeling and authenticity. Led by Ar. Sadhana Raghu, along with her team — Ar. Shivani Sridhar and Ar. Segha Ganesh — the studio approached the project with complete creative liberty, entrusted to it by the clients. This freedom enabled a layered narrative where functionality meets quiet elegance, and contemporary aesthetics remain warmly tied to regional identity.
Artistry Entry
The entrance sets a refined and culturally rooted tone, anchored by a sculptural relief panel that has been part of the home for over 15 years and was intentionally retained as the primary focal point. Designed around this existing element, the space was subtly enhanced with a streamlined shoe rack in a muted finish, ensuring functionality without visual clutter. Warm wooden framing, exposed wooden rafters, and a complementary ceiling treatment introduce the material palette, while earthy toned flooring creates a seamless transition into the living areas beyond.
Sanctum Living Room
The living room unfolds as a refined dialogue between tradition and contemporary restraint. A sculptural mural wall, CNC cut and meticulously painted on site, forms the visual anchor of the space. Rooted in cultural expression, the design draws inspiration from the Ashoka Chakra at Konark, lending depth, symbolism, and quiet grandeur to the setting. Complementing this focal wall, vertical wooden slats frame the TV unit, their linear rhythm balancing the ornate backdrop with warmth and texture.
The clients’ existing solid wood seating with traditional turned detailing was thoughtfully retained and revitalised with new muted green upholstery, allowing heritage pieces to blend effortlessly with the refreshed aesthetic. A handcrafted coffee table anchors the arrangement, while a suspended wooden swing introduces a sense of nostalgia and gentle movement. Brass accents and curated artefacts complete the composition, resulting in a living space that feels layered, culturally rooted, and cohesively contemporary.
The crockery storage is conceived as a functional yet decorative installation. The existing wooden unit was refreshed with the addition of fluted glass shutters, lending a subtle play of light and texture while elevating everyday storage. New handles and knobs, along with a fresh coat of polish, give the cabinet a renewed presence that complements the adjoining furniture. Thoughtfully structured shelving ensures visibility and organisation, allowing the piece to integrate seamlessly into the living dining transition zone while maintaining material continuity throughout the space.
Positioned within a niche, the common wash basin zone is treated as a compact yet expressive design moment. A wooden vanity with cane shutters, a countertop basin, and a framed mirror with subtle brass accents come together against softly textured wall tiles, creating a functional feature that also serves as a visual highlight off the dining area.
Accented Kitchen
The kitchen is designed as a galley layout, prioritising functionality, ease of movement, and enhanced storage. Natural wood laminate base cabinets are paired with duck egg blue overhead units, introducing a soft freshness while maintaining visual calm. Storage is carefully optimised across both runs for maximum efficiency.
White toned finishes, a subtle printed tile backsplash, and a white full body tile countertop help visually expand the space while adding gentle character. Black integrated handles and fixtures provide contrast and definition, while fluted glass shutters lend lightness to the cabinetry, softly screening storage and completing the kitchen with a refined, contemporary finish.
Utility Zone
The balcony is reimagined as a compact, efficient utility zone. Full height wall tiling ensures durability and easy maintenance, while a counter above the washing machine doubles as a practical folding surface. Patterned floor tiles add visual interest, and sliding windows allow ample light and ventilation within the compact footprint.
Retreat Master Bedroom
The master bedroom unfolds as a calm, personal retreat shaped by warmth and restraint. The space is anchored by a custom made cot, detailed with a floral upholstered headboard that adds softness and familiarity. Full height wardrobes in rich wood laminate feature fabric sandwiched panels, breaking the visual mass and introducing tactile depth. A discreet study ledge by the window is seamlessly integrated, supporting everyday use while maintaining visual flow. Neutral wall finishes and subtle panelling create a quiet backdrop, allowing the handcrafted details to take focus and lending the room a restful, intimate quality.
The master washroom carries forward the home’s refined material language with a calm, cohesive approach. A deep teal vanity anchors the space, paired with a crisp white sanitary setup and warm brass toned fittings that add understated elegance. Large format onyx effect tiles, detailed with subtle texture, are used to visually expand the compact washroom while introducing depth and softness. A clearly defined shower zone ensures functional clarity, allowing the space to feel organised, spacious, and quietly luxurious despite its modest footprint.
A Floral Haven in Blush and Teal
The daughter’s bedroom blends youthful vibrancy with enduring design. A custom bed with a vertically tufted headboard in deep teal anchors the room against a botanical feature wall. Floor-to-ceiling wardrobes in muted blush laminate integrate open display niches, while a compact dresser paired with an organically shaped mirror softens the linear composition. Matte finishes and layered textures create a space that feels expressive yet thoughtfully composed for evolving needs.
The washroom features a lively yet balanced palette. Green kitkat tiles introduce a subtle vertical rhythm, paired with a coordinated vanity accented by unique metallic knobs. Terrazzo-inspired surfaces add subtle character, while clean-lined fixtures maintain a crisp and efficient layout.
Entertainment Zone
The home theatre is designed as a moody, immersive haven, where layered tones and subdued lighting intensify the cinematic atmosphere. A wooden media console with integrated storage anchors the projection system with a clean, streamlined presence. Acoustic wall panels refine sound quality while adding subtle depth and texture to the interiors. Recliner seating upholstered in a neutral fabric ensures comfort during extended viewing. Controlled lighting and a restrained colour scheme create a cinematic experience distinct from the rest of the home.
The guest washroom is defined by a warm, welcoming palette. A floating terracotta-finished vanity paired with a white countertop basin anchors the space, while dual-tone wall tiles add layered depth. Patterned flooring enhances visual character, and streamlined fittings ensure a crisp, uncluttered finish.
In essence, House of Rasa stands as a seamless expression of cultural rootedness interpreted through a contemporary lens, where every detail is carefully considered and cohesively articulated. The residence reflects a balanced interplay of material warmth, spatial clarity, and refined craftsmanship — accentuating the creative depth and thoughtful design sensibility that define the work of Serenity by Sadhana. Each space unfolds with intention, revealing a layered narrative of texture, proportion, and emotion that elevates everyday living into a considered design experience.
FACT FILE
Project Name : House of Rasa
Design Firm : Serenity by Sadhana
Principal Designer : Ar. Sadhana Raghu
Design Team : Ar. Shivani Sridhar & Ar. Segha Ganesh
Project Area: 1325 sq. ft
Project Location : Appasamy Orchards, Vadapalani, Chennai
Project Type : Residential Renovation
Photography Credits : Spacescape Photography
Interior Styling : Team ‘Serenity by Sadhana’
Text Credits : Team Interior Lover
About Serenity by Sadhana
Serenity by Sadhana is a Chennai-based design studio led by Ar. Sadhana Raghu is known for crafting spaces that blend functionality with soulful aesthetics. The firm takes on a diverse range of projects—residential, commercial, and everything in between—infusing each with a distinct narrative and timeless elegance. With a keen eye for detail and a sensitivity to context, the studio creates environments that are both visually compelling and deeply personal.
