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Interior

18-09-2025

The Art of Looking Back: Prints & Prejudice A 4,000 sq. ft. Kanpur Home Rooted in Classical Style

“It began with heirlooms - furniture, objects and keepsakes that the client had grown up around and wanted to carry forward,” recalls Pooja Gupta, principal designer at I Design Studio. These cherished items set the tone for a 4,000 sq. ft. residence in Kanpur. Here, their ornate, traditional expression became a natural guide, shaping a home rooted in classical sensibilities and memories. The design weaves these memories into the fabric of the home, creating a space that balances nostalgia with modern functionality.

The home spans two floors, carefully designed to maintain a harmonious flow. The ground floor comprises the foyer and formal living room, setting the tone for the home, along with a guest bedroom. On the upper floor, the dining room and informal lounge provide an ideal setting for family gatherings, while the kitchen and utility areas add to the home's functional ease. Two bedrooms, including the master, complete this floor, offering quiet corners for rest and reflection.

As you enter the foyer, the space unfolds with a sense of grandeur, welcoming you into a setting brimming with vintage charm and timeless elegance. A grand console takes center stage, with intricate craftsmanship that commands attention. Underfoot, a hand-knotted rug unfolds, while cherished artwork adorns the walls and curated objects complete the space. The soft layers of texture here add to the feeling that the space is a threshold to something more, hinting at the stories embedded throughout the home.

Kanpur,Uttar Pradesh,India

Architects	:	I Design Studios
Area	:	4,000 sq. ft.
Year of Completion	:	2025
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/i_designstudiosbypoojagupta/?hl=en

Foyer of Prints & Prejudice I Design Studios

Beside the foyer, the formal living room invites the residents to gather in its welcoming embrace. The walls, with their soft hues and simple moldings, provide a quiet backdrop, allowing the crafted furniture pieces to take center stage. Furniture with hand carved legs, stone inlay tabletops, cane-backed seats, and brass and glass accents define the room's visual tone. Bold, vibrant fabrics add a layer of energy, bringing the space to life with texture and flair.

As one ascends, the landing reveals a tableau of memory: framed heritage artworks stand proudly behind a console filled with collected trinkets. A wood and cane partition subtly separates this intimate display from the dining and kitchen beyond. The room is anchored by handcrafted furniture, enlivened by vibrant Indian prints in the upholstery. A series of artwork in the backdrop invites dialogue.

View from foyer of Prints & Prejudice I Design Studios

Formal living room of Prints & Prejudice I Design Studios

Dining of Prints & Prejudice I Design Studios

Family lounge of Prints & Prejudice I Design Studios

The family’s lounge, adjacent to the dining area, is designed for both entertainment and relaxation. This space is a visual feast, filled with energetic patterns in the furniture, gleaming brass accents, handwoven artisan rugs, and soft, inviting wallpapers. A beloved chest, once a cherished family memento, now functions as a side table. "We aimed to thoughtfully incorporate the client’s collection of memorabilia throughout the home," says Pooja. "We even restored some of the pieces, especially the furniture, refurbishing them with new fabrics to give them a fresh lease on life while preserving their heritage," she adds. The lounge exudes a traditional charm yet maintaining a serene, balanced atmosphere that makes it a welcoming place for family and friends.

Family lounge of Prints & Prejudice I Design Studios

Bedroom 1 of Prints & Prejudice I Design Studios

The master bedroom exudes character with minimal adornment. Without the need for excessive panelling or cladding, the space draws its personality from the carefully selected furniture and textiles. Wooden pieces, rich in craftsmanship, complement the bold floral, block print, and Ikat patterns, weaving a vibrant narrative throughout the room. It is in the subtle details that the room transforms into a deeply personalized sanctuary, offering a harmonious blend of tradition and comfort.

“This home is a quiet assurance: that the past need not be left behind to feel at home in the present,” reflects Pooja. From the family’s beloved heirlooms to vintage accents and accessories scattered throughout, each piece carries a story, settling naturally into the home’s narrative. The house stands as a thoughtful statement - one that proves emotional resonance can be as vital to design as form or function.