Sculptural walls to muted interiors: 5 ideas for your next home renovation

The Auburn Studio, based in Chennai, recently completed a renovation project for a 40-year-old home in Tiruchirappalli. The client's parents built the house, and the architect's team approached the renovation as an opportunity to introduce continuity rather than simply erase the existing structure. The studio focused on preserving the home's unique wooden jaalis, central oak flooring, and rich cultural heritage while creating a more personal and tropical atmosphere.

Key features of the renovation include:

1. Living Room: The formal living room was extended to the backyard with a sculptural feature wall made of cement panels, which adds subtle movement through soft waves and curves. The curved false ceiling arches help conceal existing beams while providing fluidity to the space. The restored wooden jaali partitions separate the atrium from the corridor.

2. Atrium: A central corridor connects two guest bedrooms on the eastern side to a dramatic double-height atrium that anchors the home's spatial and visual elements. The atrium is formed by a combination of stone, wood, and cement materials.

3. Dining Room: The dining space was designed to enhance the home's indoor-outdoor relationship. It features muted upholstery paired with wooden furniture and lighting to create a gentle, modernized ambiance.

4. Mezzanine: A staircase leads to a mezzanine landing that opens into an entertainment room, which in turn opens into a double-height atrium. This space allows natural light to flood in through high windows.

5. Bedroom: The master suite, complete with a TV lounge, sit-out garden, his-and-hers walk-in closets, and a skylit bathroom, has been renovated using a restrained color palette that emphasizes natural materials and thoughtful planning. The design aims to feel timeless rather than trend-driven.