In the heart of Bengaluru, Masego, a 5000 square foot, three-storey bungalow, offers a breathtaking fusion of creativity, culture, and artistic expression. Designed by Chestnut Storeys for a classical Bharatnatyam dancer, this exquisite residence, named after the Tswana word for ‘blessings,’ reflects the ethos of joy, serenity, and heritage in every corner, making it a bespoke sanctuary.
The space is not just a home—it is an artistic studio filled with character, where vibrant colours, natural light, intricate patterns, and cultural diversity intersect harmoniously. With its design rooted in the homeowner’s love for dance and culture, the project beautifully combines modern functionality with artistic sensibility, offering a celebration of life through the lens of design. Bursts of colour add a joyful dimension to each room without overwhelming the design, complementing the abundance of natural light that flows in through expansive windows.
Ethnic patterns are thoughtfully woven throughout the design, from the intricate floor tiles to table surfaces and watercolour-splashes wallpapers. These elements, paired with bespoke and modern furniture, add personality and depth to every corner. The furniture itself is a carefully curated mix of function and artistry, from plush, comfortable seating to statement pieces like light fixtures and uniquely designed cupboards that serve as artistic centrepieces. Each element, from artwork to textiles, is selected to celebrate cultural diversity, bringing together vibrant patterns and eccentric details that unite the rooms with a striking sense of cohesion.
The bungalow's design goes beyond mere aesthetics, imbuing the space with a profound connection to the owner's heritage and artistic passion. Nowhere is this more evident than in the expansive open-air dance space on the uppermost floor, a studio flooded with light and adorned with antique wooden furniture. These delicately preserved furnishings honour a rich cultural history while serving as functional components of the room. Encapsulating the dancer's love for her art, the design provides an idyllic space where she can practice her craft amidst the comforts of home.
The ground floor of sets a tone of understated elegance, starting with a grand entrance where the cool hues of cement and marble interplay with lush greenery. The traditional Mangalore tiles on the roof infuse a nostalgic warmth, while subtle accents like a wooden bench and bird's nest-inspired seating create inviting moments of tranquility. Inside, the foyer greets visitors with textured striped walls and vibrant green artwork that evokes a forest-like atmosphere. The formal living room, which is an extension of this space, exudes sophistication with playful greys and blues punctuated by antique brass dance sculptures, plush turquoise sofas, and colourful accents.
The exquisite garden bar area features a glass pergola, creating an inviting oasis with comfortable armchairs. Offering a spacious balcony deck, the first floor is adorned with greenery and a suspended swing, further bridging the connection between the indoors and outdoors, enhancing the home's organic flow.
Adjacent to the formal living space, the lounge flows effortlessly into a chic bar area covered by a glass pergola. Here, a jewel-green marble bar takes centre stage, surrounded by wooden decking and lush greenery. This area creates an idyllic setting for relaxed evenings under the stars, offering an exquisite blend of luxury and nature. To the left of the foyer, the home theatre presents a luxurious retreat with oversized leather recliners and a drum set, perfect for both cinematic experiences and spontaneous jam sessions.
Further in the home, the dining room captures attention with its substantial marble table and jewel-toned dining chairs. The room is elegantly illuminated by a pendant lamp, while a vibrant, stencilled credenza brings artistry to the space. The open kitchen, with its sleek black island and floral high chairs, offers a stylish yet functional hub for casual meals.
The guest bedroom showcases natural materials and ethnic charm, with a wooden headboard and Moroccan-patterned chest of drawers. Geometric-patterned rug brings the design elements of the room together, creating a warm and inviting space. The powder room, hidden behind the staircase, impresses with its vintage elegance and playful watercolour motifs.
Ascending to the first floor, the family lounge bursts with colour and energy, with a striking yellow couch facing a TV set amidst playful teal accents. The room celebrates Tamil heritage through illustrated artwork and a Vishnu bust that adds an artistic dimension to the lively space. Adjacent to the lounge, the office space offers a peaceful and inspiring workspace, surrounded by lush greenery visible through large windows. The master bedroom is a serene retreat where muted colours and soft textures combine with wooden panel stripes and botanical wallpaper, creating a harmonious balance between simplicity and vibrancy.
The children’s rooms continue the theme of intentional design. The son’s bedroom incorporates calming neutrals and deep blue accents, creating a soothing yet stylish environment, reminiscent of Nordic aesthetics. With its jewel-toned four-poster bed, floral wallpaper, and playful patterns, the daughter’s bedroom is both whimsical and eclectic, with a bathroom that is equally vibrant and eclectic.
Outside, the first-floor balcony deck offers a serene escape, featuring a suspended swing and lush greenery that invite moments of calm reflection. A yellow spiral staircase winds up to the terrace, where the dance studio, designed for both practice and relaxation, takes on a life of its own. Decorated with ethnic wooden furniture and antique decor, the terrace dance space serves as a focal point and shrine to the dancer’s roots and her artistic journey.
Masego is an architectural paragon that seamlessly combines function, culture, and artistry. Every element of this home reflects the personality of its owner, offering not just a place to live, but a haven for creativity and expression. This abode is a true celebration of design, where each room tells a story, and the entire home resonates with the vibrant spirit of its inhabitant.
