Stained in Turquoise, Gurugram | Custom Design Stories

Stained in Turquoise is a 4,500 SqFt penthouse in Gurugram designed by Aditya Tognatta and Ananya Sharma, Co-founders of Custom Design Stories. Conceived for an NRI client, the residence explores the idea of home as an emotional anchor rather than simply a place of residence.

The project challenges the openness typically associated with penthouse living by creating spaces that feel intimate and deeply personal. Instead of emphasizing scale, the design prioritizes warmth, layered materials, and curated experiences. Open layouts encourage interaction while maintaining a sense of enclosure, allowing every space to feel connected yet distinct.

Artworks by Indian artists, travel collectibles, and personal objects become integral to the architecture rather than decorative additions. Together, they create a residence that reflects memory, identity, and lived experience. As a result, Stained in Turquoise measures generosity through emotional depth rather than physical scale.

Biggest Design Challenge

The primary design challenge was creating a sense of intimacy within a large penthouse. While expansive layouts often convey openness, they can also feel impersonal.

To address this, the design team introduced layered spatial planning, deeper color palettes, and carefully curated materials. Rich jewel-toned interiors, integrated artworks, and textured finishes create a cocoon-like environment that feels grounded and welcoming. At the same time, open connections between spaces preserve visual continuity while maintaining distinct zones for social interaction and private living.

Through this approach, the residence balances openness with comfort, allowing each space to feel both connected and personal.

Design Strategy

The planning organizes the home across two levels to clearly separate social and private functions. The lower level begins with a private foyer before opening into the living and dining areas. Rich teal tones establish the identity of the central living space, while adjoining balconies introduce natural light that balances the darker palette. A mirrored wall visually extends the outdoor deck into the interiors, softening the boundary between inside and outside.

Teak wood flooring, layered textiles, and integrated display units reinforce the home’s material language. Personal collections and artworks become part of the architectural composition, strengthening the connection between space and its occupants. The kitchen and utility occupy one side of the floor, while the study and parents’ bedroom are positioned on the other. The study combines a work desk with informal seating, enabling the room to support multiple activities. The parents’ bedroom introduces rattan detailing and antique brass wall sconces, adding warmth through natural materials.

The upper floor adopts a quieter character. A family lounge forms the central node from which the master and guest bedrooms are accessed. A passage lined with family photographs and collected artworks transforms circulation into a personal journey through the home.

Materials & Product Specifications

The material palette emphasizes warmth, texture, and timelessness. Rich tonalities establish a strong visual identity while supporting the home’s intimate atmosphere. Teak wood flooring anchors the social spaces, complemented by timber furniture and layered textiles. Meanwhile, a jewel-toned teal palette defines the living area. Moreover, a full mirrored wall enhances spatial depth and strengthens the connection to the outdoor deck.

Natural materials continue throughout the residence. Rattan detailing appears in the parents’ bedroom, while antique brass wall sconces introduce subtle accents. Ribbed teak wood paneling behind the beds in the guest rooms adds texture and visual warmth. Wood and fabric shape the master bedroom, creating a restrained and calming environment.

Carefully curated artworks by Gulrez Ali, Ajaya Kumar Mohanty, Bhushan Naresh Vaidya, M.F. Hussain, and Raja Ravi Varma further enrich the interiors, embedding personal and cultural narratives throughout the residence.

Architect’s Perspective

Stained in Turquoise reflects a design philosophy that places emotional connection above visual spectacle. Rather than celebrating the scale typically associated with penthouses, the project focuses on creating spaces that foster belonging, familiarity, and everyday comfort.

The design demonstrates how materiality, artwork, and personal collections can shape architecture beyond aesthetics. Every planning decision supports the idea that a home should evolve with its occupants and accommodate their memories over time. Through layered interiors, curated objects, and carefully balanced spatial relationships, the residence transforms a large penthouse into a place that feels intimate, lived-in, and deeply personal.

Project Snapshot

Project Name	Stained in Turquoise
Project Type	Residential
Location	Gurugram
Built-up Area	4,500 SqFt
Year of Completion	2026
Interior Design Firm	Custom Design Stories
Principal Designers	Aditya Tognatta & Ananya Sharma
Photography	Vaibhav Katiyar

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Disclaimer: The information herein is based upon information obtained in good faith from sources believed to be reliable. All such information and opinions can be subject to change. Furthermore, the image featured in this article is for representation purposes only. It does not in any way represent the project. However, If you wish to remove or edit the article, please email editor@biltrax.com.