Casa Felice literally translates from the Italian to ‘Happy Home’. Rarely will you come across a home so aptly named because it doesn’t take more than a first glance for one to know that this is an absolute passion project. Sprawling over 2700 sq.ft, this apartment in the upmarket Ramdas Peth of Nagpur is owned by a young couple, Dr Sameer Arbat and Dr Tulika Arbat. They reside here with their baby son, Noam. 

Avid travel enthusiasts and connoisseurs of la dolce vita, the Arbats have drawn from their extensive travels and rich experiences. Their travels enriched their perspectives with all forms of culture, art, lifestyles, landscapes, gastronomy and couture. The Arbats have infused their home with a modern approach to erstwhile design elements. Every part of the house has been lovingly put together- every room serves a different purpose, draws from a different exotic milieu and definitely elicits different emotions.

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The very entrance is a harbinger for the design-led format of the interiors. A concealed door is a quirky element here, bound to bring a smile to one’s face once it reveals itself, much like Alice’s Wonderland.

The Living Room

Step into the entrance lobby and a wondrous vista greets you, whispering of secrets yet to be revealed. It is a study in mirrors and Italian marble floor, a theme that runs through the entire living room. Inspired by a famous European artwork, a cloud console is placed here, two sinewy figures in black intertwined to form the top. On the wall behind, a collage of black and white family portraits are quaintly gathered to welcome visitors.

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Dr Sameer, a famed pulmonologist and a technophile has installed a dedicated surround sound system for individual rooms, voice-controlled ambience, all of which can be controlled through a pair of spectacles. Three portraits of women inspired by Salvador Dali’s 1937 original are set in the backdrop. A large L-shaped couch, peppered with cushions is the primary seating arrangement, with an easy chair and Ottoman in burnt brick leather by its side. A sculpture called ‘The Lady With The Lamp’ stands here with light fixtures. The dining table takes an interesting shape, of an island usually seen inside kitchens but adds a touch of whimsical geometry here. Indoor greens add warmth and the walls are covered in a light pink veneer and adorned with modern art. The lighting is given special attention here as this space intends to host many a fun soiree.

The Library

A more private space, this room has been fashioned after the throne room at Buckingham Palace. The colour palette is warmer in this plush space and it is meant for meetings, or some quiet down time. The formal seating is a chesterfield sofa set in a luxurious hue of blue. There is a gorgeous floor to ceiling cabinet with sliding doors that open to reveal a collection of books and a bar. The doors exhibit an abstract portrait of horses, painted in warm reds and cool blues- a combination that ties in with the furniture. Here too, indoor greens add cheer. A powder room with a concealed door attached takes inspiration from marine journeys aboard vintage ships. The wallpaper is a print of artistically designed compasses used by seafarers with an artistic jelly-fish mirror.

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The Mandir

As a tribute to the serene temples of Ajmer, a pure white marble top above a wooden table houses idols customised to the homeowners’ specifications. The Gayatri Mantra has been scripted over a transparent acrylic and wall mounted behind the idols. The separators between the Mandir and living space are 9 feet high wooden facades.

The Baby Bedroom

The baby’s room has been designed in a fun manner with a cool colour palette to pave the way for tons of naughty memories. An astronaut and space theme reigns supreme here. One wall is dedicated to a pop artwork of clouds, planets, space shuttles and an astronaut. A personal quote on this wall highlights the careful thought gone into designing the room.

Behind lies the walk-in wardrobe and a washroom. The washroom has been inspired by the architecture and colours of Morocco. The floor is covered in tiles of blue and yellow in geometric patterns.

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The Master Bedchamber

Designed like a modern Parisian studio, this room exudes a rare serenity. A white four-poster bed is draped in ethereal muslin. The walls are panelled in a periwinkle blue. Full length windows invite the light in to bring a freshness to the chamber. In a corner, a recliner in yellow leather adds a hint of brightness. In contrast to the décor of the rest of the house, this space has been purposefully left unadorned- almost as if it’s a safe haven for the high-functioning couple.

The walk-in closet has sliding doors mounted with full-size, dark tinted mirrors. Studio lights from the ceiling lend a fancy yet understated Hollywood vibe. An island console in the middle is home to accessories. The wash area is finished in an earthy Santorini stone. The shower area doubles up as a sauna. 

The Terrace

This adorable terrace also moonlights as a balcony. The ceiling is double height and this 200 sq.ft. space has been reimagined in a Hawaiian theme. A sun bed tucks away cosily in a corner. A boat-shaped bench makes for quirky seating. On the other side, a large potted plant stands next to 3 Buddha figurines. This is a relaxed space meant to enjoy leisurely evenings.

This is a home that has been curated with a zest for understated luxury, a passion for inspired living and a love for heart and home. Its theme of vintage extravagance meets modern aesthetic can be construed as a love affair with all things exquisite or a homage to a family’s personal journey. Either way, this ‘happy home’ spells pure class.

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Photos: Prashant Bhat

Styling: Shraddha Nayak