A Square Designs by Ajay Arya unveils yet another architectural gem – Footprints, a luxurious triplex residence located on Ballygunge Park Road in Kolkata. Harmoniously blending contemporary flair with classic elegance, TheGlitz speaks exclusively with Ajay Arya about this stunning new home designed for the Jalan family’s joint household. With its remarkable design and thoughtful, practical features, Footprints sets a new standard for sophisticated living, seamlessly marrying style and functionality.
‘Footprints’ is a stunning fusion of contemporary and classic design elements. What inspired this unique blend, and how did you approach merging these two styles to create a cohesive vision for the home?
The inspiration behind ‘Footprints’ came from the desire to create a space that resonates with timeless sophistication while catering to the modern lifestyle of a joint family. This vision was fuelled by the importance of heritage and contemporary appeal. To achieve this blend, we incorporated vintage art, luxurious materials, and a modern layout that embraces natural light and open spaces. The approach was to carefully balance classical elegance with sleek, modern design elements, creating a home that feels both grounded in tradition and forward-thinking.
The residence is a luxurious triplex designed for a joint family. What were some of the key considerations in designing such a spacious yet functional home that caters to different generations within the family?
Designing ‘Footprints’ for a joint family involved a deep understanding of each generation’s needs. We wanted to create spaces that cater to diverse lifestyles while fostering a sense of togetherness. For example, the family lounge and dining areas serve as communal spaces for everyone to connect, while each bedroom is tailored to the personality of its occupant. We also focused on creating multi-functional spaces like the family lounge with a home theatre, bar, and terrace to ensure every member has a space to unwind in their own way.
Kolkata’s rich heritage and culture must have influenced the design in some way. How did you incorporate local elements or traditions into ‘Footprints’ while maintaining a global, modern sensibility?
Kolkata’s heritage and appreciation for art and culture were key inspirations for ‘Footprints.’ We incorporated locally crafted elements, such as hand-carved wooden furniture and traditional artwork, to infuse a sense of place. The grand hand-embroidered painting by Vinita Kareem in the living area is a prime example of how we celebrated Indian artistry. At the same time, we balanced these elements with global influences, such as Italian-imported furniture and custom lighting installations, achieving a design that feels both worldly and rooted in local culture.
In a project like ‘Footprints,’ where luxury and practicality intersect, how do you balance aesthetic appeal with functional needs—especially in spaces like the living room, kitchen, and bedrooms?
Balancing luxury with functionality is central to our design philosophy, especially in a residence as expansive as ‘Footprints.’ In the living room, for instance, we combined sophisticated aesthetics with comfortable seating to create a welcoming space for both formal gatherings and family time. The kitchen and dining area, designed with both beauty and practicality in mind, features custom cabinetry and high-end finishes to ensure ease of use without compromising style. Each bedroom is a harmonious blend of elegance and comfort, with bespoke furnishings and functional layouts that cater to the unique needs of each family member.
Looking ahead, what do you believe are the defining trends in luxury residential design, and how do you envision pushing the boundaries of home interiors in your upcoming projects?
Luxury residential design is increasingly moving towards spaces that combine technology, sustainability, and personalization. I believe the trend of integrating art as a functional design element will continue to grow, allowing interiors to reflect the personalities of their inhabitants in unique ways. In my future projects, I aim to push boundaries by exploring more sustainable materials and energy-efficient solutions, while maintaining a refined aesthetic. At A Square Designs, we are always looking for ways to create homes that not only look beautiful but also support the well-being and lifestyle of our clients.
