Retro Reverie, makeover by House of Katha
In the heart of old Bangalore’s tree-lined charm, where colonial bungalows whisper stories and Art Deco buildings sculpt the skyline, sits a 40-year-old apartment that needed a makeover, more so as it was the residence of a young couple in their twenties and this 1,100 sq. ft. home was their chance to craft a world that belonged entirely to them — not just aesthetically, but emotionally too. We at TheGlitz love home makeovers… that’s why when we heard of Retro Reverie, we pounced on the idea of knowing much more about it.
Retro Reverie
40-year-old apartment… a home that has seen four decades of wear ‘n’ tear… of life and its many moods… Who could help make it a modern home that the young couple could call it their own?
Enter Pratyusha Kethinedi, the spirited Founder and Principal Designer of House of Katha, whose imaginative blueprint transformed the space into Retro Reverie… a home that balances jazz-bar intimacy with modern maximalism, nostalgia with contemporary boldness, and old-world soul with new-age charm.
How Did It All Start?
From the very first conversations, Pratyusha chose to design from the inside out. She immersed herself in the couple’s personalities — two free spirits drawn to intimate corners, dimly lit speakeasies, vintage music, and anything that felt textured, tactile, and soulful. Their personal tastes became the muse, resulting in a home that doesn’t just look designed — it feels lived, loved, and layered with stories.
Pratyusha’s Vision
Surrounded by Bangalore’s colonial and Art Deco pockets, Pratyusha took context seriously. The location itself became the starting line for the design narrative: old-world charm meeting bold contemporary strokes. This is evident the moment you step into the foyer… a dramatic, mood-setting entryway wrapped in a daring tiger-print wallpaper.
Inspired by a series of existing arches visible from the balcony, she introduced an arched entry motif that instantly transports visitors into a different era. It’s theatrical, expressive, and confidently sets the tone for a home that refuses to play it safe.
Living Room Vibes
Since the property was leased, the challenge was to create impact through reversible interventions. No structural changes, no permanent alterations — just visual power delivered through craft, colour, texture, and clever design. The living room became the showstopper. Think: a jazz-lounge-meets-dark-academia vibe, soaked in rich textures and moody hues. Plush velvets, rustic woods, custom cane furniture, Parisian theatre prints, Indian vintage accents, and tactile layers come together in a harmonious dance of retro maximalism.
The clients instantly fell in love with a Sabyasachi jaguar-print suede, which became a key design note. The living room is draped in this bold indulgence, balanced by a deep black rug that grounds the vibrant palette. A custom cane TV unit — nostalgic yet contemporary — adds warmth, while satin drapes soften the intensity with fluid elegance. The bar area turns up the drama with wood-clad finishes and a whimsical wallpaper featuring lively party scenes, often triggering animated conversations among guests. The pièce de résistance? A custom Indian green marble table with brass and wood details that blurs the line between utility and sculpture.
The Bedroom Mood
In the bedroom, emotion took the lead. The husband’s long-time wish for a deep blue sanctuary became the foundation, resulting in a moody yet calming retreat. To offset the richness of the palette, Pratyusha added a subtly feminine statement headboard — a counterbalance that brings softness without diminishing depth. The result feels intimate, indulgent, and deeply personal.
The Study
The study, meanwhile, offers a breather — calm, warm, and thoughtfully minimal. A bespoke shelving unit accommodates the couple’s vast book collection, turning function into design. A treasured Kashmiri rug from their family adds warmth, memory, and place. And then there’s the unexpected twist: checkered curtains styled in an unconventional drape that injects just the right amount of intrigue into the serene space.
TheGlitz Verdict
We loved Pratyusha Kethinedi’s vision for Retro Reverie. It was not just a home… modern, cosy and aesthetic — it was also storytelling through space. It was nostalgia, interpreted for a new era, along with a dash of boldness with restraint, romance with rhythm, vintage with verve.
In a city where old and new coexist effortlessly, Pratyusha’s design celebrated that very ethos… making Retro Reverie, a 40-year-old apartment feel timeless, soulful, and profoundly alive.
