An Ode to Reinvention
Design: Purru Location: Pune Photography: Ekansh Chaurasia
Perched above the bustle of Pune, the Modern Indian Terrace by Purru redefines what it means to live with heritage in a contemporary world. This 500 sq. ft. residential terrace landscape, completed in October 2024, is not merely an outdoor extension of the home – it’s a carefully curated sanctuary where modern comfort converses with the timeless poetry of Indian design.
Principal designer Kushagra Tyagi envisioned the terrace as a personal retreat, one that balances manageability with the layered richness of tradition. The result is a space that is as functional as it is evocative, marrying minimalist restraint with the joy of vibrant Indian décor.
The terrace’s soaring double-height ceiling set the stage for dramatic design gestures. Instead of amplifying the vastness, Purru opted for intimacy: a false ceiling was introduced to soften proportions and integrate ambient lighting. By day, the terrace is bathed in natural sunlight; by night, it glows with a warm, golden radiance from statement fixtures.
The flooring, a deliberate choice, marks one of the terrace’s boldest moves. The original wooden deck gave way to patterned Spanish tiles in deep indigo and warm ochre, a palette that evokes Rajasthani courtyards yet feels undeniably current. This tactile underfoot vibrancy instantly anchors the space in tradition while remaining easy to maintain for contemporary living.
The terrace celebrates the “Modern Indian” ethos not by denying the old but by folding it gracefully into the present. Antique elements find pride of place, each carrying its own whisper of history.
A brass statue of Lord Krishna, perched on a custom pedestal, holds court as the spiritual and visual focal point. Flanked by two traditional brass samais, it transforms the terrace into a contemplative zone as much as a social one. Overhead, wrought iron chandeliers suspended from brass chains sway gently, infusing the evenings with an almost cinematic glow.
Artistry thrives in the details: a hand-painted pillar and framed tikri art pieces infuse craft into the architecture, layering the space with stories of Indian heritage. To amplify volume and light, two oversized mirrors reflect the décor, dissolving boundaries and opening the terrace visually.
The heart of the terrace is undeniably the handcrafted teak-wood daybed. Echoing the design of traditional charpoys but elevated with ornamental pillars, it’s a piece that invites lingering — whether over a lazy morning coffee or a twilight conversation. Upholstered with textiles in bold fuchsia and sunny yellow, the daybed strikes a playful yet refined chord, infusing vibrancy without overpowering the serenity.
This ability to juggle energy with calmness is what makes the design sing. On one hand, colour, pattern, and history are exuberant. On the other hand, there’s a clarity and restraint that prevents visual clutter. The terrace feels “lived in” but never crowded – luxurious yet effortlessly manageable.
No terrace is complete without its dialogue with the outdoors. Here, biophilic design ensures that greenery isn’t an afterthought but an integral layer of the experience. Potted palms, climbers, and carefully placed foliage create a lush fringe that softens edges and seamlessly ties the terrace to the surrounding landscape. The result is a cocoon of green, framing every decorative flourish with freshness and calm.
The Modern Indian Terrace speaks to a broader design movement, one where cultural identity and modern lifestyles find balance. Instead of defaulting to sterile minimalism or ornamental excess, Purru’s design embraces duality. It acknowledges the nostalgia of old-world charm while confidently rooting itself in contemporary needs.
This is a terrace that tells a story: of mornings that begin with birdsong and filtered sunlight, of evenings illuminated by chandeliers and laughter, of timeless rituals reimagined for today’s pace. It’s not just a physical space but an emotional landscape — one that nurtures comfort, culture, and connection.
In the hands of Kushagra Tyagi and his team at Purru, this Pune terrace becomes more than design — it becomes identity made tangible. It’s a home extension, yes, but also a meditation on how we live, remember, and celebrate.
With its thoughtful balance of minimalist manageability and the indulgent luxury of Indian décor, the Modern Indian Terrace is not just a balcony, it’s an invitation. An invitation to slow down, to belong, and to embrace the timeless charm of living beautifully. [ V ]
