#DPExclusive: A Kaleidoscopic Ahmedabad Apartment That Tells The Story Of An Art Lover’s Life

While most of the design world plays it safe with neutrals, Studio In D-Tale dares to spin the colour wheel, contributing to a larger narrative of memory, craft and individuality. Principal Designer Dhara Shah collaborates with Interior Designer Mukesh N. Malviya to introduce radical contrasts in this Ahmedabad home, dubbed ‘Chronicles of Art’. Together they orchestrate a delicate renovation, utilising artworks, wooden furniture, sleek geometric lines, embroidered panels and sculptural lighting. The design and spatial treatment of this 3100 sq ft apartment is a result of homeowner Amruta Shah’s deep love for art. She is the founder of the well-known decor and lifestyle brand Zookeeper and an avid art collector. Many pieces in her collection were gifted by friends and peers from her time at art school in Baroda, making them deeply personal. “Amruta’s art collection is exquisite, and I wanted her artworks to settle in. Not clash with the place, but feel held by it,” says Dhara, describing this project as an opportunity to discover how to include art in a manner that feels intentional, but doesn’t dominate the whole space. 

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Art Meets Avant-Garde

Perched on the fourth floor, the apartment unfolds with a spacious layout and making the first impression is a declarative vestibule, immaculately composed with a dark brutalist console and a gridded artwork by Vishwa Shroff. Smooth micro cement flooring leads you into a double-height living area, teeming with stately furniture and eclectic furnishings. Neutral white-washed walls by Limocoat become the canvas for curious crafts and personal art. 

The living room, wrapped in sheer drapery, has a penchant for moodier hues as it code-switches between stark geometric patterns, traditional motifs and pops of colour. Circular hand-embroidered silk panels by Flora For Fauna float above the dining table like suspended scrolls of botanical lore. A brass light fixture laces across the ceiling like a constellation caught mid-orbit. Dhara says, “The biggest challenge was layering so many contrasting elements—bold patterns, organic textures and modern forms, without losing visual cohesion. But we had complete creative freedom, which allowed everything to come together seamlessly.”

The Art Of Intentional Contrasts

The interior is a compelling reflection of the designer who doesn’t just decorate; she curates, composes and distils. The style is defined not by the palette or the furniture, but by her ability to orchestrate a design through the language of contrasts. “Every element here is chosen for its texture, form or the story it carries. Whether it’s the cane dining chairs, geometric black-and-white coffee table or a ceramic deer sculpture, the common thread is intentionality. Nothing is ornamental for the sake of it; each piece contributes to the spatial narrative,” Dhara explains about her design choices. “We weren’t aiming for things to match, but for them to resonate; to support and elevate the whole.” 

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The home follows an open, linear layout that extends into a long, light-filled corridor, guiding you into the private wing. Generous balconies extend from both the living area and the bedrooms, offering a connection with the outdoors. The kitchen is efficiently planned with direct access to the pantry, utility, and staff quarters, ensuring a seamless rhythm between service and leisure. 

A Home Office That Doesn’t Shout ‘Work’

Aesthetically, the home holds a powerful visual rhythm defined by clean lines and traditional patterns that extend effortlessly into the home office, tucked just beyond the living area. Explaining its multipurpose use, Dhara shares, “The space also functions as a family den, allowing simultaneous activity amongst the family members”. Defined by a muted sage sectional sofa, the furniture arrangement whispers mid-century modern but leans decisively into modern comfort. The artwork by Amit Ambalal, delightfully offbeat, is a reminder that art in this home isn’t meant to match the cushions, but to challenge and intrigue the onlookers. 

The Quiet Power Of Bedroom Walls

The accent wall sometimes gets a bad rep. Too many bedrooms suffer from the “paint one wall dark” approach that leaves spaces looking like afterthoughts. Stripping away from these Pinterest fails and tired trends, Dhara, with her incredible vision, has completely reshaped how the bedrooms feel, function and flow in this apartment. The master bedroom makes a grand statement with a vibrant embroidered artwork by Textile Designer Ujjval C Shah of Noya Studio. Each stitch on this tapestry is a celebration of colour and craftsmanship. It is not only a piece of art but also works as a partition in the space. The surrounding earthy palette of oak-toned woodwork, herringbone floor and Purple Turtle lights allows this colourful accent to stand out effortlessly.

The master suite and the guest bedroom, complete with lounge corners, walk-in wardrobes, and en suite bathrooms, are a living expression of who the homeowner is and how they want to live: super cosy, welcoming and artistic. They don’t just wear their accent walls; they are built around them. “We wanted to keep these private chambers luxurious and rich in narrative, so we adorned them with green-toned botanical wallpapers, subtle glints of brass and a mix of vintage decor,” Dhara explains. The wooden floors are elevated by Turkish rugs curated by the homeowner. The rooms are a tactile dream with extravagant furniture and bold patterns, deployed strategically with a clean, minimal backdrop. 

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The kids’ room is a cheerful blend of playfulness and imagination, styled with decor from the homeowner’s own brand, Zookeeper. Soft pastels, animal-themed decor, and child-friendly materials come together to encourage creativity and comfort. With its bold material palette, dynamic colours and curated placement of artworks, the home doesn’t just embrace contrast, it thrives on it. Every design decision revolves around complementing the gorgeous art pieces in each room setting. “We weren’t just designing the interiors, we were building an art world piece by piece”, Dhara concludes and signs off.