- Interior
Located in the serene villa district of Pune, Kensho House is a masterpiece of serenity and sophistication. Designed by Disha Bhavsar and Shivani Ajmera, founders of Quirk Studio, this villa combines Japandi influences with a deep connection to nature. The result? A home that embodies simplicity and serenity and provides a peaceful haven for its residents.
The residents desired a space that was both comfortable and soothing. This premise led the designers to an aesthetic that exudes Zen-like calm, while natural materials and organic textures add a warm and inviting character. Kensho House seamlessly interweaves indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a harmonious balance between family life and privacy. The layout is carefully thought out, with a mix of open communal areas and more intimate zones for individual relaxation. This balance invites social interaction without sacrificing personal comfort. 
Upon entering, the tone is immediately set. A serene reception hall with herringbone stone floors and an elegant Buddha statue exudes tranquillity. This space serves as an introduction to the design story that unfolds throughout the house. On the ground floor are a multipurpose study, an atmospheric mandir, and a guest bedroom that combines comfort and style. The room contains custom-made furniture, including a Wabi Sabi study table and a study chair by Mangrove Collective. These carefully chosen pieces enhance the sense of unity and craftsmanship. With a ceiling height of 3.7 metres and large glass-fronted windows, the living room is a showpiece. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding gardens, with natural light flowing in abundantly. This emphasises the neutral colour palette and organic materials, such as wood and stone, used throughout the house.
The kitchen is both practical and aesthetically striking. The black and white tiled floors add a playful touch, while the kitchen island and access to an outdoor dining area offer multifunctionality. With chairs by Mangrove Collective and elegant lighting by Jade Lights, the space becomes an ideal place for gathering and cooking. The dining area, with a custom-made table and chairs by Eter Collective, exudes simplicity and elegance. A Flexstone lamp adds a warm glow, perfect for cosy family meals.
Theme transitions fluidly between different spaces, creating a sense of openness and continuity
The owner, an artist herself, has added her personal touch by incorporating her own artworks into the spaces. From a striking concrete panel in the master bedroom to a black-and-white artwork in the study, the pieces add character and soul to the minimalist luxury. A colour palette of soft greys, white and black creates calm and elegance. This neutral base highlights the textures of wood, stone and other natural materials. The result is an interior that feels warm and inviting, but at the same time refined and timeless. Kensho House reflects the essence of Japandi design: balance, serenity and connection with nature. It is a home where minimalist luxury meets personal expression, creating a space that is not only beautiful but also a true oasis for everyday living. 
The connection with nature does not stop at the walls of Kensho House. The surrounding garden plays an important role in the overall design, with the greenery acting as a natural extension of the interior. Large windows and glass facades ensure that the outside world has a constant presence in the residents' daily lives. The terrace, with its inviting seating and carefully placed lighting, provides a perfect place to end the day with the gentle sound of nature in the background. This seamless transition between inside and outside reinforces the harmony that makes Kensho House so unique, and makes this house not only a haven, but also a source of daily inspiration.
Photography by Ishita Sitwala
Text by Elke Aerts