A Case of Revival

Seclusion, scenic vistas and style create a potent recipe for rejuvenation at Naksh Design Studio-crafted Foresta by the Lake resort near Karjat.

Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Saee Bhurke; courtesy Naksh Design Studio

Interior designer Shibani Mehta

The site

The resort is ensconced within 70 acres of private land, lush with mango, eucalyptus and ficus trees and bamboo groves. Parts of it feature landscaped gardens and recreational facilities. The serene Andre Lake is a stone’s throw away and within viewing distance.

The brief

The client simply wanted something people would enjoy. Nature being part of the experience was crucial, as was using his extensive collection of furniture and art. “The task given to us,” says Shibani Mehta of Naksh Design Studio, “was part refurbishment, part interior design.” Some structures — like the cottages and the reception block — were already built; other facilities like the living room and library are entirely new.

The three-room cottage presents a pleasing picture of rustic grace. While the structure was already existing, the design team was called upon to update its facade. The ‘cross’ design within the pitched roofs and the central door, for instance, are new additions.

The facilities

The resort is designed as discrete functionalities so that the guests can enjoy the scenic beauty to the fullest. The six guest rooms are deployed in the following way: one one-room cottage, one twin-room cottage and one cottage with three rooms and a common sitting room. In addition to these, the living room, library and games room can keep guests engaged — should they ever tire of the beautiful surroundings.

The design intent

The aim was to provide a signature style — minimalist sophistication — using statement accents to add dramatic flair and a strong individuality to the rooms… and always be close to nature.

The living room is a glass box of sorts. The top of the long table has been made from trees found on site. The pattern of the flooring is defined using a blue grout. Most of the furniture here is from the client’s collection and has been refurbished.

The material palette

The main materials were tiles, wood and glass — the latter used for obvious reasons of visual connection and transparency. Wherever new tiles were installed, it was done in random patterns highlighted with coloured grout. Furniture and other elements such as windows use mostly wood — some of it sourced from the property itself.

The challenges

“Our designs were entirely based on re-using and restoration of old, antique and existing pieces of furniture,” reveals Shibani. The paintings were selected from the clients’ collections. Keeping that in mind, we worked around planning the rest of the materials. This project involved different approaches. We would pick up a piece of furniture and design the room around it, or treat a feature of the existing space as a starting point.“

The central bedroom, one of three, of the third cottage. The clerestory windows give it an expansive feel. The styling for this one started from the bench (a repurposed swing, again) and its tiled motifs.

The highlights

The huge living area and the library area, both of which extensively use glass for an inside-outside feel and the al fresco dining area are the highlights of the project, according to the designer. ”My favourite room is the library,” discloses Shibani. “It features glass on three sides and sits right in the centre of the property, overlooking the lawn.”

Fact file

Project: Foresta by the Lake
Location: Kamshet, Maharashtra
Area: 70 acres
Principal designer: Shibani Mehta
Design team: Shibani Mehta and Deeksha Mehta