The rustic charm of a large granite stone slab placed on the lawn catches the eye as one steps into the compound of C.P. Sadananda Prabhu’s house at Edappally.
The fragrance of incense and flowers fill the interior of the house set close to the Edappally Palace on a 12-cent plot, spread over less than 3,000-sq. ft.
Prabhu, a leading trader in the city, says the basic idea was to build a home that combined the traditional looks of a Kerala house with modern interiors. The simplicity of the stone slab and its rustic charm are reflected in the décor of the house made up of wall paper, soft lighting, simple designs and floors that are wood inlaid.
The glass-coated tiles add a little shine to the floors and the hardwood staircase gives a natural and organic appearance to the ground and upper floors. Sunshine seeps into the dining area through the large windows on the ground floor. The walls of the dining area have a rustic finish achieved with subtly coloured claddings.
The glass panes provide a generous view of the greenery that surrounds the house. The lush green lawn stands out despite the unrelenting summer. The granite slab, that sits on the lawn and serves as a place to relax, was dug up when the foundation was being laid, says Vinod Prabhu, the trader’s son. The slab was placed there as Prabhu was insistent that it should not be discarded.
The bed-rooms in the house have been arranged functionally with two each on the ground and upper floor. The floors of the bedroom are laid with artificial wood, giving them a natural look and feel. A similar effect is achieved in the foyer and the reception area, which have generous spaces for movement and light. Though built to match the requirements of a small family, the house has a charm that stands out more than its functionality.
