February 9, 2006

This week Shanaz Ramzi visits a house whose owners have converted an old-fashioned place into a trendy residence

Very few homes give an inkling of what is inside from the driveway of the house, as does Gulnar Cowasjee’s residence. This quaint home boasts a driveway lined with plants and decorated with overhanging pots and paraphernalia from a ship, and also allows a delightful view of the patio ensconced within large glass walls.

As one enters the house, there is a long foyer that is decorated with antique knickknacks — chest, brass glasses, paan daan and hamam dasta. A wall to the right of the foyer has been knocked down to create an open sky-lit sitting area complete with a wicker sofa set, wooden and clay decoration pieces, over-hanging plants and a little electricity-run fountain, giving the portion a soothing touch.

Further down, the narrow foyer leads to a TV lounge that is furnished with wooden sofas with beige leatherette upholstery. A rectangular glass-topped table, a rocking chair and a side table with hand-painted top lend colour to the room, while a space in the wall, once occupied by a window and now replaced by glass gives this room overlooking the sky-lit area, a vista.

To the left of the foyer is an opening that leads into the living room. The doors on either side of the opening have been removed to give the room an open look. Right in front is a window dressed with chicks and beige drapes. To its left is a carved antique sideboard decorated with beautiful glass pieces. The sitting arrangement near it comprises an upholstered off-white sofa set with coloured cushions and a throw placed artistically on one side. Two wooden shelves on a wall hold vases, while a long lamp, floor cushion, and a glass-topped table add to the decor of the area.

The other sitting arrangement in the room is wooden and upholstered, with the wooden centre table having an oval shape. Two single seaters in peach upholstery; a carved Japanese screen; the elaborate front of an antique cupboard; a long cabinet and an antique semi-circular console placed against a wall all lend the room an aesthetically pleasing appearance. A music system is placed against a wall to the far left of the room which is next to the patio area that can be seen from the entrance of the house.

The patio has been put to the most ingenious use as it has been converted into an atrium-cum-dining room. The glass walls framed by overhanging plants give the room a green and chirpy look during the day. Two antique corner showcases with glass fronts complete the decor in the room. Thus by breaking down a few walls and leaving the spaces either open or ensconced in glass, Gulnar has artfully managed to convert a house built in an old-fashioned style into a trendy residence.

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