October 05, 2006

Shaha Jamshed visits an exquisite apartment that gets its soft glow due to the emphasis of mellow lighting by its owners

Being a fan of old Karachi I was looking forward to visiting Ronnie and Tushna Patel’s place. Amidst the crowded area, right across the Holy Family Hospital, it is an oasis of peace and tranquility. Entering this over half a century old building reminds one of the Parsi contribution to the development of Karachi.

Chalk stencils in colourful patterns, glass hangings and Flower Toran over the doors complete the Parsi ambience. This explains why one expects a very traditional set-up inside the apartment, but a surprise awaits the visitor upon entering this contemporary household.

The entrance has an artistic Zoroastrian presentation, candles burning, Toran hanging, a devils eye eyeing the intruders through the planters and the Burma teak door. The apartment has been designed by merging two into one. The floors have been tiled and the partitions have glass doors; stone niches show off the traditional sandstone of Karachi in appropriate places. The remaining doors and windows are made of Burma teak.

The entrance-cum-formal dining section is the central area as each successive door opens here. It is sparsely furnished with antique furniture and contrasting modern built-in drink and glass cabinets. The walls are done up gracefully with stone inlay, the table linen is neutral in colour and blends in. The hand woven rugs on the floor add colour and warmth to the room.

The drawing room can also be called a candle aficionado room. From crystal to glass to brass, all kinds of candle-sticks with different types of candles light up the room artistically and romantically. The furniture is yet again a blend of the French period and American leather contemporary with a lot of polished teak pieces all around. The crystal decoration pieces, steel lamps, curio cabinet in a niche, a few prints on the wall, some family photographs on the side table and a huge etched mirror on one wall give the room a personal touch.

Ronnie’s den, next to the drawing room, is an A/V powerhouse, with CDs stacked in steel racks against an entire wall, a cabinet housing the television and accessories. The wooden floor with a central motif gives it pomp and style. The facing window has been converted into a niche for a beautiful Madonna sculpture. A colourful silk print on the sidewall completes the picture.

The kitchen is done in antique white with American style cabinets and is flanked by a laundry and a storeroom on either side. Each space has been well utilised.

A small vertical niche in the leading corridor has been smartly converted into a key locker. The bedroom presents a cozy and refreshingly cool look with a modern wood and wrought iron bed in the centre.

Refreshing blend of modern with classic and sensible and smart usage of space makes Ronnie and Tushna’s home a delight to visit.

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