Discovering Coastal Luxury: The Art of Seaside Living
Interior designer Manmeet Arora believes that true luxury lies in the experience of time, especially when that time is spent beside the sea. Since relocating from Mumbai to Goa during the COVID pandemic, Arora, the founder and principal designer at LOC Design House, has come to appreciate how coastal living can significantly enrich one’s life. The allure of the coast may be so profound that it invites one to explore other equally beautiful shorelines.
Seaside Home Design: A Welcoming Layout
This stunning beach house features an inviting four-seater coffee lounge on one side and a spacious dining area on the other. According to Arora, “You might enjoy a meeting over coffee in the lounge and then seamlessly transition to the dining room for lunch.” The design philosophy incorporates functional yet beautiful spaces.
The stairwell of this residence, topped with a skylight, acts as a visual centerpiece resembling a massive tidal wave, embodying the essence of the seaside.
A Beach House Renaissance
Arora’s journey took her to Chennai, where an opportunity presented itself in the form of a beach house in need of an interior refresh. “From the moment I entered, I was inspired by the crystal-clear view of the Indian Ocean,” she recalls. Working alongside architects Sharmistha Desai and Shruti Manikar, she realized that this expansive vista would shape the entire design aesthetic for the home.
Balancing Beauty and Functionality
The first-floor living room is designed to serve dual purposes: it’s perfect for quiet reflection or lively movie nights. “The family enjoys films and sports, making this space ideal for gatherings,” notes Arora, which frequently transforms into a cozy cinema hall.
The bar in the living room is tastefully crafted with terracotta flooring and framed by lush views of the surroundings.
Creating Spaces for Connection
The design brief was unique and focused on community. “They wanted a home that facilitated gatherings and connections, featuring one bedroom and larger spaces designed for varying group sizes,” explains Arora. The beach house includes a dining area that accommodates up to eighteen guests and three distinct lounging zones catering to different experiences.
At the center of the dining room is a long terrazzo table that seats fourteen people. Arora emphasizes, “Sharing freshly cooked meals is significant in their celebrations.” To enhance the culinary experience, a pantry bar has been included for preparing traditional dosas.
Complementing the Coastal View
For Arora, the primary goal was to keep the breathtaking coastal view as the focal point. “We aimed for the home to complement the view, rather than compete with it,” she explains. With this vision in mind, the beach house embodies Mediterranean architectural elements while embracing a distinctly local character.
Aesthetic Elements throughout the Space
The staircase connecting the first and second floors is a Cycladic-inspired monolith finished in soft nude plaster, seamlessly blending modern design with natural influences.
Conclusion: Embracing Coastal Elegance
In the realm of interior design, the blend of aesthetics and functionality is vital, especially in coastal homes. Manmeet Arora’s vision for this beach house beautifully illustrates how thoughtful design can enhance the experience of living by the sea. Whether you aspire to create a home that invites gatherings, encourages relaxation, or showcases stunning views, remember that coastal luxury thrives on the balance between nature and interior spaces.
For more tips on enhancing your home’s interior design, check out our articles on creative ways to incorporate art into home decor and the role of lighting in interior design.
