Neutral Colors Are The Base Of This Modern Home

Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston
Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston

From ELLE DECOR

Traditional Indian design is admired around the world for its vibrant colors: Purples and golds are often stand-outs and, overall, vibrant hues are typically preferred.

But what if a space infused with beautiful motifs of Indian culture could excite, while adhering to a neutral color scheme? It's exactly the challenge Perianth Interior Design's Hilary Unger took on when she turned one Indian family's Upper West Side duplex into a modern, beige-lover's abode that celebrates tradition and heritage.

Though the color scheme flawlessly characterizes the apartment, it wasn't intended at first. Initially, Unger planned to incorporate deep teal accents, but eventually favored a monochromatic palette that focused on metallic textures. Throughout the home, an intentional blend of silvers and golds entices, adding interest to the other materials throughout the space, such as light vanilla-colored wood floors.

Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston
Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston

In the entryway, perhaps one of the most eye-catching centerpieces in the home is a marble mosaic tabletop that was purchased at the Taj Mahal and inlayed in the wooden floor.

Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston
Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston

Just beyond the entryway, the living room was designed to be stylish, refined and functional - yet anchored by comfort. "The living room can be transformed from dressy to fully livable at the touch of a button," says Unger.

For a neutral palette with a subtle touch of shine, Unger chose a sofa in a gold metallic leather (each of the three seats reclines with the touch of a remote control). The glass table is Italian, and easily converts from a square to two rectangles with a hidden mechanism. A neutral wallpaper adds a touch of dimension next to white walls, and is echoed by a soft beige rug underfoot.

Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston
Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston

The living room's windows lead to the dining area, where the furniture is functional: The table extends, the banquette has several retractable doors and one dining chair can double as the desk chair. An ornamental chandelier (echoed by a nearby sconce) brings a gold splash of luxury to the space, otherwise outfitted in beige and gray tones.

Contrasting with the modern light fixture, Indian sculptures are illuminated by daylight streaming through the window. A Ganesha sculpture hangs above the table, and is mounted to a board wrapped in silk.

Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston
Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston

In the kitchen, the countertop is mica-speckled granite and the backsplash tile has a gold and silver motif (which is also featured on the living room wall and front door). The motif's custom metallic finish was created by Unger.

Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston
Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston

Not so neutral about seeing more? Swipe up to see the rest of the home.

Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston
Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston
Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston
Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston
Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston
Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston
Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston
Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston
Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston
Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston
Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston
Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston
Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston
Photo credit: Nathaniel Johnston

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