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The Lagom Residence Is a Wabi-Sabi Inspired Home in Bangalore

ByMyProperty Life

In a city known for its fast-paced tech life and urban sprawl, a tranquil haven has taken shape – offering not just an aesthetic escape but a lesson in intentional living. Designed by Studio Autumn, the Lagom residence in Bangalore, India, is a 2100-square-foot apartment that elegantly intertwines Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy with modern minimalism, creating a personal and globally inspired home.

Minimalist dining area with a wooden table, a wooden chair, built-in wall shelves displaying simple pottery, and a floating concrete bench against a light textured wall.

Crafted for a young couple in the tech industry, the residence reflects their time abroad and a desire for thoughtful simplicity. “A minimalist space with worldly influences, infused with natural materials,” says Chintan Punjabi, Principal Designer at Studio Autumn. The design journey began with conversations around values and vision, resulting in a home that feels both rooted and explorative.

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Minimalist dining area with light wood furniture, built-in wall shelves displaying vases, and a view into a small kitchen with neutral tones and a wooden breakfast bar.

“Lagom” – a Swedish term meaning “just enough” – perfectly defines the spirit of the residence. Every element, from spatial planning to material choice, is guided by this principle of balance. The result is a space that feels neither too stark nor overly embellished – meticulously balanced to offer serenity in the midst of a bustling city.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, marble floor, built-in appliances, a black stool at a wooden breakfast bar, and a potted plant on the counter.

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Upon entering the home, guests are welcomed by an arched entryway featuring an organically-shaped mirror – a clue into what is to come in the rest of the apartment. These gentle curves recur throughout, softening room transitions and elevating the home’s sculptural aesthetic.

A minimalist wooden bar and marble-clad kitchen, as well as brass accents and local stone lend a grounded, regional identity to the pooja alcove that’s defined by an archway.

Minimalist dining room with a wooden table, four wooden chairs, a built-in bench, wall shelves with ceramics, and a woven ceiling light fixture. Neutral color palette.

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Central to the home, and “the couple’s personal favorite space,” the dining space stands out with its built-in concrete bench, rattan detailing on the wooden Wishbone chairs, and a curated niche wall created by transforming an old window. “An existing window was filled with lime plaster to create this composition,” says Punjabi. This clever intervention not only adds depth to the space – it turns a simple wall into a conversation piece.

A modern living room with a white curved sofa, round coffee table, two brown armchairs, a floor lamp, wall art, and large window with sheer curtains letting in natural light.

A modern living room with a curved beige sofa, a black coffee table, a floor lamp, and decorative woven plates arranged on a white wall.

The color primary palette is earthy and neutral, with warm oak wood flooring underfoot and lime-washed walls adding subtle texture. Furniture is entirely bespoke with fluid forms and tactile finishes. A woven jute rug from Carpet Kingdom and custom decor from Minimal Indian anchors the emphasis on natural materials and handcrafted design details.

Modern living room with beige curved sofas, a round black table with a potted plant, two brown chairs, and sheer curtains covering large windows.

A modern living room with a curved beige sofa, a wooden chair, a black coffee table, a floor lamp, and decorative round wall art above the sofa.

A modern living room with a wall-mounted TV, floating shelves holding decorative items, a white sofa with a patterned throw, and an arched doorway leading to another room.

A fluted glass partition leads to the private areas, maintaining the visual flow while offering a subtle layer of separation. One bedroom has been repurposed into a combined study and wardrobe space, allowing the main sleeping areas to remain open and uncluttered.

A modern bedroom with a wooden headboard, neutral bedding, two framed abstract artworks on the wall, and beige curtains covering a window.

The primary bedroom, drenched in white tones, maximizes the natural light for a peaceful retreat. In contrast, the guest bedroom introduces oak wood accents and a flexible media unit that transitions between work and relaxation – matching the needs of contemporary life.

Minimalist bedroom with a floating wooden desk, a bench with a red cushion, woven basket, neutral linens, and decorative vase with dried grass on the desk.

“Each piece of decor was curated with intention,” concludes Punjabi. “We focused on juxtaposing tactile sensibilities with an intuitive interplay of light and materials. To see this home come to life as a reflection of their personalities has been deeply rewarding.”

A neatly made bed with neutral bedding, a wooden nightstand with a lamp, a framed picture on the wall, and a plant partially visible in the foreground.

A modern entryway with a curved niche, wooden shelf, abstract black vase, and irregular oval mirror above light wood flooring.

A mint green door opens to a niche with a wooden shelf, a sculptural black vase, and an arched mirror on a beige wall.

For more information on the Lagom residence and Studio Autumn, visit studioautumn.com.

Photography by Nayan Soni.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

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