How a Vintage Bangalore Apartment Was Transformed into a Bold, Story-Led Home

For a couple in their twenties, this was the quintessential Bangalore dream: a space to call their own, tucked within the leafy bylanes of the city, inside a 40-year-old apartment filled with old-world character. With 1,100 sq. ft. to shape as they wished, they turned to young designer Pratyusha Kethinedi, Founder of House of Katha, to take creative charge. True to her unconventional approach, both her process and design sensibilities defy the ordinary.

Through heartfelt conversations, Pratyusha unraveled the couple’s personalities. Two free-spirited individuals, unafraid to tread offbeat paths, they gravitate towards spaces that feel intimate, cozy, and unapologetically personal. Their love for jazz and speakeasy bars revealed an appreciation for the finer things in life, a taste steeped in nostalgia yet open to the contemporary. Pratyusha envisioned a home that would mirror their essence perfectly, blending timeless charm with modern flair. The result was aptly named Retro Reverie.

From the very beginning, context became the guiding principle. Surrounded by colonial bungalows and Art Deco architecture, the apartment’s setting inspired a design language where the city’s vintage charm meets bold, contemporary maximalism. The foyer was imagined as a dramatic entry point, an experience that instantly transports visitors elsewhere. Inspired by a series of arches visible from the balcony, the arched entryway became a defining motif. A daring tiger-print wallpaper sets the tone, creating an unforgettable first impression, an invitation into a home that is expressive, bold, and deeply personal.

Since it was a leased property, the design interventions focused on impactful yet reversible changes that could infuse character without structural alterations. The living room embodies this philosophy: bold and playful, yet intimate like a cocktail lounge. Rich, tactile materials were layered to create an immersive environment. The space thrives on contrast, where dark academia-inspired colour drenching is softened by natural light, plush upholstery pairs with rustic wooden textures, and Parisian theatre prints coexist with Indian artifacts. A mindful approach to maximalism ensures every detail remains balanced, resulting in a space that feels both exuberant and elegant.

Velvets naturally took center stage, leading to the selection of a Sabyasachi jaguar-print suede, an instant favourite of the clients. To weave in nostalgia and warmth, a custom cane TV unit inspired by vintage design was introduced. A deep black rug grounds the space, balancing its modern undertones with earthy comfort, while rich satin drapes complete the look. The bar area continues this indulgent narrative, wrapped in wood and enlivened by a playful wallpaper depicting lively party scenes, often a conversation starter. At its core stands a striking custom table in Indian green marble, wood, and brass; a piece that seamlessly blends functionality with artistic flair, embodying the home’s playful sophistication.

In the bedroom, design choices began with a deep blue palette that fulfilled the husband’s long-held dream while staying in sync with the home’s overarching mood. To balance the richness of the colour, a statement headboard in a subtly feminine fabric was introduced, lending the space sophistication without overwhelming it. The study was conceived as a serene, neutral-toned escape, warm, grounded, and simple. A thoughtfully designed shelving unit houses the couple’s vast book collection, merging practicality with visual appeal. A cherished Kashmiri rug from the couple’s personal trove anchors the room, while checkered curtains, styled with an unconventional drape, introduce a hint of intrigue to this calm and contemplative setting.