In an era where residential architecture often borrows heavily from global design trends, Ar. Sonali Bhagwati has carved a distinct path by rooting her work in the essence of Indian identity.
For her, a home is not simply a shelter; it is a living canvas that carries cultural resonance, ancestral rhythms, and modern functionality in equal measure. Her philosophy views architecture as a dialogue between the past and the present, between tradition and innovation, and most importantly, between people and the spaces they inhabit.
The Essence of Indian Identity in Homes
What does it mean for a home to reflect “Indian identity”? For Bhagwati, the answer lies in vernacular presence, local aesthetics, and spatial generosity. Open layouts, flowing verandas, and shaded thresholds become more than just architectural elements; they are carriers of memory, culture, and comfort. Her designs are not about replicating motifs superficially but about embedding an authentic sense of belonging within the built environment.
Bhagwati’s projects often embrace the poetic potential of materials. She prioritises locally sourced stone, clay, and timber not only for their durability but for the ecological wisdom and narrative they carry. Surfaces are alive with cultural meaning: frescoed walls, hand-painted tiles, or motifs inspired by regional flora. Courtyard flooring often features geometric tile patterns reminiscent of traditional textiles, transforming even functional spaces into storytelling surfaces.
Spatial Choreography: Thresholds and Transitions
Beyond materials, spatial organisation defines her design ethos. Homes unfold like orchestrated experiences, with semi-open verandas, shaded corridors, and transitional sit-outs that mediate between indoors and outdoors. These fluid thresholds foster community interactions, moments of ritual, or quiet reflection.
Light and ventilation become central to this choreography. Natural illumination filters through lobed arches or latticework screens, casting patterned shadows that animate interiors throughout the day. Jaalis whether carved stone or metal filter glare, enhance airflow, and add a layer of cultural symbolism. The result is not only environmentally responsive design but also a daily interplay of light and shadow that feels timelessly Indian.
Ornamentation with Subtlety
Bhagwati’s design language is enriched by ornamentation, but never ostentation. The warmth of ochre clay, the rhythm of pale limestone, or the subtle carving in plaster and wood adds layers of discovery. Hand-painted murals and embedded tokens invite intimate encounters with space, resonating with lived traditions. As Bhagwati affirms, “Ornamentation here is not ostentatious; it is tactile and layered, meant to be discovered gradually and felt deeply.”
A Broader Cultural Contribution
Her work speaks to a larger discourse in contemporary Indian residential design. Instead of replicating international models, she demonstrates that Indian homes can resonate authentically, sustainably, and lyrically. By valuing rootedness, environmental intelligence, and cultural continuity, Bhagwati contributes to a growing movement that celebrates Indian identity as a living, evolving design language.
Designing Possibility
Sonali Bhagwati’s architecture offers more than physical shelter. It invites a sense of identity and belonging. Her homes remind us that design is not just about creating walls and roofs but about shaping possibilities: the possibility of finding both heritage and horizon within familiar spaces. In doing so, she offers a vision of Indian homes that are at once deeply personal and universally resonant where culture, comfort, and continuity meet.
