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In Chennai’s elite Venus Colony is a 7,000 sq. ft. architectural gem, once a colonial-style bungalow, now reborn as the personal and professional sanctuary of actor Nayanthara and her husband, filmmaker Vignesh Shivan. Their uniquely designed home-studio is a celebration of South Indian craftsmanship, outdoor living, and modern luxe aesthetics.
The transformation of the property was spearheaded by Nikhita Reddy, founder of The Storey Collective, who turned the vintage space into a chic, functional, and sun-drenched studio-retreat in just 40 days. Speaking to Architectural Digest India, Reddy explained, “I’d call it a remodelling project, with the addition of a few newly constructed spaces, like the terraces.” She carefully retained the bungalow’s original external structure while opening up the interiors, improving ventilation, and enhancing the natural light.
The aesthetic is an elegant interplay of earthy tones, teak wood, woven fibres, linen, and rattan, which keep the atmosphere grounded and textured. “I wanted to retain the essence of the bungalow while enhancing it to make it brighter by bringing in lots of natural light,” Nayanthara said.
This is a comprehensive home-studio equipped with everything from a conference room to dedicated workspaces for their creative teams. There’s a cosy lounge for intimate gatherings, guest bedrooms for their crew, and a landscaped outdoor backyard dining area perfect for al fresco meals.
A highlight is the pair of double-height glass houses, ultra-modern structures that bookend a central terrace, providing a contemporary contrast to the rustic elements of the original architecture. “My most favourite part is Vignesh’s studio along with the terrace café lounge where we host guests regularly,” Nayanthara added.
Throughout, the interiors pay homage to traditional South-Indian architecture through the use of local materials, authentic wooden pillars, and delicate pottery and artefacts, all carefully chosen or custom-made.
It is, in every sense, a place where creativity can thrive and personal moments can unfold in privacy. Designed not just for aesthetic pleasure but also for functionality, the couple’s Chennai bungalow is a space where heritage meets high design.