Gilded Age

Design Studios reimagines a Kanpur residence with timeless grandeur

Photo courtesy: I Design Studios

Photo credit: Design Studio

Some homes transcend their material form to become narratives—stories rendered in wood, stone, and silk. They are intimate portraits of the people who inhabit them, layered with emotion, memory, and art. In this stately Kanpur residence, interior designer and restoration artist Pooja Gupta, founder of I Design Studios, brings such a narrative to life. The result is not merely a home but a poetic amalgam of Victorian romance and Indian sensibility, deeply personal, quietly opulent, and evocative at every turn.

Set across 4,000 square feet in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, the residence opens with the gravitas of a royal prologue. A hand-carved wooden door framed by Mughal-style archways offers an inviting glimpse into the world beyond. Step through, and you’re enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth, elegance, and precision where heritage finds new purpose and every detail reflects thoughtful intent.

The living area unfolds like a cinematic tableau. Suspended from delicately detailed ceilings, cascading chandeliers bathe the room in a golden glow. Velvet-clad seating, heirloom-inspired centre tables, and walls adorned with hand-painted murals and antique curios create a space that feels both storied and current. Victorian elements lend structural drama, while Indian craftsmanship—seen in the intricate jaali work, silk textiles, and carved wood accents—grounds the aesthetic in a uniquely regional identity.

One of the home’s most striking features is the open bar. Inspired by the palatial interiors of Jodhpur, it is a mirrored marvel that catches the light and eye in equal measure. Reflective surfaces expand the space visually, while intricate carvings elevate it from functional necessity to sculptural statement. It’s a gathering point with a personality all its own, echoing the home’s blend of indulgence and artistry.

In the dining area, elegance takes on a ceremonial tone. A long, custom dining table anchors the room, surrounded by high-backed upholstered chairs. Overhead, a dramatic chandelier provides a warm glow, while marble flooring, gilded accents, and embroidered drapes layer texture and richness into the space. The palette is refined, the atmosphere inviting—perfectly suited to both intimate dinners and large family gatherings.

The bedrooms continue the home’s story with quieter grace. Four-poster beds with hand-carved headboards, antique-style furniture, and soft lighting offer a sense of retreat without disconnecting from the overall design language. Each space has its own identity, subtly shaped by the personalities of those who reside there. In the master suite, natural light floods through expansive windows. A chaise lounge by the sill offers space for quiet moments, while a vintage vanity, complete with ornate mirrorwork, pays tribute to Victorian glamour. The en-suite bathroom features a freestanding tub and patterned tiles, creating a sanctuary that feels like a private spa.

The home’s charm extends outdoors to a thoughtfully styled terrace. Here, artisanal furniture and potted greenery form an open-air haven, ideal for quiet mornings or leisurely evenings. It reflects the same balance found throughout the interiors—between serenity and celebration, history and modern comfort.

Artistic accents punctuate every corner. Sculptures, paintings, and antiques are not mere décor; they are expressions of the family’s passions and a testament to their appreciation for craft, culture, and memory. Together, they give the home a soul that goes beyond design.

For Pooja Gupta, this project was never about replicating the past but reinterpreting it with relevance. Her signature lies in the way she blends narrative and nuance, ensuring each element speaks to a sense of place and purpose. The home does not chase trends; it embodies something more enduring—emotional resonance.

Ultimately, this Kanpur residence is not simply a showcase of design excellence. It is a layered, lived-in story of legacy, beauty, and aspiration. A place where time slows, senses awaken, and tradition and modern life coexist with quiet ease. A home, in the truest and most artful sense.