Drawing inspiration from European architecture of sloping houses, Sheens, the house of a retired junior engineer at Indian Railways Dennis John and school teacher Nirmala was built by their son-in-law Shajan Samuel. The white exterior walls of the two-storied house look serene against the well-maintained lush, green lawn in the backdrop. It has a tranquil atmosphere amidst the hustle-bustle of the city.
Although the house has a western touch from the outside, as you step in, you are welcomed by ethnic interiors with an eclectic appeal. The subtle colour palette including beige adds to the elegant charm. The most striking feature of the drawing room is the sparkling chandelier. The glass paintings add a touch of drama as sunlight hits the glasses. The pastels used in the glass paintingsbring in sheer vibrancy.
Upstairs, there are four spacious and airy bedrooms and the colour white dominates the colour-scheme. “While building the house, the entire responsibility was thrust upon our son-in-law. Our only specification was that the bedroom should be placed opposite the entrance so that it prevents dust and creates a peaceful ambience inside the rooms,” says Nirmala. The house is decorated with traditional art décor and the interiors are marked by the blend of different types of wood like teak and mahogany. The dowry chest inherited from Dennis’ grandmother and the swing add a touch of antique to the overall décor without being too loud.
The tiles are punctuated with intricate designs. “We have used designer tiles with matte finish. It is affordable and provides a beauty by itself,” says Dennis who explains that using things smartly can save a lot of money. The house is all about using ideas effectively. Everything is simple and subdued which makes it look even more special. “It is not necessary to always buy costly things to make your home attractive. Inexpensive things can be beautiful too,” adds Nirmala.
Inspired by the traditional Nallukettu architecture, a mini version of it is built in the drawing room. “It provides a break from the monotony in the drawing room, allowing natural light to pour into the house,” says Shajan. Solar panels are installed which has helped them bring down the electric bills. “We have to conserve energy for our future. Although the installation charges came up to Rs 90,000, it has helped us cut down the electricity significantly,” concludes Nirmala.
