While the world chases perfection, a fun-loving family of four approached founders Rachana Chovatiya and Ashish Chovatiya of studiorachana369 with a specific affinity for imperfection and a desire for authenticity. Their plea? "Let's make the home cosy, unpolished,and a bit imperfect – you know, like life."

Little did they know that this sincere request would lead to the creation of 'kōzē minka' – a Japandi-inspired haven. A nod to traditional Japanese homes known as Minka, this 1,575 sq.ft., 3 BHK Surat apartment is crafted with a focus on finding comfort in art and nature. Inspired by Japanese art and the wabi-sabi philosophy, blended with the Scandinavian hygge approach that champions comfort and well-being, the home is a celebration of simplicity and sustainability. The furniture landscape boasts an eclectic mix of reclaimed, handmade, and multi-seasonal pieces.

Each room envelops you in a layered, neutral colour palette, thoughtfully accented with the warmth of wooden hues. From textured lime-coated walls to the enticing artwork, every facet is meticulously intentional. The curated artworks serve as windows into the homeowner's world, establishing a backdrop that echoes with the personal stories of the inhabitants.

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Architects : Studiorachana369
Area : 1,575 sq. ft.
Year : 2023
Website : https://www.instagram.com/studiorachana369/

Living room of Koze Minka by Studiorachana369


Living room of Koze Minka by Studiorachana369

In this open-plan living room, the Japandi design ethos comes to life with a delicate wood-veneer panelling with seamless small square checks. Lotus artworks punctuate the veneer wall, narrating stories of resilience and beauty, while handcrafted furniture adds an artisanal touch. Continuity is key, where the chequered veneer panelling extends seamlessly as the backdrop for the TV unit and the dining area.

The walls, intentionally lime-coated, embrace imperfections, deviating from the notion of blank perfection. Adorning the textured canvas of the lime stucco wall are eight skillfully crafted circular wooden plates. The centre table, with its undulating top, defies rigid lines becoming a focal point. The rug with its understated patterns and muted colours, grounds the room in the tactile essence of Japandi living.


Living room of Koze Minka by Studiorachana369


Living room of Koze Minka by Studiorachana369


Dining of Koze Minka by Studiorachana369

The dining area exudes cosiness with a small, round marble-top table featuring artisanal Sheesham wooden legs. A fine detail unfolds above, where a hidden beam is ingeniously concealed within a gracefully curved false ceiling.

Adding an artistic flourish, a full-size mosaic wall art, curated as an integral part of the space, speaks to the studio's distinctive style – where art isn't an afterthought but a living, breathing element of the dining experience.

As the dining area transitions to the main passage, a collection of six personalised artwork frames becomes the focal point. These abstract pieces share the client's stories, turning the passage into a personalised gallery. Along this journey, a small, understated mandir area finds its place, offering a serene corner seamlessly integrated into the passage's flow. The flooring introduces a playful element with a hopscotch-style pattern. This whimsical design adds a touch of light-heartedness to the passage, providing an interactive space for the client's young daughter to play, learn, and make the passage more than just a walkway.


Passage of Koze Minka by Studiorachana369


Guest Bedroom of Koze Minka by Studiorachana369

In the guest room, the bed's back wall becomes a canvas for art that mimics rammed walls, embodying the delicate earthiness of wabi-sabi. Wavy patterns gracefully dominate the entire room, from the wardrobe to the dressing mirror, celebrating beauty in imperfect and inconsistent waves.


Guest Bedroom of Koze Minka by Studiorachana369


Guest Bedroom of Koze Minka by Studiorachana369


Parents Bedroom of Koze Minka by Studiorachana369

In the parents' bedroom, geometric patterns become the protagonist. A fabric artwork graces the bed's back wall, turning the room into a gallery of artistic expression. The black and white backdrop fulfils the client's wish for a touch of black in the space. Veneer panelling in a light wooden hue elegantly frames the room, creating a subtle yet stylish boundary. The use of pure linen, sandwiched between glass panels and framed with natural wood, brings a layer of texture and warmth to the wardrobe shutters. The organic touch continues with rattan planters and ceramic pottery infusing a wabi-sabi feel. 

Luxury takes centre stage with travertine walls in rich black, brown, and beige in the master bathroom. A handcrafted cane drawer adds a touch of artistry, blending seamlessly with the sleek design.


Parents Bedroom of Koze Minka by Studiorachana369


Parents Bedroom of Koze Minka by Studiorachana369


Study area at Daughter's Bedroom of Koze Minka by Studiorachana369

The wardrobe in the daughter’s bedroom adds a touch of symmetry with an equalised square pattern distributed in wooden moulding and cane panels, bringing a sense of order to the room. The study area doubles its functionality with a sliding panel that reveals a mirror when needed, transforming seamlessly into a practical study-table-cum-dressing-corner. This room is a vibrant blend of playfulness and functionality, designed to inspire creativity and comfort for the young inhabitants.


Parents Bathroom of Koze Minka by Studiorachana369


Balcony of Koze Minka by Studiorachana369

Each element in kōzē minka by studiorachana369 tells a story of organic charm, where design harmonises with the essence of Japanese aesthetics, inviting visitors into a space that embraces imperfections as part of its unique allure.




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