A Cottage at the Foot of the Himalayas
Nestled in the picturesque hills of northern India, this family cottage by Aditi Sharma Design Studio combines rustic materials with a modern approach inspired by Japanese and Scandinavian design
Located north of New Delhi in the quaint mountain town of Mussoorie, this once decaying family cottage was brought back to life by Aditi Sharma Design Studio. ‘The idea was to break away from the design of stereotypical hill cottages and to make the space seem bigger, with a modern, minimal and functional design,’ says studio founder Aditi Sharma. ‘We focused on maximising the space and creating a simple design that balances aesthetics and functionality.’
Bathed in natural light, the living space exudes a sense of comfort and warmth. A duo of custom-made dining and coffee tables anchors the space, which is layered with materials like wood, stone, jute and textural fabrics. Large windows bring the landscape in, making the mountains feel part of the interiors. ‘The overall simplicity and minimalism of the design allows the inhabitants to resonate with the beauty of the mountains rather than being overpowered by the interiors,’ Sharma says. ‘We incorporated a Japandi theme — a combination of modern Japanese and Scandinavian interior design styles — to achieve a clean and low-maintenance space.’
In the double-height staircase leading to the first floor, a colourful artwork made of patterned woollen stripes hangs over the wooden stairs. ‘We always try to incorporate local materials and artisanal work in our projects,’ says Sharma. ‘We created this artwork with fabrics woven by local artisans and typically used to make scarves.’
Upstairs, two bright bedrooms overlooking picturesque views of the mountains echo the sense of refined comfort found in the communal spaces. In the master bedroom, a rustic stone wall stands between matching wooden floors and ceiling, while soft textiles and contemporary furnishings tie the space together. Next to the bedroom, a study nook fitted with a custom-made solid teak desk faces the window, offering a peaceful place for concentration.
A backyard and a small balcony connect both floors with the home’s mountainous surroundings. While the cottage is designed to bring comfort and respite, it’s the design’s outward focus that makes it special: no matter the time of the day, it keeps the home attuned to its awe-inspiring environment.
Text / Nina Milhaud
Images / Ishita Sitwala
