We like to hang out in our den: Gayatri Ruia

Atul and Gayatri Ruia, along with their two daughters Sharanya and Tarini, occupy an over 100-year-old colonial style three-storied bungalow at Malabar Hill. The gigantic 40,000 sq ft home also houses other members of the Ruia clan. Gayatri says, “The main living areas — the living room and the dining room — have been re-decorated in the art deco style in the 1950s and I have refurbished my apartment about five years back along with architect and designer Rajiv Saini.

Gayatri chooses vibe over Vaastu or Feng Shui principles any day. She loves to describe her home as “contemporary and organic”. Much against any design principles, her home has different types of flooring.

Some parts of the Ruia home have still retained the old-world charm with wooden windows and etched glass. “Our home is contemporary within a classic shell,” says Gayatri who is busy with project Palladium, the luxury retail destination, that’s opening  this September at Phoenix Mills. 

Gayatri’s favourite objet d'art is the iconic arco lamp. With a long and slender stainless steel arch, it’s got such a fantastic design that she fell in love with it on one of her visits to Milan. “Now cheap ‘Made in China’ duplicates are available ubiquitously, but mine is an original which has a timeless appeal that’s so pleasing to the eye,” says the lady. 

So, where does the family like to chill out on a lazy Sunday? “We like to hang out in the den watching DVDs on our large screen TV or curling up with a great book. The well-worn out parts of the sofa are by far the most comfortable,” signs off Gayatri.