Minimalism need not necessarily be bland
“The Orange Dot lives up to its name, not just through pops of colour, but also through a design language that celebrates subtlety with spirit! From textured greys to playful orange accents, the home strikes a right balance between stillness and spontaneity. The home is a testimony that sometimes even a single dot of colour can bring a space to life.” —- Custom Design Stories.
This 2500 sq. ft., 4BHK Gurugram apartment, The Orange Dot, designed by Custom Design Stories, is custom-made with a statement with greys and beiges, and a wealth of contrasting textures. Designed for a young couple and their toddler, this space is a reflection of a harmonious mood and earthy tones.
In line with the client’s expectations, a pared-down aesthetic is the focal point across this home. While the classic colour scheme dominates the space, the use of tactile layering adds visual appeal and sensory depth. Natural materials, lucidity, and well-being are at the centre of this home’s interior.
A stimulating environment for work, play, and familial interaction emerges as the spatial layout fluidly transitions from formal to informal zones. The spacious living room is the anchor of the home. Rooted in simplicity, the space is warmed by “terra shade” tones of fabric and décor. Custom-made statement pieces are the centre table by Parman Designs and a swing with self-tufted fabric. Large windows allow sunlight to pirouette through, casting vignettes across the walls.
Further in is the family lounge–a sunlit space with cosy low-floor seating, accentuated with leafy flourishes bringing a bit of the outside to the inside. The long table with a fluted statuario understructure stands out in the dining area; two of the six chairs—each backed in orange—break the visual rhythm and justify the home’s name, The Orange Dot. The glass-fronted black crockery cabinet and powder toilet inject playful elegance and complete the space.
The bar unit is so designed that homeowners or their guests can take charge and play bartenders any time. With a fine balance of elegance and functionality, the bedrooms follow the same design philosophy. The master bedroom embraces a light enclosure and dark centre furniture. Set in dark stone grey, the bed and futon are crafted aesthetically, while the walls and the fabric around it, and the curtains, are in lighter tones, framing a restful haven.
Handpicked artwork dots the wall behind the bed in the guest bedroom. The kids’ bedroom is curated to adapt as the child grows, with a pullout bed with boucle bunny ears, a unit with leather belt handles, and a baby changing station that can be removed later.
The den balances the sophistication of a cigar lounge with a playful spirit that works both for meetings and a chill evening. The adjacent balcony offers a breath of fresh air and a space to unplug. With a religious quote inscribed in brass on a wall and a deity sitting right below it, the mandir stands out, imbuing the space with quiet spirituality.
Design Talks
Can you explain the use of colours and/or other details (material, texture, etc.) that make this design stand apart?
In The Orange Dot, we started with a calm, earthy base of greys and beiges, which aligns with the client’s wish for a harmonious, pared-down aesthetic. But, to keep the space from feeling flat, we layered in tactile textures ̶ fluted statuario stone, chevron-patterned flooring, brushed-brass-finish handles, boucle fabrics, and textured walls. Pops of orange appear in curated doses ̶ a statement sway chair, a pair of dining chairs, a powder toilet wall, artwork ̶ all acting as visual punctuation marks. For us, it is less about overpowering with colour and more about creating moments of contrast that you notice, remember, and feel.
What is your signature element in the project? What are the specific interesting features in this space?
Our work is always bespoke to the client and an extension of their personality. So, the “signature” here is how every detail reflects their lifestyle ̶ warm, functional, and a little playful! In the living room, a self-tufted swing and a custom centre table by Parman Designs anchor the space. The dining area’s fluted statuario base is mirrored in the bar unit’s understructure, creating a quiet design rhythm. The kids’ room adapts as the child grows, with details like a removable baby changing station and a boucle bunny-eared bed. Even the mandir has a personal touch. These moments tie the home together without shouting for attention.
What were the primary design challenges, and how did you address them?
The brief called for a calm, minimal space ̶ but minimalism can risk becoming bland if not handled carefully. Our challenge was to maintain a sense of stillness while still sparking visual interest. We addressed this through layering: contrasting textures, thoughtful colour accents, and bespoke statement pieces that hold the eye without overwhelming the space. Another challenge was ensuring the home worked for both adults and a toddler ̶ adaptable, durable, and safe, without compromising on aesthetics. We achieved this by selecting materials that are both practical and tactile, and by integrating playful elements in ways that still align with the home’s overall mood.
