Our vision for Project Avani was not to chase trends, but to create spaces that grow with the people who live in them. We wanted warmth to meet functionality, tradition to blend with modern ease, and stories to be woven into design. Every wall, every detail, was approached not just as a backdrop, but as a chapter in the family’s life.
Let’s walk through the transformation:
Entryway – Where Tradition Meets Personal Stories
The entryway has always been a home’s first embrace. Here, we designed it as a blend of simplicity and soul. A sleek wooden console anchors the space, styled with blossoms, greenery, and brass details. Above, we reimagined the wall as a gallery of family portraits—framed memories that can evolve over time. Using a magnetic mounting system, we ensured these frames could be easily switched or moved without tools, making the wall dynamic and personal. On the other side, brass bells suspended from carved brackets infuse tradition into the flow. Together, they create a prelude that reflects both heritage and belonging.
Kolam Wall – A Canvas of Culture
We wanted this wall to celebrate heritage in a vibrant, soulful way. Painted in a cheerful yellow, the Kolam Wall became a striking canvas for Tanjore paintings, temple sculptures, and framed artwork. Subtle kolam patterns gave it authenticity, while a silk-clad wooden bench and carved side table made it functional. With hanging planters and open shelves, we layered depth and dimension, transforming it into a story wall. Every piece here was curated to carry meaning—an evolving display of culture woven into everyday living. If you’d like to explore further, you can go through all the details of this wall on my blog post, with the link mentioned below:
https://desidiy.com/blog/2025/09/06/antique-collage-wall
TV Wall – A Backdrop of Warmth and Light
We reimagined the TV wall to evolve from a strong industrial statement into a softer, more inviting focal point for the living space. The raw concrete texture and bold strips once gave it presence, but we wanted it to carry warmth and comfort. To achieve this, we introduced a subtle wallpaper that adds depth without overwhelming, and integrated ambient backlighting within the shelving unit to highlight sculptures, plants, and keepsakes as glowing accents. On the right, peel-and-stick acoustic wooden panels were added—not just for their natural wooden warmth, but also to enhance sound absorption for family evenings. Together, these elements transformed the wall into more than just a media unit—it is now the heart of cozy nights, glowing softly during movies or quiet conversations, setting the perfect mood for togetherness.
Living Room – The Heart of Togetherness
The living room evolved into a bright, inviting space where everyone naturally gathers. We introduced a wall of softly lit panels that create rhythm and intimacy, with integrated wooden seating stretching across for comfort. Cushions, indoor plants, and woven blinds layered in softness and freshness. By day, sunlight keeps the mood airy; by night, the glowing panels cocoon the room in warmth. This is where design truly meets living—where laughter, lounging, and everyday stories find their place.
Zen Garden – A Breath of Stillness Indoors
We envisioned the Zen Garden at Avani as a calming transition between the vibrant living room and the lively dining hall. Built into the seating, recessed planters cradle tall tropical greens surrounded by beds of smooth white pebbles, creating a layered composition of height, texture, and freshness. The wooden panel backdrop, set in subtle geometric patterns, anchors the garden with structure, while concealed lighting gently outlines the plants and walls, giving them a soft evening glow.
This corner was designed not just as a visual feature, but as a sensory pause. By day, woven blinds let in filtered sunlight, highlighting the natural textures. By night, the ambient lighting transforms the garden into a cocoon of serenity—perfect for meditation, quiet reflection, or simply pausing before mealtime. With the balance of wood, stone, light, and greenery, the Zen Garden brings the brings the essence of nature indoors, reminding us that stillness too can be designed and offering the family a daily reminder that calm can be cultivated at home.
Dining Hall – Where Meals Become Rituals
The dining wall was dressed in bold colors and framed artwork, vibrant in its own way. We reimagined it into a more immersive experience. We wanted to create an atmosphere that turns daily meals into meaningful rituals. We wrapped the wall in a botanical-inspired mural, where trees, birds, and playful details bring nature indoors. The mural actually drawn from a very personal inspiration—Konaseema, my dad’s hometown, a land filled with lush greens, banana plantations, and mango orchards. At the center, a fluted panel with backlighting adds elegance and intimacy, drawing the eye upward. A light oak dining table with earthy-toned chairs grounds the room, while greenery softens it. By evening, the chandelier and glowing panels transform the space into a warm, inviting nook—perfect for conversations that linger long after the meal.
Closing Reflection – A designer’s note that ties it together
For us, Project Avani was never about replacing the old with the new—it was about evolving each space into its truest form. We carried forward the essence of what was there and reimagined it with balance, warmth, and soul. The result is a home where design is lived, culture is honored, and comfort becomes second nature.
Product Picks from Project Avani
Design comes alive when the right details come together. For those who wish to bring the essence of Avani into their own homes, here are some of the products we loved working with—from acoustic wall panels to mural wallpapers and flexible magnetic frames. The below product links will guide you to the exact finishes and accessories that shaped the design journey.
