The Orange Dot: A Gurugram Apartment Proves That Calm Doesn’t Have to Be Quiet

Stepping into this 2585 sq. ft. Gurugram apartment, you immediately feel a sense of calm. You’d think that a home for a young couple and their toddler would be a riot of color, but designers Ananya Sharma and Aditya Tognatta of Custom Design Stories had a different vision. They took the client’s request for a calm, earthy space and turned it into something truly special: a home where greys and beiges are brought to life through textures, with a tiny, vibrant secret.

The genius of this design is that it never feels boring, despite its neutral palette. The designers used tactile layering—a smart way of saying they used lots of different materials and finishes—to create visual depth. Everything from the furniture to the walls feels rich and intentional. It’s a space built on simplicity and natural materials, which gives it a sense of well-being that you can feel as soon as you walk in.

What’s clever about the layout is how it effortlessly guides you from the more formal areas to the cozy family spots. The big living room, with its sunny windows, is clearly the heart of the home. Here, you’ll find inviting “terra shade” fabrics and beautiful wood details that make the space feel warm and lived-in. The custom pieces, like the center table by Parman Designs and the self-tufted swing, aren’t just furniture—they’re conversation starters. While the main color scheme is neutral, a few bright lounge chairs and stools add just the right amount of cheer.

Moving through the apartment, you’ll find a family lounge with bright, low-floor seating that just begs you to relax. Leafy details bring a little bit of the outdoors inside, a small touch that makes a huge difference.

The dining area is where the apartment truly earns its name. A simple-yet-stunning table with a fluted statuario base anchors the space. Out of the six dining chairs, two have an unexpected pop of bright orange on their backs. It’s a bold, fun detail—a literal “orange dot” that breaks up the rhythm and perfectly captures the home’s personality. A black crockery cabinet with glass doors provides a sleek backdrop, and the adjacent powder room continues the theme with a fun orange stucco wallpaper.

Another standout feature is the bar unit. It’s both stylish and practical, set up so anyone can play bartender. It has a stone counter with wooden accents and a fluted base that ties the design back to the dining table. The chevron-patterned floor gives the whole area a fresh, modern feel.

The bedrooms follow a similar design dance. Each one has a fabric bed against a unique textured wall, creating a sanctuary-like feel. The master bedroom, with its light walls and dark, stone-gray bed, feels incredibly peaceful. There's even a walk-in closet with shutters that let in light, which is a lovely touch. The guest bedroom has handpicked art for a splash of color, and the kids’ room is designed to grow with them, featuring a unit with playful leather handles, a pull-out bed with "boucle bunny ears," and animal prints on the cushions.

The den is a masterful mix of elegance and fun. It feels a bit like a cigar lounge, but it’s still comfortable enough for a relaxed family evening. A patterned curtain acts as a statement wall, and a bold cluster chandelier adds a touch of drama. A black-and-brown sectional sofa and a TV unit with surround sound make it perfect for movie nights.

And finally, the home even has a quiet mandir, where a deity sits below a brass plaque inscribed with a religious quote—a peaceful, spiritual corner in a house full of life.

The Orange Dot, then, is a home that’s true to its name. It’s not just about the bright colors; it's about celebrating subtlety with a spirit of playfulness. It’s a beautiful example of how minimalism doesn’t have to be boring and how a single, thoughtful detail can make a house feel like a unique and unforgettable home.

Fact File

• Project Name: The Orange Dot

• Location: M3M Golf Estate, Sector 65, Gurgaon

• Type and square footage: Residential Home, 2585 sq. ft.

• Photography: Jubin Johnson

• Main Designers: Ananya Sharma and Aditya Tognatta

• Follow Custom Design Stories: https://www.instagram.com/the_cds_diary/