Gharakhanian House by mArchten Design Embraces Subtle Gothic Aesthetic
The Gharakhanian House in Bangkok, Thailand, designed by mArchten Design in 2021, intertwines modern and gothic elements. This renovated 17-year-old house along the Phra Khanong canal integrates its classic character with contemporary updates, including black accents and curved decorative walls.
By preserving the original charm, while embracing a modern aesthetic, the home creates a harmonious blend of old and new.
Canal-Side Home
The Gharakhanian House, designed by mArchten Design, is a 17-year-old home in Bangkok, Thailand, renovated with a focus on modern aesthetics and classic Gothic elements. Despite signs of deterioration, the residence has been carefully preserved to maintain its original charm. mArchten Design’s methodical refurbishment of the property considered each detail to preserve their original features.
Throughout the home, modern aesthetics are interwoven with subtle Gothic elements, creating a cohesive design. Black accents and Gothic touches are spread throughout the house. The couple wanted to enhance the Gothic aesthetic by altering details like floor skirting and window frames. Through these changes, the couple added depth and definition to the overall design.
Gothic Accents
Creating a sense of sophistication, the reliance on black infuses intensity and boldness to the home’s design. Black accents also keep the color palette unified, tying together several decor elements. These “dark tones not only preserve the house’s classical charm but also infuse it with a modern edge,” wrote mArchten Design.
Curved elements in the decorative walls and window frames offset the predominant use of black, softening the overall look. In the open-plan living room, the placement of furniture serves to define the different zones within the space. Soft beige and white tones, punctuated by black elements, create a visual contrast that adds to the room’s depth and dimension.
Reincorporating Original Furniture
Considering their techniques in preserving the Gharakhanian House’s structural features, mArchten Design carried a similar strategy when designing its furniture. When decorating, mArchten Design reused existing furniture left behind by the house’s previous homeowners. These historic elements hold significance that complements the house’s character.
“While typical renovations often focus on expansions or the creation of entirely new spaces, the remodel of Eric and Joy’s home embraced a distinct approach,” mArchten Design wrote.
“This unique inheritance sparked the concept of rejuvenating the furniture’s appearance, enhancing each piece to align with the modern vision of the new owners.”
Through this approach, the team designed the interior to reflect a modern vision while integrating existing pieces. The outcome of the Gharakhanian House is a space reimagined with a harmony of old and new, offering a surprisingly fresh living experience.
Photography courtesy of mArchten Design
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