Equinox Apartment Redefines Urban Living With Dutch-Inspired Aesthetics

Equinox spreads across 6,500 square feet of pure design elegance and embodies a harmonious mix of global aesthetics and minimalism. This project masterfully integrates New York loft-style living with Dutch warmth, all while offering panoramic views of the dynamic Hyderabad skyline. It is a space where tradition meets innovation, and luxury merges beautifully with comfort—ultimately crafting a refuge that not only reflects the couple’s unique journey but also redefines the very essence of contemporary urban living.

The clients’ vision for the house has been clear from the outset—they wanted a space that reflected Danny’s European upbringing and Shivangi’s modern Indian sensibilities. Their request for brown tones, inspired by the walnut wood interiors of Amsterdam, gave Architect and Interior designer Nilasha a strong creative direction. The result is an expansive, open-plan home where the only solid walls are those enclosing the bedrooms. By editing the builder-grade civil layout and strategically removing multiple internal walls, Nilasha created a fluid space where each area transitions seamlessly into the next, embodying the minimalism the couple desired. This openness also gave her room to infuse the home with a muted palette, using varying shades of brown to create depth and warmth, while ensuring the interiors never felt overwhelming or cluttered.

One of the standout features of the home is its large, open kitchen with a prominent island—a must-have for the couple, who love to entertain and spend time with their twin daughters. The island serves as both a functional space and a social hub where the family shares meals and hosts gatherings. The kitchen by SCASA is sleek and minimal, with all appliances neatly integrated into the back wall, allowing the island to remain the focal point of the room. The bar area, which is equally important to the couple, was designed with functionality and style in mind.

The children’s wing, a delightful contrast to the rest of the house, exudes a light and playful energy. While the rest of the home is grounded in deep, warm browns, this area is designed in brighter tones with oak wood and soft blush accents. Shivaangi was clear that she didn’t want overly feminine décor while designing for her young twin daughters. The rooms, therefore, follow a neutral palette that emphasises timeless elegance over childlike themes, making the spaces adaptable as the children grow. The centrepiece of this wing is a custom-made playroom, complete with a ball pit, 2 reading nooks, and ample concealed storage, all hidden within the walls to maintain the sleek aesthetic. The colours and furniture, including custom-designed cots that can easily be converted into standard beds, showcase the design team’s vision for a future-proof space that adapts as the children grow from toddlers to teenagers.

Every element in ‘Equinox’ is thoughtfully designed; from the large island in the kitchen to the functional yet stylish bar area. This balance is perhaps most evident in the central living space, where the sofa—a reupholstered and extended version of a piece from Shivangi’s previous home—acts as the heart of the room. Nilasha transforms it into a U-shaped sectional that not only complements the open-plan layout but also maximises seating for family gatherings. The coffee tables, dining tables, and other central pieces of furniture are all custom-made by various local vendors, ensuring they align with the couple’s distinct taste while enhancing the fluidity and openness of the space.

The material palette used throughout the house is as refined as the design itself. American walnut dominates the home, its rich tones grounding the minimal aesthetic. Complementary materials including matte finish marble and textured fabrics were chosen to soften the darker wood, bringing a tactile warmth to the interiors. Fluted textures and subtle geometric patterns were introduced to add dimension without overwhelming the simplicity of the space.

In retrospect, ‘Equinox’ is a celebration of balance—between cultural identities, between aesthetics and practicality, and between contemporary design and warm, lived-in comfort. It stands as an ode to the modern family home, where thoughtful design and attention to detail result in a space that is not only beautiful but also deeply personal. Set high above Hyderabad, this home is as much a reflection of its occupants’ journeys as it is a statement of the city’s evolving architectural landscape.