When Ananya and Ritwik finally got the keys to their 3 BHK flat in New Town, Kolkata, they were excited—but also a little overwhelmed. Like many modern couples, they wanted more than just a stylish home. They dreamed of a space that reflected their values—comfortable, elegant, and most importantly, sustainable.
“We didn’t want our home to look like a showroom. We wanted it to breathe,” Ananya said, recalling their first conversation with their interior designer.
Their journey toward eco-friendly interior design was not just about going green—it was about creating a home that was healthy, mindful, and uniquely theirs. And in a city like Kolkata, where culture meets climate, that dream is not just possible, but practical.
Ananya and Ritwik swapped traditional plywood and laminates for bamboo furniture and reclaimed wood finishes. Not only are these materials durable, but they also reduce the need for deforestation.
For the flooring, they chose natural stone tiles that help keep the rooms cool—a perfect fit for Kolkata’s humid summers.
Tip: Opt for local, renewable materials like cane, jute, and terracotta. They support artisans and lower your carbon footprint.
“Every time we visited a freshly painted house, the chemical smell gave us a headache,” Ritwik said. That’s when they learned about low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints.
They picked natural lime-based and water-based paints in earthy tones—safer for the environment and healthier for their future kids.
One of the couple’s favourite parts of the flat was the big balcony facing east. Instead of heavy drapes, they chose sheer cotton curtains that allowed natural light to flow through the living room.
To enhance this, they used light wall colors, mirrors, and open shelving to reflect daylight deeper into the flat—reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Tip: They installed energy-efficient LED lights and smart switches to minimize electricity consumption.
Ritwik grew up in a house with a garden, and wanted to bring that joy indoors. So they created a mini indoor plant zone with pothos, areca palms, and spider plants—perfect for Kolkata’s climate.
The plants not only improved air quality but gave the home a calming, fresh vibe.
Pro Tip: Use ceramic or clay planters instead of plastic ones. They're biodegradable and retain moisture better.
Instead of bulky MDF cupboards, Ananya worked with a local carpenter to design multi-functional storage furniture using reclaimed teak. Their dining bench doubles as a storage unit, and old sarees were turned into cushion covers—giving a personal touch and a second life to things they already owned.
In the kitchen, they used stone countertops, modular cabinets made from recycled wood, and low-flow taps to reduce water usage. Their bathroom features dual-flush toilets and aerated showerheads—small changes with big impact.
They even installed separate bins for dry and wet waste to practice composting right from their balcony garden.
Instead of mass-produced décor, they visited Kumartuli and Shantiniketan to pick handcrafted artefacts and paintings from local artists.
“Our home should feel like Kolkata too,” Ananya smiled. And it does—beautifully Bengali, beautifully green.
For Ananya and Ritwik, designing their flat wasn’t just about making a house look good—it was about building a home that feels good. And in today’s world, eco-friendly interior design is not a trend—it’s a responsibility.
In a city like Kolkata, where old meets new every day, choosing sustainability adds deeper meaning to your living space. Whether you're furnishing a 2 BHK in Madhyamgram or a 3 BHK in New Town, there are endless ways to blend conscious living with comfort and creativity.
Just like Ananya and Ritwik did, you too can build a home that loves the planet as much as you do.
