Journey from a Flat to a Warm Home

On a breezy Sunday morning in Kolkata, the Mukherjee family—Arindam, his wife Rituparna, and their ten-year-old daughter Anushka—stepped out to see what they hoped would become their new beginning. For years, they had lived in a rented house in South Kolkata. The walls carried someone else’s memories, the kitchen was always too small, and every festive season reminded them that they needed a place they could truly call their own.

Like many other families, Arindam had saved for years while balancing school fees, car EMIs, and family holidays. The decision to buy a flat wasn’t just financial—it was deeply emotional. After months of shortlisting projects across the city, the family finally booked a 3BHK apartment in Madhyamgram. They were drawn to the gated community with its landscaped gardens, security, and most importantly, a promise of “home” at Dream Gurukul.

Signing the papers felt like a milestone. But soon, another question loomed:

How do you turn an empty flat into a warm, welcoming home that reflects who you are?

Challenge of Interiors

When the keys were finally handed over, Rituparna stood in the middle of the empty living room, staring at blank white walls and echoing floors. She could already picture family evenings filled with laughter, but she also knew that the right design choices would make the difference between a house and a home.

The Mukherjees sat down together and made a list:

• The home must feel warm and cosy, not cold or showy.
• The interiors should be functional—with smart storage for books, toys, and endless knick-knacks.
• Every corner should have a personal touch—photos, souvenirs, or something handmade.

Lessons They Learned

• 1. Start with the living room: The family chose soft, earthy tones for the walls and added a comfortable sofa set with throw cushions in vibrant Bengali handloom fabrics. A bookshelf with warm lighting turned one corner into Arindam’s favourite reading spot.
• 2. Bedrooms that comfort, not just impress: Instead of oversized furniture, they opted for cosy beds with layered lighting. Anushka’s room was designed with playful pastels, open shelves for her books, and a little study nook.
• 3. Kitchen as the heart of the home: Rituparna wanted her kitchen practical yet cheerful. Modular storage, bright tiled backsplash, and proper ventilation made it both functional and lively.
• 4. Lighting makes all the difference: They realised harsh white lights made the rooms feel sterile. Warm yellow LED lighting, floor lamps, and soft pendant lights transformed the ambience.
• 5. Bringing in a personal touch: Framed family photos, souvenirs from Darjeeling trips, and fresh indoor plants added life to each corner. These touches made the home feel theirs.

Returning Home, Every Day

Months later, after the paint had dried and the furniture was set, the Mukherjees experienced the joy they had long dreamt of. Every evening when Arindam returned from work, the sight of the softly lit balcony and the sound of his daughter’s laughter welcomed him. The family finally had not just a flat, but a home—one that reflected their personality, carried their memories, and gave them warmth after a long day.

For them, buying a flat in Kolkata was only the first step. The real magic was in designing a space that made them want to return, every single day.