In Soma, J Design Studio crafts a Japandiinspired haven where minimalism, warmth, and smart planning come together to create a harmonious home for a joint family—proving great design thrives even on a modest budget.
In a time when design is increasingly defined by bold statements and sprawling footprints, there is something profoundly refreshing about a home that whispers rather than shouts. For J Design Studio, the challenge was clear: to create a warm, minimal, and highly functional space for a joint family of six—two married brothers, their parents, and shared aspirations—within a 1,340 sq ft apartment in Bopal, Ahmedabad, and on a tight budget. The result? A home called Soma that feels as meditative as it is meticulously planned.
Soma is a story of design restraint, strategic planning, and above all, honoring everyday functionality without sacrificing visual elegance. “Storage and budget were the two immovable pillars of the brief,” shares Jagdish Patel, Founder, J Design Studio.
The foyer serves as the prologue to the narrative, a distilled expression of the home’s overarching aesthetic. Soft, neutral tones play against natural textures, instantly evoking a sense of serenity. But this entryway is more than atmospheric: a custom console, its depth extended from four to six inches, quietly speaks volumes about the project’s central ethos. Here, Scandinavian practicality meets Japandi warmth, offering not only a visual welcome but also cleverly concealed storage. The styling is pared down but intentionally fosters a moment of pause before the home fully unfolds.
Step inside, and the living room opens up like a breath. Plush neutral sofas create a calm canvas, against which artful pops of vibrancy stand out — a bold polka-dotted cushion, a geometric coffee table, and a striking wall frame behind the sofa, which doubles as the home’s show-stopper. But perhaps the most beloved corner of the designer lies elsewhere.
“This armchair-sculpture-rug ensemble is where we played,” says Jagdish, Founder, J Design Studio. Tucked into one end of the space, the armchair sits slightly askew on a rug, accompanied by a textured sculpture and moody artwork—an asymmetrical cluster that disrupts the balance of the room just enough to create visual intrigue. “We wanted this corner to speak a different language, a contrast to the calm, Scandinavian tone. It’s the home’s moment of quiet drama.”
Adjacent to the living room is the dining area, a portrait of elegant restraint. A white table with natural wooden legs is surrounded by upholstered chairs that offer comfort without crowding. A single branch in a minimalist vase on the table and decorative wall plates provide subtle artistry. Above, a modern pendant light and fan blend seamlessly into the ceiling.
Just beyond, a mandir sits nestled between the kitchen and dining space. To make way for it, a section of wall was demolished—allowing the spiritual to be fully integrated into daily life. Clad in delicate floral wallpaper and softly lit, the space is a study in quiet sanctity. The deities sit in subtle prominence, offering a focal point of reflection without overwhelming the room’s flow.
Soft grey cabinetry, granite countertops, and intuitive storage shape the kitchen’s design narrative. Grey cabinetry creates a soothing monochrome envelope, offset by a dark granite countertop. Storage is omnipresent but discreet— integrated into overhead units, base drawers, and under-counter compartments. Every detail, from the compact stove-exhaust pairing to a small wooden cutting board nestled on the counter, speaks of thoughtful functionality.
In the primary bedroom, the palette softens further, echoing the Japandi commitment to calm. The storage needs here were extensive, prompting a clever orchestration of built-ins. A bespoke wardrobe wraps around the space without overwhelming it, while floating shelves and a strategically placed mirror amplify natural light and function. The room balances visual weight through wooden strips on the ceiling and a carefully coordinated bedback, continuing the natural material language found throughout the home.
Designed for the younger couple, the second bedroom exudes a youthful softness. A low wooden bed frame with under-bed storage, layered with linen throws and textured pillows, captures the essence of Japandi minimalism. Potted plants introduce moments of green, while the overall layout maximizes movement. “We didn’t want a single dead space. Everything had to serve a dual purpose,” says Pooja Choudhary, the lead designer on the project. In the most compact room, design truly rises to the challenge. A leather-textured bed, a panelled headboard, and magnetic linear track lights come together to craft a room that is both intimate and layered. Despite the modest size, the room feels expansive, thanks to well-placed lighting, tactile materials, and a sense of spatial hierarchy that guides the eye without clutter. From top to toe, Soma is a case study in budgetfriendly design elevated by thoughtfulness. There’s no room for frivolity here, only function, form, and feeling, working in perfect concert. “Our philosophy is always function over form, but when you blend that with balance and organic materials, beauty follows naturally,” concludes the team.
