Deco Haus

The Deco Haus by Chestnut Storeys : Where Vintage Soul Meets a Contemporary Spirit

Nestled in the exclusive Boat Club enclave of Chennai, The Deco Haus is a striking 7,000 sq. ft. standalone bungalow that reflects the perfect harmony of artistic vision and family living. Conceptualised and designed by Farah Agarwal, founder of Chestnut Storeys, the residence masterfully blends vintage charm with contemporary elegance.

Originally a 50-year-old structure, the bungalow captivated Farah with its expansive layout, terracotta ceilings, and sprawling lawn. While the architecture’s bones remained untouched, the home underwent a remarkable transformation through the incorporation of antique art pieces, bold design elements, and a distinct colour palette.

The layout of the home follows a clear division between private and entertaining spaces, yet is unified through architectural motifs such as bold arches and clean, commanding lines that run consistently through the residence. Upon entering, visitors are welcomed into a well-appointed foyer flanked by a guest room on one side and both formal and informal living spaces on the other.

A neutral colour palette of greys, beige, and tans dominates the common areas, allowing the home’s extensive art collection to take centre stage. Highlights include a regal yali lion sculpture in the informal living room and a compelling series of Mughal paintings beside the bar. Adding a dynamic visual break is a striking red dining table that anchors the dining area, separated from the informal living room by a strong architectural arch.

Upstairs, the private areas showcase a bolder expression of personality. Each of the three bedrooms is thoughtfully designed to reflect the individuality of its occupant. The master bedroom is understated yet rich in character, featuring a curated collection of unique artworks. The son’s room radiates with vibrant energy through creative use of colour, while the daughter’s space offers a more subdued yet stylistically consistent counterpoint.

Farah placed significant emphasis on retaining original features such as the terracotta ceilings and arches, preserving the historic integrity of the structure. In the family room, a forest green accent wall sets the stage for a gallery of travel photographs from across Asia—adding a deeply personal layer to the design story.

Every space in The Deco Haus has been composed with careful attention to balance—nothing feels overdone, and every element serves a purpose. The project underscores Farah Agarwal’s ability to harmonise varying requirements into a single, cohesive design narrative, especially when designing for her own family.

This residence is not just a reflection of Farah’s design sensibility—it’s a love letter to art, architecture, and the beauty of lived-in spaces.