Situated on the 22nd floor of the Joy Alukkas Gold Tower in Cochin, this penthouse, owned by the billionaire jeweler Joy Alukkas, exudes refined luxury. Spanning 5000 sq ft, the interior is a tasteful blend of global influences and reclaimed pieces, showcasing a vibrant and elegant atmosphere.
Project Name-The Joy Alukkas Residenc
Studio Name- Temple Town
The objective from the client was to craft a space that felt like home when alone but could easily accommodate extended family and friends. Working closely with Joy Alukkas’ daughter, who had an impeccable taste, the challenge lay in the 90-day hand-over period. Despite this, the design aimed not only to fulfill the brief but also to evoke varied moods in each room.
In the entrance lobby, a Queen Anne console and a sculptor from Anthropologie UK set against plaster moldings create a beautiful reception with a relaxed formality, combining antiques and lush greenery. The foyer features a cane and wood chest with a vintage mirror and botanicals, adding valuable storage and vibrant colors to the glamorous style.
Moving to the formal living room, a repurposed old door from a Haveli in Jaipur, flanked by Regency chairs, introduces a touch of Kerala textile. The drawing room features a sumptuous chesterfield in green velvet, a Dutch colonial divan, a traditional south Indian oonjal or swing, and brass and wooden center tables, forming an intriguing mix of design classics. The dining room combines classic elements with playful twists, highlighted by Lewis & Wood wallpaper, a bespoke brass pendant light, and a 10-seater table adorned with crockery from the Rosabagh series.
The bedrooms showcase unexpected color combinations, boldly patterned wallpapers, and luxurious furnishings. Each room has its unique style, such as the wintry blue bedroom with a tropical kalakaarihaath wallpaper and the master bedroom boasting European-inspired plaster moldings and black and white prints from Rome.
A converted bedroom serves as a media room/study with a wall of antique stamps, velvet drapes, and a painted console. The bespoke lacquered kitchen in pastel green with satuario marble backsplash and brass fittings adds a timeless quality, complemented by a breakfast station featuring Ajrakh print silk fabric.
The main balcony reflects a love for greenery with a wall of potted plants and a plantation chair, creating an inspiring pied-à-terre filled with decorative interiors, natural light, and evocative furnishings. The design philosophy aimed to instill an appreciation for all things vintage, antique, and global, resulting in a home that mirrors the family-oriented, welcoming, and big-hearted nature of its owners.
