Every home tells a story, and Jasmeet’s house in Sector 18, Chandigarh, reflects her family’s journey, creativity, and effort. What makes this house truly unique is its blend of traditional Indian elements with strong Middle Eastern architectural influences. Over the years, Jasmeet and her family have turned it into a warm and comfortable space filled with personal touches, memories, and carefully selected décor from around the world.
Nearly forty years ago, Jasmeet’s father, a government employee, was transferred to Chandigarh. When it came time to settle down, he chose Sector 18 for its peaceful surroundings. The property they bought had only a small two-bedroom annexe at the time. The family lived in that space for two years before starting construction on their dream home.
Jasmeet’s father, a civil engineer, took the lead in planning and building the house, with valuable input from her mother, who had a good eye for design. A close friend of her father, an architect working in Oman, designed the home, which is how the Middle Eastern influence came in.
The house's design includes beautiful arch domes and colourful stained-glass windows that are not typically found in Chandigarh homes. These features reflect Middle Eastern architecture and set the home apart from the others in the area. The slate tiles on the house's exterior were specially sourced from Jaipur and added a rustic charm to the façade.
The house became a local landmark, and people often stopped by just to admire its beauty. A notable example of the family’s commitment to perfection is how Jasmeet’s father once rebuilt an entire staircase because he felt it was not up to the mark.
The house has two levels. The ground floor includes the living room, kitchen, dining area, washing area, bedrooms, and a prayer room. The upper floor has a lobby, two bedrooms, and a study. Originally a home for six members, the house now only has Jasmeet and her parents living in it. To manage the large space better, they created a partition and rented out a portion of the top floor.
Over the years, the home was furnished with basic pieces from Saharanpur. With time, Jasmeet and her mother added crafts, vases, and artefacts from their roots in Nairobi, Kenya, making the interiors rich with personal stories.
Each bedroom in the house reflects the personality of its occupant. The parents’ room has soft green walls and cream marble flooring, while the girls’ room has a pink theme and peach marble. The brothers’ room features shades of grey. Jasmeet’s room, now her personal space, is decorated with Fab India furniture, ethnic bedding, and accessories that match her taste.
The kitchen holds a special place in their hearts. A large marble slab in the middle is where the family gathers for evening tea or meals. Although they have a formal dining area, the kitchen is where they have made the fondest memories.
The lawn in front of the house is one of its most loved features. The family enjoys spending time in the garden under the sun in winter. The greenery around the house and natural cross-ventilation make the indoor atmosphere fresh and pleasant. A gardener helps maintain the outdoor space, which is a source of joy for the entire family, especially Jasmeet’s mother.
Do not be afraid to make your house look different from the others in your area. What matters is that the design feels right to you and is in line with your aesthetic preference. Unique design elements can give your home a personality of its own.
A home should reflect the personality of those living in it. Use colours, furniture, and décor that show your family's character. Even small details can add warmth and identity to the space.
Every family has a favourite spot in the house. It could be the kitchen, a bedroom, or the garden. Since this area becomes the heart of your home, focus on making it cosy and inviting.
Much of the house's early furniture was sourced from Saharanpur, a town known for its wooden crafts. This choice was not just budget-friendly but also added traditional Indian artistry to the interiors. Supporting local craftsmanship helps preserve unique skills and brings authenticity to the home.
Jasmeet and her mother’s Kenyan upbringing shows in the small décor pieces scattered throughout the house. Items like Masai Mara artwork and African figurines offer a sense of identity and history. Blending cultural themes makes a space feel truly personal and rooted in memory.
When the house felt too big for the smaller family, creating a partition and renting part of the top floor was a smart solution. It not only reduced maintenance effort but also brought in some income. This shows that homeownership is not just about design, but also about making practical, long-term choices.
The house is designed to fully utilise cross ventilation, which keeps the indoors cool and comfortable. This reduces the need for artificial cooling and helps maintain a healthy living environment, especially during the summer months. Good airflow is one of the most underappreciated parts of good home design.
Large windows with stained glass not only bring in colour but also allow natural light to fill the rooms. This thoughtful design reduces dependence on artificial lights during the day and creates a peaceful, calm atmosphere inside the home. Well-lit homes also tend to feel more welcoming and open.
Jasmeet’s house is more than just walls and roofs. It is a result of thoughtful planning, cultural appreciation, and a strong emotional bond shared by the family. What makes it truly special is the attention to detail, the effort to reflect their personality, and the practical decisions made over time. This home is a reminder that a well-lived space is one where memories are made and preserved for years to come.