Project Narrative
Yutori is a 2,000 sqft residence in Pune that redefines domestic comfort through calm, restraint, and emotional balance. Conceived for Hitesh and Harsha Jain and their two sons, this home was shaped by a deeply introspective client brief- one that consciously resisted the idea of a polished, “new” home. Instead, the family sought a space that felt aged, grounded, and removed from the relentless pace of metro life.
The turning point of the design journey came with a single word offered by the clients: “Yutori.” Rooted in Japanese philosophy, Yutori refers to a sense of spaciousness- not merely physical, but mental and emotional. It embodies breathing room, balance, and the freedom to slow down. This concept became the guiding principle of the project, influencing every design decision that followed.
The design adopts a minimalistic and modern approach, prioritising clarity of form and functionality over ornamentation. Superfluous layers of panelling and visual clutter were consciously avoided to allow spaces to feel open, calm, and unforced. Each room is designed to flow naturally into the next, creating an environment that supports everyday living while encouraging moments of pause and reflection.
Materiality plays a crucial role in reinforcing this philosophy. A restrained palette of white oak wood, veneers, lime-wash finishes, and subtle textures establishes warmth without excess. Gentle splashes of colour- introduced through soft furnishings and indoor plants- add life and personality while maintaining visual serenity. Natural finishes and breathable surfaces help the home age gracefully, aligning with the clients’ desire for a space that feels lived-in rather than newly constructed.
Yutori is not defined by dramatic gestures but by thoughtful restraint. It is a home that allows its occupants to disconnect, decompress, and reconnect- with themselves and with each other. Through simplicity, balance, and intentional design, Element9 Design Studio has translated an abstract philosophy into a deeply personal and restorative living environment.
The turning point of the design journey came with a single word offered by the clients: “Yutori.” Rooted in Japanese philosophy, Yutori refers to a sense of spaciousness- not merely physical, but mental and emotional. It embodies breathing room, balance, and the freedom to slow down. This concept became the guiding principle of the project, influencing every design decision that followed.
The design adopts a minimalistic and modern approach, prioritising clarity of form and functionality over ornamentation. Superfluous layers of panelling and visual clutter were consciously avoided to allow spaces to feel open, calm, and unforced. Each room is designed to flow naturally into the next, creating an environment that supports everyday living while encouraging moments of pause and reflection.
Materiality plays a crucial role in reinforcing this philosophy. A restrained palette of white oak wood, veneers, lime-wash finishes, and subtle textures establishes warmth without excess. Gentle splashes of colour- introduced through soft furnishings and indoor plants- add life and personality while maintaining visual serenity. Natural finishes and breathable surfaces help the home age gracefully, aligning with the clients’ desire for a space that feels lived-in rather than newly constructed.
Yutori is not defined by dramatic gestures but by thoughtful restraint. It is a home that allows its occupants to disconnect, decompress, and reconnect- with themselves and with each other. Through simplicity, balance, and intentional design, Element9 Design Studio has translated an abstract philosophy into a deeply personal and restorative living environment.
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