Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan’s newly redesigned studio in Chennai is a perfect blend of timeless elegance and modern comfort. Nestled in the upscale Venus Colony area, the sprawling property reflects the couple’s refined taste, combining colonial-era charm with earthy, contemporary aesthetics.
Originally a classic bungalow, the 7,000-square-foot property has now been transformed into a luxurious home-studio space by interior designer Nikhita Reddy of The Storey Collective. The renovation preserves the soul of the old structure while giving it a fresh and modern identity suited to the actor-director duo’s creative lifestyle.
From the moment one steps inside, the studio exudes warmth and calmness. Natural sunlight pours into every corner during the day, while soft ambient lighting takes over in the evening, creating an inviting atmosphere. The interiors are thoughtfully layered with pottery pieces, wooden sculptures, woven textures, and traditional décor elements that bring depth and character to the space.
The design leans heavily into tropical and rustic influences, with earthy tones, teakwood accents, linen fabrics, bamboo details, and rattan textures creating a grounded and serene environment. Despite the luxurious finish, the space feels intimate and deeply connected to nature.
Designer Nikhita Reddy revealed that the renovation was completed within an impressive 40-day timeline, covering everything from conceptualisation and sourcing to execution and custom detailing. While much of the interior layout was redesigned for better ventilation and openness, original features such as wooden pillars were carefully preserved to retain the bungalow’s old-world identity.
One of the standout features of the property is its stunning terrace area, complete with a bamboo deck and lounge-style seating that offers sweeping city views. The outdoor sections have been designed as social spaces where the couple can host gatherings, unwind with friends, or simply relax after work.
Nayanthara herself shared that she wanted the home-studio to feel brighter and more open while still preserving the original essence of the bungalow. According to the actress, the transformation beautifully balances comfort, functionality, and visual appeal.
The studio has also been designed to serve multiple professional needs. It includes private meeting rooms, conference areas, a cosy guest lounge, landscaped outdoor corners, backyard dining spaces, and dedicated workspaces for both Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan. There are even separate rooms for their assistants and creative teams, making it a complete work-and-leisure hub.
Among all the beautifully designed spaces, Nayanthara reportedly loves Vignesh Shivan’s personal studio and the terrace café lounge the most. Another eye-catching addition is the pair of double-height glass structures placed around the central terrace area, adding a sleek modern touch to the otherwise rustic and heritage-inspired setting.
The couple’s Chennai studio now stands as a reflection of their personalities — artistic, elegant, rooted in tradition, yet effortlessly modern.
