Barnes Place Residence

The interior refurbishment of the Barnes Place Residence breathes new life into a colonial-era home, delicately balancing heritage with contemporary comfort. Located in the affluent Colombo 07, the residence holds a distinct character, defined by its meticulously preserved Siri Kotha checkerboard floor tiles and an eclectic collection of tropical colonial furniture, each piece carrying a story of time and place. 

Though structurally sound, years of scant use had left the interiors dim and airless, concealing a wealth of treasures—a scattered yet invaluable book collection and sentimental artworks that lend depth to the home’s identity. The renovation sought to revitalize these spaces, enhancing livability while maintaining the residence’s inherent charm. 

Guided by the Client’s need for an ambience of a boutique villa with the convenience of a hotel and his aesthetic preferences, the design drew inspiration from Mediterranean and Tropical Modernist styles while remaining in harmony with colonial elements.  The refurbishment approach addressed functional inefficiencies through select spatial rearrangements, careful reordering of furnishings, and the introduction of curated hard and soft finishes. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were updated with minimal wet work interventions, ensuring seamless modernization without disrupting the home’s historical integrity.  

As part of the renovation, the interiors were refreshed to counteract the gloom and introduce a sense of lightness. Walls were painted in a lighter palette, while the existing eclectic furniture of various styles was meticulously re-stained—some in lighter tones to enhance brightness and others in deeper shades to achieve the desired richness and depth — to create a sense of cohesiveness. 

The master suite underwent a notable expansion by combining two rooms to create a spacious retreat with an attached dresser and a newly built master bathroom, enhancing convenience and luxury. Most of the once-scattered book collection was relocated to the study to be displayed prominently, offering its due reverence.  The eclectic mix of furniture across the rooms was carefully repurposed, resorted and rearranged to unify, preserving its inherent character while bringing a sense of cohesion to the spaces. Built-in closets were introduced to enhance functionality and also to establish a visual harmony within the rooms.  New furniture pieces were designed to complement and elevate the home’s unique character, ensuring that the intervention was not just an upgrade, but a seamless continuation of the residence’s storied past.  

Beyond a renovation, the refurbishment was a revival—a home reimagined to embrace its past while evolving into a sanctuary of warmth, familiarity, and meaning.