Double-height living rooms are fast becoming a defining feature of contemporary Indian architecture. Characterised by ceiling heights that typically range between 18 to 26 feet—double or more the standard—they introduce scale, light, and vertical drama into the domestic realm. But these soaring volumes do more than just impress. They enhance natural ventilation, amplify daylight, and create visual continuity across levels, offering a spatial counterpoint to the density of urban living.
In today’s design vocabulary, the double-height living room is often the architectural heart of the home: a space where movement, materiality and mood converge. Architects are leveraging this vertical expanse not just for scale, but to integrate mezzanines, floating staircases, and indoor bridges. From a serene bungalow in Raipur to a sun-drenched triplex in Surat, AD spotlights six extraordinary homes that exemplify how double-height living rooms can transform the experience of everyday life.
A 4,000-Square-Foot Holiday Villa In Pune
Located in Pune and designed by Sahiba Madan, founder and principal architect of Insitu Design Studio, this 4,000-square-foot holiday villa spans three levels. Shared spaces like the living and dining areas are positioned on the ground floor, while private bedrooms and other intimate zones occupy the upper levels. The villa opens into an entryway marked by a striking vaulted ceiling, which flows organically into the double-height living room—a space that exudes warmth and openness.
Nestled into a corner of this expansive room is a cozy reading nook by the window, thoughtfully designed for quiet moments. A mini library defined by two soaring bookshelves—with a ladder for upper shelf access—and a centrally placed daybed creates a picture of comfort and quiet sophistication.
Original Text by Aishwarya Khurana. Edited for context.
A Lush Weekend Home Near Ahmedabad
Situated in Altan Fields, Sanand—just an hour away from Ahmedabad and adjacent to the famed Nal Sarovar wetland bird sanctuary—this rustic-chic weekend home is a collaborative effort between Mandar Gandevikar of Neev Designs and Ahana Shah of Studio Maati. The living room, tucked beneath a charming pitched roof, is both expansive and grounded. Designed to be environmentally conscious while maintaining aesthetic elegance, the space opens via large sliding doors onto a lush garden, blurring boundaries between indoors and out. This double-height area is filled with natural light and fresh air, creating an atmosphere of serene retreat. The rustic aesthetic is amplified by wooden furniture featuring intricate cane detailing, upholstery in muted earthy tones, and lime-plastered walls that envelop the room in warmth and texture.
Original Text by Aishwarya Khurana. Edited for context.
A Lavish Triplex Home In Surat
This 10,000-square-foot contemporary triplex in Surat is a stunning example of collaborative design between Studio GreyBox and Neogenesis+Studi0261, led by architects Chirag Torawala, Chinmay Laiwala, Jigar Asarawala and Tarika Asarawala. Built over a span of 26 months in a newly constructed three-tower residential complex, the home is designed for a family of five and masterfully integrates luxury and spatial drama. The central living space features an extravagant 26-foot double-height ceiling, with average floor-to-floor heights of 13 feet, creating a continuous visual dialogue between levels.
Floor-to-ceiling glass windows open up expansive views of the city skyline, infusing the interiors with sunlight and a dynamic cityscape. A neutral palette of tan, cream, grey and green combines seamlessly with raw materials like wood, stone, marble and exposed concrete, giving the space depth and continuity. The powder room, a monochromatic red marvel, features matte red travertine blocks and brass fixtures, offering a dramatic contrast to the open, airy living area.
Original Text by Aditi Shah-Bhimjyani. Edited for context.
A Multi-Generational Bungalow In Raipur
In Raipur, this Vastu-compliant 6,200-square-foot bungalow—aptly named the House of Grace—is designed by Sonal and Piyush Agrawal, co-founders of Studio SPDC. Built for a multi-generational family led by a great-grandmother, the home beautifully balances community living with moments of privacy and calm. At its heart lies a majestic double-height living and dining area that seamlessly opens onto a private garden pocket.
A bold green sofa, placed atop a handcrafted Jaipur Rugs carpet, anchors the living space with its striking presence, offsetting the otherwise neutral design language. This central area is a reflection of familial togetherness, rooted in tradition yet adapted to modern aesthetics.
Original Text by Aishwarya Khurana. Edited for context.
A Nature-Infused 5,500-Square-Foot Bungalow In Kochi
Crafted by Dhiya Anna Charley and Thomas Joseph of Kochi-based firm Design Narrative, this 5,500-square-foot bungalow is a study in organic architecture and vibrant design. The standout feature is a spectacular double-height family den that serves as the visual heart of the home. Spanning above the space is a green metal bridge that connects first-floor rooms while also acting as a sculptural element. The interiors stay grounded in nature through the use of Kota stone flooring and furniture from The Lofts and Found Objects Gallery. A sunshine yellow sofa injects a playful pop of colour into the otherwise neutral palette, while a chandelier by Classic Art Lamps draws the eye upward, reinforcing the vertical drama of the space.
Original Text by Vaishnavi Nayel Talawadekar. Edited for context.
A Three-Storey 7,600-Square-Foot Chennai Home
Designed from the ground up by Gayatri Gunjal, principal designer at YellowSub Studio, this 7,600-square-foot independent bungalow in Chennai was envisioned for a family of six. The internal planning and execution reflect a refined understanding of modern living, with the double-height living room serving as the undeniable showstopper. This voluminous space opens onto a beautifully landscaped garden, inviting the outdoors in. The palette throughout the home is intentionally neutral—shades of grey, white, and wood tones enriched with brushed gold accents. Key design pieces include a Dorothee Lights custom chandelier in gold and smoked glass, a subtle-toned Jaipur Rugs carpet, and contemporary furniture from Lifespace Home. The light-hued sofa and pastel violet lounge chairs add softness, while art by Seema Kohli adds a layer of cultural texture and emotional depth.
Original Text by Aditi Shah-Bhimjyani. Edited for context.