Your space is a reflection of who you are - your style, your story, and your creativity. In The Aesthetic Edit, we dive into the homes and rooms of individuals who have thoughtfully curated their surroundings. From statement pieces to personal touches and design inspirations, this segment explores what makes a space truly unique.

This week, we step inside the home of renowned playwright and dramatist Indu Dharmasena, whose space reflects his creativity and character.

1.⁠ ⁠How would you describe the design aesthetic of your home?
I built it before San came into my life. It’s a Singlish house. I've always liked the British Tudor style, with weaving doors and intricate details. The upstairs reflects that aesthetic, while the mada midula and verandah have a more Sri Lankan feel, which adds an interesting contrast.

2.⁠ ⁠What inspired the look and feel of your space?
My love for architecture and design inspired the look and feel of my home. While in the States, I discovered books with architectural plans and brought one back to Sri Lanka. I collaborated with my friend Rehan Thilekerathne to bring my vision to life. The design blends British Tudor influences with Sri Lankan elements, like the mada midula, which originally centred around a kanda tree. Though we had to remove the tree due to damaged roots, the garden has since flourished.

3.⁠ ⁠Do you have a favourite piece of furniture or décor? 
The medicine cupboard San gifted me for my birthday.

4.⁠ ⁠Where do you like to shop for home pieces?
There’s no one place. San enjoys exploring antique shops for furniture. We also have pieces from Timbertek. The rest were custom orders from places in Moratuwa.

5.⁠ ⁠How do you balance style and functionality in your space?
If something doesn’t match the rest of the furniture, even if we like it, we try to make it fit our style.

6.⁠ ⁠Have you done any DIY projects or customizations to personalize your home?
San and I have worked together on certain renovations. However, we haven’t done any DIY projects due to a lack of time.

7.⁠ ⁠What’s one design rule you swear by (or love to break)?
I don’t really stick to any design rules, so there’s nothing to break. Most of the time, when San finds something lovely, we carefully consider whether it fits before making a purchase.

8.⁠ ⁠If you could steal the interior of any famous home, whose would it be?
Honestly, I don’t have one.

9.⁠ ⁠Any tips for people looking to refresh their space on a budget?
Always shop around. Don’t settle for the first place you visit. Figure out what works best for your space and think long-term. It’s not always about the rupees and cents.

10.⁠ ⁠What’s the one thing you’d love to change about your home if you could?
We’ve realised we don’t have a proper bedroom downstairs, which is inconvenient as we age. Also, we lack storage space, so I’ve had to get rid of many things I had collected over the years.

11.⁠ ⁠Your design hero?
I admire Geoffrey Bawa’s style of tropical modernism. However, even as a child, I loved the cottage-style architecture in Nuwara Eliya. Unfortunately, I haven’t found anyone here who captures that aesthetic. Bawa’s style, though, is practical for Sri Lankan weather.