Modern Renaissance
In order to make it their own, Alykhan Velji and his husband, Jason Krell, had to gut the interior and make some exterior updates to the classic bungalow they now call home. “One of the most impactful changes was converting the original single-car garage into additional living space, punctuated by a bold circular window—a design element that has sparked plenty of neighborhood conversation,” says Velji.




Main floor walls came down to create an expansive open-concept space with vaulted ceilings that offers the ultimate backdrop for the hosting they love yet feels intimate enough for two. “The goal was to create a home that felt warm, layered, and inviting,” explains Velji, who is the creative director of Alykhan Velji Designs Inc. “Natural materials, warm wood tones, and an eclectic blend of traditional influences meet modern lines, midcentury nods, and collected pieces from our travels.”
Velji describes the interiors as “Modern Renaissance”—a layered, eclectic blend that bridges the gap between old-world charm and modern sensibilities. “It’s a curated mix of eras, textures, and tones that feel collected over time,” he says. “Rich colorways, bold patterns, sculptural forms, and tactile materials all coexist, creating a home that feels both grounded and full of personality. The goal was to design a space that feels unexpected yet cohesive—a place where traditional millwork can sit comfortably alongside sculptural lighting, or a vintage piece can be paired with something sleek and contemporary.”
Earthy hues, deep greens, rich browns, and soft neutrals shift with the natural light throughout the day. “It was important to me that each space had its own moment, but that there was still a sense of flow. Color, pattern, and texture play a huge role in that continuity; each room has its own distinct personality, but the palette creates a seamless experience. I wanted the home to feel whimsical and fun, but also timeless—where bold design decisions don’t overshadow the sense of comfort,” says Velji.
Layered elements surprise and delight. “Color, pattern, and texture are the building blocks of every space I create, but I always strive for that unexpected moment,” he says. “It could be as subtle as wallpapering a ceiling to draw the eye up, or as bold as introducing a dramatic architectural feature like the circle window. I love using pieces that tell a story—whether it’s a vintage find, a quirky antique, or a sculptural light fixture that becomes the conversation starter. In this home, I didn’t hold back—I leaned into those‘wow’ moments, while still ensuring the spaces felt livable and deeply personal.”
For Velji, details give a home its soul, like the fluted concrete on the living room fireplace and guest bathroom sink. “I love the tension between the rawness of the concrete and the softness of the fluting— it’s that perfect balance of strength and elegance,” he says. Statement lighting includes the sculptural pendants above the kitchen island that features a rounded edge for extra seating and to soften a space dominated by clean lines. “It’s those subtle shifts in form that make a big impact,” adds Velji.
A rounded edge on the kitchen island and round window on the front of the home soften midcentury-modern lines. Unique finishes and special treasures make every moment in the home an opportunity for discovery. The newly remodeled kitchen with neutral hues hosts unique light fixtures, which are featured throughout the house. Fluted details add character to the living room fireplace, while earthy hues such as green have a soothing effect on the well-curated interiors. Natural elements like branches and plants contribute to the warmth the highly personalized spaces provide for the owners and their guests.
As a whole, the custom design feels greater than the sum of its parts. “This home is deeply personal—it reflects not just my design ethos, but also how Jason and I love to live,” he says. “Every corner tells a story, whether it’s a piece collected on our travels or an architectural moment that pushes the design envelope. It’s warm, it’s lived-in, it’s layered—and most importantly, it feels like us.”


