Once a family home, now a haven for chocolate lovers – a 50-year-old Ahmedabad home finds new life as Toska Chocolate House. Set in the lively Bodakdev neighbourhood, the 2,000 sq. ft. space has been reimagined through adaptive reuse by architect Parthavi Patel of Studio Patternmaker.
Rooted in the client’s personal connection to the home, her design approach preserves its essence while introducing a contemporary yet timeless aesthetic. The result is a space that bridges legacy and reinvention, capturing the soul of Toska Artisan Chocolates in an intimate and immersive setting.
Where nostalgia finds a flavour
Toska Chocolate House takes its name from the word Toska – in Russian, it suggests longing or homesickness; in Greek, a nostalgia for something gone by. For founder Ishan Pansuria, chocolate is a bridge to the past, inspired by moments shared with his late father. Honouring this connection, he chose to establish Toska Chocolate House within his family home, creating an environment where flavours and stories come together.
Holding on, letting in
Guided by this connection, the transformation embraces the home’s original framework. Architectural elements have been preserved, while updates make the space more open and functional. Alongside the retail and production areas, the café offers Toska’s signature chocolate blends and in-house recipes. Designed as a retreat to gather over a hot cuppa, it invites visitors to experience chocolate in its many delightful forms.
Four zones, one narrative
The interiors are divided into four zones: a retail section, a chocolate production and viewing area, a café with a private dining nook, and a back-of-house kitchen. In the foyer, visitors are greeted with a monotone palette – silver-white textured walls and ceiling, light grey tile flooring, and brass accents. This neutral backdrop allows the chocolates to take centre stage.
The golden heart of the house
The retail area features a brass shelving unit showcasing Toska’s handcrafted chocolates. A softly arched ceiling enhances the sense of volume. Adjacent is the chocolate production and viewing section, where a wide glass partition offers an unobstructed view of the chocolate-making process. Originally featuring arched elements, this area was redesigned for better transparency and interaction.
Café, with a Parisian whisper
Next to the retail area lies the semi-covered café, accessed through a sliding glass door. Channeling the charm of a Parisian bistro, the space features black-and-white tile patterns, cornice details, brass light fixtures, and ornate furniture. Two styles of rattan chairs – black and beige – are paired with striped cushions for contrast.
Marble and wood benches maximise seating. Large traveller palms in gold-painted pots enhance the café’s warm ambience. Previously a utility alley, this zone now has a glass canopy, bringing in daylight while offering shelter.
A room of recollection
Tucked at the back, the Nostalgia Room is an intimate dining space. With walnut parquet flooring, black-stained doors, and a dark raftered ceiling, it exudes warmth. A chandelier lights up curated artwork, including a framed handwritten note from the client’s late father, adding a deeply personal touch.
A story in every bite
Toska Chocolate House is a testament to how design can evoke memory, emotion, and craft. With Studio Patternmaker’s intervention, the space transforms chocolate indulgence into a heartfelt journey of taste and time. Through its nostalgic interiors and connection to the craft, it invites visitors to pause, indulge, and savour the story of cocoa.
