Aashni Kumar and her namesake studio have crafted the physical identity of the House of Quadri at its flagship lab-grown diamond jewellery boutique, set within the storied Kitab Mahal in South Mumbai’s heritage district of Fort. Luxury, as it is often said, is not simply purchased; it is experienced. In the world of retail, this idea finds its truest expression in the quiet sophistication of a flagship store housed within a historic building. When the House of Quadri envisioned its first physical retail space, the brand sought to create something that honoured both legacy and location. It found its home in Kitab Mahal, a neoclassical landmark built in 1890, situated in the heritage-rich precinct of Fort. Known for its forward-looking approach to lab-grown diamonds, the brand turned to designer Aashni Kumar to design an immersive environment that reflects its refined sensibility and timeless elegance.
The Fort boutique is a study in contemporary minimalism—warm, tactile, and restrained. Its palette of earthy hues, soft textures, and gentle red accents evokes the brand’s identity with subtle precision. For Kumar, the project was not only about designing a retail space but also about shaping the brand’s visual and emotional language, one that would define its future retail experiences. Working closely with the brand’s founder, Vaibhav Karnavat, Kumar and her team translated the House of Quadri’s ethos into a setting that feels both aspirational and approachable. “Vaibhav’s vision was clear,” she recalls. “We wanted to design a space that resonates with a generation that values conscious luxury, craftsmanship, and authenticity.”
Designing a retail space within a nineteenth-century neoclassical structure required an especially sensitive approach. With her experience in context-driven design across India, the Middle East, and London, Kumar approached the project with deep respect for the existing architecture. “The arched windows and generous proportions guided our design process from the very beginning,” she says. The resulting space balances reverence for history with a distinctly modern sensibility, where every material and proportion feels measured and meaningful. The reception area sets the tone for what follows—inviting, elegant, and layered with tactile richness. A curvilinear white sofa by Bareeki, a wooden table by Josmo Studio, and a hand-tufted rug by Loops by LJ inspired by the rhythmic patterns of tree rings come together in an earthy composition. Stone flooring, lime-plastered walls, and wooden details create a quiet sense of balance, while materials by Nexion, Neocoats, and MCM Cladding add a subtle refinement.
Lush greenery introduces an element of calm, while the brand’s signature red makes a thoughtful appearance through a gradient art wall in shades of pink, red, and burgundy featuring abstract compositions inspired by Mark Rothko. “Red conveys strength,” explains Kumar. “We wanted it to act as a focal point and storytelling element, introducing vibrancy without disrupting the serene mood of the interiors.” As one moves further inside, the eye is naturally drawn to the tall, slender vitrines designed by Arjunvir Gujral Design Studio. These crisp, frameless glass displays line the periphery of the space, allowing the jewellery to take centre stage. “They feel like quiet stages where the diamonds can truly shine,” says Kumar. Central display counters in marble and wood add a sense of permanence, balancing solidity with softness—a reflection of the dual qualities found in the jewellery itself.
Natural oak fluting by Magvee lends the space warmth and rhythm, while accentuating the double height of the interiors. To complete the composition, Kumar introduced a hand-painted mural by artist Rudranee Chiman after the store’s completion. Composed of organic, flowing forms in soft tones of beige, taupe, and brown, the mural became a defining backdrop. “It was the missing element,” says Kumar. “The mural brings a sense of depth and movement, adding artistry without overpowering the calmness of the space.” Light, both natural and artificial, was treated as an essential design material. Generously sized windows and an existing skylight flood the space with daylight, while a carefully calibrated artificial lighting scheme ensures the diamonds’ brilliance is revealed without glare. “We wanted the jewels to sparkle naturally, without overwhelming the eye,” Kumar explains. The design team worked with the building’s inherent strengths, allowing light to enhance rather than dominate the space.
Beyond the retail area, the project also includes private meeting rooms, ancillary zones, and office spaces for the brand’s executive and creative teams. “The reception serves as a common point that connects the retail and office areas,” says Kumar. “Every zone was conceived as part of one cohesive narrative, ensuring that the brand identity remained consistent throughout.” Working within a heritage structure, however, came with its challenges. “The tall ceilings and expansive windows offered a stunning starting point but also brought structural constraints that required careful planning,” Kumar admits. Striking the balance between minimalism and luxury demanded thoughtfulness at every stage. “We wanted the space to feel serene and understated, yet still carry the sense of exclusivity that a fine jewellery boutique deserves,” she adds.
Ultimately, the House of Quadri’s flagship boutique at Kitab Mahal offers a deeply personal experience—an opportunity to engage with the beauty, grace, and craftsmanship of lab-grown diamonds in an environment that marries contemporary refinement with the enduring charm of a heritage landmark.
