There is always a sense of validation when an old client comes back to you with a requirement to design his newly acquired apartment in one of Suburban Mumbai’s premium high rises. Having done his old residence a good 8 years back the new project gave us an opportunity to evaluate how our practice had evolved over the years and come up with something that would be refreshing for him. In contrast to the previous residence which was an experimentation in whites greys and dark veneer tones the new project took a softer and warmer approach.
The primary challenge in the existing layout was a bottle neck scenario to enter into the living room from the entrance lobby whilst going past the kitchen. The resulting corridor not only was a waste of space but defeated the sense of grandeur. While various possibilities were tried out in space planning we finally came to the conclusion that if the dining and kitchen facility could be combined into an open experience the bottle neck condition would get resolved. The resultant layout celebrates the kitchen as a predominantly white space that is showcased to guests as they enter the house. Centrally located as part of the open kitchen layout is a high island stuatvario counter that doubles up as an everyday dining. For a family of three this paradigm shift from a more formal dining experience helped to blur the boundaries between the public spaces of a house. It helped us to create a more fluid experience as one transitions from the entrance to the living area.
The linear living space with wall to wall full height glazing enhances the distant sea view. A rather spartan layout enhances the sense of spaciousness. The key design feature in the living room is the fluted oak wood clad walls giving the room a sense of rhythm and verticality. The wall paneling running into the forthcoming corridor cleverly disguises the bedroom doors leading from it. Located at the end of the corridor is the master bedroom suite with its attached walk in wardrobe and bath area. Walls clad in a combination of light oak wood veneer and beige leather paneling give the room a sense of luxury. A subtle sense of opulence is conveyed through hints of matt rose gold in the wall trims and bedside lighting. The sense of luxury and colour is heightened by a heavily tufted blue Jaipur Rug that wraps around the bed.
Connected to the bedroom is the walk in wardrobe designed as a combination of matt gloss metallic and tinted glass shutters running floor to ceiling. The indigo chaise in the middle with suspended rose gold trim ceiling lights above and a custom made dresser unit from Loco Designs underline our intent to create a bespoke experience. The master bathroom is all marble clad experience with contrasting black minimalist bath fittings from Gessi.
Leading from the main corridor is the teenage son’s bedroom. Finished in light grey hues the near masculine aesthetics adds a punch of rust in the leather clad bed and study chair. The bed back wall is an eccentric composition of back lit matt black metal frames and oak wood display shelves. A similar language finds its way into the attached bathroom finished in a speckled white terrazzo like composite marble. Shelves in shades of blue and yellow add a dash of colour to the overall vibe.
The guest bedroom in oak wood flooring and wardrobes finished in matt white form the muted palate to accentuate the otherwise compact room. The wall behind the sofa cum bed has been clad in a silver toned wall paper. It adorns an installation of a metal wireframe world map with surrounding family art frames that trace the clients’ world travels.
