Bauhaus meets Japandi

In this sun-swept apartment by Studio ALTROVE, Bauhaus, Japandi and LA Mid-century merge with intention

27 May 2025

“Looking effortless takes a lot of effort,” says Alexa Chung. So say we. And from the eighteenth floors above Pune’s bustle, in this apartment by Studio ALTROVE, that adage is visible in the details. Once two distinct flats, it has been carefully composed into a single space that balances the practical rhythms of Mumbai based Mehta family and their often visiting guests. Here, the city stretches out beneath, softened by the marigold wash of late afternoon light. The sunlight folds through a ten-foot barringtonia by an expansive window, its leaves casting a shadow-play on a vintage Japanese art reprint, a nod to the Japanese ethos threading through the home. “We drew inspiration from LA Mid-Century, Bauhaus and Japandi design,” shares Shreya Mantri, Founder, Studio ALTROVE. Such influences are all distilled and Indianised by Studio ALTROVE, all draped in tactile limewash walls that feel like a well-worn linen shirt — minimal, stylised and lived in.

The plush effect

The references may span continents but in execution are simmered down to sumptuous minimalism. “Our vision for the space was contemporary and calm but layered with delight,” adds Shreya. Walls are limewashed to the tone of steamed linen, their surface bearing just enough grain to catch light, a mottled backdrop grounding the space. The textiles are quite an indulgence, swaddling upholstery: focaccia like nubby boucle, velvety chenille, lofty-plush high-pile rugs. Streaked cool marble, textural cane inserts and parchment like linen blinds, each element serves comfort with clarity, even the toasted almond grain of the faux-fluted wood that passes as timber with surprising grace. The colours stay close to nature, mostly in muted monastic shades think linen, loam and candle-wax whites, with umber and olives that appear in restrained moments. “My comfort lies in earth and nature tones, so even when we go bold, it’s always in the realm of rusts and greens,” describes Shreya.

Bonsai and Bauhaus

Bauhaus reveals itself in the clean geometry of the home, every form serves a function without excess. The Japandi influences make their presence felt in the bonsai niche, vintage Japanese prints and wallpapers and the restrained nature-inspired palette. LA Mid-century spills in with the sunlight that drifts in warm and generous amounts. These influences converge under the guiding principles of Kanso and Yūgen, the arts of embracing simplicity and of paring down to essentials, together shaping a home that balances clarity with depth, inviting calm and thoughtful presence.

In the living room, sunlight filters through a ten-foot barringtonia from Ugaoo, its leaves casting shifting shadows on a vintage Japanese art reprint. The space is layered with soft furnishings from Altrove, a Rugberry rug underfoot, and sculptural furniture by EK Design. Featuring chairs from West Elm and a floor lamp from Orange Tree, coffee table books from Bookchor, vases from Altrove and ceiling light from Orra. The walls, finished in Lepan limewash and framed by wood beam ceilings; Photography by Kuber

The main bedroom features wall paneling by Magvee, a Lepan limewash finish, plants from Ugaoo, soft furnishings by Altrove, a rug from Jaipur Rugs, coffee table books from Lockthebox, a lamp from Fleck, furniture by EK Design, and custom-made lights from a local store; Photography by Kuber

Quirks that work

For Shreya, the dining area was a particular joy. Wrapped along two sides with a built-in-bench, its curved silhouette much like the gentle lines of the custom chairs and hand-finished table, a choreography of shapes that feels sculptural yet soft. “ We weren’t really sure about how it would all come together,’ she shares, “now it looks very clean and linear.” This precision met with playfulness is seen throughout the other spaces as well. Another challenge that the team relished was the practical constraints that sparked creative solutions. When a bulky fire pipe couldn’t be concealed with a false ceiling, it sparked something inventive. A custom bar light was crafted on site using materials typically meant for blinds, quietly transforming a challenge into a highlight.

A built-in dining bench discreetly hides storage for several pieces of luggage. The nursery is designed with time in mind — ready to evolve into a den as the children grow. Nothing feels overdesigned, but everything has intention.Even the quirks are graceful. One artwork has been sliced and rejoined to wrap around a corner, gently mirroring the curve of the seat it hangs above.