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    Art aficionado and founder of Space 118, Saloni Doshi showcases her waterfront Worli home, a repository for her art collection

    JAN 11, 2021 | By Mrudul Pathak Kundu and Saloni Doshi
    The seating arrangement comprises a BoConcept centre table, sofa in D’Decor fabric from Kavita Singh Interiors, cushions in covers from Harlequin (London). Artworks include Subodh Gupta's steel Guldasta, wooden sculpture by Karl Antao, brick sculpture titled Sphere by Teja Gavankar and photograph from Nikhil Chopra's series Yog Raj Chitrakar: Memory Drawing II; Photographs by Fabien Charuau

    From the outset, I wanted my home to reflect my taste and personality, not to mention, my art collection. White walls, makrana marble flooring, windows and even the curtains are chosen such that they train the gaze of all visitors towards what’s most important to me—the art!

    Whites and greys are the only shades seen outside of the canvases in my 1,300 sq ft home, across the living room, both bedrooms, kitchen and staff quarters. Lots of light and fresh air streams in, owing to my sea facing location. One of the challenges I faced with this apartment was its low ceiling.

    So, I opted for ivory toned flooring across the layout to lend an incredible sense of openness. Both the living and dining areas have a lot of wall-mounted artworks, most of it is large in size and makes the house look spacious and dramatic.

    Pictured are an Iqrup + Ritz Blue chair, a Jaipur Rugs carpet and a family heirloom silver tea set; Photographs by Fabien Charuau

    In terms of the furnishings, carpets have been sourced from Jaipur Rugs and sofas are from Colonial Collections. The dining table from BoConcept pairs perfectly with the chairs and console designed by Kavita Singh. Then, there’s the silver leaf inlaid bar that’s functional and space optimised for all its chic charm.

    The living room houses salmon pink chairs in D’Decor fabric, family heirloom centre table by Kamdars, antique lamps and shades made by Kavita Singh Interiors. On the wall is N Pushpamala’s painting The Arrival of Vasco da Gama (after an 1948 painting by Jose Veloso Salgado); Photographs by Fabien Charuau

    Artefacts from markets and stores in London and New York City—such as OKA and CB2, among others—dot the space, and are offset by the pristine backdrop. The table, as well as bed linen, are customised by Yama Maskara, while the upholstery is sourced from D’Decor and Casa Di Oro.

    The bar with custom silver leafing and an Armani gold marble top holds an old Adivasi music instrument from Madhya Pradesh, artefacts from OKA and a sculpture by a Cholamandal artist. The wall-mounted painting is The National Centre Gangtok by Atul Dodiya; Photographs by Fabien Charuau

    One aspect that I’m most particular about is not having clutter; I feel everything should have its own space. Keeping this in mind, I’ve had the kitchen entirely customised to suit my needs. It is fully equipped and generously proportioned to accommodate everything, from large cupboards and a steam press to a washing machine. It holds a lot without making you feel boxed in.

    The only space that is monochromatic, even in the choice of art, is the Zen like master bedroom. Upholstery in soft tints of taupe and peach are the brightest additions in this otherwise neutral space. I’ve had one of the walls broken down to open up the house and installed large wall mirrors to give it more depth.

    Although I rarely have live-in guests, one of the sitting rooms serves as a guest bedroom with an ensuite facility, should the need arise. The bathroom is exquisitely done using Versace gold marble from the ceiling to the floor and a beaten brass Viya Home basin.

    The recurring themes across the apartment are the use of natural materials that appeal to base emotions, understated shades that lend warmth and vibrancy, minimal hardware as well as monotonal doors and veneers for a distinctly contemporary look, and finally bringing the outdoors in with the help of plants.

    In fact, in the foyer, because I wasn’t able to accommodate shrubbery, I’ve had an entire jungle hand painted on the walls! All of these elements lend an air of elegance to the apartment. What comes across is a singular identity of an art filled bachelorette pad, designed to cater to various aspects of my personal and social life.

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