Jason Wadhwani designs the seen and the unseen in the seaside Mumbai home

Riddle me this: A home fit for cosy family afternoons and resplendent soirees. A space that mirrors the vastness of the sea yet nestles you in as you sip on your morning chai. Floating above the mayhem of the maximum city, this 2,300 sq ft apartment in South Mumbai by Jason Wadhwani Design anchors both […]

06 Jun 2024

Namrata Dewanjee

Riddle me this: A home fit for cosy family afternoons and resplendent soirees. A space that mirrors the vastness of the sea yet nestles you in as you sip on your morning chai. Floating above the mayhem of the maximum city, this 2,300 sq ft apartment in South Mumbai by Jason Wadhwani Design anchors both scales with deftness. A balance between the flamboyant and the intimate.

In this home at the cusp of the sea and land, the spaces flow from private to public with a languid fluidity. “The overarching theme of the space encapsulates a fusion of contemporary aesthetics and elegance,” avers Jason. Spartan lines, a monochromatic colour palette and thoughtful accents coalesce to allow the dwelling to morph between interactions.

The living room is a mosaic of elements, consisting of wall cladding from The Stone Casa, the beige sofa called John-John sofa by Poltrona Frau, a green sofa called Campus by Natuzzi, an arm chair called Archibald by Poltrona Frau, a chaise from Andersen Paolinaa and Daybed by Minotti, three cylinder centre tables by Casegoods and wall art by Jaipur Rugs; Photograph by Ishita Sitwala

The moving image

The sea is revealed in a three-part act as the home unfolds in a cinematic journey. The opening scene: an unsuspecting foyer cast in a cement finish. The camera pans, revealing the guest bedroom — a sun-drenched refuge with honey oak veneers and an arresting tropical wallpaper. It’s a burst of personality, a promise of the stories waiting to unfold within these walls.

Modern and clean, yet filled beautifully with many-a elements, the living room is a masterclass in interior decor; Photograph by Ishita Sitwala

Next, we enter the dining room, a stage set for laughter and lively conversation. A Blue Myst marble table, the protagonist of shared meals, takes centre stage under the sculptural spotlight of a Bocci light fixture.

The scene explodes into grandeur as we reach the double-height living space. Towering walls evoke a sense of awe, their verticality drawing the eye upwards like a tracking shot. Yet, within this vast expanse, ingenious design creates a series of intimate seating pockets framing vignettes of life against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea.

The master bedroom comprises flooring from HKS Flooring, an armchair called Amalia by Natuzzi and a chaise from Cottons and Satins; Photograph by Ishita Sitwala

Finally, the camera cuts to the master suite, a sanctuary of warmth and luxury. Rich wood floors meet a marble-clad ensuite. Here, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, the residents can retreat in repose.

An artistic approach

“The living room turned out to be everything it set out to be… The powder room was just dramatic, whimsical and fun,” adds Jason. Complete with a decorative maximal wallpaper, the powder room veers away from the minimal direction of the residence. When it came to art, Jason advised the homeowners to take their time, approaching collecting as an act that evolves with time.

The kitchen is dipped in blue, almost reflecting the blues of the sea in the view outside; Photograph by Ishita Sitwala

The most exquisite wallpaper from Fornasetti adds a unique touch to the bathroom alongwith bath fittings from Axor Hansgrohe and Doi pendant light by Luceplan; Photograph by Ishita Sitwala

Opposing the balcony stands a proud optical illusion artwork, brilliant red that turns into sky blue. “Ensuring the cohesive integration of diverse design elements posed a delightful challenge, compelling us to innovate and refine our approach to achieve optimal balance and harmony,” concludes the designer

Chroma and character

Be it Hitchcock or Wes Anderson, each director conjures a colour scheme that defines their creations. Why should architecture be any different? The foundation sports neutral hues — whites, beiges and greys — a monochromatic palette that echoes through Jason’s oeuvre. Strategic pops of colour emerge in the form of artwork and decor. These bursts of personality inject character, a playful counterpoint to the brooding base. Marble and stone accents add a touch of austere gravitas to the home.

The bathroom shines bright like a sapphire; Photograph by Ishita Sitwala

Breathtaking views of the ocean take centre stage as wall tiles from Cambay Stones and bath fittings from Axor Hansgrohe adorn the bathroom; Photograph by Ishita Sitwala

The closer you get to the water’s edge in Mumbai, you are reminded that the city is more sea than land. Ephemeral yet stoic, this residence embodies the dual nature of the city, fluid yet forbearing, fleeting yet firmly present. Pockets of stillness in the grand scheme of things.

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