Summer Haus: A pastel Parisian escape in Mumbai

Exhibiting a delicate contrast with its French New Wave-like snug amidst the cold, steely demeanour of the towering skyscrapers it cohabits amidst — the Summer Haus in Mumbai evokes a sense of romanticism and nostalgia that teleports you into what could best be described as a whimsical movie set, out of a Wes Anderson film.

With its intimate floor plan, functionally intricate rooms, and a charming garden breakout space, it challenges perceptions with myriad windows and visually interconnected spaces. And, while TAC worked on the architectural aspect, Anjali Mody, founder of Josmo is the genius behind the immersive design experience.

As you step into the Summer Haus, you are immediately enveloped in an environment brimming with eclectic dynamism where the interplay of materials gracefully guides the transition from informal to formal spaces, infusing each area with its unique tone and character.

Owing to the fact that the well-travelled homeowners run a production house in the cinema paradise of the country, the brief was focused, while evidently predictable, “Sans any typical Indian home. A home that reflects their travel experiences and love for cinema… Featuring a blend of diverse cultures, almost like the SOHO house culture — blending the old and new in a unique way, embracing diversity and a cosmopolitan lifestyle,” reveals Mody, who also designed their Goan holiday home, Villa Vida a few years ago.

However, the biggest challenge lies in pinning down ideas that won’t change. “Since our clients are from a creative space and literally build movie sets for a living, their taste and experiences evolve and change over time. The key here is to bring the design back to a foundational philosophy that our ideas need to stand the test of time, thus making the space last through the changing creative climate in which they reside,” shares Mody about designing for clients deeply inspired by the world of cinema and series.

Greeted by the cosy embrace of the living room, adorned with bespoke Josmo-designed rugs and elegant Harshita Jhamtani lamps, you find yourself in a space that effortlessly marries formality with a touch of whimsy.

Transitioning to the formal dining area, you experience an understated elegance elevated by rich wood accents and intricate inlay floors. However, balancing diverse cultural influences while maintaining a cohesive design is crucial.

Mody shares her approach, saying, “We chose a combination of white and black marble, along with the warm embrace of wood to create a visual thread that guides you through the overall space. It’s almost as if you’re embarking on a captivating walk, akin to navigating through the city of Paris.” As you follow the line, a small passage beckons, unveiling the den, where a plush red sofa and carpet become the focal point.

Mody describes the intent behind this art-filled sanctuary, “Our aim is to craft a haven where our clients can immerse themselves, surrounded by elements that authentically express their individual tastes and experiences. The walls, transformed into captivating canvases, contribute to the room’s overall aesthetic, interweaving a tapestry of imagination that evokes narratives and piques curiosity with every frame.”

Guiding you to the first floor is a staircase that transcends mere functionality, becoming a vessel for the tale of metamorphosis. The steps, adorned with a medley of marble, wood, and cane, carry the narrative of transformation from the ground floor upwards, weaving a visual symphony that extends to the master floor.

The piece de resistance eagerly awaits on the second floor. Ascending to this realm, an air of confidence gracefully permeates the atmosphere, guided by the awe-inspiring 15 ft high A-frame ceiling adorned with a custom -designed Mother Gone Mad chandelier.

Mody shares the intricacies behind its creation, “The chandelier, crafted from woven wool and cane chords, features a captivating red highlight, seamlessly connecting it to the room’s overall design. We experimented with multiple diameters to strike the optimum balance between volume and cohesiveness.

In fact, the diameter is close to 6 feet and still sits in harmony within the space, elevated to zenith.” A striking large rug wraps the master suite, infusing the space with a captivating burst of colour, the wardrobe metamorphoses into exquisite rattan furniture, serving as a gateway that leads to the dreamlike closet and the en suite bathroom featuring a solid marble sink counter weighing nearly a tonne, all set against a teal green colour palette.

The Summer Haus is a whimsical masterpiece that captivates with its quirky symmetry, bold and bright colours, and well-lit spaces. Every corner of this enchanting abode showcases meticulous attention to detail, from the arched entryways and partitions that add an element of intrigue to the unconventional chandeliers that serve as captivating focal points.

As you explore the Summer Haus, you are transported into a surreal tableau of design excellence, where the Andersonesque atmosphere lingers in the air. It is a living, breathing film set, where each room tells a story and invites you to immerse yourself in its cinematic wonder.

With its fusion of art, design, and storytelling, the Summer Haus embodies the essence of magical and immersive design, creating an unforgettable experience for all who step through its doors.

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