Homes
An ensemble of Japanese and Scandinavian interiors reveals at Mumbai’s Seaside home by Studio Urban Form + Objects
FEB 29, 2024 | By Subikshaa Stalin
In the bustling cityscape of Mumbai, nestled within an old building, lies a serene home that envelops muted spaces, flooded with light and accentuated with the breathtaking views of the sea. Setting a vivid stage for Japanese and Scandinavian interior styles, Studio Urban Form + Objects, also known as Studio UF+O, designs the space to exude tranquillity through its easy, austere palette.
“The conception of Seaside Abode stems from a deliberate choice made by the client in getting a space closer to the western waterfront and the panoramic vistas it unfolds over the bay area. In response, we designed modest spaces emphasising the views,” say Prachi Parekh Vora and Vineet J. Vora, Co-founders, Studio UF+O.
Glimmers of Japandi
With a clear vision in mind, they set out to transform this 1,250 sq ft apartment into a beautiful dwelling that blends the aesthetics of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian simplicity — a design ethos colloquially dubbed Japandi Style.
A central circulatory corridor welcomes visitors guiding them through the space, flanked by a home office on one side and a spacious kitchen on the other. The dematerialisation of walls along this corridor achieved through the careful replacement of minimal glass partitioning with sandwiched linen, pays homage to Japanese shoji screens, offering privacy when needed while allowing natural light to permeate effortlessly.
Functions of tranquility
As one moves further, the heart of the home unfolds – a luminous living and dining space that serves as a sanctuary for relaxation, adorned with vistas of the sea link to the west. Prachi and Vineet recall, “As a central living space that overlooks the sea link, we enjoyed designing the space. However, our greatest challenge was how to eliminate the feeling of spatial restriction when entering the home.”
Bedrooms flank the ends of the apartment, with the master bedroom offering a captivating panorama of the western waterfront, perpetuating the tranquil ambience. Keeping with the Japandi aesthetic, Seaside Abode seamlessly integrates functionality with aesthetics. Wardrobes and storage cabinets are discreetly tucked away within the walls conveniently allowing ample room for movement.
Studio UF+O’s ethos in design
Carefully curated bespoke furniture pieces crafted from locally sourced teak interplay with the minimal backdrop infusing warmth and character into the space. Additionally, stone sculptures and side tables throughout the residence are crafted from indigenous Indian marble, conceived in an effort to highlight their beauty and robustness in a sustainable manner.
Seaside Abode is a visual testament to Studio UF+O’s design philosophy that transcends mere aesthetics. It strikes a balance between contextual relevance and technological innovation, yielding design solutions that are both timeless and universal. Through its meticulous selection of materials and furniture pieces, the design embodies sustainable practices rooted in Prachi’s and Vineet’s passion for exploring traditional processes.
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