Lessons in multigenerational homes: Studio Osmosis imagines a modern yet personalised abode in Mumbai

In the arena of crafting interiors, embedding individuality in the many spaces and corners of the home goes well beyond being a buzzword. It also means achieving the perfect equilibrium between utility, aesthetics and the layering of thematic ideas. Inside this home in Mumbai, the ever-so cosmopolitan heart of new-age residences, Sameer Balvally and Shilpa Jain Balvally of Studio Osmosis spearhead a similar thought. 

Sprawling an area of 1,500 sq ft, this multi-generational residence in the Wadala locale of the city interweaves each family member’s distinct identity. As Shilpa divulges, “Combining modern living, classic elegance and professional functionality, the design harmonises the diverse preferences of a couple, their parents and a sister. We translated diverse family narratives into a cohesive spatial language.”

Carving spatial clues

The spaces had to undergo significant structural changes to create adaptable, multifunctional areas. For the couple, private spaces, the ability to work from home and foresight into their future requirements were of the utmost importance. The parents expressed their love for luxurious elements and the sister desired a space that could double up as her make-up studio. While this might sound like one too many mixers for a singular cocktail, Studio Osmosis made for the perfect design mixologist – concocting the home into a delectable moodboard of various influences along with stylist Shraddha Nayak.

The art of interconnecting

With hints of art deco and subtle arches, the home balances boldness with subtlety using pastels and shades of black and blue. The home unfolds as a series of interconnected spaces, each with its own visual character. The main door echoes the typical style of art deco through a curved metal pattern, the perfect gateway to the striped archway of the entrance. Bold and over the top, it suggests the confluence of modern and classic ideas. Simple and functional, the living room anchors itself with darker tones and plenteous sunlight flooding in. 

The importance of spending time together translates into the kitchen as well. “As the entire family is fond of home-cooked meals, they generally bond during the hours they spend together in the kitchen at the beginning and end of each work day. The conversations from the kitchen are extended to the dining area. This seamless flow of conversation can be seen in the design in the form of fluid lines and a sliding glass partition,” explain Sameer and Shilpa. 

Delving further into the home, one heads toward the private spaces. In the master bedroom, the Art Deco theme of the home is taken to its heights. Paired with elements of subtle opulence, motifs are seen on the screen between the wardrobes and bed, on the wall behind the bed as a print and ever so slightly in the tufting of the headboard. Fun and casual or glamorous and poised, either way, the master bedroom remains versatile and airy.  

Inside the sister’s room, a myriad things had to be taken into consideration. Being a make-up artist, she was keen on having a space to dress her clients and photograph them. Multi-faceted rotatable mirror panels were added to the dressing area, zoning the wardrobe area and ringing bells of the screen in the master bedroom.

Multilayered yet singular

With the home being a nexus for a multigenerational family, designing takes an elevated role to cradle a multitude of sentiments and design aspirations. Maintaining a consistent theme, while experimenting with singular elements in each space, Studio Osmosis shapes up a beautiful narrative in this Mumbai home that champions luxury through motifs, materials and tones and spatial decisions.

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