Roopali Mashruwala channels theatrics of space to redefine the idea of a Mumbai apartment

If Shakespeare is to be believed then all the world’s a stage and we are merely players. But in our lives, would the home be the setting of the main act? Designed by Roopali Mashruwala of her eponymous studio, this two-storey 5,000 sq ft residence is no less than a flamboyant protagonist you can’t take your eyes off of. 

However, instead of a Hollywood cold shoulder, this space provides the warm characteristic of a snug home despite its dark and moody palette. Located on the third and fourth floor, the duplex redefines the idea of a Mumbai apartment. Elaborating on the approach, the architect helming Roopali Mashruwala Designs explains, “It has its share of drama and oomph but also allows one to put their feet up on a couch and enjoy the comfort and ease of being at home.”

Gorgeous greys

We are drawn to light like a moth to a candle. Often overlooked is the shadow that follows light. In this case, there is no such oversight. On the contrary, the grey palette creates an undeniable depth. Against the dark-grained wood, the focus is directed onto the central glowing fixture. 

“I think I began with a deep grey on my palette and as I moved along I added splashes of deep burgundy maroon and oxford blue and balanced it all out with touches of greige and deep mushroomy hues… colours which are very close to my heart,” adds Roopali. For someone who holds hues in such high regard, a single polish would not be enough. “I always have at least three different tones of polish in any given space, I love the play and contrast that they bring,” she adds. To balance the tonal and textural variation, leather, concrete and fabric were peppered into the mix.

Look up!

Standing under the triple-height volume in this home, the scale of the home comes alive through the vertical plane created by the staircase. Interestingly, the terrace despite being an al fresco space still carries the interiority of the levels below. 

“One very important feature that I love about the terrace, especially in the evenings once the sun is down, is that the warmth of the lighting inside the roof volume filters into the terrace, through the high-level windows,” avers Roopali. 

Eclectic elements

From the volutes of an Ionic capital to sculptures by renowned artists like K.S Radhakrishnan and Divyendu Anand, the rooms are replete with unconventional elements. “At the conception and initial stages of all projects, I insist on creating a complete inventory of all the paintings sculptures and artefacts,” says Roopali, continuing, “As I progress with the design, I designate a place for each of them…. This makes me confident that each element will get its due importance and be displayed in the best possible way.” 

With an interplay of antique and contemporary decor, would you call this home whimsical? “I think I prefer the word eclectic. I love homes that grow organically over a period of time and begin to tell stories of the lives of the people who live in them,” concludes Roopali. 

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