Less is more in a city home

Minimalism romances English design elements in this Mumbai home by Studio Rohini Bagla

10 Oct 2025

Elements from an 18th century novel — English mouldings on the ceilings, Georgian-style doorways, fluted panels on walls surround this home battling the notion that monochromes entail dullness. Rohini Bagla, the founder and principal designer of her eponymous firm designs an apartment, The Pastel Sueño, that fits the mood of Jane Austen’s vision of the Bennet house with a side of Monica Geller’s eclectic apartment.

The 1,050 sq ft two bedroom home in Mumbai is wrapped in softness, it’s a sanctuary of calm for the residents — a young couple and their little kids — amongst the urban chaos. “The inspiration was rooted in restraint and romantic minimalism. We leaned into pastel hues and clean silhouettes, echoing English timelessness while infusing it with an Indian soul,” says Rohini.

“The design journey was less about imposing trends and more about creating a quiet, elegant rhythm—where every corner encourages you to pause, exhale, and simply be”

Rohini Bagla

Minimalist Mumbai home by Studio Rohini Bagla — Styled by Mitalee Mehta, Photography by Sagar Mandal

Where romance whispers

“This was a home designed in hushed tones: muted peaches, whispery whites, cloud greys, soft beiges, and the occasional inky black to anchor the dreaminess,” says Rohini when talking about the subdued colour palette that envelopes the home. But the colours are enriched through the use of compelling textures and materials, especially the delicate trimmings of moulding used freely throughout the space.

“Lightness, nostalgia, and lived elegance flowed through the palette and form,” adds Rohini, while explaining the design language of the home. The functional home stays imaginative through the use of design choices and decorative elements such as an artwork above the sofa and a display on either side of the dining that adds character to the place.

Joy of monochromes

A monochrome palette echoes through the living and the dining area, as Rohni wanted to “celebrate subtlety.” A black-trimmed sofa, black centre table, and monochrome artwork creates a visual dialogue of contrasts in the living. The kitchen remains a canvas of black and white. The master bedroom stays minimalistic yet sees subtle splashes of colour on the ceiling, headboard and some of the furniture around the room. The guest room cum study area features sliding doors and nominal amount of furniture.

The children’s bedroom however is another story, described as “playground of imagination” by Rohini, where a whimsical tone takes the centre stage. Inventive use of butter yellow gives the room an energising burst of dopamine while the use of arches and layered beddings adds softness and rhythm to the room.

A material story

The relaxed colour palette of the house invites homeliness through the use of classic wooden textures, fluted panels, delicate beading, soft gold accents, and layered textiles. “Even curtain trims and wardrobe handles were chosen as if selecting poetry lines—they had to speak, gently,” adds Rohini.

The use of soft colours ties the entire home together and stays away from sameness. Smart design choices such as wall niches and nooks in the children’s room optimise most of the space without overcrowding. An aura of calm envelops you the moment you enter the home and flows through the space, “functionality dances quietly with beauty”.