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    A cosy mountain-esque cabin home finds life in a Mumbai apartment by Aashni Kumar

    JUL 10, 2024 | By Subikshaa Stalin
    The living room is a sensorial delight with delicate light fixtures from Harshita Jhamtani, SAR Studio's side table, Pinakin's cosy armchairs, SAR Studio's coffee table, and plush sofas from Arjunvir Gujral Design Studio; Photography by Ishita Sitwala; Styled by Samir Wadekar
    A solemn corridor stands against the tide of ‘more is more’. Aashni's design strips away unnecessary details creating a strong foundation built around memories, moods, and moments; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

    Redefining the concept of serene spaces with an unexpected palette of dark browns, vivid blacks and mushroom greys, this residence could easily be a cabin home perched on the mountains. Except that it is not. This is a home in Mumbai’s thrumming neighbourhood of Lower Parel imagined by Aashni Kumar, sprawling 1,200 sq ft deluged in a salving lull.

    The homeowners, a young couple, dreamed of a sanctuary that offered respite from their hectic working schedules. With dark teakwood floors and snug tones, Aashni brings home the warmth of a secluded stay.

    An olive green Sofa by Arjunvir Gujral Design Studio and blue carpet by Hatsu infuse vigour to the otherwise warm colour palette of the home. A sleek swing arm light by Black Steel completes the furnishing of the den; Photography by Ishita Sitwala; Styled by Samir Wadekar

    Curated comfort

    An abstract gold-rimmed mirror welcomes you in the foyer leading to a greige living room. The living room is a carefully curated space casting an eclectic mix of furniture, art, and lighting pieces in an entertaining symphony.

    A solemn corridor stands against the tide of ‘more is more’. Aashni’s design strips away unnecessary details creating a strong foundation built around memories, moods, and moments; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

    To the right, a classic kitchen bathed in light awaits. Alongside the dining area, a compact bar unit in regal black stands gracefully. The four-seater dining table, a pleasant blend of wood backrests and grey upholstery, completes the inviting scene.

    Rustic charm engulfs the den as a raw bark serves as the home desk alongside the teak and cane storage shutters and bookshelves. The space is furnished with a study chair by Camelot and curtains Curtains by Bharat Furnishings ; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

    A solemn passage hides behind the black open-grain wood door leading you into the private spaces of the master bedroom, the den and home study, and the walk-in wardrobe.  The master bedroom embraces the essence of a comforting home, free from unnecessary embellishments. With solemn greige tones and a jute charpai, it exudes modern luxury. 

    Between the cupboards, a mirror sits in a small wooden niche, creating storage for vanity; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

    Cool contrasts — Femme Chic vs. Masc. Mod

    When asked about her favourite spaces, Aashni finds herself torn between the walk-in wardrobe and the den. “These spaces capture the couple’s personalities with a beautiful contrast between feminine and masculine elements,” she explains.

    The walk-in wardrobe, with its French-inspired design, elegantly mirrors the wife’s profession as a jeweller. This space radiates femininity through its crinkled fabric-clad wardrobes and luxurious gold and rose-pink tones. Conversely, the den embodies a masculine spirit with its plush sage-green sofa and an earthy blend of cane and wooden storage bookshelves. A rustic bark desk completes the sophisticated and functional workspace, making it a perfect retreat within the home

    The master bedroom, adorned with soft linen and silk upholstery, adds to the home’s rich textural variety; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

    Memories and materials

    Aashni’s favourite aspect of any project is crafting a nuanced material palette, and this home is no exception. Rich dark teak-wood flooring and open-grain black wood anchor the design, while greige textured walls provide a backdrop for layers of pink Dholpur stone, and matte Belgium black marble. 

    A compact in-built bar in a tasteful combination of black open-grain wood and fluted glass overlooks the travertine dining table by SAR Studio alongside dining chairs by West Elm; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

    Rustic elements like jute, cane, and bark are thoughtfully placed with gold and black metal accents, enhancing the tactile experience. Soft furnishing in linen, velvet, silk and cotton adds warmth, creating a cosy ambience. 

    “With this home the goal was to cultivate tranquillity within a contemporary urban setting, with influences from Japanese and French contemporary design,” sums up Aashni, who reflects her philosophy of crafting timeless spaces by weaving together memories, moods and moments.

    Scroll below to tour the house…

    ; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

     

    An earthy mood was intended with the space’s subtle colour palette; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

     

    Keeping it simple with teak and cane, Aashni crafts a cosy working station in the den; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

     

    Aashni’s design wittily draws attention to the varied textures of furniture in the living room with the use of bare, textured walls; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

     

    The walk-in wardrobe beautifully embodies the home’s softer, more feminine essence with the use of crinkled fabric-clad wardrobes and a rose-pink pouffe by Gulmohar Lane; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

     

    The living room is a sensorial delight with delicate light fixtures from Harshita Jhamtani, SAR Studio’s side table, Pinakin’s cosy armchairs, SAR Studio’s coffee table, and plush sofas from Arjunvir Gujral Design Studio; Photography by Ishita Sitwala

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