Design

Colour divides the aesthetic of Neuma—Mumbai’s neoteric restaurant designed by Ashiesh Shah

NOV 1, 2022 | By Kashish Kaushal
The Bar Nautica is realised in blue and white colours with cushions from Jasmine Jhaveri Design Studio, an Atelier Ashiesh Shah table and a carpet by Luxerus; Photography by Ashish Sahi

Expressing bygone eras through heritage, resting silently in the middle of chaos and defining cityscapes, Mumbai’s architecture is influenced by Neoclassical, Victorian-Gothic, Art Deco, Indo-Saracenic and contemporary architectural styles. For those who are perceptive enough to observe it, they are still alive and kicking amidst the city’s fabled commotion. An equally nostalgic gem that once stood as the city’s first standalone fine dining restaurant, Indigo, has now been transformed into the suave and stylish Neuma. Just how change is the only constant, this restaurant retains the original character and at the same time, plays a steady game with multiple design variables.

Stationed at Colaba, Mumbai, the moment you step inside Neuma—owned by filmmaker and television personality Karan Johar and designed by Ashiesh Shah, a sensorial experience awaits you. “Every room has a distinct character leaving the viewer in absolute awe and surprise,” says Ashiesh. Art pieces and collectibles sourced from all over the world reminiscent of a collector’s home lend a certain affability to the space. 

The space features art pieces and collectables sourced from all over reminiscent of a collector’s home; Photography by Ashish Sahi

 

Ashiesh Shah presents the space in a new avatar with his minimal aesthetic; Photography by Ashish Sahi

Bathed in natural light, the oakwood sun porch area with its skylight opens up to the trees and infinite sky lending a certain warmth to the space.

The amply lit staircase leading to the first floor is distinguished by a sculpture by Siddhartha Kararwal and its rope-detailed handrails inspired by Ashiesh’s excursions to Sri Lanka; Photography by Ashish Sahi

The courtyard with its black and white old world cement tiles are complemented by the detailed moulding panels on either side. The bar, realised in hues of red, is characterised by a sculptural light fixture inspired by Anish Kapoor, much like a cigar lounge room clad in wood adding a dramatic flair.

The Blanc dining room emanates an intimate aura courtesy the Moonshadow pendant light from Atelier Ashiesh Shah, Naga dolls from Heirloom Naga and a Manglam Arts carpet; Photography by Ashish Sahi

 

Verdé, a private dining area, features the Lollipop dining chairs from The Koy Store and a Hatsu rug. The detailed corset panels paired with Atelier Ashiesh Shah’s signature Guccha light serve as the highlight of the space; Photography by Ashish Sahi

The private dining area, also referred to as the corset room features chairs and curtains with Channapatna bead tassels in tones of yellow. 

The detailed corset panels paired with the Atelier’s signature Guccha light serve as the highlight of the space.  The staircase leading to the first floor, amply lit, is distinguished by its rope-detailed handrails inspired by Ashiesh Shah’s sojourn in Sri Lanka.

Set against a medley of backdrops, this soulful restaurant with its layered aesthetic is the definition of modern luxury, colour and vibrancy; Photography by Ashish Sahi

The outdoor bar upstairs in hues of black coupled with foliage and water features is contrasted by its adjacent indoor dining area with a nautical vibe realised in blue and white with stunning chandeliers alongside its panelled walls. Set against a medley of backdrops, this soulful restaurant with its layered aesthetic is the definition of modern luxury, colour and vibrancy!

Click here to discover more about Neuma, featured in the October-November 2022 ELLE DECOR India issue!