Homes

Sarah Sham of Essajees Atelier creates a calm oasis resting on classic contemporary notes in the heart of Mumbai’s financial district

OCT 31, 2018 | By Meenakshi Shankar
Blushing pinks sit across from powder blues, while cool greys with metallic details elevate the living room; Photographs by Studio Kunal Bhatia
Seen here are framed wall art from Black Crow Studios, bespoke brass centre table and custom-dyed sofas from Essajees Atelier, a bar cabinet from Chor Bazaar, flooring from Elegant Marbles and vintage chandeliers that are family heirlooms; Photographs by Studio Kunal Bhatia

The cacophony of the Maximum City melts away as we are ushered into this gorgeous home designed by Mumbai based Essajees Atelier. Fluid lines, muted pastels, metallic details, mirrored walls and vintage accents effortlessly blend to create a classic contemporary canvas that seems to embody modern Indian living.

Sham explains, “This space is located in the financial district of Mumbai, overlooking the hustle and bustle of an educational institution. The design brief was to create a calming oasis amid this urban jungle. When I walked into the space, it was a blank canvas sans walls and just a slab for a ceiling. Creating a home was a challenge.”

Working with soothing white as the predominant base colour, the designer infused the home with soft pastels.

A mirrored wall with a diamond pattern offsets the flooring made of leftover marble and inlaid with brass strips; Photographs by Studio Kunal Bhatia

The house is flooded with natural light, so the colours palette was chosen to complement the sunlight that bounces off the walls and lends subtle layers to the textured architectural narrative. Blushing pinks sit across from powder blues and cool greys with metallic details elevate spaces. The anchoring feature of this home is the dramatic play of patterns, textures and elements.

Powder blue in the contemporary dining chairs adds whimsy to the space; Photographs by Studio Kunal Bhatia

A diverse collage of materials and objects lends itself a harmonious design scheme. Solids and stripes have been tastefully paired with geometric and curlicue patterns, while vintage-style crystal chandeliers throw soft light on sleek glass and brass surfaces.

The master bedroom comes alive with Ralph Lauren wallpaper, custom bedding from Blueberry Home and fabrics from Bharat Furnishings. Framed sketches and blueprints of an ice cream machine from Etsy pay an ode to the homeowner’s love for cooking; Photographs by Studio Kunal Bhatia

Skilfully weaving life into the home, Sham brought in elements that hold the power to wow.

Scroll below for more images from this Sarah Sham project! 

A graphic treatment of the wall makes this a stylish bathroom; Photographs by Studio Kunal Bhatia

 

Herringbone flooring from Square Foot is seen in this pristine bedroom; Photographs by Studio Kunal Bhatia