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    Inside an art lovers’ gallery-like home in Mumbai designed by Studio Wodehouse

    DEC 10, 2024 | By Aditi Singla
    A Baccarat crystal chandelier and whimsical artwork takes the centre stage in the dining space; Styled by Sameer Wadekar; Photography by Suleiman Merchant
    The guest bedroom on the left has access to the shared balcony of the master bedroom to the right. The tessellated black and white tiles, sleek black console and platers contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal; Styled by Sameer Wadekar; Photography by Suleiman Merchant
    A dark textured console crowned by an alabaster lamp lends an aura of diffused elegance. An abstract black and white art piece becomes a dynamic focal point. The color palette on the walls is primarily neutral, with tones of warm whites, soft greys, and muted tones forming the foundation. These neutral shades were selected to act as a subtle canvas, allowing the vibrant furniture from Demurodas to stand out; Photography by Suleiman Merchant
    The living room exudes a sense of curated sophistication with an upholstered Roche Bobois Sofa, Moroso Armchairs, a Miniform glass table and a Marina Home Dubai marble table. While natural light streams in during the day and energy efficient lighting cast an ethereal glow in the evenings; Styled by Sameer Wadekar; Photography by Suleiman Merchant
    A custom modern bed with vertically panelled headboard upholstered in neutral beige is complemented by two Demurodas side tables and lamps from The Hesperus Store. Above the headboard, a framed piece of artwork with bold hues stands out vividly against the subdued neutrality of the master bedroom walls; Photography by Suleiman Merchant
    The TV zone in the master bedroom features an interesting blend of textures, shapes and materials. There’s a coffee table from Bombay Design Lab, sofa from Norde Turkey, an acrylic chair from cb2, green side table from Mood Dubai and a bookshelf from Chiki Doshi; Photography by Suleiman Merchant

    Every home has its own ineffable allure, some imbued with an understated poise, others with a grandeur that defies the ordinary. But then, there is this neoteric pied-à-terre in Mumbai that immerses you in the heart of an art lover’s dream. Converted to a two-bedroom apartment from a three-bedroom, this refreshingly stylish 2000 sq ft abode helmed by Principal Designer Shonali Mahajan Cooper of Studio Wodehouse, alongside design practice Levitate, boasts an art-centric transitional design.

    Sculptural surprises emerge in unanticipated alcoves and rooms unfurl the family’s artistic journey. “Art was a central focus for the owners, but we also discussed the need for practical storage solutions and other functional elements,” says Shonali alongside Bisakha Verma and Digant Dharamshi from Levitate. “Careful consideration of scale, proportion and lighting has been made to make sure the artworks complemented the overall design without overshadowing the comfort and livability of the home.”

    A checkered-pattern sofa, geometric area rug, wooden furniture including an asymmetrical shelving unit imbue mid-century modern charm in the master bedroom; Styling by Sameer Wadekar; Photography by Suleiman Merchant

     

    The TV zone in the master bedroom features an interesting blend of textures, shapes and materials. There’s a coffee table from Bombay Design Lab, sofa from Norde Turkey, an acrylic chair from cb2, a green side table from Mood Dubai and a bookshelf from Chiki Doshi; Photography by Suleiman Merchant

     

    The gilded gold wall sculpture by Aldo Chaparro and the ivory-hued curvaceous boucle sofa creates an interesting interplay of rigidity and softness. While Jaipur rugs carpet, Demurodas cocktail table, Tacchini boucle sofa, Souza artwork and Aldo Chaparro Artwork ties the space together; Photography by Suleiman Merchant

    An architrave frames the passage from the foyer into the living room where the ambience oodles with gallery-like luxurious elements. To one side, a gilded-crumpled metal wall sculpture gleams, juxtaposed with a curvaceous boucle sofa. The other side is anchored with a Roche Bobois sofa and a monumental coffee table, all unified by a free-form textured rug. 

    A Baccarat crystal chandelier and whimsical artwork take centre stage in the dining space; Photography by Suleiman Merchant

     

    The corridor features a striking Philippe Jeffries wallpaper, ash-dyed grey veneer from Venzo, parquet from Havwoods and the homeowner’s art; Photography by Suleiman Merchant

    Standing out with its soft grey and warm white canvas, the living room extends to the dining area interlaced with a quirky character. A vintage crystal chandelier cascades over the glass-topped dining table. On the wall, a vibrant contemporary artwork, alongside small art pieces injects colour into the otherwise restrained aesthetics. Directly from the entrance door is a passage that leads to the master bedroom, guest room and a newly carved-out powder bathroom. 

    The artworks are incorporated on a neutral color palette allowing them to shine and give a personal expression to each room. Speaking of design philosophy Shonali explains “It centres on creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply personal and layered with history and meaning. Every item here serves a purpose, whether it’s aesthetic, functional, or emotional, reflecting the owner’s identity.” 

    A custom modern bed with a vertically panelled headboard upholstered in neutral beige is complemented by two Demurodas side tables and lamps from The Hesperus Store. Above the headboard, a framed piece of artwork with bold hues stands out vividly against the subdued neutrality of the master bedroom walls; Photography by Suleiman Merchant

     

    The guest bedroom with a custom black framed rattan bed by Studio Wodehouse infuses the space with rustic elegance. The walls in a very subtle light green hue augment the room’s tranquil atmosphere accompanied by light from Terra Trading. The bedroom has an ensuite bathroom and boasts a walk-in wardrobe area as well; Photography by Suleiman Merchant

     

    An architrave door design and a colourful artwork with contemporary shapes at the entrance invite pause and contemplation; Photography by Suleiman Merchant

    Vintage furniture and decorative artefacts bring in a thoughtful blend of eras and textures, and the bedrooms serve as compelling evidence. The master bedroom with a neatly integrated TV zone, a walk-in wardrobe and a dressing area establishes a practical spatiality. It opens onto a balcony through stately French fenestrations, which is strategically shared with the guest bedroom. “In Mumbai having walk-in wardrobes is considered a luxury, having two is just uber-luxe” Shonali exclaims. 

    This en-suite bathroom with lustrous emerald green subway tiles, Taherally’s brass mirror and a pristine white vanity is highly functional and elegant; Photography by Suleiman Merchant

     

    The vertical panel in the powder room is graced with a Life n Colors muted-green mural of floral branches. The vanity is a paragon of geometric precision tied with an antique brass wall sconce with crackled glass shade from The Hesperus; Photography by Suleiman Merchant

     

    The combination of cool blue tiles and polished obsidian on the vanity establishes a bold contrast with the beige walls. The mosaic flooring adds to the visual appeal; Photography by Suleiman Merchant

    Speaking of sustainability practices, Shonali shares “We integrated home automation with sustainable materials to make the home a smart, eco-friendly space that balances style, functionality, and environmental responsibility.” Natural materials like wood have been used for the herringbone flooring. Low-VOC paints, LED lighting solutions and upcycled antiques align the home with the designer’s sustainability goals. It is evident that this new apartment in Mumbai fulfils the owner’s wishlist, leapfrogs trends and embraces the evergreen values of ecological guardianship.

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