Journey into the mind of designer Kumpal Vaid at this Mumbai apartment, Emerald Sky

Have you ever heard of a holiday home in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai? Or a faux fireplace in Maximum City? Well, brace yourself, because the design wizards at Purple Backyard led by Kumpal Vaid have conjured up a celestial haven right in the heart of the city! It is a testament to the mettle of good design, an escape that combines the comforts of a luxurious home with the excitement of the metropolis.

“An unexpected social media enquiry flourished into a shared endeavour, representing our ease-laced synergy with our clients!” reminisces Kumpal Vaid, Founder and Principal Designer at Purple Backyard. This 12 year-old design studio has created a second home that transcends reality with its sublimely transitional bespoke DNA—permeating a dreamlike aura to create an abode for an elderly North Indian couple. Perched atop the country’s tallest skyscraper, 73 Emerald Sky is a breathtaking home spanning over 2,200 sq ft.

The lofty abode offers a serene retreat, seemingly elevated to the heavens, with the 73rd floor vantage point affording an awe-inspiring view of the world below. Featuring a living room, primary bedroom, guest bedroom, two separate studies and more, this four bedroom home is turned into a large suite that is also a holiday home as it walks the line between bold sensibilities and minimalism. “The family’s requirements were centred around a practical home that would function seamlessly as a secondary residence to entertain loved ones and privacy-laced zones in the form of independent home offices for the couple,” shares Kumpal.

“The site visits were nothing short of an experiential delight. We had clouds drift in through the windows and portals of the home. Spoilt for views, the residence frames vignettes of the glorious Bandra-Worli Sea Link on one side and the Bombay Dockyard on the other, while the concrete jungle below is minimised to minuscule proportions,” muses Kumpal. With the retreat-like space being privy to arresting views, it became imperative to design an internal environment that celebrated the former while creating an inviting sanctuary.

The foyer serves as an introductory glimpse into the overarching design ethos of the residence. Featuring a wooden carved backdrop flowing into the communal areas, it invites you into a realm where simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication. Vibrant 3D foliage relief work motifs dance along the walls, reaching towards the sky. Two Victorian-style chairs welcome you to sit and stay a while, as two bean-shaped sofas engage in a silent conversation, surrounded by the eclectic magic of a handmade circular rug.The faux fireplace mantel, which frames the background of the living area and is a favourite of Kumpal’s, a perfect example of old-world charm meeting a modernist sensibility.

“The moulding-clad mantle hosts a ceiling-length mirror above it, reflecting the volume of the space. The faux fireplace cavity below has been lined with a chequered lining, enunciating a play of patterns. A totemic sculpture stands tall within, punctuating the room with a touch of whimsy and adding to the surreal atmosphere,” adds Kumpal. “The silhouette of every element within this open-plan living area has been painstakingly devised in relation to the views. Hence, the soft-edged and sweeping forms debut here while keeping the eyeline focused outwards,” says Kumpal, referring to the sweeping flooring that bears a dynamic character and becomes a part of the home’s essence. “White marble has been speckled with diagonally placed chips of semi-precious green Aventurine stone, lending the canvas an embedded sense of movement,” illustrates Kumpal.

Interestingly, the name of the residence pays to the colour green that the lady of the home nurtures, a detail that is evident throughout. “From the living room featuring green and white patterned armchairs, to the powder room with emerald and brass accents, the green colour theme is imaginatively incorporated into the home’s design. The galley-style kitchen is elongated with the use of green, and the study boasts an ombre finish with greys transitioning into a forest green. The primary suite also includes two emerald green armchairs that create a conversation area on an abstract rug,” justifies Kumpal tracing the descent of colour.

In the primary bedroom, the focus is on the mesmerising views, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the endless horizon. “The custom-designed bed is simple and elegant, made of a single piece of natural teak and upholstered in a neutral fabric. The plush carpet, a beautiful throw and a mix of throw pillows add layers of comfort and luxury,” shares Kumpal. Additionally, the guest bedroom is designed as a secluded, private sanctuary, with each room featuring its own distinct style and aesthetic. “The room features a botanical hand-painted mural of a jungle scene adorning the walls,” explains Kumpal. Two separate studies are designed to reflect the individual preferences of the couple.

“The gentleman’s study embodies a retro-chic atmosphere reminiscent of Mid-Century Modern American offices from the late 60s, with a unifying use of materials from that era. Meanwhile, the lady’s study showcases clean geometry, featuring a black and white Indian panda stone desk and open bookshelf against a tropical print, ochre backdrop. The study also includes pocket doors that lead to a tucked bar,” discloses Kumpal.The meticulous attention to detail evident throughout this holiday abode is a demonstration of the supreme mastery of design. Each aspect of the space has been expertly crafted to exude an aura of comfort and serenity. The utilisation of locally sourced materials, expertly fashioned by artisans of exceptional talent, embodies the richness of the region and a symbiotic partnership between the design studio and its collaborators.

This beguiling sanctuary represents a triumphant celebration of the transformative power of design, a surreal escape that transcends the boundaries of the everyday. Kumpal Vaid and her team have unlocked the ethereal potential of this dwelling, producing a timeless masterpiece for their discerning clients to bask in and cherish for years to come.

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