Homes

Layered House, conceptualised by Khushboo and Kunal Khandelwal of Design Inc, unfurls overlays of vintage and modern that carry the stories of its inhabitants

JUN 30, 2020 | By Aneesha Bhadri
The living room seems to belong to a bygone era, with dark leather Chesterfield inspired sofas and a leather and metal chest on a cow hide rug; Photographs by Photographix 
In the dining area, a large restored Japanese screen forms a wall panel; Photographs by Photographix 
A distressed wood cabinet sits on the other side of the dining table, whose base is actually an old ship wheel; Photographs by Photographix 
The master bedroom comprises blue walls with distressed wood and brass panelling; Photographs by Photographix 

A house cloaked in memories that narrates the stories of its dwellers, leaving room for more to come—this was the brief given to Khushboo and Kunal Khandelwal as well as Kajal Soni by the homeowners whose greatest passions include travels and antiquity.

This 2,000 sq ft apartment is located in South Mumbai and presents a melange of decor pieces from all over the world—from Timothy Oulton and Flos to The Charcoal Project and Tranceforme Designs, and even Harry Potter Studio and Chor Bazaar.

Basic civil changes were made to this space as it had several corridors. The result was a neater layout, encased by windows whose old teak frames have been restored. The walls were stripped down to reveal bricks throughout. Fluted teak panels line the corridors, juxtaposed with beige walls and textured surfaces with wood laminated floors and ceiling, and brass details.

Accessories from Chor Bazaar, Clove, Home Artisan, Marina Home, Pottery Barn, Sidewalks of the World, Simone, Timothy Oulton, The Charcoal Project, Tranceforme Designs et al adorn the space. An Inception mirror reflects the lounge, reinforcing the juxtaposition of modern with vintage; Photographs by Photographix 

A large vintage clock at the entrance is flanked by wall scones around the fluted brass door. A distressed wood mirror adds depth to the otherwise narrow corridor. The living room transports one to a bygone era—dark leather Chesterfield inspired sofas, leather and metal chests on a cow hide rug are flanked by vintage metal lamps. An Inception mirror reflects the space, creating a sense of infinity and reinforcing the idea of layers of stories through time.

The globetrotting family’s apartment is a melange of decor pieces from all over the world—the wall features a montage of quotes, quirky objects and country accessories that complement the gentleman’s club leather chairs and vintage metal lamp; Photographs by Photographix 

The standalone timber bar is paired with rustic metal and leather stools. The wall behind is a montage of quotes, quirky pieces and country accessories that complement the gentleman’s club leather chairs and vintage metal lamp.

In the dining area, a large restored Japanese screen forms a wall panel on one side and a distressed wood cabinet flanked by fluted glass floor lamps sits on the other side of the table, which uses an old ship wheel as the base.

Original teak window frames have been restored, and potted greens added for freshness. The carpentry of this modern vintage home has been done by Chimanlal Bhadesia; Photographs by Photographix 

The master bedroom is the ultimate statement in vintage luxury with its dark blue walls, distressed wood and brass wall panelling and furniture. On the other hand, the daughter’s bedroom is peppier and brighter with layers of fabric panels and funky colourful accessories. The son’s bedroom pays homage to the Harry Potter universe—meticulously sourced accessories of the famous franchise adorn a fluted blue wall.

“The entire space is envisaged as an envelope of layers; concealed lighting creates shadows and patterns over the layers and sets different moods. It’s a home which pays homage to memories old and new, where each element tells its own story, adding more layers over time—creating its own ‘vintage modern’ design identity,” say the Khandelwals.

The son’s bedroom is decorated with accessories from Harry Potter Studio that adorn a fluted blue wall; Photographs by Photographix