A box of memories from trips around the world find place in Maulika Gandhi’s home in Mumbai designed in collaboration with Richa Bahl

A box of memories translates into a home that seems like a fairytale come true with some eclecticism, a hint of American farmhouse, a whiff of France and a dash of English country. Seemingly worlds apart, these elements come together in an intricate blend of patterns and playful splashes of colour in a 2,100 sq ft apartment in Worli, Mumbai. It can be tricky to design your own home, but Maulika Gandhi Founder, Magnolia Design Studio triumphed the feat, in collaboration with Richa Bahl of Richa Bahl Design Studio.The duo transform her house into a bundle of nostalgia and contemporary interiors. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, the home sits comfortably with a maximalist demeanour. 

A whirl of colours and patterns 

“Richa was inspired by the view of the home and wanted it to feel like it could belong anywhere in the world. She wanted the outside to come inside and create a seamless harmony between the two,” says Maulika.

Vibrant hues of red, yellow, blue, pink and green embrace the home’s interior. The art, fabric choices, wall textures, and décor with their twirl of patterns and colours seem like ancient Indian paintings, a way for the home to stay grounded to its Indian roots. From the ceiling in the foyer to the half-panelled walls, deep sage green runs through the home to add uniformity to it.

A French welcome 

The foyer with a marble French floor splattered with checks and clean fluted walls greets you. While an oakwood, rustic cabinet with foliage print and a beautiful console with small arches add softness to the design expression. Magnolia’s Antique reproduction colonial cane chair ties the foyer together.

Vintage glass lights by Hesperus light the way to the open living room, dining room, and bar. A thin passageway on the left guides to the kitchen, master bedroom and children’s bedroom while the one on the right leads to the family den, grandparents’ bedroom, and powder bathroom.

Magnolia’s prowess of dynamic colours, textures, and patterns to add a touch of the owners’ quirks reflects through the furniture in the living room. Cement grey finish tiles break the chequered flooring. Richa Bahl’s iconic style resonates through the classic vintage switch boards that take you down a trip to memory lane. Adding the contemporary in the room, state of the art loudspeakers flush against the ceiling along the panelled lighting.

A beautiful bolster design with self-textured geometric fabric adds a breath of fresh air to the seemingly boring ochre of the couch in the living room. Bright blue floral upholstery brings some quirk to the light wooden arm chair that sits next to the couch. The living room also accommodates a carved bar unit with tall chairs that gaze at the Mumbai skyline. The living room blends into the dining room. A farmhouse-style dining table with cane back chairs stand against a pale green tile backdrop.

Every room has an essence of individuality and a sprinkle of the dweller’s charm and interests. Eccentric pineapple knobs rest next to a large king-sized faux leather bed in the master bedroom. Ikat fabric adds some elegance to the cosy reading corner in the room that stands next to the handcrafted TV unit. An in-built arched niche showcases the personal collectables saved by Maulika.

On the other hand, the children’s bedroom houses a trundle bed for the twins by Magnolia and eclectic artwork by Riddhika Jesrani to complement their playfulness and goofy personality. Maulika wanted some playful, fun doodles on the painting to depict funny stories related to her twins. While the grandparents’ bedroom calls the family’s Indian roots with an oak bed, embroidered upholstered headboard, and intricately carved wooden side table.

Tall glass windows sieve the warm sun rays as they fall onto the deep, warm wine-coloured sofa that folds into a bed. The William Morris and Co patterned wallpaper stands as a backdrop against the room. Frames with abstract art pieces adorn the intricately designed wall to add a dash of Maulika’s interests to the room. An emerald pouffe coffee table faces a statement black TV unit.

A mood board of memories

“I have collected every piece of art and décor in the home over the past 10-12 years during my travels around the world. Each piece of furniture has been designed to reflect my love for eclectic and transitional living. Every holiday abroad had to include visits to local art shows or museum visits or the local markets,” says Maulika.

The picturesque artwork stands out in the already colourful and lively home. The architects use Kota-like tiling to tie the deep sage green across the home. Shades of blue come together in geometric patterns on the flooring borders mingle with faded blues, pinks, green, and other colours. The home’s oak wood furniture with intricate carvings and embellishments brings the outdoors within the modern interiors.

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