Homes
Rich cultural hues and design curios shape this Mumbai home by Studio Design Inc
APR 1, 2024 | By Hitakshi Nagda
Inspired by the grandeur of Tansen’s performance pulpit at Fatehpur Sikri, a black marble platform nestled within a waterbody becomes the highlight to host cultural experiences at this 5,000 sq ft South Mumbai home.
The homeowners, being renowned eye surgeons, had a clear vision for their home when they entrusted the design process to Khushboo and Kunal Khandelwal, co-founders and principal architects of Studio Design Inc. “The central concept was for the apartment to exude a villa-like charm, magnifying the living experience to a larger-than-life scale by intertwining public and private spheres,” reveals Khushboo, who also worked alongside Charu Agarwal and Pooja Zimbar. These intricacies and other tangible details resulted in an imposing yet eclectic sanctuary fit for entertaining family and friends.
Functional and fun!
As rich and immaculate the home is indoors, it stands equally paralleled with the views outdoors. Think, the sweeping vistas of the golf course, the sea and the city itself. At the entrance, rests the sculpture of Ganesha in brass that sets an introduction for the home. With black and white inlay floor and an arched wooden door with brass handles, one makes its way into the grand circular foyer that lends the views of the racecourse and the sea. The concentric checked floors in the foyer merge towards the centre where the glass chandelier exudes a touch of royalty, while the edges are guarded by the grey panelled walls.
The foyer splits into two wings, one for the functional areas and the other for the family’s intimate living spaces. Treading further, the living area unfolds an assortment of distinct seating arrangements of textured sofas in white tones, imbibed with gold accents. Sleek black marble platforms are interspersed across the seating with an antique brass Radha-Krishna figurine with the Bhagavad Gita resting on a wooden stand.
A melody that rests in the centre
At the heart of the living room rests a piano, under the customised pearl-inspired lighting from Hive Home Studio. The room extends to a formal dining space which can be separated by a brass mesh glass sliding. The dining space inaugurates a tone of blue with the lapis lazuli stone imbibed on the dining table and a glass chandelier by Klove Studio that adds a touch of drama. An extension to this brilliance, the puja room drapes itself in deep blue tones and a Shrinathji painting.
On the opposite end of the living room is the library that is also separated by a brass mesh sliding. The space showcases the homeowners literary passions. With brass antiques on the wooden shelves, one can also see this space as a multi-functional space as an exquisite crocodile-patterned faux leather study and a poker table with tan chesterfield sofas make a union of intellect and leisure.
Sides of grandeur
Each bedroom gives a distinguished image of what grandeur looks like here. The mother’s room is a blend of broken white textures and hints of champagne gold, while the primary bedroom is a monotone palette of whites and beiges that gleam with subtle hints of gold. The guest bedroom adorns Indian florals as the backdrop that elevate the tones of blacks, whites and sage green to bring a traditional tone to the space.
The den, as Khushboo says, “It is a place where family members can enjoy movies and engage in intimate conversations while taking in stunning vistas of the city.” Continuing the colourful demeanour of the abode, the powder room takes inspiration from the Rajasthani havelis. A royal golden infinity mirror with indigo blue walls enclosing the room poetically blends in with the carved blue wall lamps and contrasts of gold-fluted wall panels.
The art of multifunctionality
The combination of gold accent with a touch of palatial design in context with Indian culture weaves the home into a grand objet d’art. Khushboo says, “As the theme flows from one space to another, the mood changes to suit the purpose.”
Be it an evening to unwind with family or a night that gazes at the views of Mumbai, this home accentures a balance of intellectual design with a personal touch in every corner. From ethereal blues dipped in hues of whites and elements that speak of magnificence, “The home deviates from the conventional idea of focusing on a singular focal point. Aptly titled, A Timeless Utopia, it lays emphasis on a collective harmony of the entirety of space,” concludes Khushboo.
