This breezy Mumbai home by Studio Mahek Lalan proves simple living can be spectacular
Mumbai dwellers typically don’t yearn after the American dream. It’s often a cosy abode with sweeping views of the city’s skyline that one strives for in this city, also endearingly called Bombay. Duly capturing this collective vision of calm and comfort is a resuscitated home in Chembur, which Studio Mahek Lalan artfully imagines for a […]
Mumbai dwellers typically don’t yearn after the American dream. It’s often a cosy abode with sweeping views of the city’s skyline that one strives for in this city, also endearingly called Bombay. Duly capturing this collective vision of calm and comfort is a resuscitated home in Chembur, which Studio Mahek Lalan artfully imagines for a family of five.
Spanning 3,000 sq ft — after adjoining two 1,500 sq ft apartments — this quaint dwelling is situated at a sun-dappled spot on a narrow bylane on Deonar Farm Road.
The ivory-coloured paint on soft plastered walls weaves a warm and subdued ambience in the living area. Additionally, the presence of eye-catching décor like a teak wood and leather Chieftain armchair by Finn Juhl and a handmade rug from Agra; Photograph by Studio Suryan and Dang
“The apartment has some really striking views with no buildings surrounding it. This context set the base for us,” reveals Mahek Lalan, Founder and Principal Architect of SML Architects, adding that they envisioned the home to be a meditative space oriented with the foliage and the views.
Textured black granite flooring in the living, dining and passage area, a marble tabletop and furniture made of reclaimed solid teak wood create a striking yet calming contrast; Photograph by Studio Suryan and Dang
The thoughtfully designed dining area features unique pendant lights and the vases are from The Hesperus Store. The custom-made dining table features a marble top with a white base with subtle grey lines running through it. The top is held by criss-cross metal legs; Photograph by Studio Suryan and Dang
Let there be light
A quick walk through the apartment instantly acclimates one to Mahek’s vision: to create a space that serves as a peaceful retreat. A contemporary home that serves as an escape from the din of the external world.
The multipurpose room transforms into a den, media room, lounge space, home office and space for fitness and yoga based on the temperament of its inhabitants. The suede pink sofa adds a pop of colour to the surroundings. The Kangaroo teak wood lounge chair is from Pierre Jeanneret, the table lamp is from The Hesperus Store and the wooden planters are from Studio Indigene; Photograph by Studio Suryan and Dang
The blue couch is a standout, offering a pop of colour; Photograph by Studio Suryan and Dang
A blend of nature-inspired elements and mid-century modern influences give birth to some striking features. Think arched metal doors, textured black granite flooring in the living, dining and passage area, a marble tabletop and furniture made of reclaimed solid teak wood.
The glass double door takes you from the walk-in wardrobe space of the master bedroom to the lounge and sleeping areas of the bedroom. The Kangaroo lounge chair in solid teakwood with cane infill by Pierre Jeanneret serves as a striking contrast against the muted tones; Photograph by Studio Suryan and Dang
Beyond the cabinet features a zone that makes room for yoga, breathwork and light home exercises. The wooden panel on the wall is openable centrally and the wooden desk lures one to dive into a good read; Photograph by Studio Suryan and Dang
“Each component serves a purpose beyond the immediate, contributing to a timeless atmosphere that depicts the enduring beauty of thoughtful design,” Mahek states.
The theme of arches is continued here with the arched door; Photograph by Studio Suryan and Dang
The kitchen platform is made of black polished granite, while the dado is in white marble with diagonal grey lines/veins. Shutters, drawers, a breakfast shelf and floating shelves are made using polished solid teak wood. The bar/ breakfast stools are done up in solid teakwood, while the drawer and shutter handle are made of solid brass. This area of the home pushes one to unwind and live in the moment; Photograph by Studio Suryan and Dang
“Since it was a ‘jodi’ flat, the site went through major civil changes. We had to move around a lot of walls. We had to expand a lot of the existing spaces provided by the developer. The existing two 3-BHKs were converted into a 4-BHK along with a spacious entertainment room and modern facilities like a walk-in wardrobe, lounge and study nooks,” he adds.
Soft light falls into the room as a chair peeks from the arch; Photograph by Studio Suryan and Dang
A calm consistency reverberates inside the parents’ room, which houses elements like a free-standing bed made from teak wood and cane. The cane infill on the headboard enables natural light to stream inside through the cane weave. The antique-style wooden wardrobe — made out of rattan and teak — comes with solid brass handles, adding a classic touch to the space; Photograph by Studio Suryan and Dang
The best of both worlds
A true marker of a well-planned space is one that offers the best of both worlds: room for solitude while maintaining a sense of connectedness to its surroundings. With a similar thought process, Mahek explains, “The fact that each member of the family gets to have a private space to enjoy solitude, as well as many shared spaces for chance encounters stands as one of the highlights.”
The teenage daughter’s bedroom predominantly uses decor elements made of solid teak wood. Case in point: the dusty pink suede cushioned headboard and a loose pedestal table on the other side; Photograph by Studio Suryan and Dang
A maximalist pattern on the walls is juxtaposed against simpler patterns in the accessories; Photograph by Studio Suryan and Dang
Airy and bearing a modish finish, the multi-purpose room is an inner sanctuary of sorts that makes room for varied interests. Contemporary-esque elements like an arched doorway with metallic frames add depth, while the special marble mosaic terrazzo flooring stands out in the apartment.
An eye for sustainability
“The natural materials that we have used in the home are such that it does not fight the ageing process but rather, age gracefully,” shares Mahek.
The kitchen platform is made of black polished granite, while the dado is in white marble with diagonal grey lines/veins. Shutters, drawers, a breakfast shelf and floating shelves are made using polished solid teak wood. The bar/ breakfast stools are done up in solid teakwood, while the drawer and shutter handle are made of solid brass. This area of the home pushes one to unwind and live in the moment; Photograph by Studio Suryan and Dang
There’s an unspoken allude to simplicity and this becomes the guiding design philosophy behind this subdued sanctuary that gently nudges one to press pause and savour the moment.
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