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    A free-spirited home in Mumbai knits a Nordic design style crafted by Dhvani Shah Design Studio

    SEP 12, 2023 | By Pratishtha Rana and Esha Shah
    Terrazzo stone on the breakfast counter is from Classic Marble Company, kitchen dado tiles from Glitorium, artworks are by Artemist, while the cement concrete finish tiles are by The Stone Casa; Photography by Pulkit Sehgal
    The chandelier in the foyer is by Terra Lighting, terrazzo stone on the breakfast counter is from Classic Marble Company, kitchen dado tiles from Glitorium, artworks are by Artemist, while the cement concrete finish tiles are by The Stone Casa; Photography by Pulkit Sehgal

    The eventual feeling that wafts across a home after every nook of it has been designed and decorated is paramount – to the one designing as well as to the dweller. In a 1,300 sq ft apartment in Mumbai, a working mother with her teenage daughter sought a nest for themselves, resembling a similar feeling of coming back home. With a visibly modern but muted palette striking the sight, the space emerges from the depths of imagination of Dhvani Shah, Founder and Principal Designer of Dhvani Shah Design Studio.

    “The Zen House is a special project for the studio, as we were required to bring the airiness, rusticity and serenity of the modern farmhouse style design to an apartment set in the cacophony of a lively city,” Dhvani divulges.  

    The symmetrical, neutral-toned room furnished by Bharat Furnishings exudes calmness. The artwork above the sofa crafted by Nimrat Narang complements the texture on the walls by Kemtex contrasting the texture of the flooring by Glitorium. The addition of a modern vase on the centre table by West Elm serves as an aesthetic piece giving a fresh perspective to the room. AA Living and West Elm cushions; Styled by Meetu Swani; Photography by Pulkit Sehgal

    The Nordic nuances

    Encompassing a living room, dining area, kitchen, foyer, bar, study room, three bedrooms and ample storage spaces, the residence is always abuzz with a murmur of activity that chimes through the many spaces here. Underlined with a discernible Nordic style, the designer recalls, “As they host a lot of get-togethers, the family wanted the rooms to flow seamlessly into each other.”

     

    The living room has artwork by Nimrat Narang against an Arava texture wall by Kemtex. The cushions are by AA Living and West Elm while the carpet is from Jaipur Rugs. The Black Steel wall lights adds character in the room. The vase on the centre table is also from West Elm. The flooring is laid out by Glitorium and the furnishings are by Bharat Furnishings; Photography by Pulkit Sehgal

     

    The seamless flow from the welcoming foyer designed by Stone Casa to the dining area, enhanced by an open kitchen facade with tiles from Glitorium. The design ensures that space is skillfully filled, leaving no noticeable void. The stunning chandelier by terra lighting in the foyer serves as a contemporary centrepiece; Photography by Pulkit Sehgal

     

    The concrete finish flooring in the kitchen is from Stone Casa while housing kitchen cabinets in shaker style in matt finish laminates; Photography by Pulkit Sehgal

     

    The bar has black matt PU shutters and a Bevelled mirror in brick format; Photography by Pulkit Sehgal

     

    Exploring Spaces…

    Situated in the central suburbs of Mumbai, they designed an ‘open house’ which included an open kitchen, glass doors, french windows and a light-neutral tone set in the whole house which gives way for sunlight to reach each and every corner in this space. 

    “Air-conditioning this harmonious flow of spaces (living-dining-kitchen and study) was a major concern for the homeowners, which was solved by incorporating white aluminium and clear glass sliding doors to cut off the kitchen and foyer at one end, and sliding-folding doors to separate the study from the living on the other,” informs Dhvani.

    The daughter’s bedroom boasts hints of blue amidst soothing neutral tones, accentuated by a blend of textures, from striped pillows, brick wall textures by Kemplex and concrete tiles by Glitorium. The pendant light by Hatsu adds charm; Photography by Pulkit Sehgal

     

    The painting by Nimrat Narang mirrors the design of the table’s drawers by West Elm; Photograph by Pulkit Sehgal

     

    The study room has a wooden flooring by Ego while the door has a oak finish veneer. The storage is in a white matt finish PU; Photography by Pulkit Sehgal

     

    The seamless flow from the welcoming foyer designed by Stone Casa to the dining area, enhanced by an open kitchen facade with tiles from Glitorium; Photography by Pulkit Sehgal

    Serenity in neutrality

    The entire area is surrounded by a soothing, neutral-toned ambiance, illuminated by abundant sunlight. The modern touch of the concrete floor complements the walls adorned in gratifying shades of beige, white, and black, resulting in an elated atmosphere. Acute green plants scattered throughout the space contribute to a charming farmhouse vibe. The home, however, does not settle to a continued sense of monotony. With a layered rustic canvas, the tones of cane and natural fabrics beautifully merge with wood, plywood and metal finishing. 

    The master bathroom stands out with its chequerboard floor tiles, white marble walls, and vibrant jade joviet green tiles from Glitorium, infusing the space with a distinct energy that sets it apart; Photography by Pulkit Sehgal

    “I loved designing the living space with an open kitchen and bar on the side with a study space. It gave a sense of so much openness and the space was utilised and connected so well,” reveals Dhvani. However, the narrative culminates with the significance of space, both to the client and the designer.

    Also read: A whiff of macarons breezes across Pooja Dhingra’s Mumbai abode designed by Ravi Vazirani