Homes
A London townhouse with a Mumbai pincode designed by RC DESIGN STUDIO
JAN 27, 2025 | By Disha Kalyankar
Think about it, often, more is more and just enough. Brimming with life and fervour, this home in Mumbai exemplifies that one can find comfort in being sumptuous too. Every corner of this 4,000 sq ft duplex crafted by RC DESIGN STUDIO is curated as an experience of a London townhouse, but with a Mumbai pincode!
Visualising this space commenced long before the first design sketch was made. It was when the homeowners sought RC DESIGN STUDIO team’s guidance on whether this bare shell in Wadala with little to no natural light was worth investing in and envisioning possibilities within the blank canvas, the team responded positively. “It was no longer just about architecture. It was about transforming constraints into creativity, darkness into warmth, and a shell into a sanctuary,” share Roozmehr and Cherag Bardolivala, Partners at the firm.
What began as a blank canvas, devoid of walls and adornment has metamorphosed into a resplendent adobe full of light and life. Picture a London townhouse dressed to the nines for a Bollywood bash — a Tarun Tahiliani-designed rug from Obeetee adorning an earthy dining room wall, a mini grand piano nestled beside the staircase, a coffered ceiling and classic chandelier suspended above the living room– every element is elegant with a daring sense of modernity.
Monochromes with a twist
An air of anticipation lingers in the main lift lobby, where a striking glass and wooden entrance door offers a glimpse into the interiors that lie beyond, creating a sense of intrigue. Once you enter the foyer, a striking red travertine-clad feature wall greets you, its intensity neatly balanced with the elegant black marble flooring underfoot.
Further, double wooden doors swing open into the formal living area. The open-plan layout here brings a sense of warmth and refinement, weaving together living, dining and contemplation into one space, with the dining table at one end and a mandir on another.
At the heart of the living area is the pièce de résistance: a bespoke staircase, custom designed by the team. Rising gracefully, a dance of wood and black marble connects the living space with the private quarter above, it stays true to Sullivan’s words form follows function, the staircase acts as both a functional and artistic anchor for the duplex. An open-kitchen drenched in a noir hue synonymous to the shade of the flooring, continues the sophisticated visual harmony.
Adjacent to the space is a powder room and a private study. The study is lined with rich dark walnut veneer, with wooden flooring and the rich texture of the panelled walls becoming a space for quiet luxury.
All the jazz
Ascending to the first floor, you enter the more intimate spaces, each crafted thoughtfully to the family members’ tastes. The shift from the sleek black to a warm wooden flooring imbues this level with a sense of intimacy and tactile warmth.
The son’s bedroom is a playful space that features a snug media nook adorned with custom wallpaper with a cinematic charm. Earthen textures and cane accents here add a subtle touch of warmth. The mother’s suite in contrast exudes timeless sophistication. Moulded detailing and custom white furnishing add a crisp touch, while a glass wall overlooking the double-height living room floods the space with light. The master bedroom is as opulent as a space gets – gilded with sumptuous gold leafing, with a walk-in wardrobe.
From the initial leap of faith in a bare shell to a well-balanced yet eclectic home, this Mumbai duplex showcases the alchemy of thoughtful design, a space where every detail resonates with deliberate grace and daring creativity.
