Homes

City living and minimalism: Neha Kachhara designs a Japandi-style home in Mumbai

OCT 12, 2024 | By Deetya Agrawal
The living room features furnishings from AA Living and Altrove, accessories from Modern Quest and a rug from Rugberry; Photography by Sagar Mandal
The master bedroom showcases furnishings from Altrove and Sarita Handa and accessories from The White Teak; Photography by Sagar Mandal

A warm hug after a long day is what this home designed by Neha Kachhara Interiors feels like. Nestled in Borivali, Mumbai, the 1,250 sq ft home embodies a perfect fusion of wabi-sabi and japandi aesthetics. Where contemporary design trends embody the essence of simplicity, featuring clean lines and a deep connection to nature with plenty of daylight and greenness.  

“We wanted to make an apartment that you walk in and feel at home with its cosiness and warmth,” shares Neha, principal designer at her eponymous firm. She brought the abode to life alongside Principal Designer Govind Darji of A+I Design and Shikha Mody, part of the design team. The space is elegantly enveloped in a palette of soft beiges, enhanced by intricate wooden latticework that evokes a sense of calm and openness. The textured walls invite touch and exploration, creating a multi-sensory experience. Striking art pieces, thoughtfully selected for their aesthetically pleasing and creativity, punctuate the space, infusing it with a dynamic energy. 

The living room features furnishings from Amala Earth, table vase from Nicobar, a rug by Rugberry and lighting fixtures from Thakur Lamp Shade; Photography by Sagar Mandal

 

The artwork is by Vinay Gawde, the accessories by Altrove and H&M Home; Photography by Sagar Mandal

Hues of minimalism

As one steps into the foyer, the blend of practicality and contemporary design is striking. A mushroom-coloured block design artwork sets the stage for a stunning centrepiece that commands attention. As one admires the art, one’s gaze is naturally drawn to the bench below, its soft curves beckoning you to touch. The bench, finished with a plush cushion, is a solid marble piece, artfully crafted to surprise and delight. 

The living room features furnishings from AA Living and Altrove, accessories from Modern Quest and a rug from Rugberry; Photography by Sagar Mandal

 

The dining area features furnishings from Amala Earth, the chandelier above the table from Thakur Lamp Shade, striking artwork by Vinay Gawde, table accessories from Nicobar; Photography by Sagar Mandal

 

The glass partition between the living spaces gives an extensive look to the room; Photography by Sagar Mandal

The living room opens up to different spaces introducing the perfect blend of whites and beiges that lends personality to the home. Expansive sliding windows fill the room with natural light, illuminating every corner. The partition in the room allows the designer to make the room look more expansive and add more distinctive elements of textures and motifs.

Open slates

“Creating our ideal kitchen was a true delight. We embraced an open concept while prioritising ample storage,” reveals Neha. The kitchen features muted tones that compliment the theme of the overall home, cane accents with travertine countertops and a backsplash with a solid mushroom base that looks simple yet opulent.

The kitchen is beautifully designed in tones of beiges and grey; Photography by Sagar Mandal

The master bedroom unveils a very thoughtfully designed wardrobe discreetly tucked away in the passage. To make the most of the natural light, they’ve created a built-in alcove paired with a long floating ledge. This cosy nook invites one to escape into the pages of a captivating book, offering the perfect sanctuary for relaxation. 

Since the homeowner’s parents visit frequently, they envisioned a versatile space that could serve both as a guest bedroom and a comfortable living area.

The master bedroom showcases furnishings from Altrove and Sarita Handa and accessories from The White Teak; Photography by Sagar Mandal

 

The master bedroom has a wardrobe in the passage making the bedroom clean and clutter-free; Photography by Sagar Mandal

Child-like sophistication

Creating a space that is fun in the eyes of a child and fits the idea of minimalism and sophistication is a compelling challenge. The kids’ room features a playful bunk bed, a vibrant art station and plenty of natural light streaming in. According to Neha, “The greatest challenge lay in designing a small bedroom for two kids accommodating beds, storage, a study desk and an art station while maintaining a minimalistic aesthetic.”

The artwork is by Vinay Gawde and the marble seating is by Aakash Italian Marble; Photography by Sagar Mandal

A place of comfort, warmth and cherished moments with loved ones is what defines a home. In this residence envisioned by Neha Kachhara, those sentiments transform into a vivid reality. Here, every corner invites one to unwind and connect, blending quality design with the essence of togetherness. It’s more than just a dwelling — it’s a sanctuary where memories are made, laughter echoes and love flourishes.

Read more: Shades of sage and wood define this home in Mumbai by Neha Kachhara Interiors