Discover this Lodha Altamount apartment where Neterwala Aibara’s signature blend of artistry, abstraction and craftsmanship unfold

For the passionate aficionado of artistry and pottery, adorning one’s abode with striking pieces is practically a given. However, when the very essence of pottery serves as the muse for a home’s design, a masterpiece takes shape. Such is the enchanting narrative of Neterwala and Aibara’s (N&A) endeavour in the heart of Mumbai — a triplex residence with two decks, an exquisite tribute to the homeowners’ and designers’ passion for artistry.

Pottery’s captivating allure weaves its magic through materials, textures, lighting choices and artworks, creating a visual tapestry that engages and intrigues. Shades of green, grey and rust, reminiscent of the earthy tones found in clay and mud used in pottery, gracefully course through the house. Freeyan Neterwala, one of the creative minds behind N&A, beautifully encapsulates their vision — every home has a story to tell, and our goal is to weave those stories into the very fabric of the design.

Custom-made mirror panels adorn the interiors, reflecting light and amplifying the sense of space. In the temple, the sacred Navkar Mantra in Jainism, is meticulously painted on the wall. In true homage to the pottery muse, the master bathroom stands out as an exemplar, with every line on its walls handmade with intention. Zarir Aibara, the other half of the duo at N&A, explains, “Our theme was to celebrate the artistry of pottery. We aimed to infuse every corner with a sense of handcrafted elegance.”

Upon entering the living and dining area, one’s gaze is immediately drawn to intriguing pieces. The base colour palette, a soothing monotone, cleverly allows artistic elements to take centre stage.

Unique pieces like the 44 Series light by Bocci and the Quark Emmanuel Babled coffee table hold court in this space. A wall installation by Eikowa beckons, its abstraction and singular form capturing the observer’s attention, almost as if it were a standalone piece in the hallowed halls of a gallery.

This infusion of artistic dimension into the abode is not by chance; as Freeyan explains, “We were resolute in our quest to challenge the established norms of design, to create spaces that provoke thought and conversation.”

The residence also proudly houses an eclectic array of global art pieces – from the mesmerising Meanders sculpture by Jean Christophe Couradin and the Achot Achot, an exquisite find from Gallery Saint Honore in the lounge area, to artworks gracing the walls from Galerie Stephanie Coutas in one of the bedrooms.

Additionally, the living area boasts art from Graff, among many other captivating pieces. Zarir highlights, “The Rope Installation by Olga De Amaral, nestled near the bar area, is especially noteworthy as the intertwining ropes and textures seem to narrate a story of connectivity and entwined destinies.” The quest for the perfect pieces took N&A, along with their clients, on an enchanting journey through the art galleries of Paris. Freeyan recalls, “We scoured over 15 galleries to handpick each artwork, ensuring that it resonated with the essence of the space.”

The execution of this project was not without its challenges. N&A madethe unconventional choice of utilising quartzite in lieu of the more common marble, presenting unique sourcing and working challenges. Moreover, the project unfurled in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing significant adjustments in the team dynamics.

Zarir candidly admits, “The pandemic wreaked havoc on our project timeline. We had to navigate through multiple project manager changes and contractor shifts. What’s more, everything had to be selected online, without the tactile experience of visiting places. This led to delays in shipments, necessitating a considerable amount of custom work, mockups and samples.”

However, the resilience of N&A prevailed. They persevered, adapted and re-calibrated their strategies to ensure that the vision was realised in all its glory. As Freeyan succinctly puts it, “Challenges are an integral part of any project, but it’s our ability to overcome them that defines our success.”

This project served as an exploration for N&A, an odyssey into the intricacies of diverse stones and ceramics. It enriched their comprehension of how each material behaves and contributes to the character of a space. Zarir reflects, “Every material carries its own complexities, and this project has been a voyage of discovery.”

While the project celebrates pieces from across the globe, it also fortified their resolve to collaborate with local artisans and reaffirmed their commitment to eco-friendly products. It brought to light unexplored avenues for working alongside local artisans and integrating homegrown materials. Freeyan adds, “The future holds exciting prospects for us. We’re looking forward to creating more custom-designed spaces using locally sourced materials, celebrating craftsmanship and nurturing the essence of artistry.”

From the very heart of artistry and pottery, N&A’s design has given birth to a residence that beautifully melds the aesthetic with the practical, the extraordinary with the everyday. Their design is a grand celebration of art, a symphony of forms and textures that transforms a simple residence into a captivating masterpiece. This is not just a home; it’s a living canvas that reflects the devotion to art and the enduring allure of pottery, promising a future where creativity and craftsmanship will continue to thrive.

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