Homes

Roopali Mashruwala channels theatrics of space to redefine the idea of a Mumbai apartment

AUG 9, 2024 | By Namrata Dewanjee

The living area curates a space of comfort and luxury together with featuring the lamps from Cotton Satins, the coffee table from Shankara Furniture, Praveen Daspan, Ravneet Gujral, the sofa and the centre table from Rocking Chair, automated blinds and curtains by Kastha Designs, the art from Suhas Roy, Ajay De and Akbar Padamsee; Photography by Studio Charuau

The living room complimented with rays of sun that adds natural light to the space which showcase the furniture from Rocking Chair, art by Radhakrishnan, the sofa chairs are by Winchester, the vase from Good Earth, automated blinds and curtains by Kastha Designs; Photography by Studio Charuau

The study features beautiful splashes of blue, the room features the centre table from Rocking Chair, the sofa from Boconcept, desk from Baro, the painting from Sunit Das the fan from Fanzart; Photography by Studio Charuau

If Shakespeare is to be believed then all the world’s a stage and we are merely players. But in our lives, would the home be the setting of the main act? Designed by Roopali Mashruwala of her eponymous studio, this two-storey 5,000 sq ft residence is no less than a flamboyant protagonist you can’t take your eyes off of.

However, instead of a Hollywood cold shoulder, this space provides the warm characteristic of a snug home despite its dark and moody palette. Located on the third and fourth floor, the duplex redefines the idea of a Mumbai apartment. Elaborating on the approach, the architect helming Roopali Mashruwala Designs explains, “It has its share of drama and oomph but also allows one to put their feet up on a couch and enjoy the comfort and ease of being at home.”

The living room is enhanced by beautiful intricate pieces of art by Radhakrishnan, Divyendu Anand and Arzan Khambatta, the furniture by Rocking Chair, the lights by Flos that is designed by Ksalights and Kanchan Shetty, automated blinds and curtains by Kastha Designs, the fan is from Fanzart; Photography by Studio Charuau

The pop of colour adds character to the living room, the sofa chairs are by Winchester, the vase from Good Earth, and the lights by Flos that are designed by Ksalights and Kanchan Shetty; Photography by Studio Charuau

The dining space has been designed beneath a dome-like unique structure which features the dining table from Tianu, the art piece by Ajay De, the fan from Fanzart; Photography by Studio Charuau

Gorgeous greys

We are drawn to light like a moth to a candle. Often overlooked is the shadow that follows light. In this case, there is no such oversight. On the contrary, the grey palette creates an undeniable depth. Against the dark-grained wood, the focus is directed onto the central glowing fixture.

“I think I began with a deep grey on my palette and as I moved along I added splashes of deep burgundy maroon and oxford blue and balanced it all out with touches of greige and deep mushroomy hues… colours which are very close to my heart,” adds Roopali. For someone who holds hues in such high regard, a single polish would not be enough. “I always have at least three different tones of polish in any given space, I love the play and contrast that they bring,” she adds. To balance the tonal and textural variation, leather, concrete and fabric were peppered into the mix.

The living area curates a space of comfort and luxury together with featuring lamps from Cotton Satins, the coffee table from Shnakara Furniture, automated blinds and curtains by Kastha Designs; Photography by Studio Charuau

Look up!

Standing under the triple-height volume in this home, the scale of the home comes alive through the vertical plane created by the staircase. Interestingly, the terrace despite being an al fresco space still carries the interiority of the levels below.

“One very important feature that I love about the terrace, especially in the evenings once the sun is down, is that the warmth of the lighting inside the roof volume filters into the terrace, through the high-level windows,” avers Roopali.

The cut-out mirror gives an extended look to the bathroom; Photography Studio Charuau

The bedroom features a tranquil feel to it, blending comfort and simplicity; Photography by Studio Charuau

Eclectic elements

From the volutes of an Ionic capital to sculptures by renowned artists like K.S Radhakrishnan and Divyendu Anand, the rooms are replete with unconventional elements. “At the conception and initial stages of all projects, I insist on creating a complete inventory of all the paintings sculptures and artefacts,” says Roopali, continuing, “As I progress with the design, I designate a place for each of them…. This makes me confident that each element will get its due importance and be displayed in the best possible way.”

The study features beautiful splashes of blue, the room features the centre table from Rocking Chair, the sofa from Boconcept, the desk from Baro, the painting from Sunit Das the fan from Fanzart; Photography by Studio Charuau

The bathroom showcases reflections of beautifully assembled cut-out-tiles; Photography by Studio Charuau

With an interplay of antique and contemporary decor, would you call this home whimsical? “I think I prefer the word eclectic. I love homes that grow organically over a period of time and begin to tell stories of the lives of the people who live in them,” concludes Roopali.

Homes

Roopali Mashruwala channels theatrics of space to redefine the idea of a Mumbai apartment

AUG 9, 2024 | By Namrata Dewanjee

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