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    • Homes

    Shimona Bhansali of Design Hex crafts an art deco infused abode in Mumbai that comes alive with prints and colours

    OCT 4, 2019 | By Aneesha Bhadri
    Vintage, off-white wallcoverings from Cole and Son, along with a centre table from the Tetris collection by Design Hex off set the mint green sofa; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
    The living room displays the play of prints and solids on a neutral backdrop; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal
    Shubhika Davda’s bedroom is adorned with black on white prints, brass details and a mini library with a floating ladder next to the TV unit by Design Hex; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

    A large veneer door embellished with brass pyramids inspired by Shubhika Davda’s fashion label Papa Don’t Preach opens to fresh mint walls, solid wood flooring and an art deco cornice on a white ceiling—this entryway sets the aesthetic tone of the designer’s home.

    The 3,000 sq ft residence was recently reinvented by interior designer Shimona Bhansali of Design Hex to match its dynamic inhabitants, while still maintaining the house’s vintage allure. The large wooden doors and windows were retained, while the walls and fixed furnishings were dressed in white. Bold colours and prints were brought in through the upholstery, furniture and art.

    A hand painted ‘tree of paradise’ on the balcony walls brings to mind the joy of swinging under the shade of the tree; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

     

    Dining chairs upholstered in Prussian blue art deco printed fabric frame the table; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

    “It was essential for me to be able to merge the vibrant personalities of the women in the house and the classic preferences of the men while holding on to the space’s old school charm,” said Bhansali. The walls beyond the entrance are encased in a printed white wallpaper, which represents Davda’s personality and her love for art deco. She wanted clean, geometric shapes that would enhance the white backdrop. The wallcoverings provide a neutral canvas that allows Bhansali to play with colours in the upholstery.

    A large window at the far end of the living room brings in abundant sunlight making a great space for reading, much to the delight of the home dwellers. “My favourite spot is the cosy area with four armchairs in front of an intricate Madhubani painting, set amidst a collage of colourful ceramic platters above a beautiful mint sideboard by Design Hex,” says the interior designer. A pure white onyx centre table and crystal chandelier add to the grandeur of the home, while brass detailing continues throughout the space, maintaining a consistently luxurious style.

    The lighting in the corridor is sourced from Dubai; Photographs by Pulkit Sehgal

    Shimona Bhansali gives us five tips to incorporate prints in our homes:
    1. Don’t be afraid to be bold and adventurous.
    2. It’s very important to establish a ‘neutral colour’ that can be the base of our canvas before we start painting and decorating. This colour should the constant, which establishes the tone of the space. Now, select two other colours that will feature throughout.
    3. Pick at least three different but complementary patterns in similar hues—the rule of 3 never fails. It also helps to choose a theme; for example Art Deco and floral as seen in Davda’s home.
    4. Once you decide your colours and prints, you must try out smaller samples in a collage of sorts to see what works. Sampling helps you activate your creative side as you experiment with varied permutations and combinations.
    5. Don’t crowd your prints. Space them out across the room evenly.