Homes

Shilpa and Sameer Balvally of Studio Osmosis craft a chic home in Mumbai, using a colourful palette

MAY 14, 2020 | By Vedika Nair
Light coral walls offset the upholstered grey sofa in the living room; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala
The minimally furnished house gives a spacious and airy look, as seen where the dining and living areas converge; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala
The dining nook is a vibrant spot in the home with seaters covered in cheery, floral patterned fabric; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala
The master bedroom is a cool blue oasis with pale turquoise walls and a wood finished headboard in elephant print textile; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

Designing a house to feel like “home” comes with its own set of considerations. Keeping in mind the clear brief given by the homeowners, designers Shilpa Jain Balvally and Sameer Balvally of Studio Osmosis set out to create a happy home with minimal interiors, smooth textures, playful accents and soft fabrics. What makes this abode a marvel is the use of colour to define every space.

Spread over a mere 645 sq ft, the home breaks away from trends and instead, emulates the personalities of its occupants, making the design truly timeless. A chunk of the design also pays attention to personalisation with a blend of minimal and elegant furniture, and a spectrum of colours. Tropical themed fabrics paired with light airy curtains create a comfortable cocoon and allow ample room for natural light all around. 

A soft palette and elegant furniture are seen in the living area; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

The living room is swaddled in light coral wall panels accented with contemporary grey coloured moulds. “This is our favourite room—it is filled with personal memories and artworks, most of which were created by the client. That emotional connection is of utmost value,” shares Shilpa. A soothing palette conjures a calm ambience in the living and dining room, making its way to the  turquoise hued bedroom. Here, a wood finished headboard matched with hushed elephant print fabric and ombre curtains adds character. 

Minimal furniture with a fusion of beige, sea green and turquoise tints create the perfect balance between spaces. Simple and subtle patterns are accentuated with a stunning geometrical piece from Cocoon Fine Rugs, which harmonises peachy hues. A range of sketches and artworks made by the homeowner is mounted on the walls, while the living room also hosts a small corner for the library. 

The living room housing minimal furniture is enveloped in pale coral wall panels and grey moulding; Photographs by Ishita Sitwala

“Our studio gets its name from the foundation it is based on—the genesis of the ‘osmosis’ phenomenon. We believe that the ultimate design is a product of client collaboration and intricate aesthetic detail. The statement “we want this home to be a happy space” took our own meaning and translation while bearing in mind the people who will be living in the house. It was intuitive to use colours, bring in natural light and add a tropical feel with greens. We wanted the walls to do all the talking, set a language and a prominent backdrop and keep the furniture minimal and clean,” concludes Sameer.