Rustic bonhomie finds its corner in this Mumbai home crafted by Twila Design Studio

Simplistic design narratives of minimalism and sleekness no longer cut it for contemporary homeowners, especially for those with families who have to accommodate diverse propensities under one roof. Founder and principal designer of Twila Design Studio, Paayal Jain who recently designed a family home with an atypical rustic theme can attest to this belief.

The Mumbai-based dweller got a wind of Paayal’s design practice through word of mouth. For their sprawling 2,200 square feet apartment located at Oberoi Esquire in Goregaon, the brief was quite straightforward — a rustic residence that’s sheathed in earthy elements and cosy vibes. It further outlined two key requests: a maintenance-free and a dog-friendly environment. 

The beauty of a rustic theme in a modern setup is that it can be effortlessly minimal and simultaneously ooze with warmth. Think mellow palettes, natural details (wood, clay, slate and stone) and hassle-free furniture that’s soothing to the eyes. By employing this overarching aesthetic, the designer further elevates the space with colour pops that come about as a delightful surprise during the apartment tour. 

Rustic yet neoteric 

The home’s entrance welcomes visitors with a stone-cladded wall and an exposed beam ceiling. As one moves into the foyer, grey matter tiles alongside brass strip inlays come into view. Illuminated with natural light, the unified living and dining blueprint is ideal for entertaining guests as well as for savouring the unobstructed vistas of the city. 

Several structural alterations were made to convert a portion of the kitchen and the household staff room into a temple. “I particularly enjoyed designing the Mandir as it transformed an underutilised space into a serene and spiritual haven,” recalls the principal designer.

Like other communal areas, the remodelled kitchen strays away from a walled configuration to fit into the open layout arrangement. Glass partitions compensate for the absence of concrete kitchen walls while the island introduces extra counter space. “Additionally, we created a dedicated laundry and multipurpose storage area, which was a specific request from the client,” reveals Paayal.

Besides the master bedroom, this capacious home has two separate bedrooms for the owner’s daughters and a guest chamber. 

Warm neutrals meet vibrant accents 

The predominantly soft-hued backgrounds enable the accents to shine that are dotted throughout the house. For instance, the sandy colour scheme of the living and dining area is complemented by a dash of verdure; brass, wooden, and clay details; and a rust-red sideboard. “The colonial blue cabinet adds another layer to the kitchen’s well-crafted framework,” explains Paayal. 

Similarly, each bedroom flaunts brief but striking splashes of colour. Whether it’s a contrasting armchair by the window or a mint green bookshelf, the designer has ensured all bedrooms harbour elements that reflect the personalities of its inhabitants. “To break the monotony in the passage to the master bedroom, we introduced oriental-style tiles that evoke the feeling of a laid-out carpet,” elaborates the designer.

Another signature style in Paayal’s design concept is the metal detailing that stays remarkably sublime without undermining the muted tones of the home. Brass elements appear in varied sections of the house including flooring inlays, the temple enclave’s mesh and the master bedroom’s television unit. 

Natural and locally sourced materials are outfitted wherever feasible, thereby spotlighting a sustainable lifestyle. “Additionally, the design includes energy-efficient lighting and appliances to minimise the carbon footprint,” avers the designer.

By cohesively piecing together all things natural, neutral and neoteric with a smidgen of vividness, Twila Design Studio has created a beloved family home that’s a masterclass in subtlety and sophistication. 

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