Homes

An urban oasis in the heart of Mumbai whispers secrets of tranquillity by Dhvani Shah Design Studio

APR 25, 2024 | By Subikshaa Stalin
The living space is a compelling composition of textures of wood, upholstery and ceramics; Photography by Nayan Soni
The cosy and warm spaces of the master bedroom opens to a private balcony looking over the buzzing city; Photography by Nayan Soni
The deck hosts a cosy cafe-like seating by the kitchen window and a bar unit creating the perfect ambience for rejuvenation. Cushions by Altrove; Photography by Nayan Soni

A sanctuary amidst the urban chaos of Worli in Mumbai perches at 22 feet high engulfing spectacular views of the sea link and the skyline. Designed by Dhvani Shah Design Studio, this 1,500 sq ft apartment stands at the junction of function and style.  

Titled The Urban Oasis, the space belongs to a joyous couple and their three-year-old daughter, who sought to create a comforting haven that would resonate with their lifestyles. With an aspiration to materialise a modern farmhouse-style retreat, the existing space was redefined into areas celebrating a more multipurpose-style composition decked with an in-house office, too. 

Dhvani Shah Design Studio
Breaking the monotony of the living room, natural oakwood shelves are installed along with a variety of decor pieces sourced from Pottery Barn and Westelm; Styling by Meetu Swani, Photography by Nayan Soni

 

Dhvani Shah Design Studio
Fluted panels in white adorn the sofa wall creating visual interest and wittily conceal the entrance to the multipurpose room. Vases by Mansie and Details Decor, side table by Priyam Doshi, chandelier by Terra Lighting and carpet by Jaipur Rugs; Styling by Meetu Swani Photography by Nayan Soni

Teeming with Tranquility

What also stands out is the 11 feet high ceiling height, a visual rarity in city homes. With entertainment, intimate gatherings and a work-focused life converging at the core of the family’s life, the layout spreads across  an expansive living room, two bedrooms, an open kitchen and even a deck area. “Designing the Urban Oasis was an exciting challenge,” expresses Dhvani Shah, principal designer and founder of Dhvani Shah Design Studio. She adds “Crafting the deck space was particularly enjoyable—an opportunity to create an outdoor retreat amidst the bustling city. However, integrating the multipurpose room and home office posed new challenges, requiring creative solutions to maintain both functionality and aesthetics.”

Dhvani Shah Design Studio
The stone wall finish behind the TV wall coupled with an interesting array of sofas and an intriguing artwork by Nimrat Narang deck up the living space; Photography by Nayan Soni

 

Dhvani Shah Design Studio
Quiet light peeks in the room; Photography by Nayan Soni

 

Dhvani Shah Design Studio
The entrance foyer features an impressive door in natural oak veneer along with eclectic wooden decor pieces sourced from Details Decor. Carpet by Obeetee and lighting by Terra Lighting; Photography by Nayan Soni

The colour and material palettes are carefully curated to evoke a rested mood and hints of elegance. Neutral hues of white, grey and black form the backdrop, while natural elements like wood, marble and limestone infuse a textural warmth into the rooms and corners.

Dhvani Shah Design Studio
Sliding doors crafted from oak wood and fluted glass elegantly enclose the kitchen space. Vase by Details Decor, wooden dining table and wishbone dining chairs by Zayin Living Home; Photography by Nayan Soni

 

Dhvani Shah Design Studio
The sliding doors open to a sleek kitchen space; Photography by Nayan Soni

 

Dhvani Shah Design Studio
Shaker Style cabinets in grey matte finish laminates create a kitchen space of understated elegance. Herringbone tiles by Glitorium; Photography by Nayan Soni

The kitchen embraces an open layout to merge with the living room and deck. Doors are elevated, ceilings heightened. All to enhance spatiality and lend a breezy flow throughout the residence. 

Dhvani Shah Design Studio
With exclusive bedding sourced from Altrove, the master bedroom is a refreshing retreat drenched in light. Hanging light from Orange Tree, carpet from Obeetee and artwork from The Artemist; Photography by Nayan Soni

 

Dhvani Shah Design Studio
Keeping with the rustic theme of the home, the bathroom features a Limestone Flooring by Stone Casa and stone wash basins with rugged finishes. Wall tiles from Nexion; Photography by Nayan Soni

 

Dhvani Shah Design Studio
Blush pink finishes and light wooden textures adorn the kid’s bedroom; Photography by Nayan Soni

Storytelling through Design

At the heart of the design philosophy behind the Urban Oasis lies a commitment to fulfil the homeowner’s needs gracefully. Each space is a chapter, carefully crafted to resonate with their personalities and preferences. From the serene master bedroom to the whimsical daughter’s room, every corner is a tale—a testament to personalised design at its finest.

Dhvani Shah Design Studio
Rattan seating and foldable study table are interesting features of the kid’s bedroom; Photography by Nayan Soni

 

Dhvani Shah Design Studio
The clever combination of glass wall tiles and wooden veneers lends the bathroom a sharp finish. Tiles from Glitorium; Photography by Nayan Soni

The Urban Oasis also incorporates sustainability to its design core. Brick walls, locally sourced fabrics, cane and LED lights are a few of the sustainable features woven into the fabric of the space, ensuring a greener footprint.

Dhvani Shah Design Studio
The rustic theme of the outdoor deck brings life to the home with a lot of natural elements from the Limestone flooring by Stone Casa to the plants and natural teak wood paired with cane upholstery. Carpet by Obeetee and white bricks by MCM; Photography by Nayan Soni

 

Dhvani Shah Design Studio
The deck hosts a cosy cafe-like seating by the kitchen window and a bar unit creating the perfect ambience for rejuvenation. Cushions by Altrove and lights by White Teak; Photography by Nayan Soni

From its inception to its completion, Dhvani’s design is carefully guided by a vision of tranquillity and elegance. As the sun sets over the Worli sea link, casting a golden glow over the deck, a dreamy vision comes to life in the serene spaces of Urban Oasis making apparent the design ethos of Dhvani Shah.

Read more: Reinterpreting the tree house? WITHIN and DADA and Partners design a home in New Delhi around nature