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    We can’t get enough of this minimal home by Mahek Lalan of SML Architects

    AUG 7, 2020 | By Vedika Nair
    The bespoke centre table by SML Architects is made using river-finished, black granite and is paired with Pierre Jeanneret seaters; Photographs by Sameer Tawde
    The living and dining spaces look outwards to a balcony; Photographs by Sameer Tawde
    Storage cabinets in the living room are bespoke pieces designed by SML Architects in reclaimed teak and cane. The legs are resting on 4mm steel plates that are powder coated; Photographs by Sameer Tawde
    (L-R) This custom crafted, floating double bed is framed using reclaimed teak; Detail shot of the wardrobe's horizontal louvers in reclaimed teak and a recessed shutter handle; Above the headboard are open shelves in reclaimed teak; Photographs by Sameer Tawde

    The one thought that comes to mind as we take a peek of this Mumbai home is that ‘less is more’. Fashioned by Mahek Lalan of SML Architects, this 720 sq ft abode weaves minimalism, colours and textures to create a cocoon away from the city’s bustle.

    “What we realised from the initial meetings that we had with the clients before starting work was that they enjoyed a simple lifestyle. That, for us, was the starting point for the design of the home, which played a pivotal role in determining the materials. They were extremely open in letting us set the brief for the project,” explains Lalan.

    Inspired by the sky’s dramatic transitions, the home is cloaked in pink and grey tones, which pair well against the yellowish gold of teak and dull yellow of the Shahabad floor. Ample use of natural materials is seen with reclaimed Burma teak for door frames and wardrobe shutters. Lalan adds, “The home achieves a sense of tranquillity with clean lines, simple design and natural materials.”

    Seaters by Pierre Jeanneret, made using old Burma reclaimed teak and cane, are seen in the living space. Wall mounted works are sourced from Art & Found, while the cushions are from Weaves by Querencia; Photographs by Sameer Tawde

    The first space that catches our attention is the dining room, which is located on the right of the living area. Furnished with Pierre Jeanneret seaters, the living room’s central space features a river-finished black granite table floating above the ground. All of these elements are bound by a large hemp floor covering. 

    On the side of the seater is a tall ficus plant and the floor is covered with a large hemp rung from Akara Rugs; Photographs by Sameer Tawde

    We love the reclaimed Burma teak dining table with a flame-finished, black granite tabletop that is paired with the iconic midcentury Wishbone Chair by Hans Wegner. The kitchen platforms are done up in black polished granite with teak and fluted glass cabinets.

    The bespoke dining table by SML Architects is paired with a Wishbone Chair by Hans Wegner. The pendant lights in brass have been locally sourced; Photographs by Sameer Tawde

    The passageway leads to the son’s bedroom that hosts a single bed and study table. The wardrobe shutters are crafted with an old reclaimed Burma teak frame with fluted glass infill. This adds a level of transparency and depth in the otherwise compact room. Large, semicircular and handcrafted wardrobe shutter door handles with natural matte polish reveal the natural grain of the wood.

    A rustic wooden study table is seen in the son’s bedroom with monochromatic art on the walls; Photographs by Sameer Tawde

    On the left of the passage is the master suite with ensuite bathroom. A teak framed headboard with handmade rope infill accentuates the double bed in the centre. Open shelves accommodate books, while the wardrobe is made up of fixed horizontal louvres and a recessed wardrobe shutter handle carved out of the shutter frame.

    Soft furnishings from Weaves by Querencia are used in the master suite are custom dyed; Photographs by Sameer Tawde

    “We like to design homes that are warm, intimate and inviting along with it being extremely functional. This helps us create spaces and moments for a quiet respite from the surrounding city. This can be seen in the living space of this home,” concludes Lalan.

    Burma teak detailing with fluted glass infills is used in the wardrobe; Photographs by Sameer Tawde