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    • Article Category: Get Inspired

    Interior designer Timothy Corrigan envisions this Beverly Hills mansion as a fantastical place, straight out of a fairy tale, where grandiosity is tempered with whimsy and humour

    This 1922 mansion in Beverly Hills is one of the largest private estates in the city with expansive gardens and sweeping views of Los Angeles. The house was designed by Gordon Kaufmann, one of California’s leading architects at the time, who mixed Spanish Revival elements with art deco on a grand scale.

    The owners—an artist and a real estate developer—wanted to update it in a contemporary and fun manner. They specifically stated: “It’s strange that in this city of creativity, there are so few homes that really showcase imaginative design”. They challenged us to make this house a canvas for creativity, for both their and our own wildest ideas.

    My firm is known for designing comfortably elegant homes for royalty, Hollywood celebrities and corporate executives worldwide. We have designed everything from palaces to mega yachts, beach villas to penthouses. We try to realise spaces that look like they have evolved over time, by filling them with plush upholstery, antiques and classic elements.

    In the living room, a custom carpet covers the expansive floor, while a central, velvet pouffe sprouts a chrome and cut-rock crystal floral bouquet sculpture; Photographs by Amy Barnard

    By that logic, I shouldn’t have been the designer to consider for such an OTT incubator. Yet it was our client’s respect of my knowledge of design history and penchant for custom furnishings that reassured them that I would harness their wildest ideas and bring them to life.

    A dramatic chandelier with a cascade of glass “bubbles” appears to float above the stairway; Photographs by Amy Barnard

    The plan was to create a contrast to the home’s architectural grandeur and traditional elements by injecting humour and surprise. This is immediately evident in the entryway with polka-dotted marble floors inset with circles of glass that allow you to peer down to the room below. The adjacent hall of mirrors is lined with a bespoke carpet that mimics an Argentine moss garden; overhead multicoloured butterflies utter around rock crystal light fixtures, while leather-wrapped torchieres light the way.

    The kitchen has a darker, more masculine theme with ceiling arches of black tile contrasting with antique “charred” wood beams, and a large zinc topped island; Photographs by Amy Barnard

    Each part in the mansion unfolds fantastical themes. Take, for example, the living room, where a mural inspired by Spanish artist Josep Maria Sert is offset with painted peacocks. Or the library, where walls are lined with refrigerated, brass front wine cabinets rather than books, and the traditional wood panelling is inset with tortoiseshell. Here, an illuminated, sunken bar takes centre stage. The original plaster ceiling, lacquered in a reflective black, showcases a superhero made of glowing rock crystal beads soaring overhead.

    The black-and-white master bath plays on classical motifs with an oversized Greek key frieze in marble, bold geometric flooring, inset mirrors and an all glass bath tub; Photographs by Amy Barnard

    This wild creativity continues in the private spaces too. The dark panels enveloping the sitting area in the master suite are offset by chrome strips that wrap the walls and ceiling like the nest marquetry. In one of the guest rooms, the walls are upholstered in a wonderful art deco fabric that depicts budding trees and leaping gazelles. I love the juxtaposition of the Napoleon III bed with art deco references—who would ever want to get out of bed with so much eye candy to devour?

    The entryway features whimsical chandeliers with butterflies and an Argentine moss garden; Photographs by Amy Barnard

    The offbeat home office is upholstered with lime green leather squares, with a custom brass desk and animal print covered guest chairs. With a view overlooking Beverly Hills and the Pacific Ocean, I am not sure that I would be able to get much work done in that office.

    Despite the whimsical attitude that inspired the decor in this home, the attention to detail and care was consistent—from the hologram wallpaper and Cubist mirror in a hallway to a room carpeted in faux grass with playful window treatments, evoking the awnings of 1950s country clubs.

    This home offered us a great opportunity to stretch our creative muscles and indulge our client’s brazen wishes. It reminded me of how important it is to introduce a little drama into every home.

    While the residence is theatrical, extravagant and even a touch decadent, it also accommodates daily needs for the homeowners—from exuberant parties to teleconferences. And as the clients requested, it is never boring or conventional.

    This sun soaked, airy residence in Ahmedabad by Hiren Patel of Studio HPA is a treat for all nature lovers

    This Ahmedabad home by Hiren Patel, principal architect at HPA, is similar to a serene and soothing retreat. The clients, a family of five, were looking forward to a simple, tastefully designed home, which offered a connect to nature.

    “We thought of creating a green oasis for them, where you trace the sun’s movement from dawn to dusk. Just like other projects envisioned in HPA’s signature style, this 10,000 sq ft home was crafted as a timeless blend of architecture and nature,” says Patel.

    The material palette is kept organic with the facade clad in natural granite, teak doors and windows and sloping roofs which are covered with shingles. To inculcate the ambience of a retreat, sloping roofs along with large voluminous spaces and clear glass are used to impart a feeling of openness.

    At first glance, the facade is interpreted as being modern, natural and serene; Photograph by Vinay Panjwani

    One of the main highlights of the structure is the ample, surrounding landscaping and sit out areas that shape the property into a tranquil haven. A granite pathway lined with trees and planters leads to the the entrance on the northern front, which is marked by a gold embellished, wooden door. A magnificent, metallic sculpture of the ‘airavat’ elephant adds grandeur to this welcoming setting.

    A muted palette creates a calm ambience in the formal living room; Photograph by Vinay Panjwani

    Inside, the foyer leads to a formal drawing room, where glass window offer refreshing and panoramic sights of the garden beyond. “The frame acts as a live painting which keeps changing throughout the day,” adds Patel. These transparent panes also let daylight naturally illuminate the space. Most of the furniture is locally made, while the coffee table and consoles are sourced by Waylin, a native furniture brand.

    The wooden staircase fits in with the rustic aesthetic of the home; Photograph by Vinay Panjwani

    On the other side is the family room, dining area and open kitchen. The former, a double-heighted space basks in natural light since it is bound by east and west facing glass windows. Dainty hanging lights overhead make one further appreciate the large volume.

    The family room features a wood-panelled wall with earthy accessories; Photograph by Sebastian Zachariah

    The ground floor also consists of the client’s grandmother’s bedroom which soaks in a generous amount of sunlight and a powder room that is furnished with black marble to create a striking contrast to the rest of the space. A thicket of date palms planted just outside the west side subdues the glare of the sun and offers a picturesque view.

    Panoramic glass windows act “as a live painting which keeps changing from dawn to dusk”; Photograph by Sebastian Zachariah

    Upstairs, a glass passage connects the bedrooms and overlooks the family room below. This level comprises two master suites, one guest bedroom and a capacious home theatre. The first of the two master bedrooms features high-sloping wooden ceilings, large east-facing windows and attached balconies overlooking the garden. The bathrooms adjoining the dressing areas complete this sprawling private space. A small open study and library is located near the second master bedroom.

    The master bedroom features high-sloping wooden ceilings, large east-facing windows and attached balconies overlooking the garden; Photograph by Sebastian Zachariah

    “The outdoor verandah, which is like a gazebo, is the heart of the house and the family loves spending time here. It is a place where one enjoys nature while remaining connected to the main house,” shares Patel.

    The bathrooms are spacious and modern; Photograph by Sebastian Zachariah

     

    reD Architects envision a little bit of Spain in Alibaug with graceful arched openings, timeless wood furniture and ceramic details

    The owners are a fun-loving, spirited couple with two adorable kids. The husband, who’s quite involved in the conceptualisation, wished for a “Spanish hacienda in the woods” inspired by a recent trip to the European country.

    We knew that it had to be an open house with many interconnecting spaces, nestled within trees; so we placed it at the rear end of this approximately 65,000 sq ft site. A long approach road lined with thick foliage on one side and a lawn on the other was designed.

    The pool with an outdoor deck abuts the compound wall in the far corner, giving it the privacy required and also space for a vegetable garden on the other side of the villa adjoining the kitchen.

    Burma teak table and chairs are placed on warm limestone flooring from Stone Source. The pendants are from Viya Home and the tableware from Good Earth; Photographs by Jignesh Jhaveri

    We developed a 10,000 sq ft structure that’s inward-looking. It has a central courtyard that’s open to the sky, which forms the focus of the villa. On the ground floor, the living and dining rooms are imagined as open verandahs on either side of this courtyard, linked to each other by covered walkways.

    Handmade ceramic tiles like these in the kitchen alcove are used across the home; Photographs by Jignesh Jhaveri

    The areas’ wooden and glass panelled doors are usually kept open to make the most of the cool breeze that makes its way through the house all times of the year. This is helped by the layered treatment of open, semi-open and closed spaces and also because of how the bungalow is positioned (keeping in mind the wind and sun direction). Nearby, on this same level, are two guest rooms.

    This verandah near the living room is accessed by the limestone stairway with ceramic hand-painted risers; Photographs by Jignesh Jhaveri

    A flight of stairs leads to the mezzanine, where a cosy library is complete with a black-and-white chequered floor strewn with beanbags. The first floor houses the master boudoir, kids’ room and another guest area. Overlooking the courtyard, an open balcony connects these spaces and leads to a machaan setup with a unique coir rope roof.

    Bespoke, Burma teak four-poster bed and side tables are paired with an heirloom Persian carpet, furnishings from Good Earth and the mirror (on the rug) by The Great Eastern Home; Photographs by Jignesh Jhaveri

    To enhance the hacienda look, we used earthy elements like exposed bricks for side tables and vaults, arched gateways in the verandahs, coloured cement floors in the bathrooms, ornamental wrought iron railings and hand-painted ceramic tiles.

    The kids’ room is decorated with cane chairs, and a floor bed with linen and cushions from Good Earth; Photographs by Jignesh Jhaveri

    Some beds were built on-site out of stone, cement and brick, appearing as though these emerged from the ground, further emphasising the rustic nature of the abode.

    Scroll for more images of this charming holiday home by reD Architects…

    The verandah connecting the rooms on the upper level has a barrel vaulted brick roof and limestone flooring; Photographs by Jignesh Jhaveri

     

    Hand-painted ceramic tiles, wood finishes and pristine basins from Hindware in the master bathroom are placed alongside circular mirrors, a rug and vintage suspended lights from Chor Bazaar; Photographs by Jignesh Jhaveri

     

    The ivory facade with arched openings is in keeping with the Spanish theme; Photographs by Jignesh Jhaveri

    Stylist Janavi Javeri shares her inspiration behind this minimalistic cove in Mumbai

    Janavi Javeri of Walls n Things drew inspiration from Scandinavian ideology for this 2,500 sq ft Peddar Road home in Mumbai. The goal was to design an airy and uncluttered home that’s elevated by thoughtful pieces but without making any structural changes to the original, art deco features.

    Characterised with colossal floor-to-ceiling windows, rustic arches, ceiling beams, and wooden doors, the original framework is packed with an authentic, old-world charm. The refurbished home reflects an exemplary contrast to these vintage elements with a contemporary Scandinavian aesthetic through the colour palette, choice of furnishings, decor and accessories, flawlessly fashioned to fit a family with a newborn.

    The design is, therefore, minimal, simple and functional. It is meticulously curated to ensure that every single piece serves a specific purpose and supports the desired look.

    Seen here are Blue Loft sofa and pouffe, a throw from Westside home, greens from IKEA and Mason Home, artwork from Etsy and pendant lights from Flos; Photographs by Janavi Javeri

    The furniture is selected to be practical and portable such that it offers a number of decor combinations. Plush pieces are defined by clean lines, while natural elements are incorporated in the form of woven fabrics, natural fibres, wooden finishes and plants. To ensure this minimalist oasis is warm and inviting, Javeri ensured that all objects balance clean lines with cosy accents, nifty and sleek furniture with layered textiles, and the soothing neutral palette of whites and muted greys with pops of colour.

    The nursery features a changing table from Aprodz, a caddy from Farg, prints and storage baskets from Etsy and curtains from Bharat Furnishings; Photographs by Janavi Javeri

    The living room is a multifunctional area and is furnished by layering textiles such as patterned cushions, velvet throws and woven rugs. The seating is snug, while accessories and artwork add a sense of grandeur. Nearby is an elegant dining setting illuminated by a contemporary chandelier. On the other hand, the master bedroom is crisp with simple silhouettes and luxurious linens. Its neutral colour palette is accented with shades of green and paired with metallic accents on the dressing vanity and mirror. 

    Pictured here are a planter from Address Home and a Aprodz side table by the sofa; Photographs by Janavi Javeri

    Particular attention has been paid to the nursery, giving it a transitional quality for the baby to grow into as time goes on. Greys and whites form the perfect backdrop for soft accessories such as patterned cushions and star motifs above the crib. The key feature incorporated here is storage—in the form of a wall diaper caddy, bookshelves and patterned fabric storage baskets—and the space is elevated with a series of framed quotes above the daybed. 

    Ravi Vazirani welcomes us to his Mumbai-based namesake studio, where we met his Yoda

    A brass bell by the external wooden door serves as an apt prelude to self-taught interior designer Ravi Vazirani‘s charming Mumbai studio. Inside, metal seaters upholstered in different fabrics and a retro telephone creates a nostalgic atmosphere.

    Vazirani can be found in the upstairs attic—his private room comprising a comfy sitting area on one end and a clutter-free work desk on the other.

    A three-year search led him to this space, where he’d moved only some months before it was photographed for ELLE DECOR India. Although streets in central Bandra tend to be loud, the quaint building that houses the new 1,800 sq ft office is calm somehow.

    Vazirani photographed with his French bulldog Yoda on a custom-designed couch. On the left is a Pierre Jeanneret chair from Mahendra Doshi Antiques; Photographs by Suleiman Merchant

    Sitting on his plush couch with a cup of coffee, the young creative tells us more about his cosy atelier.

    Vazirani’s cabin houses old-school Godrej chairs, a wooden desk from My Tailor Home and a vase from Good Earth. A private terrace is accessible via the double doors; Photographs by Suleiman Merchant

    What did this place look like when you first moved in?
    It was a rather unseemly house, like most apartments in the city tend to be, unfortunately. The floors were dirty and walls, bright red. But I liked that it was old fashioned and it didn’t require any structural changes. I didn’t force a mood while assembling the office. this is just an extension of who I am and how I live.

    Drawings by Rehaan Engineer make a minimalist statement near the entrance; Photographs by Suleiman Merchant

    How does the design of this space influence your working habits?
    I hold most meetings in my cabin. On a good day, all my time is spent on the couch here with my dog Yoda. And, of course, I’m very fond of the attached terrace that’s full of potted plants and offers a view of the locality. It’s where we like to hold dinners and the occasional sundowner.

    Scroll for more images of Ravi Vazirani’s studio…

    In the meeting room, an image by Mumbai photographer Neville Sukhia complements the monochrome theme; Photographs by Suleiman Merchant

     

    Artworks produced inhouse line the wooden stairway that leads to Vazirani’s private cabin; Photographs by Suleiman Merchant

     

    On the right of the soft boards with inspiring imagery is a painting by local artist Aditi Singh from Gallery Chemould; Photographs by Suleiman Merchant

    Interior architect and designer Aurnab Biswas fashioned a flowing and colourful family condo within an art deco shell

    Initially, I received two separate briefs: One from the husband, the other from his wife. I soon realised that there were distinct, strong personalities at work… He, a maverick, and she, an understated force, both having an appreciation for design…and an even greater love for animals.

    However, the pair agreed on a bright, sun-filled abode, where they could raise a small army of pets; their newest, youngest recruit, however, was a tiny human back then. It was no small feat finding the ideal location. The owner looked at over 70 apartments before he finalised this place, slightly over 2,000 sq ft, located in an art deco populated niche of South Mumbai.

    At the time of purchase, it was aesthetically interesting but also a haphazard amalgamation of design decisions. Only parts of the original remained intact.

    The long table from furniture line Seasons by Valentin Loellmann is surrounded by solid walnut chairs and sideboard, all created by Paola Navone for Gervasoni; Photographs by Suleiman Merchant

    Perfect plan Our intention was to strike a healthy balance between preserving the virtues of the past and embracing the new. So while the backdrop is old-world, the furniture and services are strikingly modern. We selected soothing, calming colours to create a base we could build on.

    View of one of the sun-filled rooms; Photographs by Suleiman Merchant

    With the help of Le Mill, we sourced furniture from Gervasoni, Gubi, Moroso and ClassiCon, to name a few. To avoid as much on-site work as possible, pieces like the credenzas, study table, library, wardrobes and inbuilt units were designed inhouse and made offsite. Our biggest challenge was dealing with a heritage structure…we had to tread carefully. For example, we had no choice but to use lightweight flooring. Stone was out of the question, so we made a creative compromise and chose epoxy resin, which looked seamless.

    Large-sized tiles lend a sense of spaciousness to this bathroom; Photographs by Suleiman Merchant

    Nuance above chaos Being able to watch the city do its thing is nice but also acoustically overwhelming. All the pre-renovation windows were mismatched in construction, letting in a tremendous amount of noise. So, we decided that the new windows should be uniformly wooden as per the original art deco design, and most importantly, double-glazed to serve as sound barriers. For me, this was the most enjoyable detail to work on because by filling the place with light and keeping the commotion out, the windows bind the house together and allow the space to become a home.

    #TrendAlert Cane Webbing: Weave a nostalgic tale with alluring 80s-style wicker furniture and accessories

    Weave a golden memory—evoke the glorious 1980s era with furniture and accessories crafted from versatile wicker. Style and Trend Prediction by Sonia Dutt 

    From top Wicker light 
from local vendor Solid wood frame with half round white wicker “Eleganza” chaise longue from Wicker World Wicker decor balls from InV Home

    Twist and turn—explore new territories with versatile baskets ideal for storage, picnics and other adventures

    Styled by Prateeksha Kackar; Photograph by S Thiru

    From top Artificial “Plum Blossom” stem basket from Marina Home Sea grass basket from Nature’s Bazaar Bamboo cane bread basket from Fabindia Seagrass fancy basket from Chuimeiyao Handicrafts Cane african basket by Punit Jasuja from Second Floor Studio Tonga deep African, Tonga traditional, Beige brown laundry baskets all from Maison 15 Willow picnic basket from Elvy Lifestyle

    Spin a tranquil cocoon—let colonial furniture and muted hues set the tone for an unpretentious chamber

    Photograph by Ishita Sitwala

    Give living rooms an earthy appeal with the timeless combination of wood and cane. Take cues from this waiting room of a doctor’s clinic commissioned to Studio 4 Architects, Surat. It features furniture and accessories from architect Veeram Shah’s Ahmedabad-based design studio Design Ni Dukaan. Completing the scene is a vintage-inspired wicker screen, antique curios and hints of brass. Website: studio4.co.in

    Dream of a tropical paradise—neutral-hued elements imagined for a countryside vibe

    Jute Thrishna utility basket from Fabindia

    The Blue Scoop Haus by DIG Architects stands out for its daring yet refined play of colours and volumes

    A bold play of colours, clean lines and huge volumes set the tone for this 2,200 sq ft city apartment. Located in One Hiranandani Park, Thane—one of the prime residential hubs in the city—the striking Blue Scoop Haus designed by Mumbai based DIG Architects welcomes the use of local and global materials along with a fresh take on our country’s culture. 

    What was originally a four bedroom space was restructured to have three instead, a lounge area as well as a bar extending from the living room to better suit the family. The former attached bathroom too was transformed into a powder unit. Other revamps included an open kitchen for more dialogue and circulation, and the addition of a walk-in wardrobe in the master boudoir.

    The home gets its moniker from the blue soaked, broad and continuous passage that begins at its entrance and stretches on till the bedroom lobbies. This dark and fascinating volume, which has all its surfaces draped in the same deep shade, creates the illusion of a negative void and serves as a pivotal interior element in the design of this abode.

    Monotonal frames by Shahid Datawala line the brick walls behind the colourful Mah Jong sofa from Roche Bobois in the lounge; Photographs by Sebastian Zachariah

    “The aesthetic spine of the design is the exuberant use of colours, a key factor in portraying Indian culture. A subtle yet definitive use of harmonious shades such as black and blue as well as back-painted glasses in different colour tones allowed for emphasis and contrast without being overwhelming,” explains Amit Khanolkar, principal architect of the practice.

    The sleek birchwood clad dining ensemble features a Diapo Dining table from Roche Bobois, Tonon chairs and FontanaArte pendant lamps hanging from the slatted oak ceiling; Photographs by Sebastian Zachariah

    From this entrance corridor, the first area that unfolds is the living room and kitchen. The spacious setting features a confluence of diverse materials, ranging from a slatted oak ceiling and concrete floors to rustic Godhra bricks and birch plywood surfaces. It houses formal sitting areas as well as a eight-seater dining table.

    A back-painted wardrobe in fuchsia and a mirrored storage unit face each other on either sides of the Ardex concrete floor in the daughter’s bedroom; Photographs by Sebastian Zachariah

    A compact lounge space follows with an L-shaped Mah Jong sofa from Roche Bobois. Nearby is a prayer room. The master bedroom and daughter’s chamber are positioned at the very end of the passage. The former, with an attached bathroom and walk-in closet, is clad in a raw and sombre palette comprising charcoal, concrete and rough cut stones as well as a black and red-painted glass.

    The Vistosi pendant lamp illuminates bedside artefacts, while a Yuvan Bodhisathuvar textured installation is mounted on the wall; Photographs by Sebastian Zachariah

    On the other hand, the daughter’s bedroom employs more vibrant tones. Large, mirrored cabinets to hold shoes and other accessories are positioned near the door, while a fuchsia, back-painted wardrobe covers an adjacent wall entirely. The bed and study are crafted using birchwood. The home also has a smaller guest bedroom in dark, monochromatic hues and blue accents.

    The master bathroom features an FCML basin and Gessi fixtures surrounded by river finished surfaces from World of Stones; Photographs by Sebastian Zachariah

    The muted surfaces across the house act as ideal backdrops to a gamut of art displays. “The artworks are akin to an underlying series of woven threads, starting from the one at the entrance, crafted in jute by Manish Nai and 3D installation pieces by Yuvan Bodhisathuvar that appear differently when viewed from different angles. Black and white frames by Shahid Datawala, EDIDA Designer of the Year 2012, line the lounge and complement the Godhra brick base,” shares Advait Potnis, principal architect of the firm.

    A vibrant series of botanical wall tiles from FCML add an organic touch to the daughter’s washroom; Photographs by Sebastian Zachariah

    This modern abode by Untitled Design celebrates grounded Indian sensibilities of art, craft and recycling

    Conceived as a three-storeyed space that blends private and public areas, this home is an amalgam of tradition and modernity. It is a 2,700 sq ft villa consisting of five bedrooms, a living area, family lounge and library.

    We were looking to create a space that expressed our design beliefs and principles. Additionally, a deep desire to do something novel determined the strength of the aesthetic.

    The idea was to experiment with techniques and materials using local nuances but applying a global feel, bringing back old school materials within a contemporary palette.

    The dining room is anchored by an Ashok Acharya painting. It includes a rosewood table, console and chairs from Untitled Design as well as metallic dinnerware from West Bengal; Photographs by Amit Mehra

    Having been greatly influenced by the art and crafts of our country, we wanted to incorporate a generous collection of collectibles acquired over a period of time. We wanted the final look to be a testament of this spirit of experimentation.

    Beside the cantilevered, recycled wood staircase are artworks by Tapas Maiti. Above is a pendant light created in collaboration between Untitled Design and Klove Studio; Photographs by Amit Mehra

    Sense and sustainability Despite the presence of artworks, installations and a play of materials, the common thread throughout is liveability through feasible, eco-sensitive design. All the interior work was designed and executed by the in-house team at Untitled Design.

    The guest washroom uses a mirror frame from Jaipur, table by Gopal Namjoshi and lava stone basin from Bali; Photographs by Amit Mehra

    The compelling uses of ancient techniques such as exposed concrete, terrazzo, natural clay plaster and inexpensive local limestone in cutting-edge setups is a step towards green architecture. But that’s not all. It is also an important move towards discovering the core ethos and positioning of Untitled Design as the chief articulators of a sensibility for an India willing to cultivate new ways of looking at its tradition.

    The master boudoir features a bed by Untitled Design, linens from Shades of India, dhurrie from Dastakar and an organic wooden bench from Nagaland; Photographs by Amit Mehra

    Old spirit, new shell Recycling has been our motto as much as possible. For example, reusing cork in the kid’s room was a fun experiment. Carrying forward the “reuse, recycle” motto, the old wood from the doors and frames of the demolished structure were utilised entirely in the cantilevered staircase and the library ceiling. Finally, local fabric in all sustainable forms—be it silk, cotton, dhurries and natural grass wallpapers—have been chosen over non-sustainable materials.

    #BTS with Rooshad Shroff: In the gallery-studio of the Mumbai based architect and designer

    By now, you’ve probably got more than an eyeful of Rooshad Shroff‘s newest gallery-cum-studio. So, we decided to take you #behindthescenes to the space, with the help of images, especially shared by photographer Pankaj Anand.

    Ensconced between two of Shroff’s clients—the Hermès and Louboutin boutiques—lies the multiple EDIDA award-winner’s new office space at Horniman Circle in Mumbai’s heritage quarter, inaugurated this month.

    Offering clear views of the iconic Asiatic library, it functions as both a gallery and a studio. The entrance opens out to a large chamber with high ceilings and forms the ideal canvas for the boutique firm’s furniture and lighting products.

    Pictured here is the C-Chair from Rooshad Shroff’s latest collection, an absolute favourite of the designer; Photographs by Pankaj Anand

    Set perpendicular to this chamber is a linear gallery overlooking the garden and the Asiatic Library, with a conference room at one end, an open-design office area in the middle, followed by a cabin with a corner window. The space truly affords a timeless combination—uninterrupted views of the heritage quarter and abundant natural light.

    Sunset casts a soft glow on the wall through a fanlight; Photographs by Pankaj Anand

    “We have retained the architectural signature of the building and introduced arched elements of the facade inside. The material palette of marble and light wooden flooring, with pale grey walls, provides a suitable backdrop to showcase both the furniture and marble accents,” explains Shroff.

    Shroff’s cabin offers a clear view of the Asiatic library; Photographs by Pankaj Anand

    The inimitable designer skilfully uses mirrors to open up the space considerably, while lining the inside of all the arched doorways connecting the gallery to the office.

    As twilight descends, it’s time to turn on the marble ceiling lights; Photographs by Pankaj Anand

    Artworks from Shroff’s personal collection have been paired with the furniture to lend a personal touch, so clients can gauge the pieces within a seemingly residential environment. Artist prototypes—marble inlay plates by Venkanna and Tanya Goel from The Gyaan Project—adorn the gallery and office areas respectively.

    A #bts shot taken on the shoot day; Photographs by Pankaj Anand

    Marble tube lights, part of the architect’s latest collections, are seen throughout the space, seamlessly woven into the design, highlighting their functional aesthetic.

    Glimpse of Shroff’s desk with the BV Doshi’s marble plate for The Gyaan Project; Photographs by Pankaj Anand

    “At present, the furniture includes signature pieces such as my favourite C-Chair, the bookshelf and the Belly table, to name a few. The space is a blank canvas that enables us to constantly change the pieces every few months with revolving exhibitions,” says Shroff. The idea behind the design was largely to allow flexibility and host exhibitions or events as required, particularly when collaborating with different designers and artists.