Blue Sea’s modern reinvention

ABM breathes new life into a Mumbai landmark, blending minimalism and memory

23 Jun 2025

Blue Sea Banquets’ recent revamp, undertaken by ABM, amplifies the aesthetic and functional appeal of a 10,000 sq ft banquet in Worli, Mumbai. Expansive but with a dextrous layout that encompasses diverse functions, founder Alfaz Miller and Aahana Miller, Principal Architect at ABM redesign the space by carefully balancing the venue’s original identity with a contemporary touch. “With a deep appreciation for the venue’s legacy, ABM undertakes this transformation with a careful balance, modernising the space while preserving its essence,” say Alfaz and Aahana.

"Using the high ceiling to our advantage and not cluttering the space too much, the Asian Zen design style brings in the desired minimalism and elevates the venue,” — Alfaz and Aahana Miller

The outdoor patio looks out to the surrounding sea; Photography by Talib Chitalwala

A closer look at the makeover

Grand spaces call for a grand entrance — Blue Sea now welcomes guests with an ACP-clad portal flanked by two oversized urns. Beyond the entrance, the patio redefines itself through enhanced paving, improving both accessibility and visual appeal. The building’s facade, having weathered the passage of time, makes a stylish comeback with new outdoor lighting and the addition of a second entrance to the main banquet. This new entryway features a stepped portal and double doors with an airlock, ensuring both elegance and energy efficiency.

Inside, the banquet hall is now ready to host its next series of celebrations with updates that include new wall cladding, a fabric-clad accent wall, and a reimagined ceiling. The space under the mezzanine is redesigned to accommodate informal gatherings incorporating previously underutilised areas now find purpose — the mezzanine is transformed into an extension of the banquet space, featuring additional seating, a dressing room, and a washroom.

The outdoor tiles for the flooring are from World of Stones; Photography by Talib Chitalwala

The venue’s furniture is customised by Bhakar Interiors, while the blinds and upholstery are from Arc One; Photography by Talib Chitalwala

Materiality and character

Interventions are kept minimal to honour the venue’s iconic identity, yet they elevate the façade with a more refined and contemporary character. The client’s request for Asian Zen minimalism is reflected in the grandeur of the renovations without overwhelming the space. Even the chosen palette draws inspiration from nature. “A balance of deep tones paired with lighter shades seamlessly caters to the wide range of social events the venue hosts. Since Blue Sea predominantly hosts evening functions, the deeper interior tones align with this mood, while lighter hues on the patio create an elegant ambience for daytime events,” explain Alfaz and Aahana. Blue Sea maintains its heritage while embracing a striking transformation in the revamp that embodies modern sensibilities.