Bombay Rhapsody

A love letter to the city: A home by Studio KE Architects that blends nostalgia and modernity

21 Mar 2025

Picture this: a big, bustling family of nine all under one roof — not out of necessity, but out of love for the chaos, laughter and joy that comes with living together. A result of the family aspiring to merge dual three-bedroom homes in the suburb of Mulund in Mumbai, into a singular 1,850 sq ft space, brought Studio KE Architects to design this home that doesn’t just look good but feels good. The inspiration came from the city’s eclectic blend of culture, heritage and progress.

Warm, airy and oh-so inviting first impressions

Walk through the door, and you’re instantly hit with a sense of calm. The open-plan living area showcases graceful design — earthy beiges, rich rust tones and warm wooden textures come together in a way that feels both cosy and refined. Plush linens, handwoven rattan and sculptural wooden accents add layers of texture while soft lighting keeps things warm and inviting. And almost everything here has been sourced from Indian brands — Jaipur Rugs grounding the space with a statement piece, throw cushions from Abstrac Home and Gumfu Textiles adding pops of colour and artworks that feels just as thoughtfully curated as the furniture itself.

"We have used many local design elements like vaulted ceilings, exposed bricks, solid wood furniture and detailing, rattan work and paired it seamlessly with the more modern choices of design aesthetics and materials" — Esha Tipnis and Karan Danda

The Splay wooden frames are from Fill in the Blanks; The Isabella planter adds a touch of greenery from The Decor Remedy; The cosy Brandon couch and elegant Henry armchair hail from Tianu Furniture, perfectly complemented by throw cushions from Abstrac Home and Gumfu Textiles; Grounding the space is the exquisite Aperzo rug from Jaipur Rugs; Adding a final artistic touch is the Saraswati sculptural artwork from Rudranee Chiman; Photography by Anish Pathrikar; Styling by Decoratus Apparatus

The dining room delight

Now this space almost had a major problem. A deep beam sat right in the middle of the dining area. Instead of trying to hide it the designers leaned in by introducing two more false beams to create a stunning brick-vaulted ceiling. And just like that, what could’ve been an eyesore became the most striking feature of the home. With a solid wood dining table from Tianu Furniture anchoring the space, family meals turn into hours of storytelling and everyday moments feel just a little more special.

Bedrooms: cosy, functional and quiet (luxury)

Each bedroom has its own personality but the common thread is warmth, functionality and a quiet kind of luxury. The idea for the grandparents room was simple. Two beds, that are designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia with a shared side table, and a minimal aesthetic. The master suite takes a more modern approach, playing with curves and textures to create a space that feels soft, inviting and completely personal. And then there’s the little one’s space — blended effortlessly into the master suite so he’s never too far from his parents. Instead of adding clunky baby-proofing accessories, safety is built into the design itself — soft curves, rounded furniture and smooth transitions between spaces.

The sleek Connect chairs and the elegant Harmony dining table come from Tianu Furniture creating a perfect setting for memorable meals; Photography by Anish Pathrikar

Fashionably functional

Even the wardrobes tell a story. Crafted with fluted wood, warm creams and soft beiges they blend into each room like they’ve always been there. No fuss, no clutter — just thoughtful, functional design. One of the smartest moves? Swapping out traditional walls for fluted glass pocket doors. This keeps the natural light flowing while still offering some privacy when needed. Even the practical stuff — like AC units — has been tucked away into sleek wooden storage units that double up as hidden compartments. The architects Esha Tipnis and Karan Danda said, “We have used many local design elements like vaulted ceilings, exposed bricks, solid wood furniture and detailing, rattan work and paired it seamlessly with the more modern choices of design aesthetics and materials.”

Designed for life, built with love

The result? A space that looks and feels effortlessly put together. This home is a love letter to Bombay itself — its nostalgia, its energy and its ever-evolving charm. It’s a space that feels lived-in from day one. A home built for togetherness, for generations and for the simple joy of everyday life.

Every detail strikes that sweet spot between tradition and modernity making life easier, prettier and just a little more magical. At the end of the day this home isn’t just about beautiful spaces, it’s about the people who fill them with life, laughter and endless cups of chai.