Curves take the spotlight at a Mumbai home by Smit Shah Innovative Designs

Every turn in Chembur, Mumbai reveals a new layer of charm, especially when walking along its tree-lined residential pockets. Amidst this serene backdrop is an aspirational home that defies conventional design trends and embraces an elegant interplay of curves and arches. When called upon to renovate this 1900 sq ft apartment, Principal Designer Smit Shah […]

06 Sep 2024

Aditi Singla

Every turn in Chembur, Mumbai reveals a new layer of charm, especially when walking along its tree-lined residential pockets. Amidst this serene backdrop is an aspirational home that defies conventional design trends and embraces an elegant interplay of curves and arches. When called upon to renovate this 1900 sq ft apartment, Principal Designer Smit Shah of SSID SMIT SHAH Innovative Designs induced it with a consistent material palette, but with a dash of dramatic, character-led gestures.

The designer has treated the dwelling as one big canvas, complementing it with showstopping curations and blending it with cool tones, greys and black accents. Smit explains, “As you explore the luxurious furniture and playful abstract finds, you will see how their curvilinear lines and patterns play a vital role in design, allowing for the home to come together cohesively”.

The living room has a curvaceous monochromatic gradient sofa, a tall Hatsu floor lamp and a Natuzzi centre table with a black-tinted glass top. A Jaipur Rugs rug from the Stir collection adds texture underfoot. The indoor plants freshen up the interiors; Photography by Wabi-Sabi Studio by Janvi Thakkar

The living room has a tall Hatsu floor lamp and a Natuzzi centre table with a black-tinted glass top. A Jaipur Rugs rug from the Stir collection adds texture underfoot. Indoor plants further elevate the interiors; Photography by Wabi-Sabi Studio by Janvi Thakkar

The hand-painted mural in the living area not only serves as a conversation starter but also reinforces the home’s role as a welcoming space for social gatherings; Photography by Wabi-Sabi Studio by Janvi Thakkar

Curves ahead

The home is unequivocally applause-worthy and reveals fine craftsmanship, starting with its beautiful foyer enveloped in the gentle glow of a curvaceous light fixture suspended from a circular ceiling. Moving further inside, the eyes get stuck on a vibrant hand-painted mural in blue and grey hues that spans across one side of the living room.

The curvaceous dining table is made from two different marble stones, elegantly paired with upholstered chairs. It is illuminated by grey-tinted glass and leather pendant lights; Photography by Wabi-Sabi Studio by Janvi Thakkar

The dining area has a buffet counter with a suspended shelving unit providing both storage and visual interest; Photography by Wabi-Sabi Studio by Janvi Thakkar

Embracing the central idea of curves and arches, the living room is skillfully intertwined with a curved monochrome gradient sofa, a floor lamp and central table set against a black wall. There is a calming presence of a softly curved ceiling. This remarkable open-plan space also has the dining area with a similar tone. At its heart lies a glamorous marble dining table, its polished surface gleaming under the grey-tinted glass pendant lights, adorned with leather belts. Nearby, a serene temple offers an intimate cocoon for spiritual reflection.

The grandmother’s bedroom is clad in Oikos texture paint and has a sleek suspended light. A grey and blue jute bed, a long table with built-in storage, and a walk-in wardrobe provide comfort and functionality; Photography by Wabi-Sabi Studio by Janvi Thakkar

The master bedroom is accessed via a wardrobe-lined walkway, leading to a walk-in closet and bathroom. It is having a retro moment with a burgundy, dark grey and beige colour palette. The bed back cleverly conceal storage, while the burgundy crocodile leather headboard adds a touch of luxury; Photography by Wabi-Sabi Studio by Janvi Thakkar

Power of continuity

Smit has a special predilection for continuity and it is effortlessly visible in each room. A passage with the aforementioned curved ceiling guides you to a well-appointed kitchen, powder room, bedrooms and a den room that can transform into a haven for overnight guests. The den features a dramatic orange bubble chair and abstract rug with orange tassels, harmonising with the sofa. The wardrobe shutters are crafted from mushroom-coloured leather with orange stitching, again creating a cohesive aesthetic.

The parents’ bedroom has a custom-fabricated gunmetal bed frame. The room is bathed in natural light from two-sided French windows.

A shelving unit with a unique design is paired elegantly with a round chair boasting of whimsical line art faces; Photography by Wabi-Sabi Studio by Janvi Thakkar

The orange bubble chair is from Roche Bobois Paris and underfoot is a customised abstract Hatsu rug; Photography by Wabi-Sabi Studio by Janvi Thakkar

It’s always golden hour in the inviting bedrooms, as they brim with natural illumination, mountain views and fresh breeze of the coastal town. Smit has upped the enveloping atmosphere with custom beds, headboards, built-in storages, avant-garde upholstery, all upholding a soft, rounded aesthetic. These private chambers have walk-in closets and en-suite bathrooms tying this whole tableau with personal comfort and functionality.

The designer aimed to create experiential and expansive spaces. “We incorporated strategic accents of black detailing and utilised the finest materials such as grey-tinted reflective mirrors for overall spaciousness.

The bathroom features white Plasa and blue calcite surfaces, including a unique calcite basin. A colourful abstract artwork crowns the stone wall; Photography by Wabi-Sabi Studio by Janvi Thakkar

The light filled en-suite bathroom showcases midnight blue kit-kat tiles and a curved counter; Photography by Wabi-Sabi Studio by Janvi Thakkar

The foyer’s circular ceiling is cladded in Oikos texture paint and has gold leaf detailing. The hanging light fixture is from Hatsu. The abstract artwork, the vividly patterned round rug, the slender console table poised against the wall and the whimsical headpiece that rests atop, establish a sense of organic continuity; Photography by Wabi-Sabi Studio by Janvi Thakkar

And the repetition of elements like the warm natural veneer, Oikos texture paint and beige flooring foster connectivity and a visual rhythm” Smit shares. By weaving together diverse curved elements with a constellation of light fixtures, the apartment sets a new standard for luxurious living in Mumbai.

Now read: What really is wabi-sabi? Iesha Parekh and Dhaval Shellugar’s home in Bengaluru explores the story of monochromes