Inside an art lovers’ gallery-like home in Mumbai designed by Studio Wodehouse
Every home has its own ineffable allure, some imbued with an understated poise, others with a grandeur that defies the ordinary. But then, there is this neoteric pied-à-terre in Mumbai that immerses you in the heart of an art lover’s dream. Converted to a two-bedroom apartment from a three-bedroom, this refreshingly stylish 2000 sq ft […]
Every home has its own ineffable allure, some imbued with an understated poise, others with a grandeur that defies the ordinary. But then, there is this neoteric pied-à-terre in Mumbai that immerses you in the heart of an art lover’s dream. Converted to a two-bedroom apartment from a three-bedroom, this refreshingly stylish 2000 sq ft abode helmed by Principal Designer Shonali Mahajan Cooper of Studio Wodehouse, alongside design practice Levitate, boasts an art-centric transitional design.
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Sculptural surprises emerge in unanticipated alcoves and rooms unfurl the family’s artistic journey. “Art was a central focus for the owners, but we also discussed the need for practical storage solutions and other functional elements,” says Shonali alongside Bisakha Verma and Digant Dharamshi from Levitate. “Careful consideration of scale, proportion and lighting has been made to make sure the artworks complemented the overall design without overshadowing the comfort and livability of the home.”
The TV zone in the master bedroom features an interesting blend of textures, shapes and materials. There’s a coffee table from Bombay Design Lab, sofa from Norde Turkey, an acrylic chair from cb2, a green side table from Mood Dubai and a bookshelf from Chiki Doshi; Photography by Suleiman MerchantThe gilded gold wall sculpture by Aldo Chaparro and the ivory-hued curvaceous boucle sofa creates an interesting interplay of rigidity and softness. While Jaipur rugs carpet, Demurodas cocktail table, Tacchini boucle sofa, Souza artwork and Aldo Chaparro Artwork ties the space together; Photography by Suleiman Merchant
An architrave frames the passage from the foyer into the living room where the ambience oodles with gallery-like luxurious elements. To one side, a gilded-crumpled metal wall sculpture gleams, juxtaposed with a curvaceous boucle sofa. The other side is anchored with a Roche Bobois sofa and a monumental coffee table, all unified by a free-form textured rug.
The corridor features a striking Philippe Jeffries wallpaper, ash-dyed grey veneer from Venzo, parquet from Havwoods and the homeowner’s art; Photography by Suleiman Merchant
Standing out with its soft grey and warm white canvas, the living room extends to the dining area interlaced with a quirky character. A vintage crystal chandelier cascades over the glass-topped dining table. On the wall, a vibrant contemporary artwork, alongside small art pieces injects colour into the otherwise restrained aesthetics. Directly from the entrance door is a passage that leads to the master bedroom, guest room and a newly carved-out powder bathroom.
The artworks are incorporated on a neutral color palette allowing them to shine and give a personal expression to each room.Speaking of design philosophy Shonali explains “It centres on creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply personal and layered with history and meaning. Every item here serves a purpose, whether it’s aesthetic, functional, or emotional, reflecting the owner’s identity.”
The guest bedroom with a custom black framed rattan bed by Studio Wodehouse infuses the space with rustic elegance. The walls in a very subtle light green hue augment the room’s tranquil atmosphere accompanied by light from Terra Trading. The bedroom has an ensuite bathroom and boasts a walk-in wardrobe area as well; Photography by Suleiman MerchantAn architrave door design and a colourful artwork with contemporary shapes at the entrance invite pause and contemplation; Photography by Suleiman Merchant
Vintage furniture and decorative artefacts bring in a thoughtful blend of eras and textures, and the bedrooms serve as compelling evidence. The master bedroom with a neatly integrated TV zone, a walk-in wardrobe and a dressing area establishes a practical spatiality. It opens onto a balcony through stately French fenestrations, which is strategically shared with the guest bedroom. “In Mumbai having walk-in wardrobes is considered a luxury, having two is just uber-luxe” Shonali exclaims.
The vertical panel in the powder room is graced with a Life n Colors muted-green mural of floral branches. The vanity is a paragon of geometric precision tied with an antique brass wall sconce with crackled glass shade from The Hesperus; Photography by Suleiman MerchantThe combination of cool blue tiles and polished obsidian on the vanity establishes a bold contrast with the beige walls. The mosaic flooring adds to the visual appeal; Photography by Suleiman Merchant
Speaking of sustainability practices, Shonali shares “We integrated home automation with sustainable materials to make the home a smart, eco-friendly space that balances style, functionality, and environmental responsibility.” Natural materials like wood have been used for the herringbone flooring. Low-VOC paints, LED lighting solutions and upcycled antiques align the home with the designer’s sustainability goals. It is evident that this new apartment in Mumbai fulfils the owner’s wishlist, leapfrogs trends and embraces the evergreen values of ecological guardianship.
