Living the quintessential Mumbai

This three-storied apartment in Mumbai by SML Architects is an outward-looking home

03 Apr 2025

Can tranquillity and Mumbai’s buzzing energy go hand in hand? Well, it certainly does, in the case of this multi-storied residence within the five gardens neighbourhood in Matunga, Mumbai. Offering uninterrupted vistas of the foliage and establishing a seamless link with its landscape, this is a home where fluidity flows just as much as feelings of warmth and cohesiveness. Helmed by SML Architects and built for a family of three — a sexagenarian couple and their son in his thirties, this is an open, outward-looking home spanning 2,250 sq ft reimagined to strengthen its bond with the verdure surroundings.

The gently curved edges of the walls in this home introduce a sense of softness, enhancing tactile warmth and visual continuity, fostering an uninterrupted flow throughout the interiors. “The layout was opened up by eliminating non-essential partitions in the communal areas, fostering a fluid, airy environment that blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors,” reveals Mahek Lalan, Principal Architect, SML Architects. The windows are enlarged and raised to bring in abundant natural light and frame sweeping views of the lush greenery.

“The shared living areas are finished with two varieties of white marble, their delicate differences adding depth to the flooring and skirting.” — Mahek Lalan, SML Architects

Truth is, in décor or even otherwise, love is in the details. The cushion covers are from Craft & Kar and the rug from Jaipur Rugs; Photography by Neelanjana Chitrabanu

A lesson in gentle restraint

Wrapped in a refined, understated material palette; the interiors of this cosy pad makes a case for spaces that seek beauty in contrasts — a neutral backdrop against which vivid hues of the furniture and art collection stand out. “The shared living areas are finished with two varieties of white marble, their delicate differences adding depth to the flooring and skirting. This marble seamlessly continues onto the staircase that leads to the private quarters on the top floor,” she avers.

In the master, son’s and guest bedrooms, the atmosphere shifts to a warmer tone, with teak planks underfoot, complementing the gentle textures of rugs, upholstered furnishings, and bed linens.

Souvenirs from the past

Structural elements such as deep beams, along with original details like flower beds, were carefully integrated into the new design, preserving the apartment’s inherent charm while enhancing its connection to nature. A quick walkthrough makes it clear that the living room is the heart of the home, adorned with an array of seating arrangements—a sofa, armchairs, and a stool.

The bedrooms — master, son’s and the guest bedroom — embody distinct personalities. The master bedroom is enveloped in a Japanese aesthetic, delicate Japanese Washi paper inserts, lending a subtle texture and reinforcing the serene ambiance that permeates all through this residence that meshes classic deco-drama with creature comforts. Love? Love!

The dining room brims with personality and airiness, courtesy of natural lighting that permeates through the enlarged windows; Photography by Neelanjana Chitrabanu

This corner of the living room beckons one to press pause and savour life — with a cuppa joe and a good book. The Armchair and coffee table by SML Architects, and the wooden flooring is from Jalaram Timber; Photography by Neelanjana Chitrabanu

Recreating the traditional jharokha

The spotlight, however, stays unflinchingly on the custom-designed bay window seat—a modern reinterpretation of the traditional jharokha — a décor accoutrement that displays main character energy. The window seat is integrated into the dining area, enhancing both seating flexibility and the room’s overall character.

Known to be typically ornate, overhanging enclosed balconies seen in palaces and havelis, the jharokha undergoes a unique, reimagined twist here. “The concept has been distilled into a contemporary form with clean lines, while retaining its essence as a light-filled vantage point,” avers the chief designer, adding how the reimagined jharokha becomes more than just a seat. “It’s a design feature that merges cultural nostalgia with modern aesthetics, enriching the living room experience.”