The livivng room features furniture by Peacock life and Studio by Agni. Carpet by Hands Carpets, accessories by Escape by Creatomy and fan by Fan Studio. Flooring by Sq foot flooring and wall finish by Limocoat; Photography by Talib Chitalwala

In praise of maximalism and abundance

Jewel tones and quiet corners take centre stage inside a Mumbai home by a&k Design Studio

BY

Homes designed for young families carry grand expectations: that they will grow and change along with the people living in them. That idea takes on a vivacious form in this 2,600 sq ft Mumbai apartment designed for a young couple and their children by Aarti Somani and Kruti Sheth, co-founders and principle designers of a&k Design Studio. Instead of following the controlled minimalism that modern interiors frequently lean towards, this residence embraces maximalism with confidence, proving that more can indeed be more when it is done meticulously. The home isn’t just a place to live, it’s a canvas for hues, personality and artistry.

“The home was designed with a maximalist approach—where abundance and variety coexist in harmony.”

Living room features lights by Harshita Jamthani and bespoke furniture by Peacock Life. Rug by Cocoon Rugs and wall finish by Limocoat ;Photography by Talib Chitalwala

Regal living

From the moment you step inside, the house introduces the aesthetic for what lies ahead. “The home was designed with a maximalist approach—where abundance and variety coexist in harmony.” says Aarti and Kruti. The entrance opens into an editorial living room. From here, the area stretches towards the balcony on one side and the dining area on the other, creating an open layout. Textured taupe walls and dark oak patterned flooring runs across the apartment. But neutrality here is only the starting point. Around this understated shell, the interiors come alive with dramatic accents, curated mix of furnishings and sculptural lighting. Paintings, upholstery and rich jewel-toned colour palette frame the nook with identity giving it the ambience of a curated living gallery.

To further enhance the home’s architectural flourish and continuity, arched glass doors connect the different zones of the house. They lead into an endearing French-style kitchen on one side, while another opens into the home’s lounge bar which makes each transition between spaces feel like a small discovery. Dressed in deep burgundy and gold hues, the bar carries a slightly dramatic, relaxed ambience. Yet despite its distinct persona, it remains visually linked to the living room.

One of the most engaging aspects of the home is the way it moves effortlessly across home. The living room stretches towards a balcony with panoramic views, blurring the boundary between indoors and outdoors. Instead of treating the balcony as a separate zone it has been integrated into the main living area creating a light and spacious atmosphere, an especially welcome quality in a high-rise apartment.

The den features lights by Uniser lights. Wall Paint by Kemtex, flooring by Sq foot flooring and carpet by Ajay Anand carpet;Photography by Talib Chitalwala
The den features gallery wall set against exposed brick backdrop; Photography by Talib Chitalwala

Design in transition

From the living areas, the home branches into two distinct passages. One leads to the master bedroom and the son’s room, while the other opens towards the powder room, den and the daughters’ shared bedroom. Each room carries its own personality and character. Concrete and brick finishes create a raw, textured backdrop for the son’s room paired by his football posters. The daughters’ shared bedroom brings a softer, more spirited energy to the interiors. Grey and red accents paired by eccentric artwork and patterned wallpaper with ornamental motifs reflect the personalities of the two young occupants.

 

The master bedroom shifts the tone entirely. Here, the design moves towards vintage opulence, with dark grey floors, mushroom-toned walls and deep maroon design elements forming a lush palette. Crystal chandeliers introduce old-world glamour accompanied by a custom vanity and an artistic mirror, all adding individuality to the adjoining bathroom. The passage leading to the den becomes a dramatic moment in itself. Brass animal masks, vintage mirrors and crystal wall sconces line the corridor turning it into a curated gallery wall. Inside the den the industrial narrative continues with concrete and brick walls that give the room a rugged allure. A fireplace tucked beneath the television creates a cosy focal point meanwhile a towering library wall and a freestanding bar elevate the room into a comfortable refuge for reading styled by rustic accessories and embroidered artwork.

Burgundy and gold hued bar features and flooring by Sq foot flooring; Photography by Talib Chitalwala
Timeless and opulent master bedroom with burgundy headboard and embroidered cushions; Photography by Talib Chitalwala

Beauty in abundance

The home honours maximalism, embracing variety without losing balance. Rather than overwhelming the space with colour from the start, the designers began with a calm and neutral base. From there, colour, prints and statement chandeliers were gradually introduced, making the interiors feel expressive and dynamic. Despite its richness, the home feels cohesive. This home ultimately shows how maximalism/opulence can feel dramatic without losing its liveability. Walking through the home feels like turning the pages of a well-loved book with each room revealing a new palette, texture or design moment waiting to be discovered.

The bedroom features a vintage trunk-style bedside table; Photography by Talib Chitalwala
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