This breezy Mumbai home by Studio Mahek Lalan proves simple living can be spectacular

Mumbai dwellers typically don’t yearn after the American dream. It’s often a cosy abode with sweeping views of the city’s skyline that one strives for in this city, also endearingly called Bombay. Duly capturing this collective vision of calm and comfort is a resuscitated home in Chembur, which Studio Mahek Lalan artfully imagines for a […]

16 May 2024

Pooja Prabbhan Srijith

Mumbai dwellers typically don’t yearn after the American dream. It’s often a cosy abode with sweeping views of the city’s skyline that one strives for in this city, also endearingly called Bombay. Duly capturing this collective vision of calm and comfort is a resuscitated home in Chembur, which Studio Mahek Lalan artfully imagines for a family of five.

Spanning 3,000 sq ft — after adjoining two 1,500 sq ft apartments — this quaint dwelling is situated at a sun-dappled spot on a narrow bylane on Deonar Farm Road.

Studio Mahek Lalan — The ivory-coloured paint on soft plastered walls weaves a warm and subdued ambience in the living area. Additionally, the presence of eye-catching décor like a teak wood and leather Chieftain armchair by Finn Juhl and a handmade rug from Agra; Photograph by Studio Suryan and Dang

“The apartment has some really striking views with no buildings surrounding it. This context set the base for us,” reveals Mahek Lalan, Founder and Principal Architect of SML Architects, adding that they envisioned the home to be a meditative space oriented with the foliage and the views.

Let there be light

A quick walk through the apartment instantly acclimates one to Mahek’s vision: to create a space that serves as a peaceful retreat. A contemporary home that serves as an escape from the din of the external world.

A blend of nature-inspired elements and mid-century modern influences give birth to some striking features. Think arched metal doors, textured black granite flooring in the living, dining and passage area, a marble tabletop and furniture made of reclaimed solid teak wood.

“Each component serves a purpose beyond the immediate, contributing to a timeless atmosphere that depicts the enduring beauty of thoughtful design,” Mahek states.

“Since it was a ‘jodi’ flat, the site went through major civil changes. We had to move around a lot of walls. We had to expand a lot of the existing spaces provided by the developer. The existing two 3-BHKs were converted into a 4-BHK along with a spacious entertainment room and modern facilities like a walk-in wardrobe, lounge and study nooks,” he adds.

The best of both worlds

A true marker of a well-planned space is one that offers the best of both worlds: room for solitude while maintaining a sense of connectedness to its surroundings. With a similar thought process, Mahek explains, “The fact that each member of the family gets to have a private space to enjoy solitude, as well as many shared spaces for chance encounters stands as one of the highlights.”

Airy and bearing a modish finish, the multi-purpose room is an inner sanctuary of sorts that makes room for varied interests. Contemporary-esque elements like an arched doorway with metallic frames add depth, while the special marble mosaic terrazzo flooring stands out in the apartment.

An eye for sustainability

“The natural materials that we have used in the home are such that it does not fight the ageing process but rather, age gracefully,” shares Mahek.

There’s an unspoken allude to simplicity and this becomes the guiding design philosophy behind this subdued sanctuary that gently nudges one to press pause and savour the moment.

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