It’s breezy in Bandra

Studio SKO designs an open concept home in Mumbai inspired by Japandi style

10 Jul 2025

In the bylanes of Bandra, an old apartment restores itself with a newfound purpose. Built by Salonee Kothari, Founder and Principal Designer of Studio SKO, the 1500 sq ft home draws from the Japanese way of design embedded with details that leave you looking for more. “When we first met the clients their design brief to us was pretty straightforward: ample open spaces with clean and modern aesthetics,” says Salonee.

“This project has been named Summer Breeze , because at any given time, a cool breeze always envelopes the house” — Salonee Kothari

Photograph Courtesy Wabi-Sabi Studio by Janvi Thakkar

Breeze in an open home

Keeping in mind the idea of having an open layout home, a dining table anchors the living, dining and kitchen areas, with a folding door made with fluted glass for privacy. In the den, replacing a sofa is a wooden platform with cushions — the perfect spot to curl up with a book.

In the guest bedroom, a Murphy bed allows for utilising the space differently for different functions. These elements ensure the home remains open and limits clutter. “This project has been named Summer Breeze , because at any given time, a cool breeze always envelopes the house,” elaborates Salonee.

The bar unit of the home was made in-house; Photograph Courtesy Wabi-Sabi Studio by Janvi Thakkar

The study table and bookshelf is made in-house, while the wall lamp is from Length Breadth Height; Photograph Courtesy Wabi-Sabi Studio by Janvi Thakkar

Earthy tones and pops of colour

The home’s warm and welcoming nature can be attributed to the use of wood throughout the space. The rooms make use of wooden flooring, and hints of colour find their way into the furnishings and add some adjectives to identify the appearance/element of tiles, which add character to the home. Texture paint in a greyscale finish gives the space warmth. In the den, a mix of terracotta and beige tiles creates an enticing mix under dim lighting.

A bare space existing in Mumbai’s clutter takes you by surprise. Plenty of greenery surrounds the home, both inside and outside, helping to keep the space uncluttered, just as the clients desired. This home uses less to achieve more. It is a cosy sanctuary for homeowners, calling out for their love to read, as a breeze blows through their Bandra home.