A bright and eclectic Mumbai home designed by an architect as a gift to his parents

This blog post explores a Mumbai home, named "61 Shades of Joy," situated 61 floors high in Oberoi Sky City, designed by The SS Story, led by architects Snehal Mehta and Surbhi Patil. The project aimed to transform a multi-generational family home into an exuberant, elegant, and emotionally resonant space, reflecting the individuality of its residents while maintaining a cohesive design. The core design philosophy centered on creating a brighter, airier environment where three generations could coexist, each with their own distinct spaces, by incorporating "bursts of joy" throughout the interiors. The design process began by maximizing openness, taking inspiration from the panoramic views of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Walls were strategically removed, and rooms were merged to create a seamless living, dining, and kitchen expanse, designed to feel as expansive as the vista it overlooks. The entrance sets the tone for the home's playful personality with a black safety door adorned with 61 vibrant veneer cut-outs, a direct nod to the home’s name and floor number. The foyer features soft curves, maroon artwork, and a sculptural gold console, introducing the tactile elegance that defines the rest of the interiors. The open-plan living, dining, and kitchen areas are designed to be continuous yet distinct. Fluted panels behind the sofa add depth, while a rippling marble ledge and graphic black-and-white veneer doors provide texture and contrast. The kitchen, integrated with the dining area, is both functional and aesthetically striking, featuring a multicoloured veneer dining island that visually connects to the entrance door. This central area is further enhanced by maroon and blue center tables, a blown smoked-glass chandelier, and a matte-gold sculptural mandir, which serves as a serene yet striking centerpiece with its soft curves and geometric accents. Each bedroom is uniquely tailored to its occupant. The daughter's room is a whimsical space featuring scalloped shelves, pearl-studded wardrobes, and playful flamingo and dragonfly motifs, alongside a heart-shaped chest. A window ledge creates a daydreaming nook, and a mirrored panel with soft glowing globes adds a theatrical touch. In contrast, the parents’ bedroom offers a grounded and calm retreat, utilizing earthy beige tones, rust-flecked panels, and subtle gold accents. Geometric detailing replaces conventional motifs, creating a warm and tactile environment. The young couple’s studio bedroom is designed with boldness, using a striking palette of black, white, and red to reflect their love for music and travel. A sculptural red wave headboard anchors the room, complemented by a black-and-white ceiling papered with musical notes. Personalized elements include a handmade artwork made from shells collected during their travels, a marine-inspired totem lamp, and a bright red dice leg beneath the TV unit, all contributing to a unique narrative. The bathrooms continue this expressive character, with the master bath echoing the studio’s black and red theme, and the second bath featuring a vibrant, quirky yellow design with playful details. The project, executed with the support of Ritu Upadhyay and Astha Khandelwal, ensures that every detail, from corners to fixtures, tells a story, harmonizing functionality with intimate touches. Clean lines and timeless materials form the foundation, while vibrant pops of color and texture infuse energy into each space. The home is presented not merely as a high-rise apartment but as an "emotional elevation," symbolizing a beautiful, bold, and collective way of living. It underscores that luxury is found in personal stories, spirit, and soul, rather than just size or location. #MumbaiHomes #InteriorDesign #MultiGenerationalLiving #ColorfulInteriors #LuxuryHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #TheSSStory #HomeDecor #PlayfulDesign

DesignHex created an 8BHK duplex apartment in Mumbai, titled “2 Brothers,” for two brothers and their families. The project aimed to create a comforting home that could grow with their children, accommodate extended family, and host shared rituals without an overly stylized aesthetic. The core challenge and opportunity lay in the brothers' distinct design preferences: one favoring earthy minimalism with tactile textures and soft restraint, the other drawn to bold contrasts and structured forms. DesignHex addressed this by approaching each floor as an expression of these individual inclinations, ensuring they remained distinct yet connected. The duplex occupies the eighth and ninth floors of a residential tower, and the design capitalized on the expansive volumes, generous natural light, and open sea views available from the bare-shell site. Despite the distinct styles of each level, spatial flow, a neutral Michelangelo marble floor, and abundant natural light seamlessly knit the spaces together. Shared zones, such as an activity room and a grandparents' suite, were incorporated to reinforce a sense of togetherness and facilitate layered, cross-generational living. The eighth floor, reflecting the first brother's preference, is characterized by a calm, light-filled, and quietly composed ambiance. The living room features monochrome walls, layered artwork, and expressive bespoke furniture, including a beige sofa, single-seaters, and a custom coffee table. A hand-tufted rug designed by DesignHex for Cocoon Rugs anchors the space, while a textured ply panel with solid wood accents adds warmth behind the television. Casual seating pockets offer relaxed breaks from the main sofa, complemented by custom furniture and artwork. The dining zone features a vibrant artwork by Tanvi Kulshreshtha, a marble-topped table, upholstered chairs, and an eye-catching chandelier. The master bedroom on the eighth floor is warm and understated, with beige walls, an ombré lime-plaster headboard, and comfortable, crafted furnishings. The guest bedroom adopts a simpler, cleaner palette, distinguished by the word “blithe” etched into the bed back. The children’s bedroom, shared by a brother and sister, balances playfulness with symmetry through custom arched beds, a site-built study table, ash wood chairs, and a whimsical metal and acrylic-glass chandelier. An adjacent multifunctional activity room, featuring mirrored sliding shutters and concealed storage, can transform into a play space, workout area, or guest room. The ninth floor, designed for the second brother's family, offers a shift in mood, drawing inspiration from Bali and rainforest hues. It features a softer palette, deeper tones, and natural textures, creating an immersive and calm environment. The living room combines grey lime plaster with bold tropical wallpaper, grounded by a custom Amazonia rug. A mix of cane, rattan, and upholstered furniture contributes to a relaxed, global warmth. The television backdrop integrates marble with metal inlay work and HDF cutouts, complemented by lush potted plants. The dining area includes a custom-designed marble-topped table with concrete-textured legs and upholstered chairs. The master bedroom on the ninth floor, for the parents, is enveloped in gentle green tones, leafy prints, and soft textures, evoking a cocoon-like quality. Custom wardrobes are flush-built for a clean aesthetic. The guest bedroom continues the tropical theme more expressively, with jungle-inspired wallpaper, wooden accents, and Balinese touches like hanging lamps and patterned cushions. A study nook with open shelving provides a quiet space for reflection, making the entire duplex a harmonious blend of contrasting styles tailored to the family's needs and individual tastes. #MumbaiHome #DuplexDesign #DesignHex #EarthyMinimalism #TropicalMaximalism #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #CustomFurniture #ArchitecturalDigest

Unit93 Designs has created a contemporary home in Mumbai named "Geometry of Grace," a 2,600-square-foot residence at Le Palazzo in South Mumbai. The project aimed to translate the clients' desire for understated sophistication and emotional warmth into a luxurious yet restrained urban dwelling. The design integrates geometry, light, and texture, overcoming structural grid constraints by incorporating curves within linear frameworks and concealing lighting to achieve a seamless spatial experience. The founders, Bhavin and Rishit, describe the design philosophy as one where luxury is conveyed through silence, shadow, and texture, emphasizing balance over ostentation. The home features arches that soften strong lines, while subtle contours and layered materials add rhythm to the spaces. The double-height living area, serving as the home's heart, showcases a dramatic interplay of black and gold, complemented by marble inlay and sculpted arches. A custom flooring with a wave-inlay motif, a signature of Unit93 Designs, flows throughout the home, creating a seamless continuum. The design evolves with the changing light, transitioning from morning calm to evening drama, imbuing the home with a cinematic quality. A central glass-encased grove offers an unexpected biophilic element, providing a connection to nature that softens the surrounding richness. The dining niche features a bold palette of emerald green with burnt orange accents, creating a dramatic yet comforting atmosphere. The kitchen is designed with tropical granite, offering a grounded, sleek, and warm aesthetic with natural grains and veining patterns that add effortless elegance. The five bedrooms each possess a distinct character. One bedroom incorporates a Murphy bed storage unit, an extension of black marble inlay, and can transform into an entertainment room. The master bedroom is a sanctuary of soft textures, muted tones, and diffused light, designed for quiet indulgence with layered textures, bold contours, and gold accents. The guest bedroom maintains a lighter, playful mood, while the parents’ bedroom balances tradition and calm, exuding stillness. The daughter’s room is whimsical, featuring a pink onyx headboard with sculpted "bunny ears," cylindrical storage units resembling mushroom stems, and an illuminated stretch ceiling as the "cap." The overall palette celebrates contrast, combining cool whites with warm woods, and brushed brass with soft blush tones. This interplay of color and form creates an atmosphere that is both refined and intimate, demonstrating that true sophistication lies in elegance, restraint, and meticulous detail. #MumbaiHomes #IndianHomes #ContemporaryDesign #HouseDesign #Unit93Designs #LuxuryInteriors #GeometricDesign #InteriorArchitecture #HomeDecor

The author, Hanya Yanagihara, reflects on the concept of 'home,' noting that her transient upbringing across nine cities and 20 residences prevented her from associating the idea with a single physical space. Instead, her sense of rootedness is derived from an accumulation of specific details, rooms, furniture, and light from the various places she inhabited. This personal reflection introduces a broader exploration of diverse relationships with the notion of home, as presented in T Magazine's Design Issue. The article highlights several distinct examples of family residences, each offering a unique perspective on what constitutes a home. One featured residence is a mountain compound in Brazil, meticulously constructed by furniture designer Etel Carmona and her grown children. This compound is designed to accommodate three generations, balancing communal living with the need for individual privacy for each family member. This arrangement demonstrates a contemporary approach to multi-generational living, where shared spaces coexist with distinct personal areas. Another case study involves an English art dealer in Italy who decides to rededicate himself to Venice, a city with which he has a complex relationship. His new apartment, situated in a 17th-century palazzo, surprisingly turns out to be a place he was familiar with during his teenage years. This narrative explores the serendipitous return to a place that held previous personal significance, illustrating how history and personal memory can intertwine with one's definition of home. The story suggests that familiarity and a sense of connection can transcend the novelty of a new dwelling, transforming it into a deeply personal space. The cover story of the Design Issue focuses on the three residences created by the Swedish painter Carl Larsson and his wife, Karin, located north of Stockholm. Their first house, Lilla Hyttnäs, has been maintained by their descendants since the 1940s, with parts accessible to visitors and others remaining private. This home, more than a century after the Larssons' passing, continues to preserve their artistic legacy, furniture, and overall spirit, while also adapting to the improvisations and additions introduced by subsequent generations. This longevity and evolving nature of the Larsson home exemplify a living history, where a residence becomes a vessel for enduring family heritage and creative expression. The Larssons' original vision for their home was revolutionary for its time, rejecting the perceived monotony of bourgeois design characterized by dark furniture and neo-Renaissance styles. Instead, they championed folk art, craftsmanship, vibrant colors, and a sense of coziness. Their intention was to create an environment that felt inherently like a 'home,' rather than merely a 'house.' This distinction underscores the emotional and experiential qualities that define a true home, emphasizing comfort, personal expression, and a departure from conventional, often sterile, architectural norms. The article concludes by reinforcing the idea that a home is not just a structure but a dynamic entity shaped by personal histories, family connections, and artistic values. #HomeDesign #FamilyResidences #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalStyle #BrazilianDesign #VenetianApartment #SwedishArt #MultiGenerationalLiving

This article highlights the design of a 2,100 square feet, four-bedroom apartment in Worli, Mumbai, overlooking the Arabian Sea. The interior design, a collaboration between Maulika Gandhi of Magnolia Design Studio and Richa Bahl of Richa Bahl Design Studio (RBDS), combines modern and traditional elements, drawing inspiration from American farmhouse, French modern, and English country styles. Gandhi, the homeowner and a trained lawyer who transitioned into interior design, sought to create a space that reflects her personal memories and family journey. The design process involved Bahl focusing on layouts and material selection, while Gandhi curated furniture, art, and decor. A defining feature is the consistent use of deep sage green, complementing the kota-like flooring, which Bahl envisioned to provide warmth and coziness, counteracting the typical high-rise glass complex feel. The aim was to create a home that could fit anywhere globally, like New York, London, or Paris, yet avoid a traditional Indian aesthetic, despite the family's previous residence in South Mumbai's older, gentrified areas. The entryway features a French checkered marble floor, softened by a foliage-printed cabinet, an arch-designed oakwood console, a colonial cane chair, and vintage glass lights from Hesperus. This foyer opens into a large living space, including a dining area and a bar. A key design challenge in the living room was integrating a round pillar and a fixed rounded window, which Bahl creatively incorporated as a central element for a curved bar unit. Magnolia manufactured most of the furniture, reflecting Gandhi's preference for transitional living. The living room includes an ochre sofa and a tomato-colored daybed with self-textured geometric fabric. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the sea and skyline, making the living room Gandhi’s favorite spot, enriched by her carefully selected art, upholstery, oakwood tones, and blinds. The home is divided into two wings: the left wing houses the kitchen, children's bedroom, and master bedroom, while the right wing contains the powder bathroom, a family den, and the grandparents' bedroom. The fourth bedroom was converted into a den, a cherished family space with vibrant wallpaper and playful artwork, designed to be adaptable as a guest room with a sofa-cum-bed. Bahl introduced a half-glass partition to replace a wall in the passageway, enhancing natural light and creating a more open, 'villa-like' ambiance. Gandhi's extensive collection of art and decor, gathered over 12 years of global travel from art shows, museums, and local markets, is thoughtfully distributed throughout the home. Bahl ensured that each piece aligned with the mood and color scheme of its designated space. The master bedroom features a built-in arched niche, showcasing some of Gandhi's collected artifacts. The color palette of warm yellows, pinks, greens, and faded blues in the furniture contrasts with the subtle wall and floor colors. The dining area includes a farmhouse-style table and cane-back chairs, set against a pale green tiled wall. The use of pastels, like light green flooring and various shades of blue, contributes to a cohesive design, while detailed elements like panelled walls and wooden mouldings add visual interest, balancing the expansive high ceilings and large windows. #MumbaiHomes #LuxuryHomes #EclecticDesign #TraditionalModernMix #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #MagnoliaDesignStudio #RichaBahlDesignStudio #WorliApartment

Apartment 1701 in Mumbai, designed by Sahiba Madan of Insitu Design Studio, embodies a maximalist approach that celebrates Indian craft traditions, nostalgia, and warmth across its 2,250 square feet. The design integrates ornament and memory, with each detail, from brass inlays and carved columns to hand-painted tiles, intentionally placed to create an intimate yet exuberant residence. The home's design philosophy is evident even before entering, with a lift lobby featuring a handmade marble fountain and a Kalakaari Haath wallpaper with playful parrots. A stained-glass partition framed by hand-carved solid wood columns offers a glimpse into the interior's maximalist character. The spatial flow of the apartment is defined by its Kota stone flooring, which extends throughout, creating a warm, abstract canvas. The subtle variations in the stone mimic the patina of traditional Indian homes, grounding the maximalist aesthetic in an everyday Indian context. The living room is anchored by a Jaipur Rugs carpet, whose vibrant colors complement the surrounding elements. A classic swing sourced from Rani Arts in Chennai is centrally placed, inviting relaxation while offering views of the balcony. The home utilizes craft as its primary spatial language, with the living area serving as a central nexus from which the den and dining room extend. Brass flower inlays punctuate the Kota stone, creating delicate patterns, while the den and dining areas feature bolder expressions with large-scale floral white marble inlays, executed with meticulous craftsmanship. A significant design element is the majestic sliding-folding partition papered in Kalakaari Haath. This partition functions as a mural when closed and, when opened, dissolves boundaries to create an expansive space ideal for entertaining. The den’s brick-clad walls provide a contemporary contrast to the polished ornamental details found elsewhere. Recurring motifs such as lotuses, peacocks, and cypresses appear in wallpapers, inlays, and carved elements, establishing a cohesive visual narrative rather than merely decorative excess. The master suite draws inspiration from Jaipur's palatial aesthetics. A partition with floral brass inlays separates the bedroom from a cozy lounge, featuring pivoting wooden panels that allow for visual continuity or separation as desired. The lounge is adorned with beautifully carved jharokhas, adding dramatic framing, while a four-poster bed reflects traditional craftsmanship. These elements contribute to the room's regal presence, thoughtfully curating an authentic contemporary Indian lifestyle. The master bathroom brings nature indoors with hand-painted tiles by Shibani, depicting birds among blooming branches on the shower wall. White marble flooring, interspersed with brass leaf inlays, mimics fallen foliage, creating a serene and personalized space that reflects the client's affinity for flora and fauna. The Mumbai home distinguishes itself through its emotional resonance, utilizing materials like Kota stone, teak wood, brass, and stained glass that evoke Indian domestic memory. Each surface and detail is intentionally designed to foster a sense of cultural rootedness. Rather than pursuing luxury through minimalism, Apartment 1701 embraces a “more is more” philosophy, guided by intention, narrative, and a profound respect for Indian craft traditions. The residence successfully blends heritage with modern clarity, allowing tradition and innovation to coexist harmoniously. #MumbaiHome #IndianCrafts #MaximalistDesign #InsituDesignStudio #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #TraditionalCraftsmanship #ModernIndianHome #ArchitecturalDigest

Umi, a 1,100-square-foot apartment in Khar West, Mumbai, designed by The Last Goldfish Design Studio, draws its inspiration from the fluidity and serenity of water, a concept reflected not through literal motifs but through the home's rhythm, restraint, and choice of materials. The homeowners, a young couple, provided an open-ended brief, trusting the designers' intuition to create a deeply personal and emotional space. The design aims to evoke the presence of the sea, which was a significant part of their previous home in Juhu, making it felt in their new Khar residence. The aesthetic employs a language of contrast, blending soft fabrics with brutalist concrete, Parisian moldings with earthy textures, and diffused lighting. A central element of the design is a concrete dining table, cast on-site, which posed a significant challenge during its creation but ultimately became a tactile and honest anchor for the home. Above this, jute lampshades cast dappled light, harmonizing organic textures with raw minimalism. The designers prioritized materials that age gracefully, avoiding glossy finishes and trend-driven surfaces. Lime-plastered floors, linen, cane, jute, and terracotta are integrated to create a lived-in feel, emphasizing natural textures for their inherent qualities rather than mere ornamentation. The design encourages slow appreciation, where elements are noticed gradually. The material palette across the home maintains a calm and textural consistency, featuring beige lime plaster, jute, rattan, linen, wood, and cane. Architectural details include a black arched crockery unit with fluted glass, providing a dramatic focal point in the dining area. The passageway leading to the bedrooms features black-and-white marble inlay flooring and an arched threshold, with a strategically placed mirror amplifying the geometric patterns. While the original spatial layout remained largely unchanged, the design team focused on refining foundational details, such as stripping back excessive cove lighting and correcting structural misalignments to allow the design to breathe and achieve precision. Each room is designed with a distinct character. The master bedroom is furnished with a rattan wardrobe, while the nursery offers a serene environment. The guest bedroom is bathed in natural light from a large window. The kids' room features an extensive bookshelf filled with over a hundred books and a blue chaise lounge, encouraging imagination and relaxation. A painting, 'Garden of Flowers' by Gustav Klimt, serves as a final touch, introducing a sense of romanticism that unifies the entire space. The lead architect, Karan Anand Shandilya, notes a subtle homage to Achyut Kanvinde and the Bauhaus movement in the design, incorporating cubic forms, asymmetry, and exposed materials, balanced with softer elements like texture and light. Umi is characterized by a quiet tension between strength and softness, tradition and modernity, creating a timeless and enduring residence that doesn't conform to fleeting trends but instead embraces a sense of permanence and memory, much like the sea it quietly embodies. #MumbaiHomes #IndianDesigners #HomeDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #TheLastGoldfish #Materiality #BrutalistForms #EarthyTextures

Irene Gunter's inaugural large-scale project involved the interior architectural redesign of a family home in southwest London, a property that, despite its period-style facade, was only constructed in 2021. The design brief from the clients emphasized creating a home that was simultaneously family-friendly, comfortable, elegant, luxurious, fun, and informal. A key requirement was stylistic harmony throughout the residence, ensuring a cohesive flow between rooms while incorporating vibrancy and unexpected color in specific areas. The interior was intended to be uplifting and engaging, moving away from a bland, neutral aesthetic. Irene Gunter's approach centered on a carefully curated color palette predominantly featuring blues and greens, augmented by warmer tones. She stressed the importance of layering these colors to ensure they supported each other and maintained compatibility. Comfort was a paramount consideration, leading to meticulous selection and testing of furniture, such as dining chairs, to guarantee their suitability and durability. The designer collaborated with trusted craftsmen for custom pieces like sofas, relying on their proven track record. Among the standout spaces in the home is the formal sitting room, which features extensive paneling painted in a 'seductive light pink.' This choice was strategic, as the room is north-facing, and a simple white would have appeared flat. The pink hue was selected to imbue the space with warmth and comfort, creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming and elegant. The use of curved sofas and a rounded ottoman in this room not only enhances circulation but also addresses practical concerns related to young children, eliminating sharp corners. In contrast to the serene sitting room, the kitchen introduces a bold punch of navy blue, adding a dramatic element to the design. The high ceilings of the house were leveraged to create a sense of grandeur while simultaneously making the expansive space feel intimate and cozy. The design incorporated a blend of materials, including stone, tiles, and wood, to introduce texture and visual interest. A robust quartz was chosen for the work surfaces, complemented by a wood finish on the island and larder unit. Kit kat tiles on the splashback were used to introduce a Japanese aesthetic, further enriching the material palette. Olive green bar stools were strategically placed to connect the interior with the garden views, maintaining the theme of harmony. Pale wood was used to link the island and the larder unit, which was designed to resemble a free-standing piece. Reeded details on the larder unit and island echoed the pattern of the tiles, creating subtle connections throughout the space. The overall effect is a home that is inviting and warm, achieved through layered textures, playful colors, and a distinct personality, reflecting the designer's vibrant, colorful, and sophisticated style. #InteriorDesign #HouseDesign #LondonHome #NewBuild #ColorPalette #InteriorArchitecture #CustomFurniture #FamilyHome #ElegantInteriors

This article details the design choices made in an 8,000-square-foot new build in Alberta, Canada, owned by Rebecca and Brad Mclean. Designers Shannon McClelland and Brianna Hughes of Ministry of Interiors were brought in to infuse character into the newly constructed home, drawing inspiration from old-world European design. A key feature of the home is a glass atrium, which, while not part of the initial plans, was incorporated off the large foyer after Rebecca Mclean's insistence, requiring significant engineering adjustments. This sun-filled enclosure ultimately became a beloved element of the home. The design strategy involved juxtaposing traditional elements with modern twists. For instance, wrought-iron black doors are paired with a funky powder bathroom featuring reeded wainscoting painted in Farrow & Ball’s Bancha green, a pink stone vanity, and Technicolor marble herringbone floors. The kitchen, designed to be classic, rich, timeless, and French-inspired, features matte black cabinets and thin door profiles, providing a sense of heft and depth to the open-concept space. Calacatta Paonazzo marble was used extensively for countertops, the island, range hood, and backsplash, chosen by Mclean herself. The living and dining areas are illuminated by south-facing, floor-to-ceiling, double-height windows. A unique design element is the interior limestone wall, which matches the home's exterior siding, bringing the outdoors in. Porcelain Bocci light fixtures cascading down the stairs soften the robust look of the stone, and the fireplace is finished with a clay coating for an organic feel. The lower level of the home defies typical basement design, featuring a media zone clad in black porcelain terrazzo tiles from Julian, which helps integrate the TV into the decor. This level also includes a bar and secondary kitchen with a soapstone island and a fish-scale tile backsplash, strategically placed near a movie theater to allow for simultaneous viewing and entertaining. In the main bedroom, the designers opted for a rich, non-traditional color scheme, utilizing Benjamin Moore’s Salamander green for the walls, ceiling, and molding to create an enveloping effect. This bold color choice is balanced by the room's expansive windows and size. The children's shared bedroom strikes a lighter note with a decorative rock wall and a lofted play space, decorated in a dinosaur theme. The kids' bathroom features a unique falling block tile design by Clé called Diamond Twist, subtly referencing the climbing wall in the adjacent room, complemented by white accents like a terrazzo shower wall and matte plumbing fixtures to maintain a modern aesthetic. Throughout the process, Mclean found that trusting her initial design instincts proved most effective in keeping the project on track. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ModernHome #KitchenDesign #BedroomDesign #ColorPalette #LuxuryHome #ArchitecturalFeatures #Renovation

The "MN House" by Sata Na Architect, completed in 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, exemplifies a design philosophy centered on integrating art into daily living. With a total area of 305 m², the residence is conceived as an "Art Gallery Home," where architecture serves as the canvas for the strategic display of artwork throughout various spaces. This approach aims to tell the story of the homeowners' lives through their curated art collection. The design prioritizes tranquility and privacy, particularly given its urban surroundings. To achieve this, the house incorporates solid white walls that enclose the property, creating a secluded environment and limiting external views to specific, necessary points. This architectural decision establishes a clear boundary between the private artistic sanctuary within and the external chaos of the city. The layout of the MN House is divided into three distinct zones: public, semi-private, and private, each catering to different levels of interaction and activity. The ground floor, designated as the public area, is characterized by its open-plan design and high ceilings. This level features an expansive double-volume living room, a dining area, and a kitchen, all designed to foster a sense of spaciousness and connectivity. The public zone serves as the primary space for social gatherings and daily family interactions, with its open layout facilitating an unhindered flow between functions. The integration of various materials like wood, glass, and concrete defines the aesthetic and functional aspects of these spaces, contributing to an atmosphere that is both elegant and livable. The semi-private zone, located on the mezzanine level, includes additional living spaces that offer a more intimate setting compared to the ground floor. This area features a working space, a library, and guest bedrooms, providing versatility and comfort. The design of the mezzanine allows for visual connectivity with the main living area below while maintaining a degree of separation, offering a balance between communal and personal space. Natural light penetration and thoughtful spatial organization are key elements in this zone, ensuring comfort and utility for both residents and visitors. The private zone, situated on the upper floor, is exclusively dedicated to the family's personal retreats. This level houses the master bedroom and additional private family rooms, each designed with an emphasis on comfort, privacy, and serene aesthetics. Access to these upper levels is facilitated by an open staircase, which acts as a central design feature and a circulation element. The staircase allows natural light to permeate the interior, enhancing the brightness and openness of the home. This architectural element also connects the different zones both visually and functionally, contributing to the overall coherence of the design. The material palette of the MN House includes concrete, wood, and glass, chosen for their aesthetic qualities and functional properties. Concrete forms the structural backbone and provides a minimalist, contemporary backdrop. Wood, used for detailing and flooring, introduces warmth and texture, contrasting with the coolness of concrete and adding to the home's inviting ambiance. Glass elements, such as large windows and doors, are strategically placed to maximize natural light and offer controlled views, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces while maintaining privacy. The external white walls, in addition to providing privacy, create a clean, gallery-like facade that reflects the artistic concept of the home. Throughout the MN House, artificial lighting is meticulously integrated to complement the natural light and enhance the interior design. Recessed lighting, pendant fixtures, and strip lights are used to illuminate artwork, highlight architectural features, and create varied moods within different rooms. The choice of furniture and interior finishes further reinforces the artistic theme, ensuring that every element contributes to a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing living environment. The MN House stands as a testament to how architectural design can serve as a vessel for personal expression and a curated lifestyle, transforming a residence into a living gallery for its inhabitants. #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseDesign #ArtIntegration #ModernArchitecture #ThailandArchitecture #Bangkok #SataNaArchitect #PrivateResidence

In the bustling city of Mumbai, a 4,500-square-foot duplex in a unique residential complex offers a sanctuary of calm. Designers Disha Bhavsar and Shivani Ajmera of Quirk Studio were tasked with transforming this 'villa in the sky' into an expansive, uncluttered, and subtly luxurious home for a family of four. The apartment, situated in a development where every unit is a duplex featuring high ceilings, vast openings, and large private terraces, provided an exceptional foundation for the design. The initial inspiration for the design was the 800-square-foot outdoor terrace. The designers focused on creating a seamless flow between the living and dining areas, extending into the terrace, thus integrating the outdoors with the interiors. This lower-level living-dining zone stands out as a dramatic architectural element, with full-height openings that lead to the terrace, enhancing the sense of scale and openness and redefining urban living. The homeowners expressed a preference for open, functional spaces over fragmented, function-specific rooms. This led to a design approach emphasizing flexibility and modularity without compromising aesthetics. A notable example is the multipurpose den, which can be fully enclosed to function as a guest bedroom, showcasing intelligent spatial planning that adapts to varying needs while maintaining a minimal aesthetic. The upper level of the duplex is dedicated to private spaces, including two large bedroom suites, each with an indulgent ensuite bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, along with a study and a mandir. A significant design challenge involved connecting the two levels with both a visually striking staircase and a capsule elevator. The designers ingeniously integrated a sculptural, ribbon-like spiral stairway that gracefully wraps around a transparent elevator. This solution transformed a structural necessity into a central design feature, anchoring the home with its vertical sculptural presence. The design aesthetic is deeply influenced by the homeowners' personalities and lifestyle, prioritizing openness and emotionally resonant spaces over unnecessary excess. Quirk Studio aimed for a design vocabulary that was restrained yet immersive, achieving a sense of 'quiet luxury' through a deliberately minimal palette. Soft grey lime-plastered walls introduce a muted tactile quality, while continuous white marble with subtle grey veining unifies the lower level. Deep wood accents add warmth and gravitas, allowing texture, scale, and detail to create drama rather than overt ornamentation. Vibrant colored accents are strategically introduced in areas like the bathrooms, featuring marbles in rich reds, blues, and ashy greens, providing pops of color against the monochromatic base. Quirk Studio's core philosophy of 'less is more' is evident throughout the project. While adapting to the specific brief of the homeowners, the studio maintained its characteristic language of restraint and precision. The Mumbai duplex exemplifies this philosophy, presenting a home that is simultaneously expansive and warm, meticulously detailed yet uncluttered, and minimalist yet profoundly personal. #MumbaiHomes #DuplexDesign #UrbanLiving #QuirkStudio #LuxuryInteriors #MinimalistDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #IndoorOutdoorLiving #FlexibleSpaces

The Evert House, a residential project located in Ahmedabad, India, was completed in 2023 by VPA Architects. The project spans an area of 2467 square meters and is characterized by a design philosophy that emphasizes sentiment, honor, and elegance, with a focus on subtle aura and element play. VPA Architects were responsible for the architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture of the house. Other key contributors include SMI for MEP and general contracting, Swaminarayan Engineering Solutions for HVAC, and AMU Consultants (specifically Chintan Mehta) for structural engineering. Inclined Studio provided the photography for the project. The design of The Evert House aimed to meet the specific ideological requirements of its clients, presenting a unique yet challenging task for the architects. The architectural firm, VPA Architects, led the project with Ronak Patel as the Project Architect, Naiya Patel as the Project Interior Designer, and Jinal Patel overseeing the Project Landscape Design. Jigar Patel from SMI acted as the General Contractor and Project Manager. The project utilizes a variety of materials, with wood, steel, and concrete being prominent, contributing to the overall aesthetic and structural integrity of the residence. The house integrates various manufactured products from notable brands such as Saint-Gobain, Asian Paints, Century Plywood, Chemestone, Fevicol, Flexstone, Greenply, Gyproc, Ishan Enterprise, Jaipur Rugs, Kerakoll, Kohler, Ledium, Litomatic, Midea, Norisys, Orange Tree Home, and Pepper fry. These selections indicate an attention to detail in material choices and finishes, aiming to achieve a high standard of quality and design within the residential space. The integration of these elements speaks to a comprehensive approach to design, encompassing both the macro architectural vision and the micro details of interior and landscape elements. The project falls under the categories of "Houses" and "House Interiors," reflecting its primary function as a private residence and the significant emphasis placed on its internal spaces and their design. Located in Ahmedabad, a city in India, the house contributes to the regional architectural landscape while embodying a modern and sophisticated design approach. The emphasis on "pure sentiment, honor, and elegance" suggests a design that goes beyond mere functionality, aiming to create an emotional connection and a sense of refined living for its occupants. Overall, The Evert House represents a collaborative effort to deliver a distinct residential experience, blending architectural innovation with client-specific aspirations. The project's documentation highlights the comprehensive services provided by VPA Architects and the contributions of various specialized consultants and manufacturers, culminating in a dwelling that is both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound. The design's focus on a subtle yet impactful presence within its environment underscores the architects' commitment to nuanced and personalized residential solutions. #ResidentialArchitecture #HouseInteriors #Ahmedabad #India #VPAArchitects #InclinedStudio #LuxuryHomes #ModernDesign #ArchitecturalPhotography

Ambika Hinduja Macker undertook the design of her brother Shom's suburban Mumbai home, transforming an octagonal guest cottage into a modern sanctuary. The original structure, over 30 years old and designed by architect Phiroze Pantaki with interiors by the late Parmeshwar Godrej, served as the foundation for Ambika's vision. Shom's desire for a space of relaxation and reflection led him to Ambika, a polymath with diverse experience in film, interior and product design, and art curation. The design ethos for the home was a blend of old and new, incorporating the original octagonal form with contemporary rectilinear elements. Key influences included the natural world, particularly flora and fauna, the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi which embraces imperfection, and the minimalist styles of Scandinavian and Japanese design. To achieve Shom's vision, Ambika retained only parts of the original octagonal structure and its sloping roofs, which were converted into green roofs to promote sustainability—a principle both Shom and Ambika, as a conscious designer, strongly support. The rest of the structure underwent significant reinforcement, restructuring, and redesign. A central aspect of the renovation involved opening up the living spaces. Exposed beams and columns were removed to create a more expansive and free-flowing interior with larger rooms and cleaner lines. Ambika collaborated with landscape designer Kunal Maniar to enhance the surrounding lush gardens, ensuring that the interiors and exteriors harmonized. Each room was imbued with a distinct personality, designed to be deeply calming, sensual, and evocative, benefiting from uninterrupted views of the garden and the Arabian Sea. The dining area, a part of the original design, maintained its sloping ceiling structure, which Ambika clad in naturally oiled Burma teak, creating an engaging contrast in design language. This area features vintage 1952 tan leather dining chairs by William Katavolos, Ross Littell, and Douglas Kelley, and a 1960s ceramic screen by the Cloutier Brothers. Artwork plays a significant role, with Bruce Munro's 'Whizz Pop' fibre-optic light installation adding a fantastical element, and Alex Turco’s aluminum composite triptych of painted branches serving as a ceiling installation to conceal trapdoors. Janaina Mello’s 'Ciclotrama', a site-specific installation of unwoven strands, evokes natural forms like plant roots and circulatory systems. Shom's passion for cooking and hosting influenced the inclusion of two kitchens. The guest powder room features customized metallic wallpaper from De Gournay. In the den, Fred Eerdekens’s copper-wire sculpture creates a calming shadow. The focal point of the home's art collection is Joseph Walsh’s 'Magnus', a three-dimensional wooden sculpture that hangs gracefully in the living room ceiling, designed specifically for the space. Ambika, who represents Walsh as an artist, designed the entire living area around this piece. The overall design results in a home that feels like a luxurious yacht journey, particularly at dusk when the glazed living room offers panoramic views of the sea. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #BeachHouse #MumbaiArchitecture #AmbikaHindujaMacker #JosephWalshArt #LuxuryHomes #SustainableDesign #ArtInstallation

Architect Sanchit Arora, principal architect at Renesa Architecture Design Studio in New Delhi, undertook a two-year project to design a home for his aunt, Monica Gaur, in Pune. The project, named the House of Gond, aimed to blend Kerala-style architecture with Gond art, fulfilling Gaur’s long-held dream of living in a home rich with wooden pillars, panelling, and Indian artistic traditions. Monica Gaur, a former architect and interior designer now working as a fashion designer, had a clear vision for the 3,000-square-foot apartment, which she shares with her husband Anshoo, their two children, and her mother. The studio's primary objective was to integrate traditional Indian art and craft into a modern residential setting while maintaining the essence of a quintessential Indian home. This involved creating a “cultural tapestry” that narrated India's diverse heritage. Arora and his team meticulously sourced historical and traditional pieces, including large pots from Rajasthan and antique masks and statues from various locations such as Kochi, Mumbai, and Pune. The resulting home successfully incorporates the rich craftsmanship, intricate details, and spacious feel typically found in traditional Keralan houses, all within the constraints of an apartment. A key design element was the implementation of Vastu-compliant quadrants, adopting a modular style reminiscent of old Indian homes. A significant portion of the work involved crafting Chettinad columns and panelling for each room and the central corridor. Teak blocks were seasoned outdoors for three to four months to ensure their durability against Pune’s fluctuating climate. The team went through an iterative process of creating samples for the columns, brackets, and wooden ceilings, refining them until they met the desired aesthetic and structural standards. The home's design reflects Gaur’s appreciation for traditional aesthetics, evident in the intricate carvings on the main door depicting animals and on the Chettinad columns. The space is adorned with art and artefacts collected over the years, enhancing its cultural depth. To provide visual contrast and prevent the heavy woodwork from feeling overwhelming, a black-and-white chequered flooring was incorporated. The layout emphasizes open spaces, promoting abundant natural light and ventilation, crucial for an apartment with significant vintage design elements. The apartment features three main rooms, including a master bedroom located at the rear, complete with its own sit-out and sit-in areas. These rooms are furnished with custom-made pieces crafted from teak and rattan. Wooden ceilings, poster beds, and Pichwai upholstery add layers of richness and warmth, contributing to a cohesive visual narrative. The master bedroom also includes classic slide-and-fold fluted glass doors, providing spatial flexibility between the bedroom and its en-suite lounge. A colonial coat-hanger dresser in the home office within the master bedroom, along with printed upholstery depicting animals and village life by Sabyasachi for Nilaya in the guest bedroom, further illustrate the detailed design. The grandmother’s room features a classic Kerala-style four-poster bed complemented by Gond artworks and traditional Athangudi tiles. Arora humorously noted that despite his usual rule against working with family, this project was an exception due to his aunt's boundless creativity and exquisite taste, which he knew would be translated into the home's design. #KeralaArchitecture #GondArt #PuneHomes #IndianDesign #TraditionalCraftsmanship #VastuCompliant #TeakWood #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation

This article offers a glimpse into the Melbourne home of photographer and author Robyn Lea, showcasing her unique approach to interior design. The residence is a two-storey Victorian home with five bedrooms located in Melbourne's inner-eastern suburbs, where Robyn resides with her husband Tim Hunt, their two children, Isabella and Freddie, and their Beagalier puppy, Magnolia. The family undertook an extensive renovation of the home approximately 12 years prior to the publication of this article, subsequently enlisting Penelope Scott Interiors for window furnishings. Robyn Lea's office is highlighted as her favorite room, described as an evolving space filled with inspiring books, artworks, and various objects. This includes Italian-made plates by La DoubleJ, artworks by Charles Pollock, Nathalie Lété, and John Benn, and four distinct wallpapers, reflecting a constantly changing installation. The sitting room features a mural by Russian artist Ekaterina Panikanova, complemented by chairs from Early Settler and a table from Family Love Tree. The home's collection also includes numerous paintings by artist John Benn, a family friend. The neighborhood where the home is situated is characterized as small, with local cafes, shops, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Robyn expresses her ongoing intention to continuously evolve the interior homescape, viewing it as a natural extension of her visual storytelling through photography and writing about artists. Her advice for decorating is to personalize the space, stating, "Decorate to please yourself – it’s your nest, after all. If you love it, it will love you right back." A significant detail mentioned is Robyn's initial attraction to the home, which was influenced by a majestic magnolia tree in the back garden, reminding her of 'The Magic Faraway Tree.' #EclecticHome #InteriorDesign #MelbourneHomes #PhotographersHome #VictorianArchitecture #ArtisticInteriors #HomeRenovation #PersonalizedDecor

A Mumbai home, designed by Kumpal Vaid of The Purple Backyard, captures the vibrant personalities and maximalist flair of its owners. Named "Frenchie Haus" after their French bulldogs, the 1,650-square-foot apartment is situated in Mumbai's coastal surroundings. The designer reconfigured the original footprint to optimize functionality, creating a larger primary bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe, and a dedicated space for household help. The living room serves as the central hub for entertaining, characterized by a custom-designed Morse code wall. This distinctive feature ingeniously incorporates the couple's names, significant dates, and shared journey, adding a personal and engaging element to the space. The living and dining areas are grounded by pale grey walls and classic marble flooring, which provide a neutral backdrop for the vibrant color accents introduced by Vaid. These accents include electric blue and crocodile green loop-and-link seating. The homeowners' extensive art collection is thoughtfully displayed throughout the residence, injecting quirkiness and vitality into the otherwise refined interiors. The dining area features a strategically placed banquette that visually expands the space and guides the eye toward a cozy den located behind the Morse code wall. The den offers a serene and intimate retreat, exuding timeless sophistication with its bold black and white palette. A television is discreetly integrated into a paneled wall with built-in cabinetry, maintaining the room's streamlined aesthetic. A plush grey couch and matching pouffe provide comfort for extended relaxation or TV viewing, while a desk positioned at the rear of the room offers views of the surrounding treetops. In the primary bedroom, chevron parquetry adds warmth, complementing Vaid's thoughtful approach to blend the couple's eclectic tastes with a zen-like ambiance. The room features soft, neutral hues, gently curved walls, and warm wood accents, further enhanced by striped grey wallpaper. An organic headboard and unique nightstands contribute to the room's distinct character. Adjacent to the bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe boasts soothing lilac tones. The bathrooms, though compact, are personalized with a handcrafted marble counter against mint green Kitkat tiles. The guest bedroom introduces organic forms and a soft peach palette, incorporating the Pantone Colour of the Year 2024, Peach Fuzz. Kumpal Vaid's design philosophy masterfully blends contrasting elements, such as monochrome schemes with bold colors, and quirky furniture with soft furnishings, to create a home that is both playful and celebratory, truly reflecting the couple’s lifestyle. #MumbaiHomes #InteriorDesign #Maximalism #HomeDecor #HomeDecorIdeas #EclecticDesign #MorseCode #ThePurpleBackyard #KumpalVaid