MuseLAB Tiles an Apartment in Mumbai with 21st-Century Art Deco Sophistication

Architect Shiraz Jamali designed a 1,200-square-foot apartment in suburban Mumbai as a surprise gift for his parents. The design intentionally deviated from their typical preferences, aiming to introduce them to a more uplifting and fun living environment, especially considering their grandchildren. The apartment, initially a basic builder-finished space with marble floors and laminate doors, did not require extensive structural changes. Jamali converted one bedroom into a home office to accommodate his parents' work-from-home needs during the pandemic and divided a bathroom into a powder room and a laundry closet. The public area, including the living and dining spaces, is designed for openness and interaction. Arched windows between the living room and home office create a seamless flow and transparency. The dining area features a booth-like seating arrangement, suitable for family gatherings, and a large mirror behind it visually expands the space. The architect emphasized the living area as the central hub for family interaction. The two bedrooms, situated off the main living-dining area, maintain a simple and elegant aesthetic, promoting relaxation. The furniture selection is an eclectic blend of antique Art Deco pieces and custom-designed, contemporary items. Jamali aimed to incorporate elements reminiscent of his parents' childhood homes, which were Art Deco and colonial bungalows in Bandra. Many of the antique pieces were restored or acquired from local antique shops, while modern items were custom-made to adhere to budget constraints. The overall design emphasizes a vibrant and playful atmosphere through the use of colorful upholstery in yellow, pink, green, and plum, balanced by neutral marble floors and light wood finishes. High contrast is achieved with white walls and black molding in the living area. Various materials contribute to a rich sensorial experience, including rustic oak wood, dark wenge wooden doors, high-gloss surfaces, tumbled waste marble chips in the powder room, and terrazzo in the kitchen. This thoughtful design approach aims to provide the occupants with a comfortable and uncomplicated lifestyle, balancing spaces for work, family time, and personal hobbies. #Mumbai #Apartment #Decor #ArtDeco #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ShirazJamali #EclecticDesign #FamilyHome

A young Mumbai couple, residing in Mahalaxmi with scenic views of the racecourse, sought to personalize their 3BHK apartment, collaborating with an interior design firm to create a clutter-free and vibrant space suitable for their two daughters. The design approach emphasizes a cohesive integration of patterns, colors, and textures across different functional areas, resulting in a modern and urban aesthetic. Shivani Ajmera, co-founder of Quirk Studio, explained that the design philosophy centered on allowing the client's personality to shine through. This was achieved by establishing a neutral base palette for the apartment and then layering it with colorful art, accessories, and cushions, ensuring these elements stand out prominently. The interiors feature modern art pieces deliberately paired with playful accents and wallpapers, contributing to an eclectic yet distinctly urban atmosphere. The strategic use of simple graphic patterns and vivid colors prevents the space from appearing overly rustic or dated. To enhance functionality and hospitality, the living and dining areas were designed with an open layout to ensure seamless connectivity, making the apartment ideal for hosting social gatherings. Bench seating was incorporated between these two spaces to further support this aim. For flooring, pristine white marble was chosen for the passage, living area, and master bedroom, while wooden flooring was installed in the children's and guest bedrooms to introduce warmth and a distinct character to these private zones. A key design element is the incorporation of floral wallpaper in all bedrooms. The master bedroom features a subtle grey cherry blossom pattern that complements its grey-and-white color scheme. The children's bedroom is adorned with a pink floral watercolor-patterned wallpaper, serving both an aesthetic purpose and a practical one by discouraging scribbling on walls. A functional bunk bed in this room also provides integrated storage. The guest room features a blue floral wallpaper, adding individuality to the space. Understanding the couple's affinity for plants, Quirk Studio integrated low-maintenance indoor plants throughout the apartment. These botanical additions contribute to a lively and refreshing ambiance, reflecting the homeowners' passion. The overall design achieves a balance of coziness, inviting warmth, unpretentiousness, and functionality, culminating in a home that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly livable. #MumbaiApartment #VibrantDecor #InteriorDesign #ModernArt #ColorfulInteriors #QuirkStudio #HomePersonalization #FloralWallpaper #UrbanLiving

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 Vaulted Monochrome Haus, a 4,300-square-foot residence located in a Mumbai suburb, is a design by DIG Architects for a family of four. The project blends a monochromatic color scheme with minimalist aesthetics and refined comfort. This collaboration builds upon a pre-existing professional relationship, allowing the architects to explore innovative design concepts, with the vaulted ceiling emerging as a primary architectural and aesthetic element. The apartment's design integrates various materials such as gabion walls, frosted glass bricks, and Ceppo De Gre stone to create a unified yet distinctive environment. While the overall layout of the apartment largely maintains its original structure, strategic modifications were implemented to enhance spatial efficiency and functionality. For instance, a guest bedroom was converted into a study, facilitating the expansion of the primary suite to include a more spacious walk-in closet. The living area is conceived as a central communal space, connecting seamlessly to complementary areas such as a bespoke bar and an open-plan kitchen, thereby promoting social interaction and a sense of openness. Upon entry, the apartment features a frosted glass brick partition that gently diffuses light, separating the entrance from the bar area. The living room, a large rectangular space, is characterized by a subdivided vaulted ceiling that adds visual interest and dimension. This area serves as the home's core, designed to comfortably host gatherings, dining, and even film screenings. Adjacent to the living room, the dining area is intentionally positioned to encourage interaction, with clear sightlines throughout the space. A notable feature in the dining area is the Moon lighting pendant by Davide Groppi, which functions as a focal point and enhances the room’s ambiance. The Vaulted Monochrome Haus adheres to a grayscale palette, punctuated by the inclusion of Ceppo De Gre marble, a material not commonly found in Indian interiors. This monochrome scheme is enlivened by strategically placed greenery, which introduces freshness and warmth into the space. The design meticulously incorporates elements like sandwiched metal mesh in cabinetry and oak veneer in the study, reflecting a minimalist approach that prioritizes utility while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic. The private quarters of the residence extend the overarching design theme while accommodating individual preferences. The primary bedroom features a four-poster bed set against a backlit installation of frosted glass bricks, conveying a sense of sophistication. Sliding partitions in this room offer flexible spatial arrangements, combining practicality with innovative design. In contrast, the daughter’s room diverges from the dominant gray theme, adopting a predominantly white palette to create a bright and soft atmosphere. Implementing complex design elements, such as the vaulted ceilings, presented specific challenges that required custom templates for precise execution and integrated lighting solutions to preserve the design's integrity. Similarly, the development of sliding wall systems to resolve spatial conflicts in the primary bedroom demonstrates the architects’ ability to overcome technical obstacles with creative solutions. #MonochromaticDesign #VaultedCeilings #MumbaiArchitecture #MinimalistInterior #ContemporaryLiving #DIGArchitects #LuxuryApartment #InteriorDesignIndia #HomeRenovation

Karishma Panvelkar-Saraf, a creative executive, and her husband, Siddharth Saraf, a chartered accountant and entrepreneur, moved from a small one-bedroom apartment to a two-bedroom residence in Mumbai. Their primary objective for the new space was to replicate the comfortable and airy feel of their previous home, but with increased size and coziness. To achieve this, they enlisted the help of their long-time friends and interior designers, Otaiba Khopekar and Shaily Shah of Cubet Design Studio, who had previously worked on their former home. This established relationship ensured a mutual understanding of the couple's aesthetic preferences. The design process for the new home heavily drew upon the memory of their previous residence, incorporating elements such as simple layouts, textured walls, warm wooden floors, and a functional kitchen. The designers aimed to enhance these familiar features in the new space. A significant challenge and opportunity in the new apartment was its excellent ventilation, which was initially obstructed by a kitchen wall. The solution involved removing this wall, thereby opening up the living area to more natural light and airflow, creating a brighter and more expansive feel. The couple's minimalist tendencies guided material choices, favoring earthy tones and timber flooring, and ensuring that every design element contributed to a sense of warmth and comfort, echoing a 'warm hug' sentiment. The project also presented unique structural challenges, notably the presence of prominent beams in the study. Rather than concealing these, the designers ingeniously transformed them into a design feature by painting them black and embedding lights, turning a potential drawback into an aesthetic asset. This approach of repurposing and enhancing existing structures extended to the bedrooms, where existing wardrobes and doors were reimagined. Despite their good condition, these pieces were updated with mouldings and a fresh coat of black paint to align with the home's modern visual scheme, demonstrating a blend of preservation and contemporary adaptation. One unexpected design element that initially caused apprehension was a chandelier in the living room, which cast a disco-ball-like shadow. However, upon seeing it in person, the couple found its effect to be stunning and it quickly became one of their favorite features, adding an element of surprise and character to their minimalist space. Ultimately, the transformation of the 700-square-foot apartment not only met but exceeded the couple's expectations, successfully blending the cherished spirit of their previous home with an enhanced sense of space, light, and modern design. The project stands as a testament to thoughtful design and the ability to adapt existing structures to create a personalized and comfortable living environment. #MumbaiHome #SmallSpaceDesign #OpticalIllusions #InteriorDesign #CubetDesignStudio #MinimalistHome #RepurposedFurniture #OpenConceptLiving #ModernIndianHomes

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

This article details the transformation of an Art Deco apartment on Fifth Avenue, New York, by BUILTIN Studio for empty nesters, Linda and Ben McGrath. The apartment, which had not been renovated since its construction in 1948, presented a unique challenge and opportunity for the design team. Despite its functional layout and stunning Central Park views, the interiors required a complete overhaul to match the clients' desire for cosmopolitan living and flexible entertaining. Simon Babin, Studio Director at BUILTIN Studio, explains the design process, emphasizing the goal of creating a modern home with warmth and glamour. The redesign began by addressing the apartment's 'estate condition,' which meant outdated interiors. BUILTIN Studio, known for updating older apartments, focused on strategic changes to optimize space and views. A key aspect of the renovation was the reconfigured layout, designed to accommodate both large and intimate gatherings while highlighting the panoramic views of Central Park. The team aimed to infuse warmth into the interiors through a carefully curated color palette, inspired by vibrant stones and striking fabrics, all contributing to an overall Manhattan glamour. The main living room exemplifies this approach, featuring matte Venetian plaster walls that create a sense of lightness and warmth. The plaster, based on Benjamin Moore's 'Muslin' paint, was meticulously developed over several mockups to achieve a soft, tonal texture without appearing overly burnished. This choice significantly contributes to the room's inviting atmosphere, transitioning smoothly from daytime brightness to evening coziness. Continuity and connection between rooms were achieved through modern openings with bespoke trims that echo Art Deco's stepped lines and clean ornamentation. A clever use of textiles further enhances this connection, particularly between the primary bedroom and living room. Identical drapery carried throughout these spaces, combined with a subtle pocket door, creates an illusion of a larger, continuous space, especially when the park-facing windows appear unbroken with the door open. The fabric, Schumacher’s Deco Leaves, chosen in a neutral colorway, pays homage to the building’s Art Deco heritage and became a significant influence on the home's overall palette. The design process involved extensive collaboration with the clients, building selections around fabrics they found appealing. In the dining area, a space-saving yet sophisticated solution was devised: a built-in, gently curved banquette. This feature not only maximizes seating for at least six people but also creates a cozy, contained feeling. The banquette's upholstery, a Woodland Leopard Velvet textile by Schumacher in a golden colorway, became the inspiration for the room's warm and luminous palette. The renovation also introduced new portals, notably the connection between the galley kitchen and the dining area. This transition point was utilized for a dynamic color shift, moving from the dining area's honeyed glow to the kitchen's darker tones of green and yellow, effectively highlighting the architectural feature and encouraging social interaction around the peninsula. The bathrooms allowed for creative experimentation with stone, leading to the selection of richly veined materials with warm undertones. Two private bathrooms were designed for Ben and Linda, each with distinct material palettes and design elements catering to masculine and feminine preferences. Finally, the bedroom was designed as a calm retreat with clean lines and a contemporary palette, intentionally simpler than the owners' previous, more ornate space. This approach allowed their existing Biedermeier furniture to blend seamlessly, adding warmth without disrupting the serene aesthetic. Throughout the apartment, the overarching theme is a visual connection to the Manhattan cityscape, offering the empty nesters and their dog a fully updated and exciting new chapter of city life, where the twinkling city lights become an integral part of their home's charm. #ArtDeco #ManhattanApartment #InteriorDesign #BUILTINStudio #HomeRenovation #ColorPalette #EmptyNesters #LuxuryDesign #FifthAvenue

Nusrat Pathan, founder of Studio Orangeworks, approached the design of a Mumbai home for clients in the film industry with a philosophy centered on imbuing spaces with the characters and stories of their inhabitants. The resulting aesthetic of the home is a harmonious blend of contrasting elements, combining classic vintage with sleek modern styles to reflect the owners' creative spirits. The living room exemplifies this approach with a stunning curved couch upholstered in terracotta velvet, set against a bright teal wall. This complementary color scheme enhances the vintage-modern feel. Pathan meticulously sourced accent pieces from brands like Pottery Barn, Obeetee Carpets, and Good Earth, while custom-designing much of the furniture and even creating an abstract painting herself to perfectly encapsulate the room's mood. The curved sofa's design fosters a sense of connection, mirrored in the artwork's undulating waves, emphasizing harmony. The dining room continues the interplay of neutrals and jewel tones, with wood elements providing traditional elegance. A large wooden dining table with turned legs and vintage carvings is complemented by the brightness of maroon lampshades and a distressed jade-green cabinet. Soft wood tones and beige upholstery balance the vibrant accents, while Art Deco-style pendant lights and abundant natural light from large windows intensify the room's color palette. Eschewing a television in the main living area, the den is specifically curated for cinematic experiences. This room features deep tones, including wine-colored walls and cabinetry, and blue-green tufted ottomans, accented by dark gold rattan lamps. Unusual pairings, such as a chequered couch on a classic patterned carpet, unexpectedly coalesce into a soothing and comfortable space for movie-watching. Each bedroom in the apartment boasts a distinct visual identity. One bedroom, reminiscent of the European countryside, features bronze-gold mirror frames, rattan lamps, and a wooden bed frame, all harmonizing with a sky blue wall and floral wallpaper. This richly textured room is made airy and cheerful by natural light. In contrast, the teen's bedroom adopts a more masculine, industrial aesthetic with a brown leather headboard against a black brick wall, dominated by strong, sculptural lines. Another bedroom uses earthy tones similar to the den, but here they evoke a rustic charm. This space includes a cozy vanity nook. Overall, Studio Orangeworks has successfully crafted an eclectic Mumbai home that navigates juxtapositions of cinema and diverse personalities. It is a home defined by its contrasts—vintage and modern, light and dark, feminine and masculine—where balance is achieved through the careful integration of opposing elements, reflecting the inherent complexity and richness of its inhabitants' lives. #MumbaiHomes #InteriorDesign #CinematicFlair #OldWorldCharm #EclecticStyling #StudioOrangeworks #VintageModern #JewelTones #CustomFurniture

This article explores the meticulous redesign of a 2,000-square-foot Mumbai apartment by architect Sejal Shah of Studio Kreate. The project, undertaken for long-time clients and childhood friends, aimed to transform the living space for a three-generational family, focusing on increased space, light, and tranquility without additional clutter. The core philosophy of the design was "luxury through minimalism," emphasizing high-quality materials and refined aesthetics over excessive ornamentation. The renovation began with a comprehensive restructuring of the apartment's layout, converting three bedrooms into four, each with an ensuite. Shah focused on eliminating unnecessary elements, refining circulation paths, reclaiming corners, and expanding windows outward to maximize both space and natural light. This architectural intervention ensured that light and air became central features of the home. Beyond aesthetics, the design prioritized the functional needs of a multi-generational household, particularly privacy. Zoned living spaces incorporating soundproofing and sliding partitions were implemented to provide individual retreats for each generation. The grandparents' bedroom was strategically located away from common areas, while the teenage son's bedroom and an attached den were situated at the opposite end of the home, fostering both connection and personal space. The material palette employed in the apartment reflects a thoughtful balance. Shah opted for an incredibly restrained color scheme, predominantly featuring white and its various shades, yet managed to avoid a cold or sterile ambiance. Warm undertones, pale oak flooring, and rich walnut veneer were integrated to infuse warmth throughout the space. Walls were treated with soft textures, and upholstery was chosen in muted tones. In the living area, a wood-clad feature wall serves as an anchor, complemented by a large, embossed artwork in textured ivory paint, which acts as a subtle focal point. The design intentionally uses texture to create interest rather than relying on overt ornamentation. Lighting played a crucial role in shaping the home's atmosphere. Concealed strips, sculptural pendants, and diffused wall lighting were strategically deployed to guide mood and movement, enhancing texture and creating depth rather than merely providing illumination. Functionality is seamlessly woven into the form of the design; for instance, a banquette-style dining area along one wall optimizes living space, a crockery unit is discreetly integrated into a structural column, and a corridor connecting the son’s room and den doubles as wardrobe storage. The inclusion of multipurpose furniture like sofa beds and extendable tables further exemplifies the commitment to efficient space utilization. Even the light fixtures were custom-designed in collaboration with Unilights, ensuring a harmonious balance between aesthetic goals and budgetary constraints. The finished apartment exudes an understated elegance, reflecting a design process that prioritized careful space planning, meticulous material selection, and extensive communication with the clients. The home possesses a discernible rhythm in its room connections, the movement of light, and the enduring quality of its materials. It shuns visual tricks and glossy statement pieces, instead offering a deeply personal environment. A modern metal swing in the informal living area, a favorite spot for both the architect and the clients, symbolizes the thoughtful design philosophy—knowing when to exercise restraint and when to embrace a particular element, encapsulating the essence of the home. #WarmMinimalism #MutedTones #MumbaiHomes #Minimalism #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #StudioKreate #MultigenerationalLiving #SpatialClarity

This article, a "Letter from the Editor" by Hanya Yanagihara, discusses the philosophy of interior design, particularly emphasizing the value of personal expression and individuality over highly polished, decorator-driven aesthetics. Yanagihara describes the continuous process of discovering unique residences for publication in T Magazine, highlighting that while many stories come from traditional sources like publicists and architects, the most captivating ones are often found serendipitously. She recounts a specific instance where an editor, Nick Haramis, researching artist collectives, stumbled upon Espace Aygo. This collective of young art-school graduates transformed a dilapidated Brussels townhouse into a unique living space by designing and crafting almost every element themselves, from a sink fixture made from a pétanque ball to a tub from urethane rubber. The discovery of Espace Aygo is presented as a pivotal moment for the magazine, offering a refreshing contrast to the prevailing trend of overly refined interior design. Yanagihara posits that a truly memorable home is not one that adheres strictly to conventional politeness or current trends but rather one that reflects the distinct vision and hands-on effort of its inhabitants. The Espace Aygo residence exemplifies this philosophy, showcasing that authenticity, imagination, and a personal point of view are more crucial to creating a home than significant financial investment. The article suggests that such spaces celebrate ingenuity and creativity, proving that a home's character is derived from the unique perspectives and personal touches of those who live in it, rather than from external influences or a desire for perfection. This approach challenges the commercialization of taste in design, advocating for a more genuine and lived-in aesthetic. Espace Aygo, despite its unconventional and perhaps 'rougher' aesthetic, is celebrated for its wit and imagination, qualities that Yanagihara argues are fundamental to the essence of a home. The piece implicitly critiques the homogenizing effect of professional decorators, where residents' tastes can be overshadowed by external design mandates. Instead, it champions spaces where the creative process and the individual's journey are evident, fostering a sense of authenticity and a strong identity for the home. The narrative underscores that the magazine actively seeks out and values these types of unconventional and personally crafted living environments, viewing them as more compelling and inspiring than those that strictly adhere to prevailing design norms. The article thus serves as a declaration of T Magazine's editorial stance, emphasizing the importance of unique design narratives that challenge traditional notions of interior perfection. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #EspaceAygo #ArtistCollectives #DIYDesign #BrusselsDesign #PersonalExpression #AuthenticHomes

This article details the design process and outcome of a 1,700-square-foot apartment in Mumbai, conceptualized by interior designer Sahiba Madan of Insitu Design Studio. The project aimed to create a post-marriage home for a young man, with a core design brief centered around the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi. This philosophy, which embraces beauty in imperfection and nature, guided the selection of materials and overall aesthetic. The apartment, situated on the 15th floor of a high-rise, offered high ceilings and large windows that provided ample natural light and expansive views of the city. To maximize this visual connection, the design involved realigning certain walls and reorienting access to two rooms, creating a visible link between most areas and the surrounding environment. The client's requirements also included maximizing storage while maintaining a spacious feel, a challenge addressed through thoughtful space planning and integrated storage solutions. The material palette heavily featured natural elements to evoke the wabi-sabi aesthetic. Stucco plaster, various grains and shades of teakwood, and stone were chosen to create warmth and texture. These natural materials were complemented by a neutral color scheme. To achieve a modern minimalist home, the design incorporated sculptural furniture and artworks in mixed media. The original Italian marble flooring was retained, with layers of warmth introduced through wood panelling and furniture. Madan emphasized working with different wood grains to create interesting textures and utilized lime plaster as a unifying canvas for the diverse furniture shapes, including tables, seating, and storage. The overarching goal was to achieve a balanced minimalism that satisfied the client's initial vision and the broader idea of a comfortable home. The living room, being the largest volume of the apartment, showcases organic shapes and forms in its furniture, fixtures, and accessories, all framed within clean, rectilinear wooden structures. The lime plaster texture on the walls and wabi-sabi inspired curios further reinforce the design approach. The dining area and kitchen were designed to be highly functional while incorporating subtle charm through bespoke furniture. A striking false ceiling leads to the private chambers, each individually detailed with monochrome color schemes, foliage wallpapers, and textured walls. Furniture in these private spaces continues the theme, crafted from wood, stone, and cane, ensuring continuity in the design language throughout the apartment. The project successfully integrated the wabi-sabi philosophy into a contemporary Mumbai apartment, demonstrating how natural textures, neutral tones, and thoughtful spatial planning can create a home that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional, embracing imperfection as a form of beauty while providing abundant storage and maintaining an open, airy ambiance. #MumbaiHomes #WabiSabiDesign #InsituDesignStudio #InteriorDesign #NaturalMaterials #ModernMinimalism #SpacePlanning #TeakwoodFurniture #StuccoWalls #JapaneseAesthetics

Architect Sahiba Madan embarked on a challenging project in Mumbai just before the March 2020 lockdown: transforming two three-bedroom apartments into a single, expansive home for new parents. Despite numerous obstacles, including supply chain delays and a reduced workforce, Madan successfully delivered a residence epitomizing "unrehearsed elegance." The design heavily features a neutral color palette, incorporating luxurious materials such as Italian marble, brass, teak wood, cane, and Brazilian granite. The existing Botticino marble flooring in one of the original apartments served as the foundation for the material selection, ensuring new additions complemented rather than overwhelmed the neutral aesthetic. Madan's interventions maximized the apartment's considerable square footage, creating a sunlit environment that feels expansive yet welcoming. This involved significant structural changes, such as combining two bedrooms to form a main bedroom suite and merging two bathrooms to create a single en-suite. The original kitchen was also expanded by integrating a third bathroom. The integrated living room is thoughtfully divided into various zones—formal and informal living areas, a welcome area, a bar, and a dining space—each defined by strategic furniture placement. Madan emphasized versatile seating arrangements to accommodate the clients' frequent entertaining, balancing functionality with intimacy. Many furniture pieces were custom-designed, while others were sourced from specialists like Gulmohar Lane. Natural light plays a crucial role in highlighting the chosen materials and colors. Both original apartments featured balconies in the living rooms and bedrooms, a rare asset in Mumbai. By merging these spaces, Madan created extensive window sections that flood the home with abundant natural light. The foyer or lobby area was transformed into an intimate outdoor seating space, complete with a swing and other seating options. The flooring in this area features an inlay pattern that connects it visually to the main entrance, and pre-existing electrical shafts were creatively repurposed with wallpapers from Kalakaari Haath. The bar area stands out as a focal point, featuring a stunning unit with cabinets. Madan incorporated accent brown Statuario marble and brass in this space, with cabinets clad in the same marble as the bar counter. A large, perforated brass shutter, which is backlit, adds a unique touch. The bar counter itself appears as a solid block of marble, adorned with brass inlay borders and details, providing concealed storage. To counteract the visual weight of the marble, custom-made, sleek high stools in solid wood with brass footrests were introduced. The main bedroom showcases a beautiful blend of wood and brass. The bed was custom-built by the Insitu team, and artwork found on Etsy was framed with wainscot panels, contributing to the room's cohesive design. Existing furniture was also repurposed, such as a single-seater refurbished and paired with a footstool to create a reading nook. In the kitchen, an island serves as both a prep area and a display for the clients' cookbook collection. Finally, the old bar unit and dining area were converted into a small sit-out and display closet, with existing wooden frames coated in PU and perforated brass and wood shutters connecting the new spaces. #MumbaiApartment #SahibaMadan #NeutralPalette #LuxuryInteriors #WoodAndCane #ItalianMarble #CustomFurniture #SpatialRedesign #NaturalLight

The 'Gingham Dreams' apartment, designed by MuseLAB, soars above Mumbai’s Versova neighbourhood, presenting a unique aesthetic that evokes the feel of a 1990s arcade game. The 3,000 sq ft space is characterized by a distinctive gridded decoration, reminiscent of pixels, which recurs throughout the apartment. This design choice, while embracing rigid geometry, manages to create an open and unrestrained atmosphere, challenging the conventional association of grids with confinement. The recurring square motif manifests in diverse ways, from floor-to-ceiling applications to more subtle appearances, ensuring that the grid is ever-present without becoming monotonous. A luminous colour palette featuring neutrals and pastels further enhances the apartment's aesthetic. Cloudy marbles in hues of coral, pale blue, beige, and Lake Placid green are used for floors and surfaces, unfolding in intricate inlay patterns. The kitchen, situated on the 25th floor with views of the Arabian Sea, benefits from eastern light and is finished with quartzite and Corian, complementing the marble floors that resemble woven tapestries. Interspersed within the grid are occasional fluid, amoeba-like shapes and stone wainscoting adorned with Sycaro sculptures, adding layers to the home's crafted narrative. The rectilinear living area forms the core of the apartment, capable of accommodating up to twelve guests. This space is enlivened by stone panels and tabletops that evoke the appearance of board games, with ceiling and floor motifs mirroring each other. In the adjacent dining area, a coral table with cruciform legs and a monolithic bench are paired with an installation by Hands and Minds. The kitchen's veined island extends into a chequered fascia, and its backsplash features delicate inlaid grids, continuing the thematic design elements. The study and guest bedroom offer a calming retreat, distinguished by powder-blue ceilings, wood-clad walls, and lattices inspired by Japanese Shoji screens. The library is graced by a sculpted owl from Sycaro, while terrazzo floors lead to a terrace furnished with granite pieces and a cabana-style daybed, ideal for observing the city. Each bedroom interprets the reticulated design language with a distinct mood: the primary suite features warm umber tones and a scalloped headboard, the children’s room is vibrant with apple-green accents, and the parents’ suite offers a serene sepia ambiance. MuseLAB's design approach transforms architectural constraints into a poetic framework, blending precision with a sense of warmth and playfulness, resulting in a space that feels both futuristic and nostalgically familiar. #MumbaiApartment #MuseLABDesign #GeometricInteriors #GriddedDecoration #PixelatedDesign #RetroVideoGameAesthetic #ContemporaryIndianDesign #InteriorDesignInnovation

Yoselin Alonso, the associate interior designer at METHOD & CONCEPT, approaches interior design as more than just surface aesthetics, seeing it as a holistic discipline that encompasses functionality and architecture. Her upbringing provided a foundational understanding of construction, with her father, a builder, teaching her practical skills like door installation and stair construction from a young age. Her mother, a seamstress, further cultivated Alonso's inclination towards working with her hands and fostering creativity. At METHOD & CONCEPT, Alonso collaborates with Chad Jensen, extending beyond traditional design tasks to integrate art and architecture. The firm, which is a sister company to the Thomas Riley Artisans’ Guild, functions as both a design studio and an art gallery, emphasizing the fusion of design and art. This approach ensures that artisanship is central to all projects, with spaces meticulously planned to highlight artworks. The team often commissions custom furnishings or millwork from Thomas Riley to realize specific visions or functional requirements, or they design entire rooms around a client's beloved art pieces. Alonso stresses that artists are considered integral to the design process itself. Alonso's role is comprehensive, involving her in every stage of a project. Her responsibilities range from conceptualizing designs and attending client meetings to conducting site visits, ordering materials, and developing project plans. She excels in creating 3D renderings, a skill Jensen notes was a valuable addition to the team. Additionally, Alonso is actively involved in developing METHOD & CONCEPT’s proprietary line of soft goods, which is scheduled for release in an upcoming season. Chad Jensen sought specific qualities when hiring for the associate interior designer position, describing his ideal candidate as a 'unicorn.' He was particularly drawn to Alonso's dualities: her polished and articulate presentation contrasted with her willingness to engage in hands-on tasks, such as driving a pickup truck and getting her hands dirty. Jensen observed that he and Alonso share a common design philosophy, prioritizing intentionality in their projects. This involves carefully considering how individuals will experience each space, its practical usage, and how the ambiance of a room transforms throughout the day. Jensen also values Alonso's genuine passion for her craft and her eagerness to learn, noting that she often dedicates weekends to the studio to learn from him, as he is also a practicing artist and maker of furniture and functional art objects. Alonso's personal creative inspirations often stem from her parents' native Mexico, drawing from places like Las Pozas, a surrealist garden in Xilitla. This sense of discovery fuels her desire to create unique and meaningful designs. At 27, she is rapidly refining her unique style, influenced by her work with Jensen and the METHOD & CONCEPT team, as well as her desire to remain close to her family in Bonita Springs. She expresses contentment with her current professional and personal environment, affirming that she has found her ideal place. Her initial attraction to the company was solidified by observing Chad Jensen's office, which showcased materials, sketches, and renderings that illustrated a detailed and considered design process, aligning with her preference for thoroughness in design. #InteriorDesign #HomeDesign #ArtIntegration #ArchitecturalDesign #CustomFurnishings #DesignProcess #CreativeInspiration #LuxuryInteriors

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

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

Art Deco, a style characterized by geometric patterns, animal prints, and glitz, continues to captivate over a century after its inception. While genuine Art Deco residences from the 1920s and '30s are rare, many individuals seek to infuse this historic style into modern homes. This article showcases seven distinctive homes that either preserve original Art Deco elements or are inspired by its opulent aesthetic. One featured residence is designer Wesley Moon's Park Avenue apartment, where gilded wall panels, reminiscent of Paris’s Restaurant Le Gabriel, utilize customized wallpaper to create a delicate and neutral backdrop for salon-style art. Moon’s approach involves reinterpreting classical elements for contemporary times, as seen in a marble fireplace mantel embossed with python scales and turquoise molding, a collaboration with Cocobolo gallery director Benjamin Wiener. The apartment blends Old World grandeur with modern sensibilities. In Melbourne, interior designer Greg Natale transformed a 4,000-square-foot penthouse into a lavish space inspired by the owners' luxury watch and jewelry business. Natale infused the formerly minimalist apartment with jewel tones, particularly pink and maroon, creating a grand entrance with mirrored panels and arches. Sculptural Kelly Wearstler lights and a postmodern Art Deco rug further enhance the glamorous and sultry ambiance, reflecting both the owners' and Natale's love for luxury. Washington, D.C.-based interior designer Lorna Gross reimagined an 1870 row house in Georgetown, drawing inspiration from the golden age of travel and the Orient Express. The client, a writer and historian, desired a home that evoked the feel of a bespoke train car. Gross installed antique furnishings and lighting from the 1930s on the first level, creating an Art Deco-period atmosphere in the long and narrow space. Antique chandeliers were re-envisioned, and wall coverings provided a warm setting for a mix of antique and contemporary pieces. In a New York City high-rise, designer Alexander Doherty and architect Danielle Albert undertook a dramatic renovation of a top-floor unit. To achieve a unique and refined interior, they reworked the layout, extended the living space, and increased ceiling height by relocating ductwork. A lake-like depression in the ceiling, covered in 24-carat gold leaf, adds glimmer and enlarges the room. Doherty selected Art Deco and modernist pieces from Paris galleries and international auction houses to furnish the space, creating a style that complements the contemporary glass structure. A Dublin home, designed by LyonsKelly, transforms an unassuming 1930s semi-detached house into a spacious, arching gallery. The design firm created a unified architectural and interior vision, resulting in a three-story house with a basement. The procession of rooms on the ground floor, with formal areas at the front and family spaces overlooking the garden, embodies an Art Deco spirit while maintaining a timeless appeal. Celebrity chef turned interior designer Travis London found his ideal home in a 1940 Miami town house. The property featured pristine original Art Deco details, including a fireplace, travertine floors, and interior arches. London embraced the home's character, using it as a canvas for self-expression and a showcase for his design business, Studio London Co. The dining area, for instance, features Jonathan Adler chairs in pink velvet around a brass Boca do Lobo table, exemplifying a chic and grown-up aesthetic. Finally, a Chicago co-op in a prestigious 1920s building underwent a significant transformation by Jessica LaGrange. Moving away from its dated decor, LaGrange guided the design with the building's history, creating a high-contrast home. A custom terrazzo-and-bronze circular design, inlaid in the foyer, serves as a focal point, radiating like a sunburst and setting an Art Deco-inspired yet exceedingly modern tone for the art-collecting couple's pied-à-terre. #ArtDeco #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LuxuryHomes #ArchitecturalRenovation #DesignInspiration #ModernArtDeco #HistoricHomes #GlamorousInteriors