This Ahmedabad duplex is fifty percent zen and fifty percent zany

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

This blog post showcases a 5,000-square-foot Mumbai duplex designed by Jannat Vasi Interior Design for a multi-generational family. The duplex is characterized by its mesmerizing ocean views and spectacular sunsets, which served as the primary inspiration for the interior design. The designer aimed to integrate the natural beauty of the surroundings into the living space, creating an environment that feels both tranquil and luxurious. The color palette throughout the home is sophisticated and restrained, with blues, soft waves, and textures reminiscent of coral reefs, complemented by metallic accents that mimic the sun's reflection. A notable feature is a wall mural that captures light dynamically, paying homage to the sunset views. The project involved a complete transformation of the empty shell, with customizations tailored to each family member's needs. A central element of the design is a ribbon-like staircase, which designer Jannat Vasi describes as unfurling like a living entity, creating an illusion of transcendence and motion, inspired by Zaha Hadid's fluid geometry. The staircase's creation was a significant challenge, requiring a structural redesign to swap its position with the kitchen. This complex maneuver allowed the kitchen to be relocated to a position offering breathtaking ocean views, with the sinuous design ingeniously fitting within a triangular cavity. The home's design seamlessly blends Eastern and Western aesthetics, embodying a yin-yang philosophy to achieve energetic balance. The two living rooms, while both nature-inspired, have distinct characteristics: the lower level features cooler, ocean-like tones, while the upper level embraces sunset shades through murals, rugs, and accessories. Common areas maintain a neutral palette, whereas individual bedrooms reflect the occupants' personalities. These private spaces adopt a yacht-like aesthetic with flowing lines, wave-like walls, and filleted furniture, adding softness and continuity. Luxury is enhanced through layered textiles, art, and accessories. White oak veneer is consistently used on the walls, providing warmth and serving as a natural canvas, while white Michelangelo marble floors and ceilings visually expand the space. The black and white staircase offers a dramatic contrast, balanced by the romantic hues of rugs, wall murals, and other decorative elements. Furniture is carefully chosen to complement the material and color schemes. Custom pieces include a cobalt blue dining table, and various items crafted from semi-precious stones, walnut, brass, bouclés, and velvets. Curtains and rugs contribute softness, while playful elements like sheep and rabbit-shaped chairs add a touch of whimsy. The design process was collaborative and intuitive, fostering a timeless living space that reflects the inhabitants' personalities. #MumbaiDuplex #OceanViewHome #LuxuryInteriors #MultiGenerationalDesign #JannatVasiInteriorDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #CustomHome #CoastalLiving #ContemporaryIndianDesign

Architect Andrew Magnes embarked on a transformative design journey for a 4,500-square-foot Madison Avenue duplex, which presented both a challenge and an opportunity due to its prime location offering 360-degree views of Central Park. While Magnes typically favors a clean slate approach, the immediate impression of the duplex compelled him to preserve the spectacular perimeter views, making them a central focus of the upstairs design. The downstairs, however, became an arena for comprehensive reorganization, drawing inspiration from Louis Kahn's architectural principles. Magnes conceived a central core for the lower level, housing essential services such as mechanical systems, storage, and stairs. This strategic consolidation freed up the surrounding areas for living spaces. The renovation included significant infrastructure upgrades, with new hybrid HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems installed to modernize the apartment. Ceilings were only lowered when absolutely necessary, maintaining a sense of openness and maximizing vertical space. The kitchen and dining room were designed with an open-plan concept, yet equipped with hidden telescoping doors that offer privacy and sound absorption when desired, providing flexibility for entertaining and daily living. A notable feature in the kitchen is the three-inch-thick glass work counter, custom-cast by Shiny Sparkle Studio and illuminated by interior coves within the elliptical, plaster ceiling, adding a touch of bespoke luxury. A copper backsplash serves as a visual transition to the wet bar, which is conveniently located near a circular media room. The media room itself is a vibrant space, characterized by its blue lacquer walls and a custom Roche Bobois sofa, complemented by a Dedar Milano shade and Lorenza Bozzoli Couture accents. The duplex is connected by two distinct staircases. To the north, an anigre veneer structure provides access to the upper level. To the south, a striking corten spiral stair, designed by Juan Alfredo Design, acts as a sculptural element, linking the lower level to the upstairs primary suite. The primary suite features lavish alba Chiara marble in the shower and sink areas, while the three additional bedrooms each boast their own unique tone of three-dimensional tile in their respective bathrooms, ensuring individuality and sophisticated detailing throughout. Andrew Magnes Architects collaborated with Fawn Galli Interiors to bring the interior design vision to life. Fawn Galli shared Magnes's appreciation for the panoramic views, integrating Central Park's natural beauty into the interior's color scheme and overall ambiance. Galli's design philosophy for the space focused on creating a joyful, fresh, fun, and energetic environment. The walls, painted in warm grey, are enlivened by compounds of colors and patterns, reflecting a desire to infuse the apartment with personality and vibrancy. This collaborative effort resulted in a unique and dynamic living space that harmonizes architectural innovation with a vibrant and playful interior aesthetic, making it an entirely distinctive residence. #DuplexApartment #MadisonAvenue #InteriorDesign #LuxuryRenovation #CentralParkViews #ArchitecturalDesign #CustomInteriors #FawnGalliInteriors #AndrewMagnes

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

This article highlights the Singapore apartment, The Rasidence, a spacious, Zen-like interior designed by Alex Liu of Right Angle Studio. The 1,570 sq ft duplex apartment, located in the Bishan neighbourhood, showcases a harmonious blend of Scandinavian and Japanese design principles, creating a calm and cocooning urban sanctuary. Liu's approach defies the common pitfalls faced by designers creating their own homes, demonstrating a disciplined serenity throughout the project. The exterior of the apartment block is nondescript, offering no hint of the refined interiors within. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment features an artful mix of design elements, including Fritz Hansen 'Grand Prix' dining chairs, a 'Cuba' chair by Carl Hansen & Son, and an oversized marble and limestone fruit bowl by John Pawson for When Objects Work. These pieces are strategically placed to enhance the apartment's serene atmosphere. Further enhancing the Zen aesthetic, low-slung futon beds and deeply set couch benches are framed by translucent sliding shoji doors and windows crafted from solid ash. These open to views of green treetops, integrating nature into the living space. A standout feature is an air-well that extends through the second floor, complemented by a faux skylight and a Japanese maple, creating a light-washed, tropical Japanese fantasy. The material palette further supports the apartment's concept, utilizing oak laminate for all joinery work, porcelain tiled floors, sintered stone for the kitchen countertop, and travertine and stucco for walls and display niches. These materials contribute to the overall tactile and visual tranquility of the space. The project was not without its challenges, particularly the wall area behind the dining room, which required nine reworkings. Liu explained that initial drafts restricted spatial flow, leading to the reorientation of the staircase. This adjustment allowed for the integration of a display pantry with the physical wall, optimizing movement within the apartment. The staircase reorientation also posed a new problem: its original landing directly in the dining room. Through multiple on-site experiments and simulations, the team concealed the last two steps within a raised bench, enhancing traffic flow in the confined space. This meticulous problem-solving approach is characteristic of Right Angle Studio, founded by Alex Liu and his brother Jay in 2012. The studio’s diverse portfolio includes residential homes, a bakery cafe, a jewellery atelier, and a public reading room, each project reflecting the same bespoke and quietly satisfying design philosophy evident in The Rasidence apartment. #SingaporeApartment #ZenDesign #RightAngleStudio #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #ScandinavianJapanese #DuplexApartment #AlexLiu #UrbanHaven

The article showcases a unique Bengaluru apartment designed by Jonathan Sylvester and Jay Mandania of Studio Sylus. This home, nestled in Peninsula Heights, Bengaluru, was crafted for an elderly couple seeking a retirement community home that reflected their distinct personalities. The designers embraced a blend of classic and modern aesthetics, focusing on Indian interior design within a contemporary framework. Initially a furnished model apartment, the space required significant reconfiguration to align with the new owners' lifestyle. Key structural changes included converting a secluded family room into a state-of-the-art media room. Additionally, a small powder room was merged with the master bathroom to create a more spacious en-suite for the master bedroom. Recognizing the importance of a functional and visually appealing kitchen, the designers integrated the previously ill-lit kitchen into the main living area by removing walls, allowing natural light to flood the space. A clever design element incorporated into the apartment was the use of inconspicuous storage units and hidden doors to maintain a seamless aesthetic. A notable aspect of the design was the extensive sourcing of furniture and decor from across India. Pieces like a mother-of-pearl inlay console from Kanpur, rugs from Delhi, a swing from Gujarat, and a table from Chennai were meticulously selected and integrated to create a cohesive and eclectic narrative. Curated art pieces were strategically placed in a corridor, cleverly concealing access points to the bedrooms. The apartment's design also emphasizes the use of local and natural materials. Sadarahalli granite, Kota stone, and solid teak wood were incorporated, maintaining their earthy and raw essence while being refined to perfection. This blend of old-age materials with modern design elements creates a dialogue throughout the apartment. The entryway, for instance, features a large mirror with an intricately carved walnut frame set against Sabyasachi wallpaper, establishing a distinctive mood. The dining area boasts a large, monolithic table crafted from Sadarahalli and Kadappa stone, shaped with contemporary curves. To introduce color, the designers adopted a unique approach: they first selected rugs for each room and then built the corresponding color palettes around them. This project by Studio Sylus exemplifies a successful fusion of eclectic elements and locally sourced materials to create a characterful and modern living space. #BengaluruHomes #EclecticDesign #IndianInteriorDesign #StudioSylus #HomeRenovation #LocalMaterials #ModernClassic #InteriorDecorating