The strikingly traditional heirlooms bring a cultural flair to the space that contrasts with the otherwise contemporary style, creating what the designers call “modern Indian.” “The challenge was to blend the simplicity and minimalism of modern design with the vibrancy and complexity of Indian design,” Jhaveri points out. This concept comes through in every aspect of the thoughtful design, as a contemporary marble and veneer frame paves the way for vibrant, traditional art and soft, ethnic textures, furniture and fabrics. “When we were in doubt, we even did a fun experiment by taking our phone cameras and framing every corner of the house to check if we had both modern and Indian elements in the frame,” laughs Golecha.
From the inside out
The homeowners’ hopes for the design were twofold: In addition to the visual language that is proud of India, they also wanted to pepper the house with several semi-open spaces, or rest rooms as the designers like to call them. In the warm and inviting house, the homeowners wanted these oases to refresh the mind and reconnect with nature. “We wanted to create an oasis that revolves around their habits, where they can converse and find solace,” says Golecha.
There are a variety of adaptable, multifunctional nooks here – from the partially covered balcony in the living room to the balcony in the master bedroom, and from the baithak seating in the second bedroom to the entire flexible third bedroom that can be converted into a study that can be used for numerous purposes when the daughter is away.
“Ultimately, we wanted to add value to the home and create an experiential yet functional space for the residents,” conclude the designers. With pause points in the design breaking the cycle of busy city life and traditional influences breaking the monotony of modern aesthetics, the nuanced design of this Mumbai home strikes a delicate balance on all fronts, but the focus remains on intimacy, comfort and the homeowners’ experiences.
