This Mumbai apartment is dipped in monochrome goodness

Using natural stone flooring, bold art pieces, quirky elements and iconic wall treatments, Fine Line Designers creates a charming second home for a client who is frequented by his family and friends.

Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Subhash Patil; courtesy Fine Lines Designers

The brief

Fine Lines Designers were approached to design a second home for a Mumbai-based client where he could host lavish parties and game nights. The (then) 3BHK apartment was also requested to be converted into a 2BHK, as it was also going to be used as a bachelor pad by the client’s son. The brief also entailed creating a theme-based interior space. Keeping majority of the walls in the same locations, the windows were redone; so were the bathrooms and the original flooring of the apartment.

The spatial configuration

The living and dining is the centre point of the home which branches out into two bedrooms flanking in an L shape, and a powder room and kitchen opposite the guest bedroom.

The design intent

The guiding principle for this project was to infuse personality and character into every corner of the home, making it an unforgettable space that captivates visitors from the moment they step inside. The design team aimed to craft an environment where colour and concept converge, weaving together a tapestry of vibrancy and individuality. The foundation of the design begins with natural stone flooring which establishes a tactile and grounding base that harmonizes with the surrounding elements. This choice not only embodies an earthy authenticity but also serves as a canvas upon which the rest of the design narrative unfolds. A natural black Kadapa stone locally available was used on the flooring to impart a raw vibe to the apartment.

The wall treatments are the definitely the highlight of the whole design, and embodies the very essence of the studio’s design philosophy. “They transcend the conventional boundaries of wall design, transforming these surfaces into artistic expressions that leave a lasting impression. These treatments serve as a visual narrative, weaving stories and evoking a range of emotions, further enhancing the distinct character of the space,” explains Sangeeta Mansharamani, principal designer, Fine Lines Designers.

Bold art pieces strategically placed throughout the space inject bursts of energy and serve as focal points, inviting exploration and conversation. These artworks are carefully curated to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and elevate the overall ambiance, contributing to the unique atmosphere we sought to create. Introducing quirky elements into the design adds a whimsical touch, injecting doses of unexpected charm and playfulness. These unexpected surprises spark curiosity and create a sense of wonder, ensuring that every visit to the home brings forth a new discovery

“Collectively, these carefully curated elements coalesce to form an immersive experience. Every detail has been meticulously considered and purposefully placed to ensure that each visitor encounters a sensory journey — a fusion of colours, textures, and concepts that create a home like no other. Our aim is to forge an indelible connection between the space and its occupants, leaving an enduring mark on everyone who enters, fostering an environment that lingers in memory long after they’ve departed, says Sangeeta.

The material details

The living room flaunts Italian furniture (seaters) from Natuzzi, and centre tables that are modern with reflective surfaces adding depth, thanks to the accessories placed on it. The cushions and throw (sourced from AA Living and Blue Loft, respectively) add a softness that’s required to give the eyes a rest from all the black and the harsher edges in the design. The lighting here is integrated with the structural beams, while some indirect light coves shed ambient light, with spot lights signifying backdrops. The panel behind the TV unit is a leather backing with antique gold studs in different letters, shapes and forms.

The dining chairs, table and console designed by Tahira Das are in a dark black polish. The sharp edged crystal and gold lights complement the edgy console, and contrast the curved dining table. This contrasting play of edge and curve was a theme organically created during the design process.

“One of our personal favourite elements of this house is the Subodh Kerkar photograph print with its antique gold carved frame positioned in the most unconventional manner. This purchase informed all our other decisions on artwork. This is the first site that truly appreciated investing in photography as art. The far opposite side of the space has an original print by Sheena Sippy that marks the entrance into the master bedroom,” shares Sangeeta .

The master bedroom personifies the vibe of the entire apartment in one single shot of the bedside. Dark polished furniture, American walnut flooring, charcoal grey bed back and black walls set the scene of the statement art, ‘the terminator‘. “If you look closely, you will notice the eye is actually a red light posing a striking beam across at night,” the designer points out. The guest bedroom is done up in the same materials and colours as the master bedroom, and has an abstract view of a city painted directly on the wall of the bed back, almost like a line drawing in perspective. All the bedding is from AA living.

In the powder room a striped wallpaper, cudappah stone in hammered and beaten finishes down, a tinned ceiling sourced from Essajees store which was white washed by painters onsite — continues the sharp contrasts of black and white as the rest of the apartment.

The challenges

“The main challenge was to break the stereotype that black/ grey will make the home look smaller. Hence our attention went to letting maximum light inside and using scale asymmetry to change the focus of the viewer. For example the massive size of painting or the gorgeous and life like scaled church cross, invites the visitor to appreciate the depth at an identifiable level,” explains Sangeeta.