In Mumbai, Studio Design, Research and Workshop transforms a neglected 1,200 sq ft apartment into a measured, light-filled bachelor home for a young entrepreneur. Designed to shift effortlessly between solitude and gathering, the residence reflects a contemporary lifestyle shaped by clarity, material restraint, and thoughtful spatial planning.
Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Neelanjana Cjitrabanu; courtesy Design, Research and Workshop (DR&W)
The brief
Studio Design, Research and Workshop (DR&W) designed this bachelor home in Mumbai for a young entrepreneur seeking a space of solace that could easily transform into a setting for hosting and entertainment when he felt sociable. “Together, the spaces needed to shape a home that is both refuge and stage—refined, grounded, and quietly expressive. It needed to reflect a young entrepreneur’s life in motion: sociable yet centered, contemporary yet timeless, guided by the calm confidence of thoughtful design,” explains Jay Shah, principal architect, DR&W.
The site
The 1,200-square-foot apartment occupied an ageing residential building and had previously belonged to a Bengali couple. Left largely unmaintained over the years, the space bore visible signs of wear, along with areas of partial structural deterioration. As a result, the scope of the project extended beyond spatial reconfiguration to first address structural stability and reinforcement.
The design intent
Set against the constant motion of Mumbai, this 1,200 sq ft bachelor home is oasis of comfort and calm. Created for a young entrepreneur navigating long workdays and vibrant social evenings, the apartment is shaped as both refuge and setting—one that supports solitude as intuitively as it accommodates company. Rather than relying on spectacle, the design finds expression through material nuance, layered textures, and a colour and material palette that feels confident without being dominant. Here, spaces adapt with ease, shifting from personal retreat to shared environment without losing coherence.
The civil intervention
The original apartment followed a compact, matchbox-like plan defined by multiple enclosed rooms, which called for complete spatial reconfiguration. The intervention began by erasing internal walls and reworking existing openings to improve both light and ventilation. Windows were enlarged and reinterpreted as continuous ribbon bands, dramatically increasing daylight and visual continuity across the apartment. This approach allowed living and private zones to be reimagined in direct response to the client’s lifestyle. Together, these foundational interventions transformed a neglected shell into a structurally reinforced, open, and light-filled canvas for contemporary living.
The spatial configuration
The living area unfolds as a spacious, continuous hall, defined by sculptural features instead of traditional walls. This design promotes smooth movement and encourages social interactions, creating a welcoming environment for gatherings. In contrast, the bedroom is designed as a layered, inward-focused sequence, introducing subtle variations of privacy within the personal space. The sleeping area flows into a semi-screened walk-in wardrobe through a partial partition that maintains visual openness while gently delineating different areas, leading into the bathroom. The shared windows between the bedroom and wardrobe allow abundant natural light to flood in, enhancing the spatial connection between the two.
At the heart of both the public and private spaces is a terrace designed to serve multiple purposes. Direct access from the living area allows it to function as an entertaining extension, while a more intimate entry from the bedroom transforms it into a personal sanctuary. This dual access facilitates a seamless transition between social gatherings and solitary moments, exemplifying the home’s harmonious blend of openness and privacy.
The design and material details
The living area establishes the initial tone of this design. Muted greys and rich olives envelop the space in a refined softness, with lime-plastered walls reflecting light in gentle variations and marble flooring emitting a subtle glow. Two sculptural olive-leather sofas anchor the room with a confident presence—spacious enough for entertaining, yet composed for solitary moments. Rust-hued chairs and bronze tables add warmth, while a Siporex patti concrete column subtly guides the layout without confining it. The room maintains a fluidity, effortlessly accommodating conversation, celebration, or quiet reflection.
The bar and media corner enhances the atmosphere, adopting a darker palette that suits entertainment and evening rituals. A striking marble counter, notable for its expressive veining, acts as the sculptural centerpiece of this area. Surrounding elements in matte greys, dark wood, and custom walnut exude a grounded richness, reflecting the owner’s appreciation for craftsmanship and experience. Targeted lighting accentuates textures and shadows, creating a cinematic ambiance where drinks are prepared, matches are enjoyed, and sound envelops the space with purpose.
The master is a sanctuary enveloped in tonal greys. The bed features a vertically channeled headboard in fabric, while heavy drapery softens daylight into the room. A tall teak-framed mirror reflects greenery and visually expands the space, infusing warmth into its understated design. The master bathroom is adorned in honed Italian marble. The sculptural monolithic sink is complemented by matte black fixtures that provide a sharp, contemporary contrast. Soft natural light from a recessed opening enhances the stone’s veining, fostering a meditative atmosphere where materiality and silence coexist.
The powder room encapsulates the home’s character in a compact space. Olive-toned textured walls create a warm enclosure, while a freestanding sculptural basin adds a significant presence. Matte black fixtures and subtle lighting establish an intimate guest space that resonates with the home’s overarching themes of restraint and clarity.
Extending outward, the terrace garden offers a breath of fresh air—a tranquil oasis shaped by lush greenery and a monolithic black-stone bench. It serves as both a retreat and a gathering area, allowing evenings to transition outdoors or providing a solitary vantage point above the city’s bustle.
Fact File
Project: The Grey Garden
Location: Santacruz, Mumbai
Area: 1,200 sq ft
Principal architect: Jay Shah
Design team: Pankhuri Sharnagat and Aparna Rai
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