This Mumbai apartment is alluring in its simplicity

Black and Yellow Design Studio’s design embodies a sense of sanctuary and serenity,

Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Sakshi Shetty

The site

Blessed with indirect sunlight throughout the day, the apartment is located in old Mulund and overlooks settlements with their blue corrugated roofs. “This creates a contrasting palette against the neutral tones in the house,” say architects Sakshi Shetty and Sarvesh Gambhir of Black and Yellow Design Studio who had to transform the foyer, dining area, prayer area, living room and master bedroom of the 3.5BHK flat.

The brief

The client’s brief was to create a forever home and to keep it simple, monochromatic and timeless. In the living room, the family sought clean storage spaces, an area for their everyday prayers (with an altar) and an open layout between dining, and living zones. For the master bedroom, to the architects’ surprise, the clients did not specify commodious wardrobes as they decluttered their home regularly throughout the year.

The design intent

At the heart of this home is a tone-on-tone neutral palette, soft delicate mouldings on walls and ceilings, hints of golden elements with shades of white and pastel backgrounds. “We wanted to create a sophisticated design language which is effortlessly chic and let the neutrals resonate calmness and serenity in every space. The delicate dance of neutral hues and classical wall mouldings embrace every corner warmly,” reveals the architect duo.

The changes

As per the builder’s plan, the altar was earlier placed right after the foyer, inside a small room. The architects relocated it to the living-dining area, the heart of the home. This allowed the clients to entertain family and friends in the living space as well as place the Christmas tree in an open layout and click beautiful yearly photos with the altar in the background. Its pure and timeless design reflects both reverence and simplicity. The gentle curves of the arches bring a sense of grace, while the edges, rounded with meticulous care, evoke a feeling of softness and approachability. The altar is not just a spiritual centrepiece; it seamlessly integrates practicality with purpose. These drawers serve as a thoughtful storage solution, providing space for sacred items and maintaining the uncluttered ambience of the home.

In the master bedroom, the architects got rid of the old chunky wardrobe and created tall storage units on the side of the bed. A niche in the unit can be used as a side table and also hides away all the switchboards, keeping the bedroom clutter-free. “We just love how the master bedroom has turned out. It is so effortlessly chic and minimal with a beautiful pastel tone on tone moment happening,” smiles the duo.

The material palette

To add classical elements, Sakshi and Sarvesh used CNC-cut HDF mouldings instead of the POP versions mouldings. These would last longer and stand the test of time. Metal handles add a touch of luxury in the master bedroom, while the tropical Kalakarihaath wallpaper infuses a touch of whimsy.