Inside a modern classic themed apartment in Mumbai

Studio KNest develops an efficient floor plan and crafts smart design solutions using a minimal material palette to give a fresh twist to this Mumbai apartment.

Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Yadnyesh Joshi; courtesy Studio KNest

The brief

Studio KNest was commissioned to renovate 650 sq ft of a 3BHK apartment in Mumbai. The clients ordered a chic, elegant and modern home with ample storage space, and a multifunctional room which could be used as an entertainment space primarily, and also double up as a guest bedroom when needed.

The design intent

Studio KNest visualised the apartment with a modern classic theme keeping functionality at the heart of the overall design. This chic and elegant space witnesses a combination of geometries with the studio’s signature arches, complimenting furnishings and strategic use of mirrors.

The civil intervention

The renovation involved enlarging the existing window openings which facilitated the flow of sunlight into the apartment, besides making it airy and lively. Additionally, the common washroom was utilized to create a guest bathroom; with a separate space reserved for the washing machine.

The design and material details

The arches… that’s the first design element which grabs attention when you step into the apartment. Nidhi and Kunal decided to pair sleek contemporary lines of the modern style with the curved geometry of arches to create a lasting impression in the open living-dining space. They added a few pops of coloured fabrics like the royal blue sofa, textured fabrics of accent and dining chairs and rugs elevate the areas. To give this tight space some visual volume, abstract mirrors were customised (on site) and displayed on the wall.

In the master bedroom the design duo tried to achieve a unique balance by mixing rusticity with new, modern and simple elements. Hence, this room sees straight-lined furniture (read bed and side tables), laminated flooring, a concrete-hued wallpaper and complementing fabrics in monochrome colours to create a pleasing atmosphere. The attached bathroom donning a black and white modern classic style, uses traditional chequered pattern on the flooring done with ceramic tiles, which is paired with fluted wall tiles. To complete the look, a classic mirror was hung above the washbasin counter.

A key factor while designing the entertainment room, which also doubles up as the guest bedroom when needed, was the need for a smart multi-use furniture option. The solution was a murphy bed which also incorporates a storage cabinet within. The murphy bed unit which is styled in a green colour palette with brass gold handles, slides out when the room receives guests. The attached toilet with this room uses a combination of terrazzo tiles and matte green vitrified tiles to render a modern classic look.