This Mumbai apartment artfully fuses modern living and cultural heritage

Gautam Shewa Architects create a space that reflects the clients roots while embracing the contemporary essence of the city.

Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Kevin Nunes; courtesy Gautam Shewa Architects

The site

Located in the heart of Chembur, the 1,000-sq-ft apartment benefits from the serenity and lushness of East Mumbai’s upscale suburb. Towering trees provide shade and a sense of history, while a shimmering pool reflects the green surroundings. Residents can unwind amidst tranquillity, enjoying a peaceful retreat from city life.

The brief

“The clients sought a space that not only accommodated their functional needs but also resonated with their Mangalorean traditions and the modernity of Mumbai,” says Gautam Shewa, principal architect of this eponymous firm. “They desired an interior that blended tradition and luxury seamlessly.”

The design intent

The design aimed to create a harmonious blend of traditional elements and modern aesthetics, capturing the essence of the client’s roots while embracing the contemporary spirit of Mumbai. The design of this project, ‘Samanvay’, is a reflection of balance, intertwining traditional elements and modern aesthetics. “Drawing inspiration from the couple’s unique experiences and preferences, we curated a design that harmonises with their personality and the spirit of Mumbai,” elucidates Gautam.

The spatial flow

This haven for a discerning couple is a testament to their desire for a space that echoes their roots and mirrors the contemporary essence of the city they call home. Upon crossing the doorway, guests are greeted by a semi-traditional door adorned with intricate details in antique gold and wood. The entrance passage sets the tone with its warm ambience, inviting eyes to wander upward, captivated by the wooden ceiling.

The true reflection of the homeowner’s personality unfolds in the living room, where a tropical paradise awaits just beyond the window — where a wallpaper adorned with tropical motifs offers a visual escape into nature. Simultaneously, modern design details shine through in the thoughtfully curated console table, bench, and dining area. Artworks of two tropical groves arranged symmetrically seamlessly unify the elements in this corner.

The bedrooms, too, tread the path of a narrative that embraces the spirit of the city’s modernity and the nostalgia of its home town. Delicate artwork and decals; textured bed linen and metal accents speak of attention to detail. The master bedroom is meticulously curated with an array of subtle details, each contributing to the overall charm of the space. A custom-made pole infuses a traditional essence into the bed, while the elegant and timeless mouldings adorning the headboard effortlessly unify the area, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.

The material and colour palettes

Both the palettes lean towards the neutral end of the spectrum. The compositions are set on an earthy flooring and arranged against neutral walls with a lime-finish texture. Laminates, veneers, motifs/decals, tropical theme wallpapers , textured wood, antique gold accents, and textured fabric complete the list.

The challenges

Challenges arose in achieving the desired fusion of traditional and modern elements while ensuring functionality and coherence with the space. Additionally, balancing the clients preferences with design principles needed to be worked out carefully.