Conceived by Fine Line Designers for an NRI couple, this Mumbai apartment uses a restrained palette and thoughtful planning to create a home that feels simple, calm, and easy to live in.
Curated by: Deepa Nair
Photographs: Yadnyesh Joshi; courtesy Fine Line Designers
The brief
Interior designer Aashna Mansharamani of Fine Line Designers was invited by an NRI couple to design their modest 700-square-foot apartment in South Mumbai—a home they return to during their visits to India. The brief called for a space that feels intuitive to live in and easy to maintain, while offering a sense of grounding. Necessarily, it had to welcome them back each time with a quiet sense of familiarity and ease.
The design intent
Inspired by coastal landscapes, Aashna decided to work with a restrained palette of ocean hues—sage green, duck egg blue, beige, cream, and white—through the apartment to create a calm and light mood. These tones also allow natural light to move freely, creating an airy backdrop that feels timeless rather than overtly thematic.
The civil intervention
The original layout featured a cramped washroom and a small, inefficient utility area. The partition between the two was removed to create a more functional bathroom, while the kitchen was extended into the adjoining space. This required a complete overhaul of plumbing, along with new materials, fittings, and revised window openings to better support the updated layout. The final layout allows one to enter directly into the living-dining room. From here, a passage opens up into the left leading to the bedroom and attached bathroom on the end. The kitchen is accommodated on the right of this passage.
The design and material details
The living-dining area has fluid, social zones that shift easily between everyday use and larger gatherings. A curved boucle sofa from Blue Loft anchors the living room. It is paired with lightweight armchairs that can be moved and reconfigured as needed. Behind it, a custom mural wallpaper from Kalakaari Haath introduces a handcrafted narrative. Complementing this, all artwork across the living and dining areas has been specially commissioned from artist Tara Anne Coelho Perreira, adding a personal, bespoke layer to the spaces.
In the dining area, a six-seater table which can be extended to host more when required, are accompanied by chairs from West Elm and a custom table and bench by Tahira Das. A vibrant rug from Hatsu brings in a touch of playfulness, while marble centre tables lend a sense of grounding within the otherwise light and airy apartment. The kitchen is developed in collaboration with Hi Line and continues the home’s restrained palette. Clean lines, efficient storage, and thoughtful detailing ensure it remains functional while blending seamlessly with the rest of the space.
In the bedroom, all furniture is custom-designed by Tahira Das to optimise movement and maximise space. Wardrobe handles from Mantara introduce a crafted detail, while bedding from AA Living and cushions from Cottons and Satins add comfort and softness. The bathroom follows the same palette, with subtle tones and clean finishes creating a calm, practical setting that ties back to the overall language of the apartment.
Fact File
Project: StillWater
Location: Breach Candy, Mumbai
Area: 700 sq ft
Principal designer: Aashna Mansharamani
Contractor: Deepak Patel
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