A Characterful Rendition

Modern lifestyle and mid-century modern aesthetics create a characterful spatial rendition in this Mumbai apartment by Pan Design Studio.

Curated by: Rupali Sebastian
Photographs: Kuber Shah, courtesy Pan Design Studio

Wooden screens in lieu of curtains act as sunbreakers and create a play of light and shadow. Cross-ventilation is maintained by the thoughtful addition of clerestory windows with sliding glass panels that facilitate air flow.

The site

With windows to the east and west, the 1700-sq-ft, 3BHK, Mumbai apartment was blessed with great cross-ventilation and natural light. The existing layout needed retailoring as the living room was a tad insipid and a passage consumed precious square footage.

In the dining area, a series of metal discs with basket-weave detailing (sourced from Hatsu) evoke the solar system.

The brief

The clients were well-travelled and therefore exposed to myriad cultures and influences. The common denominator for all the places that had impressed them was a calm vibe. Other than that, they were open to experimentation.

A basket-weave jaali headboard lends a pleasing texture to the design of the bed in the master bedroom.

The intervention and spatial flow

The existing dining area was replaced by a bedroom and a new dining space was established in place of the existing living room — which, in turn, took the place of a bedroom. A passage was absorbed in this spatial re-caliberation to create larger functionalities. Now, the entrance lobby is followed by the kitchen-store room block, which then leads to the living-dining zone. This common space is wrapped by an L-shaped bedroom zone.

Geometric elements dominate the son’s room. A pragmatic pull-out bed ensures enough room for play.

The visual vocabulary

Mid-century modern/Indian was selected as the syntax, imbued with a sense of peace and tranquility. The material selection features reclaimed teak, cement mosaic floors, fire bricks and china mosaic. Period ‘forms’ such as coffered ceilings and vanity mirrors inspired by vintage three-fold dressing versions reinforce the concept.

Coated with translucent paint, fire bricks lends pleasing rusticity to the daughter’s room. The beaded lamp is a customised piece by Mansi Jade of Jade Design House.

The highlights

Elements have been customised both by the PAN Design Studio team as well as product designers in a collaborative capacity. These have been supplemented with impeccably curated art and accessories, in addition to a selection from the clients’ own collection. The idea was to work with Indian talent rather than pick up foreign stuff. For instance, there’s wall art made from Naga jewellery; bespoke light fixtures by @jade_designhouse, a wooden architectural model from Mahendra Doshi and a series of illustrations of staircases by Vishwa Shroff…