A Mumbai apartment brimming with soft hues and elegant textures

Studio TAB marries the grace of English design, and the clarity and functionality of the modern urban style, in this apartment for an entrepreneurial couple.     

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

The brief

Studio TAB was approached by an entrepreneurial couple in Mumbai to design their 2,500-square-foot apartment reflecting their fine taste of life.

The design intent

The design team developed a style which sees the beautiful fusion of English design with modern urban undertones. The result is a home with a harmonious composition of subtle luxury and elegant patterns.

The reception

The first sight of the apartment reveals its eclectic character — the main door flaunts intricate European mouldings in a composition of soft salmon pink and elegant creme hues. A classic black and white checkered floor and a bespoke brass circular nameplate blends the classical and contemporary styles. At the foyer, a curved white fluted shoe rack (with black legs) sits elegantly to the left. Paired with the shoe rack is a statement teal accent chair, playfully moulded with the unit. The console wall creates a visual pause point with the use of 3D panels coloured in soft pastel blue juxtaposed between creme vertical panels with moulding details. Teal and brass wall lamps balance the creme and soft blue panels, while the grey marble floor with black strip inlay detail adds to the richness of the entrance.

The public areas

The living room is a calm space designed using soft hues of creme textured paint with nouveau mouldings as a backdrop to vibrant teal sofas. The grey marble floor with black strip inlay continues into the living room from the foyer, unifying the spaces effortlessly. A radial black and brass centre table complements the black strips in the floor and brass accents used in the composition. A modern abstract black and white rug defines the formal seating space, whilst a white lounge chair is placed close to the bar. The circular bar unit is designed as a piece of art — with playful perpendicular openable shutters, keeping the space functional yet stylish.  A balcony with wooden deck floor and black European metal grill design forms an extension to the living room. The composition of soft grey patio furniture alongside lush green planters adds the quintessential calmness and serenity to this space.

The living room transitions into the dining area, with the bar unit acting as a visual buffer between the two. A custom organic shaped dining table with a grey marble top and three brass cylindrical supports sits diagonal to the formal seating area, keeping the spaces connected yet distinct. Tan leather upholstered chairs with brass legs break the starkness of the grey marble top of the table and flooring and match the modern geometrical brass chandelier that hangs above the dining unit. Right behind the dining table, lies an opulent crockery unit with brass strip detail. The subtleness of the space is maintained by the use of creme fluted panels and a soft white wallpaper.

The study area has a maroon-brown framed wall that acts as a highlight element, giving a balanced contrast to the subtle white niche library unit with brass fascia detailing. At the brink of the coloured wall and library unit sits a custom designed study table made in black and teal glass. Its conical brass legs complement the larger-than-life brass floor lamp kept against the coloured wall. A wooden flooring balances the composition, adding some warmth to the space.

The hearth

The kitchen is designed as a sober and functional space, with a sleek and minimal black and white design. A black marble backsplash with brown grains complements the island counter for two, made using the same material. Teal high stools add a dash of colour to the space. The drawers and shutters are kept white, with curved profile handles; while above the counter modular grid storage features framed glass shutters. A crockery unit designed using black frames and glass is placed opposite the overhead storage.

The private chambers

The master bedroom sees a play of black, white, teal and brass elements. A back painted white glass backdrop, with brass strips creates a pleasant backdrop for the bed. A curved teal suede bed back acts as the focal point of this composition, as it continues to the floor and envelopes the bed and the side tables in its curve. Brass accents used in combination with teal suede upholstery complement the reflective brass strips on the wall, and the radial pendant lights that hang above the side tables. A statement white chair, and a coffee table complete the space. The dresser of the master bedroom is a sober space with wooden flooring, a white dressing unit, and a soft teal stool. An oval mirror and white radial chandelier balances the square design of this space.

The guest room is designed keeping the concept of frames intact. A pastel green wall accentuated by white strip frames makes for an interesting backdrop for the bed. The frames transcend into contrasting pastel pink box niches on the adjacent wall, adding functionality and storage. A teal leather upholstered bed back gives a good break to the subtle hues of pastel pink and green. A brass accent wall lamp above the side table creates an opulent play of metal against pale walls.

The second guest bedroom is designed with soft colours. Subtle creme textured paint on the wall is well balanced by a brown leather quilted bed back. Curved ivory side tables are placed on either side of the bed. A fluted glass wardrobe with brass frame acts as a highlight element in this muted room.

Fact File

Project: A Sterling Affair
Location: Mumbai
Area: 2,500 sq ft
Principal architects: Rahul Das Menon and Ojas Chaudhari
Design lead: Jerin Joseph
Project lead: Jay Pipaliya
Design development: Lisa Souz