Strategic colour placement is the key in this Mumbai home

BH: Apart from the requirement of a neutral, sophisticated space, did the client have a specific brief?

RB: They wanted an elegant space that embraced natural materials like wood and stone without being overly ostentatious. Additionally, they were keen on incorporating subtle Indian elements to reflect their roots. The brief included a functional yet aesthetic design for the bathrooms and a seamless indoor-outdoor transition for the balcony. Above all, they wanted a home that exuded tranquillity and sophistication with subtle, curated pops of colour.

BH: How did you accomplish the final look of the house?

RB: The neutral palette that pervaded the space required meticulous layering of texture and materials. We updated the balcony with patterned tiles and strategic greenery placement. We also painted over existing finishes to maintain the desired neutral and understated elegance throughout. Our choice of materials was also keeping this desire in mind: marble flooring for its timeless luxury and wood for the warmth and texture throughout. The combination of stone, wood, and neutral PU finishes created a layered, visually interesting yet understated look. Many furniture pieces, including a PU-finished sideboard, was custom-built to blend with the home’s overall aesthetic.

Lighting was also instrumental. Given the natural light flooding the interiors, we selected lighting fixtures that enhanced the home’s serene atmosphere during the evening. Subtle, warm-toned lighting helped to highlight key elements, such as the TV wall with fluted panels and the artwork around the home.

BH: How did you satisfy the client’s requirement for that Indian touch?

RB: The client wanted that aesthetic in the guest bedroom, so we incorporated a band of moulding on the back wall and used rich, earthy materials to evoke a traditional yet contemporary vibe. The inclusion of curated photo prints from the client’s hometown of Himachal Pradesh and a specially chosen painting of mountains and flowers enhanced this cultural connection.

BH: How was the collaboration with Beautiful Homes Service?

RB: Working with the team has always been incredibly smooth and enriching. The collaboration involved carefully curating materials, colours and finishes. They supported us by sourcing specific items and ensuring that our quality and design standards were met, particularly in the finer details of the furniture and decor. The team is highly responsive and understands our vision. Their commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail aligned with our design ethos.

BH: What specifically has been sourced from their catalogue of offerings?

RB: The paint used throughout the house was from Asian Paints, as were all the fabrics were carefully selected from the Beautiful Homes Service catalogues to harmonise with the custom-built items. We also picked out some neutral-toned and texture-rich furnishings from their offerings that fit in with the look we wanted. For the kitchen, we turned to Sleek Kitchens by Asian Paints to give us the look we needed.

BH: Did any design aspect, any choices made or design decisions you took happen organically in the course of working on the space?

RB: The design of the doors within the apartment evolved as we moved through the design process. While the client initially expressed interest in elegant doors, we saw an opportunity to make them an architectural highlight. For instance, the kitchen doors are a combination of moulding and fluted glass while the other doors have a sleek grey finish. Both have added visual interest and a modern touch. They became a key feature that tied the entire space together.

Photography by Yadnyesh Joshi